Non Sequitur

Posted on by Rebecca Wallick

The Merriam-Webster definition of the term “non sequitur” is: a statement (such as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said.

The perfect name for a comic strip by a political or editorial cartoonist.

As a (former) attorney and (current) wordsmith, I love words and learning their meaning. Non Sequitur, the comic strip with exquisite word play, was always a favorite and held a special place in my heart.

Diving through several years of accumulated clutter in my home office these past couple of weeks, tossing what won’t make the cut for my anticipated move, I came upon an autographed Non Sequitur drawing by the artist Wiley (David Wiley Miller). I’d forgotten all about it. Alas, it was bit creased and dusty, as I never got around to framing it.

The scene depicted in the comic captures two of my passions – dogs, and the law.

I don’t remember how I stumbled upon the concept that I could purchase a signed copy of the comic, but back in 2006 I jumped on it. I do remember it was an online submission and I was able to request how it would personalized. I asked Mr. Miller to address it to my two dogs – Maia and Meadow – and me. He graciously complied.

I just love this drawing.

If I were on that six-person jury, I’d be the one reaching toward the puppy on the witness stand, with a toy in my hand. “Let’s ignore all this and play!”

Of course, I had also always appreciated Wiley’s sense of humor regarding life in general, and more particularly, attorneys.

I remember well the years when most of my colleagues took umbrage at the popularity of lawyer jokes. I, however, found them funny, and usually spot on.

My favorite: How are lawyers and prostitutes similar? For a fee, they’ll assume any position. And for a greater fee, they’ll tell you they care.

I confess I didn’t like most of the lawyers I encountered and had to work with. They were arrogant bullies. Too often they made arguments that didn’t follow logically from the facts of the case. Wiley and I agree on our general disdain of the profession.

If you’re interested, here’s a good article about Wiley’s career.

Feature image: Wiley Ink Inc.

Published by Rebecca Wallick

I delight in exploring the national forest near my Idaho home on foot, whether trail running, hiking, or xc skiing, with my two dogs by my side, taking photos of nature and wildlife. An author and freelance writer, I love observing and writing about the natural world, and dogs, and am a long-time contributing editor at Bark magazine. I used to practice law for a living. I much prefer the writing life.

18 thoughts on “Non Sequitur”

  3. Very different blog post for you, but I enjoyed it very much. I did not realize you were once a lawyer. I certainly have heard many jokes about lawyers in my life time. Enjoyed the cartoons dealing with dogs. Got luck on decluttering for your move.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Peggy, I guess because I knew so many arrogant, bad lawyers, for many years I was ashamed to say I was an attorney. “I’m not like them!” I would protest to anyone asking me what I did for a living. Eventually I decided to roll with the jokes and just be me, proving with deeds rather than words that I’m not one of the bad ones. (There are lots of really good, nice attorneys out there as well.)

      Liked by 1 person

  4. That’s awesome! Back in my 9 to5 office days I had a routine where I ate my lunch at my desk and read about ten select comics online at gocomics.com. Non Sequitur was on that list. That you can laugh at lawyer jokes is a true testament to your character. My policeman brother-in-law does not share my enthusiasm of doughnut jokes.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I love Non Sequitor. It was one of my favorite comics!!!

    I was in the middle of taking the LSAT (during the time when I was a paralegal) and suddenly I realized I would pass and I would go to law school. I got up, turned in my exam, and walked out. After 3 years in a large firm, I knew it wasn’t for me.

    Liked by 1 person

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