Photoshop Phony

Thanks to Debbie here is the original image (1) that was used to create the Photoshop phony of Governor Palin (2) which we discussed in class last Wednesday. As Debbie points out, take a look at the tail of hair on the left below the ear. Notice how it appears in both images, but isn't blended very well in the forged image. I'm sure by the end of the semester your masking skills will be better than this. The original image can be found here on flickr as posted by the photographer.

We'll leave this discussion open for your continued thoughts as to whether or not the phony is effective or not? illegal as slander? legal as "free speech"? meant to be serious or is it the equivalent of a modern-day political cartoon?