Cartoon misrepresents members of the National Auctioneers Association

On May 14, your editorial staff included a cartoon by Mike Thompson that accompanied an article about President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.

The cartoon depicted an auctioneer at a podium saying, “Trump’s trade war with China is great for business.”

The auctioneer’s audience (presumably farmers) is saying, “I shoulda been an auctioneer,” and standing in front of a farm foreclosure auction sign. On behalf of the almost 3,700 members of the National Auctioneers Association, we are appalled at this cartoon.

Our members are professionals who solve problems every day for the American public, from the U.S. government to rural farmers. The idea that they would delight in a farmer’s distress is a significant misrepresentation and disappointing. Our members are caring individuals who show care and concern to individuals who may be in financial distress.

Our members are experts in the fields in which they sell, whether it is farmland or luxury homes, estate sales, intellectual property, or oil and gas mineral rights.

We at the National Auctioneers Association have worked tirelessly to ensure that our message is communicated properly that auctions work, particularly when facilitated by one of the educated and ethical members of the National Auctioneers Association.

We have even worked with USA TODAY to provide editorial content highlighting what our members do.

It is obvious that the editorial staff does not read what is printed in its own newspaper or it would not have agreed to print such a despicable cartoon. Tim Mast, president

Hannes Combest, CEO National Auctioneers Association

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