2023-13

Thursday August 3, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 3, 2023

Compare and Contrast – Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump 

July 19, 2023

In the world of politics, leaders are often measured against their predecessors. In the case of President Joe Biden and his potential 2024 opponent, Donald Trump, the contrasts are stark. Despite his age, gaffes, and questions raised about his son Hunter Biden, Joe Biden stands as a decent and respectable gentleman by comparison to the divisive, corrupt, and criminal actions of Donald Trump.

The spector of Donald Trump looms large over the GOP, with some House GOP leaders considering an impeachment inquiry against President Biden. The reality of a third indictment against Trump has Republicans and Democrats alike preparing for a potential 2024 rematch between the two men.

What sets Biden apart from his predecessor is his commitment to honesty and integrity. While Trump faced two separate indictments, one involving hush-money payments and the other for inciting an insurrection, Biden has faced no such criminal charges. Despite the relentless efforts by Republicans to paint the Biden administration as corrupt, they have failed to produce any credible evidence of wrongdoing.

News: Republicans don’t dare criticize Trump over Jan. 6. Their silence fuels his bid for the White House

April 26, 2023

The allegations against Biden stem from his son Hunter’s business dealings with foreign companies. GOP lawmakers have been hunting for evidence to support their calls for an impeachment inquiry, but so far, they have relied on uncorroborated information from an FBI document that was already investigated and deemed not worthy of escalation. There is no solid evidence to tie Biden directly to any corruption or bribery.

On the other hand, Trump has been relentless in trying to drag Biden down with him. He pressures GOP lawmakers to pursue an impeachment process against Biden, seemingly driven by a desire for revenge and retribution. But the truth is that Trump’s comparison between his first impeachment and the allegations against Biden is nothing more than an attempt to distract from his own legal troubles.

January 14, 2023

The Trump-led GOP’s threats of impeachment against Biden reek of a lack of a plan and an inability to govern effectively. They struggle to define Biden, alternating between calling him “sleepy Joe” and “corrupt Joe.” However, Biden’s record stands strong, with the Washington Post suggesting that the Republicans may need to find something else to criticize him for, given his economic achievements.

One area where Biden undeniably surpasses Trump is in handling his family’s legal issues. Hunter Biden may have faced charges, but no credible allegations of corruption have been connected to Joe Biden. In contrast, Donald Trump’s tenure was marked by numerous ethical controversies, from nepotism to conflicts of interest. 

Analysis: Why Trump’s poll lead went up after criminal indictments  

May 14, 2021

Despite Trump’s claims and the GOP’s attempts to scandalize the Biden administration, no legitimate charges of corruption have stuck. It is clear that Republicans are trying to deflect from Trump’s own legal problems, using baseless allegations to distract and damage Biden’s reputation.

Joe Biden may not be a perfect president, but he stands as a beacon of decency and integrity when compared to Donald Trump. His leadership is defined by a commitment to truth, honesty, and serving the American people. While the GOP may try to tarnish his reputation with unsubstantiated claims, the truth remains that Biden’s character and leadership are miles apart from the dirty, corrupt, and criminal actions of his predecessor. As the potential 2024 rematch looms, the choice between a respectable and experienced leader and a divisive and scandalous figure is clear. It all comes back to Donald Trump. (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:

 

Wednesday August 2, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 2, 2023

Cry baby in the shopping cart

July 18, 2023

Inflation has been a significant concern for the Canadian economy, impacting all aspects of daily life, with grocery prices being hit the hardest. In recent months, the cost of living has surged by almost six percent, while grocery prices have soared nearly double that pace, leaving consumers feeling the pinch. As prices rise, the profits of big grocery chains have reached record highs, further exacerbating the disparity between their financial success and the plight of their low-wage workers.

Front-line grocery store workers at Metro, represented by Unifor Local 414, have taken a bold stance by going on strike, demanding fair treatment and wages that align with the company’s impressive profits. Over 3,000 workers across 27 Metro locations in the Greater Toronto Area are united in their fight for better pay and improved working conditions. Workers, like Tammy Laporte, a dedicated produce and fruit clerk with 25 years of service, want their contributions to be acknowledged through fair compensation.

Analysis: High stakes in Metro strike  

June 20, 2023

The issue of low wages is prevalent among grocery store employees, forcing many to live in debt and struggle to make ends meet. Workers like Austin Coyle, a meat manager, are among the highest paid but still find it challenging to afford basic living expenses in the high-priced city of Toronto. The situation is so dire that some employees are forced to turn to food banks because they cannot afford to buy groceries from the very stores they work in.

The grievances of the workers are not without cause. During the pandemic, grocery chains, including Metro, earned praise for their “hero pay” bonuses for front-line workers. However, these bonuses were swiftly cut once the companies saw an opportunity to boost their profits. This move, which came amidst record earnings for the grocery barons, further highlights their prioritization of financial gains over the well-being of their employees.

March 8, 2023

Despite recent negotiations, which saw a tentative deal between Metro and the union, Unifor, the proposed wage increases fall short of meeting the workers’ immediate needs. The workers’ demands for a $2-per-hour wage increase in the first year were not met, leading to the rejection of the deal. While the grocery chains claim that they are offering wages above inflation rates, it fails to address the workers’ struggles in affording basic expenses amidst soaring CEO compensations.

While big grocery chains assert that they are not profiting from inflation, experts argue that the current economic climate provides them with cover to raise retail prices. As prices increase, the profits of these companies surge, despite their claims of maintaining slim profit margins. Such practices further widen the gap between the grocery barons’ financial success and the difficulties faced by their employees.

December 8, 2016

The actions of big grocery barons during the inflation crisis have brought their priorities into question. Their record profits and reluctance to address the immediate needs of their low-wage workers highlight a significant disparity in wealth distribution. The brave stand taken by front-line grocery store workers at Metro illustrates the urgent need for fair wages and improved working conditions. As consumers, it is essential to support these workers in their fight for fairness and advocate for greater accountability from the grocery industry to ensure that profits are not amassed at the expense of hardworking employees. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.

Reposted to The Louisville Political Review: The Grocery Oligopoly: Are You In Good Hands?

 

Tuesday August 1, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 1, 2023

A Midsummer Night’s Fairy Tale

Act 1, Scene 1 (A mystical forest in Ottawa. The political leaders, dressed in Shakespearean attire, gather around a table adorned with inquiry documents.)

King Trudeau (Oberon): Hear me, fair leaders of this land! We must address the dragon of foreign interference that threatens our realm!

Puck (Singh): Worry not, my liege! With a public inquiry, we shall tame the dragon’s influence and protect our sovereignty.

Demetrius (Poilievre): (sarcastically) A public inquiry, you say? A mere midsummer’s dream, sire.

Lysander (Blanchet): Indeed, sire. Let us postpone this inquiry for now, and revel in the joys of midsummer’s mirth.

King Trudeau: (hesitant) But, noble leaders, the people demand answers! The dragon of foreign influence grows stronger each passing day.

August 2, 2019

Act 2, Scene 1 (The mystical forest transforms into a midsummer festival. Citizens dance and celebrate while the politicians engage in jovial banter.)

King Trudeau: (laughing) Behold! The people have forgotten the inquiry amidst their merrymaking!

Puck: (mischievously) Shall we enchant their minds with revelry, my lord? The inquiry will seem but a distant dream.

King Trudeau: (grinning) A splendid idea, Puck! Let the festivities continue, and the inquiry shall slumber, undisturbed.

Demetrius: (to Lysander) See how the people dance, while we evade the dragon’s threat with our laughter.

Lysander: (nodding) Indeed. The dragon sleeps peacefully, and the inquiry remains forgotten.

July 31, 2008

Act 3, Scene 1 (The mystical forest returns to its solemn state. The inquiry table remains untouched, and the sleeping dragon statue looms in the background.)

Puck: (apologetically) My lord, we have let the inquiry slumber while the dragon’s influence grows stronger.

King Trudeau: (sighing) We have let the people’s trust falter, and the shadows of foreign interference grow darker.

Demetrius: (earnestly) Let us not lose ourselves in this midsummer’s revelry. The inquiry must awaken!

Lysander: (repentant) You are right. The inquiry must stir from its slumber, and we must confront the dragon’s influence.

June 29, 2023

Act 4, Scene 1 (The political leaders stand before the inquiry table, determined to face the dragon’s threat.)

King Trudeau: (resolute) The dragon of foreign interference shall not rule us. The inquiry shall commence!

Puck: (earnestly) We must seek the truth and protect our realm from the dragon’s meddling.

Demetrius: (with conviction) We can no longer evade our responsibilities. The inquiry must awaken!

Lysander: (sincere) The dream of a transparent and just investigation shall become a reality.

(The inquiry proceedings begin, and evidence of foreign interference is revealed. The people witness the leaders’ commitment to justice, and trust is gradually restored.)

November 20, 2020

Epilogue (In the wake of the inquiry, a new era of transparency and accountability dawns. The mystical forest glows with hope, and the sleeping dragon representing China begins to stir.)

King Trudeau: (addressing the people) We have faced the dragon’s threat and emerged stronger. Our realm shall remain resilient against any meddling.

Puck: (smiling) The inquiry’s awakening has brought the truth to light, and the people’s trust is restored.

Demetrius: (to Lysander) No longer shall we hide from the dragon’s gaze. The inquiry has set us free.

Lysander: (proudly) The Midsummer’s Inquiry has awakened our sense of duty, and our land shall thrive once more.

(The citizens cheer, celebrating the newfound accountability and unity in the realm. As the dragon representing China stirs, the political leaders stand ready to face any challenge that comes their way. The mystical forest remains vigilant, knowing that a new chapter in their history has begun.)

Editorial cartoons are not memes

Kilroy on the WWII Memorial in Washington DC

This was first posted to Graeme MacKay’s Facebook page.

As many of you may already know, I’ve always emphasized the significance of satire and the purpose behind editorial cartoons. Today, I’d like to address a common misconception that I often come across, especially from one-time visitors who leave snarky comments under editorial cartoons, claiming that “the left can’t meme.” Let’s take a moment to clarify some important points.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that the statement “the left can’t meme” is a sweeping generalization. Both the left and the right, as well as people from various political backgrounds, are capable of creating memes and sharing humour online.

Memes are typically characterized by their adaptability and may use existing content in new and creative ways. While this versatility can lead to some content being shared without proper attribution, it doesn’t mean that all memes lack originality or proper sourcing.

Editorial cartoons, on the other hand, are unique artworks created by talented illustrators who put their signature on their work. These cartoons are intended to provide commentary and insight into current events, often using humour to make a point.

My cartoon before it became meme-ified

While memes and editorial cartoons may share visual elements, it’s important to appreciate their distinct purposes and creation processes. Memes can spread rapidly across the internet due to their relatability and humour, whereas editorial cartoons are crafted to deliver thought-provoking messages and are shared with the understanding that they won’t be altered.

In the spirit of responsible content sharing, let’s remember the importance of proper attribution and citation for all forms of content, including memes and editorial cartoons.

Let’s remember that memes and editorial cartoons serve different purposes and shouldn’t be compared directly. Let’s foster a respectful and thoughtful online environment by acknowledging the creativity and value behind both forms of content. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out the Wikipedia page on memes.

Thank you for your continued support, and let’s spread awareness about the nuances of online content creation with a bold understanding:

EDITORIAL CARTOONS ARE NOT MEMES!

Saturday July 29, 2023

July 29, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday July 29, 2023

July 2023: A Stark Wake-Up Call to Confront Climate Crisis

August 13, 2021

As the scorching temperatures of this past July have shattered records, the world is confronted with the undeniable truth of climate change. However, despite the alarming evidence, there are still those who met the news of July being the hottest month on record with skepticism and indifference, dismissing it as a mere summer heatwave. But the stark reality, backed by overwhelming data, calls for immediate radical action, as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres aptly put it: Earth has entered an “era of global boiling.”

The impact of this blistering heatwave is felt across the northern hemisphere, affecting regions in Europe and the Americas. Devastating wildfires have ravaged countries such as Greece, Italy, and Algeria along the Mediterranean, leaving destruction and loss in their wake. In the face of such extreme weather events, Guterres has aptly termed it a “cruel summer” for the entire planet. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and Guterres emphasizes that we are in the midst of a global disaster.

News: ‘Era of global boiling has arrived,’ says UN chief as July set to be hottest month on record  

The data collected from the European Union-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service reveals that the first three weeks of July marked the warmest three-week period ever recorded. Furthermore, it is almost certain that this July will be the hottest July and month on record. The average air temperature across the entire world for the first 23 days of July was a staggering 16.95 degrees Celsius, well surpassing the previous record set in July 2019.

July 21, 2022

Many climate scientists believe that this is not just a cyclical event but a critical turning point in our planet’s history. The evidence from millennia of climate data extracted from various sources, including tree rings, coral reefs, and sediment cores, strongly suggests that we are experiencing the hottest temperatures in more than a hundred thousand years.

The consequences of this extreme heat are dire. As temperatures soared above 120 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the US, heat-related deaths increased, and people suffered severe burns from contact with scorching ground. Wildfires have claimed dozens of lives in the Mediterranean, while heatwaves in Asia are not only causing casualties but also threatening food security.

It is crucial to recognize that human-caused climate change is the primary driver of this exceptional heat. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is directly linked to the global air temperature. Recent studies have shown that climate change played a decisive role in the heatwaves experienced in the US, China, and southern Europe during this summer.

Although the natural climate fluctuation known as El Niño has not had a significant impact on this year’s temperatures, experts warn that it may exert a more considerable influence next year, further escalating the situation. We must be prepared for even hotter conditions in the future if we fail to act decisively now.

News: July on track to be hottest month ever recorded, analysis shows  

June 8, 2023

The records broken in June and July are part of an alarming pattern that shows the relentless progression of global warming. We are already seeing the consequences in ocean heat, which reached “unprecedented levels” in mid-May. These events are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend that demands urgent attention and action.

As Kim Cobb, a climate scientist at Brown University, rightly pointed out, what we see now may be viewed as relatively mild in the future if we fail to take action against climate change. The urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has never been more evident. Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), emphasizes that climate action is not a luxury but an absolute necessity.

The data is clear, and the message is unambiguous: we must confront the harsh reality of climate change. Denying the overwhelming evidence and dismissing it as a mere heatwave is not an option. It is time for collective action and the implementation of measures to address the root causes of this crisis. Each passing day without meaningful action only takes us closer to a future we cannot afford. We owe it to ourselves, future generations, and the planet to make a difference now. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.