:
We Nov 29 -

DRAWING SYMPATHY -

Jose Varela, the cartoonist who invaded the Spanish-language division of the Miami Herald newspaper with a toy gun has become something of a Folk Hero among his peeps.

While he may have previously felt isolated and defensive before his cri de coeur, he is now signing autographs from well-wishers at the popular Versailles restaurant.

Among his sympathizers, two disk jockies, Enrique Santos and Joe Ferrero from El Zol 95.7, raised enough money to post 10% of his bond, bailing him out of jail. And he has been interviewed on Mega TV.

In the end, no harm was
done and no one got hurt.

But what forum exists for a reporter, photog or other Herald employee to air such a grievance? And we still don't know any of the details of the alleged censorship which Editor Tom Fiedler continues to deny.

The case will be resumed
December 15th.
...