“Satire can be dangerous and harmful. It can breed a dehumanizing cynicism which becomes an end in itself,” writes Carl Truman, but it is also “vital to healthy democracy. Where it exists, it is a sign that power is being resisted. Where it is permitted, it is a sign of freedom and a gauge of the ability of those in charge to allow criticism.”

And from our political desk, we’re hearing reports that the administration who said the world doesn’t respect the United States enough to stand with us did not respect the world enough to stand with them during yesterday’s solidarity march in Paris. The secretary of state said, essentially, “Just because I couldn’t attend your ball games or birthday parties doesn’t mean I don’t love you, son. Why does this always have to be about you?”