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Saturday December 9, 2023

December 9, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday December 9, 2023

Trump’s Rhetoric and the Rising Fear of Authoritarianism

October 3, 2023

In recent weeks, Donald Trump’s behaviour and rhetoric have taken a darker turn, marked by insulting nicknames, crude references, and baseless claims to disparage opponents and critics. This shift was prominently on display during a recent event in Iowa, where Trump’s coarseness and cruelty were vividly showcased.

This escalation in Trump’s rhetoric is not just a matter of personal style; it has become a defining characteristic of the Republican Party since his presidency. Many GOP voters not only tolerate but also relish this approach, while others express concerns about the declining civility within the party.

Opinion: Donald Trump 2.0 — darker and more dangerous

July 23, 2022

The alarming trend has permeated within the GOP. Down-ballot candidates and even Trump’s rivals are adopting similar tactics, reflecting a split within the party. Despite the availability of candidates championing similar agendas with a less abrasive demeanour, many Republicans continue to support Trump, emphasizing how his behaviour has become a central part of his appeal.

Looking ahead to the Republican presidential primary, concerns about Trump’s rhetoric are escalating. Figures such as Liz Cheney, Joe Biden, and even Trump himself are warning of the potential for an authoritarian takeover if Trump returns to power. Cheney, an anti-Trump Republican, emphasizes the ease with which Trump’s steps toward dictatorship can be discerned based on his statements.

Trump’s dominance in Republican primary polling, despite facing legal challenges, is noted. Polls indicating Trump’s lead over Biden in key states are causing anxiety among Democrats. Biden, in response, consistently highlights the threat to democracy that Trump poses, a threat Trump himself seems to acknowledge, albeit in a seemingly casual manner.

The Atlantic: Trump Says He’ll Be a Dictator on ‘Day One’

May 3, 2017

Recent interviews and statements by Trump and his allies reveal a willingness to use state power for retribution and to safeguard Trump’s grip on power. Plans like Project 2025, coordinated by the conservative Heritage Foundation, underscore a systematic preparation for a potential return to office, with a focus on targeting perceived enemies across media and bureaucracy.

The situation is dire, emphasizing the centrality of Trump’s behaviour in the political landscape. Despite growing concerns about declining civility and the rising fear of authoritarianism, Trump’s influence persists, making him a dominant force in the upcoming Republican primary. (AI)

Friday December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 8, 2023

The Silent Pleas: Children’s Direct Appeals to Santa Reflect Growing Anxiety

December 15, 2022

As the festive season draws near, the typical scene of children sitting on Santa’s lap to share their Christmas wishes takes a profound turn. The customary requests for the latest toys are replaced by heartfelt pleas for something far more basic – food, proper housing, and a world free from the shadows of climate change and global conflicts.

A recent report from the American Psychological Association, in collaboration with ecoAmerica, sheds light on the profound impact of climate change on the mental health of children and adolescents. It paints a distressing picture where environmental events linked to climate change, such as extreme weather, heatwaves, and poor air quality, act as triggers for mental health issues, ranging from anxiety and depression to cognitive impairment and aggression.

News: Social anxiety and grief means Christmas is tough for me

December 10, 2020

The stressors don’t end with the direct impacts on children. Parents, struggling with the hardships associated with environmental events like extreme heat or wildfires, find their own mental health compromised. This, in turn, influences the well-being of their children, creating a ripple effect of trauma that extends beyond generations.

The report underscores the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the psychological harms are unfolding right now for children and youth. It’s not a concern that can be shelved for future resolutions; society must act immediately.

December 4, 2018

The anxieties begin even before birth, with prenatal exposure to weather disasters, high temperatures, and pollution increasing the risk of a range of behavioural and developmental issues. These consequences, affecting the development of the nervous system, are often irreversible, setting the stage for a lifetime of challenges.

For infants and young children, exposure to climate change-related events and the news reports about them can lead to anxiety, sleep troubles, PTSD, disrupted cognitive development, and major depressive disorder. Adolescents, already grappling with the complexities of adolescence, face additional mental health risks as climate change disrupts their lives, potentially canceling classes, damaging their homes, or leading to food insecurity.

December 10, 2015

What makes the situation more poignant is the anxiety young people harbour about the future. They are keenly aware of the impending consequences of climate change and express deep concern about the perceived inaction of governments and authority figures. This anxiety, according to the report, is linked to heightened risks of anxiety, depression, strained social relationships, and even suicide.

As we approach the holiday season, the traditional scene of children sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa takes on a new gravity. The requests go beyond the realm of toys and gadgets; children are now directly appealing to Santa for a solution to the cost of living crisis, action against climate change, and an end to global conflicts in places like Ukraine and the Middle East.

News: Pushy children’s hilarious letters to Father Christmas

June 17, 2023

The report highlights that not all young people experience the mental health impacts of climate change equally. Those from marginalized or low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected, lacking the resources to cope with extreme weather events. The solution, the report suggests, lies in collective action. School systems must play a more active role by designing protective facilities and incorporating climate change education into the curriculum. Health care professionals should screen for climate-related distress among youth, recognizing the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.

The responsibility, however, does not rest solely on professionals. As a society, we must recognize that children are the future, and their mental well-being is intertwined with the world we create for them. This holiday season should serve as a reminder not only to fulfill material wishes but to address the deeper concerns expressed in these direct appeals – a plea for a world where children can grow up without the looming shadows of climate change and global conflicts. It’s a call to action that cannot be ignored, for the sake of the children and the future they envision. (AI)

Thursday December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 7, 2023

Doug Ford’s Ontario Science Centre Move: A Skeptical Look at Taxpayers’ Interests

November 22, 2023

The recent decision by the Ontario government to relocate the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place has raised eyebrows and skepticism among taxpayers. Premier Doug Ford’s claim that the move will save over $250 million appears to be a complex equation that doesn’t add up when closely examined.

Firstly, the province’s acting Auditor-General, Nick Stavropoulos, highlights significant flaws in the government’s cost analysis. Stavropoulos points out that the business-case report failed to include essential elements such as the price tag for legal assistance, financing, and other transaction costs for the new facility. Moreover, the estimated cost of repairing and rehabilitating the existing building, pegged at $370 million, was conveniently left out of the equation.

News: Ford government’s decision to move Ontario Science Centre based on ‘incomplete’ info, AG finds

March 10, 2022

The government’s assertion that the move will benefit the struggling science centre financially is met with skepticism, given the omission of crucial costs. It raises questions about whether Doug Ford has the best interests of Ontario taxpayers in mind or if there are ulterior motives at play.

Furthermore, the lack of proper consultations with the city, school boards, and other relevant authorities is a cause for concern. The Auditor-General’s report emphasizes the absence of discussions with the Toronto area’s school boards and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Such a significant decision impacting public resources warrants thorough consultation and transparency, which, in this case, appears to be lacking.

October 15, 2021

The suspicions surrounding the motivations behind the move gain traction when considering the potential financial gains for developers. The plans to allow a private Austrian-based company to build a large spa and waterpark complex on the Ontario Place redevelopment site could enrich connected cronies of the government. The absence of clear details about the fate of the existing science centre building and the potential for condo development raises red flags about the true intentions behind this decision.

The released business case, after multiple delays, does little to alleviate concerns. Liberal MPP Adil Shamji points out that the math only works because the science centre’s footprint is being “slashed in half,” despite the province claiming there will be more exhibition space. The opposition, including NDP Leader Marit Stiles, criticizes the government’s justification, describing it as relying on “shaky 50-year guesstimates” without accounting for crucial expenses.

News: Moving Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place would save $257-million, report says

August 10, 2023

The move, planned for 2028, also seems to lack consideration for the potential decline in attendance from suburban families and schools, as noted by the Auditor-General. The government’s focus on job creation and operational savings, while valid considerations, should not overshadow the broader implications and potential costs hidden in the fine print.

Premier Doug Ford’s decision to move the Ontario Science Centre prompts skepticism about its true motives. With financial calculations that appear incomplete and a lack of transparent consultations, there are concerns that the interests of Ontario taxpayers might not be at the forefront. The potential for enriched developers and the absence of a comprehensive, well-reasoned plan contribute to the prevailing skepticism surrounding this controversial move. (AI)

Wednesday December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 6, 2023

Balancing Austerity in Tough Economic Times: CBC’s Cuts and the Future of Canadian Media

December 1, 2023

In the face of economic challenges and calls for austerity, CBC executives recently announced significant workforce reductions and production cutbacks to address a budget shortfall of $125 million in the upcoming fiscal year. While these measures are a reflection of tough economic realities, it is crucial to consider the broader impact on the media landscape, especially on private news media, particularly newspapers grappling with declining ad revenues and bankruptcy.

Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, in an interview on Rosemary Barton Live, acknowledged the need for the CBC to receive fair compensation for its news content in the digital era. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of public broadcaster news for tech giants like Google, which benefit from advertising revenue. However, St-Onge also hinted at a potential cap on CBC’s share of the $100 million fund, expressing concerns about fair distribution.

News: Heritage minister hints at adjusting funds CBC could get under Google deal

April 9, 2012

Critics argue that the recent deal between the government and Google, aimed at compensating Canadian media companies, may disproportionately benefit the CBC. The $100 million figure falls short of initial expectations, leading to skepticism and concerns about public broadcasters competing with the private sector for both ad dollars and tech funds.

In response to the proposed austerity measures, CBC/Radio-Canada announced a 10% reduction in its workforce, amounting to 800 job cuts. This decision comes amid a challenging year for Canadian media companies grappling with shrinking advertising revenues, leading to hundreds of layoffs across the industry.

CBC’s President and CEO, Catherine Tait, outlined the reasons behind the budget cuts, citing higher production costs, competition from big tech companies, and declining revenues from traditional television. The impact extends beyond job losses, with a $40 million reduction in independent production commissions and program acquisitions, affecting both English and French programming budgets.

News: CBC to lay off hundreds, cut production costs as it faces financial strain

November 30, 2016

The government’s stance on CBC’s funding remains a subject of debate, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledging to cut the budget for CBC’s English services while retaining coverage for linguistic minorities. This raises questions about the Broadcast Act’s stipulations, requiring the CBC to provide programming in both official languages.

As discussions unfold about the CBC’s role and funding, it is crucial to strike a balance that ensures the public broadcaster’s sustainability without further jeopardizing the struggling private news media sector. A transparent and equitable distribution of funds from the recent Google deal will be key to fostering a media landscape that serves the diverse needs of Canadians. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

Tuesday December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 5, 2023

Bonnie Crombie Faces Uphill Battle to Revitalize Ontario Liberals

In the aftermath of her victory, Bonnie Crombie now grapples with the challenging task of rejuvenating the Ontario Liberal Party, an uphill battle exacerbated by the shadows of unpopular predecessors. The names Dalton McGuinty, Kathleen Wynne, and Steven del Duca still linger as ghosts of electoral defeats past, casting a daunting backdrop against the present provincial landscape, where the PCs hold a commanding lead in polls.

November 28, 2023

Crombie’s leadership ascent, once predicted as a triumph on the first ballot, turned out to be a prolonged struggle, taking three rounds to secure a narrow victory. Moreover, the lackluster turnout for the leadership vote rings an embarrassing note, considering the boasted surge in Liberal memberships. Despite efforts to stoke enthusiasm, only a fraction of the party’s members participated, casting doubts on the true vitality of the Liberal base.

Crombie, a self-described retail politician with an energetic and relatable persona, now faces the formidable task of defining a clear party focus. Her leadership platform, while extensive in policies, lacked the critical element of fiscal responsibility, leaving voters uncertain about how her ambitious plans would be funded.

Early in her campaign, Crombie’s wavering stance on ideological positioning, initially leaning centre-right before retracting, raises concerns about her clarity and consistency. Striking a balance between attracting a broad spectrum of voters and establishing a distinct party identity will be paramount.

News: Bonnie Crombie is officially the Ontario Liberal leader. Here’s what she’s prioritizing

March 10, 2020

As leader, Crombie confronts four key challenges: crystallizing the party’s identity, learning the intricacies of provincial politics, fundraising, and attracting quality candidates. With the next election more than two years away, she has a window of opportunity, but the clock is ticking.

The decision on securing a legislative seat poses another strategic dilemma. Crombie’s contemplation of running in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, a historically strong PC constituency, underscores the complexity of her path to power. The challenge intensifies as she leads a party with only nine MPPs, necessitating careful seat selection for potential gains.

May 8, 2018

The scale of Crombie’s task becomes apparent when examining the Ontario Liberal Party’s recent political decline. From a dominant force with 72 seats in 2003 to a mere seven in 2018, the Liberals face the arduous challenge of regaining relevance. Despite recent modest gains, the party remains far from its former stature.

Crombie’s leadership strengths, particularly in fundraising, offer a glimmer of hope. However, overcoming the financial disparity with the PC and NDP rivals requires a sustained and aggressive approach. The grassroots rebuild, crucial for local support and candidate recruitment, appears to be an even more daunting endeavour, with many riding associations described as “completely dead.”

Opinion: Bonnie Crombie could be the next premier — or the last-ever leader of the Ontario Liberals

September 16, 2023

A recent poll underscores the enormity of Crombie’s task, with the Doug Ford government enjoying a substantial lead. While her leadership could sway some voters, forming government remains a distant prospect. Distancing herself from the Federal Liberals and Justin Trudeau is a necessary move, given the potential drag on her leadership aspirations.

In conclusion, Bonnie Crombie’s leadership journey is just beginning, marked by challenges that demand resilience, clarity, and strategic acumen. The road to rebuilding the Ontario Liberal Party is long, but with abundant energy and enthusiasm, Crombie might just navigate the twists and turns, propelling her party back into contention. (AI)