The cartoon, “Poison Ink,” by Carmen Cerra on Oct. 5. reflects the cartoonist’s keen observation of history.

Our thoughts are often framed by what we learned or what we were taught.

Chinese brainwashing style of education creates a single-minded society that lacks freedom of speech and press.

It is not surprising that this cartoon posed such a challenge to the way Chinese think. We tend to forget that the best way of living is to be free and to think freely as an individual in a democratic society.

The chance of being in the United States provides a big opportunity to open our eyes and broaden our views. The cartoon serves as a good education tool.

I congratulate you and thank you for selecting such a perceptive and thought-provoking cartoon.

B-Chen Wen

Professor

School of Medicine

University of Iowa