Long-time cartoonist Paul Smith certainly kicked a hornet’s nest when he drew a bulldozer clearing away the famous Mount Panorama signage on the side of the historic mountain, to be replaced with “Wahluu” (see here).

Some were angered that Smithy suggested Peter Brock would oppose the co-naming, while others – in particular, Councillor Jess Jennings – called the whole pretext of the cartoon a lie.

Those defending the memory of Peter Brock may be justified in their criticism, but those who called it a lie simply missed Smithy’s point altogether.

Cartoonists, by their nature, rely on hyperbole and exaggeration to make a point.

They also rely on a reader’s ability to appreciate the figurative, rather than literal, meaning of their drawings.

In this case, no one could seriously believe Smithy was suggesting the bulldozers would move on the Mount Panorama sign.

Those suggesting otherwise are allowing their determination to be angry to overshadow their common sense.

What Smithy was suggesting, was that the co-naming would one day spell the end of Mount Panorama in common usage.

He might be right about that, he might be wrong – only time will tell.

But Smithy is certainly entitled to an opinion on the co-naming – as we all are.

The Western Advocate does not ask everyone to agree with Smithy, and nor do we ask Smithy to speak for the Western Advocate.

He is, in essence, a columnist and is given space each week to entertain, inform and, at times, irritate.

He has been doing just that for more than 40 years now, and [if he wants to] will continue doing so for many more yet.