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Is Rivera getting all metaphorical on us? 

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Yes, it is clear to me from today’s strip that this story is a metaphor. It isn’t really just about the kittens needing a home. The key is panel 4. Figured it out? You probably got it a few days ago.  This is about homelessness, of course, but homeless people. We have NIMBY responses and temporary camp proposals. Cherry’s lament of ”We need something more permanent. What if other kittens come to town…?” nails it for me.  

Of course, there are precedents for using animals as stand-ins for human actions and problems, be it Aesop, the ancient Egyptians, or George Orwell. There are significant differences, too. These animals are not anthropomorphic. Perhaps Rivera is simply making a point that communities need to, and can, come together to help resolve the problem of homelessness.  

Am I over-interpreting this story? Let me if you think differently.  

But my main concern is Rivera’s inability to avoid trivializing story continuity and importance with her need to insert irrelevant and base humor.  

In case you missed yesterday, let’s review. 

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I’m thinking that ”Mom” must have given the group another 24 hours to come up with a solution. They don’t seem in that much of a hurry. In any event, I found Cherry’s remark in panel 4 flippant, even though it was set up in panel 2. It is as if Rivera has been reading Pearls Before Swine. 

So, was any progress made today? Even though Cherry set the agenda yesterday, today is essentially just a paraphrase of yesterday. Which is to say, a day wasted for the sake of a pointless pun. Rivera should be more cautious about self-congratulations. At least Stephen Pastis has the good sense to make himself the butt of the joke. 

Art Dept. This must be Rag on Rivera Day. Her drawing looks really slapdash. It is apparent that drawing figures in the background is a greater challenge. Poor ol’ Doc looks like he is on something possibly illegal. And he sure has lost some weight. Good for him, of course.