Editor's Note (3/4/2008)

Story by Carson Vaughan 

| Published Mar 4, 2008

Benjamin Franklin—inventor, printer, satirist, political theorist, writer, scientist, diplomat and archetypal enemy of mediocrity—wisely wrote in the 1742 edition of “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” “Strange! that a Man who has wit enough to write a Satyr; should have folly enough to publish it.”

The first issue of The Dailyer Nebraskan met an encouraging amount of positive student reaction; it also met a livid, albeit justified phone call from the vice president of the Muslim Student Association.

Published on the front page of Issue 1, Volume 1 of The Dailyer Nebraskan was an article titled, “Prophets Jesus, Mohammed faceoff in holy scriptures sales competition.”

The article was intended to satirize the recent album sales competition between rappers 50 Cent and Kanye West, who are considered by popular culture to be two of the most prominent artists in the genre.

The Dailyer Nebraskan writer upped the ante by substituting album sales for scripture sales and religious moguls for rap artists. The article makes several jabs at both the Islamic prophet Mohammed and the Christian prophet Jesus Christ.

“…should have folly enough to publish it.”

Religion, much like satire, is inherently contentious subject matter. Please let it be clear that The Dailyer Nebraskan is not in the business of making enemies. It is not in the business of offending your religion or your culture or your views on university memorials. We are aiming for your laughter, not your abhorrence.

To all Islamic and Christian students alike: The Dailyer Nebraskan did not intend to offend you with its satirical content. We apologize for crossing any personal boundaries.

To those of you who think it is ridiculous to apologize for satirical content: Don’t be afraid. The Dailyer Nebraskan will continue in its current fashion. You’re next on our list.

As it continues to publish satirical material, The Dailyer Nebraskan will undoubtedly encounter many more groups and individuals discontented with the manner in which we have portrayed them. We highly encourage anyone in this category to send a letter to the editor. Please note that letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the official opinion of The Dailyer Nebraskan.

Although we do not dismiss anonymous letters, we highly encourage you to put a name behind your words—preferably your own. In addition, please include your address, phone number and e-mail address.


Please send letters to the editor to:

The Dailyer Nebraskan
ATTN: Carson Vaughan
1515 R. Street
Lincoln, NE 68508


Yours in Good Fun,


Carson Vaughan
Editor in Chief
Dailyer Nebraskan