2024-02 – mackaycartoons

Saturday January 27, 2024

January 27, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 27, 2024

The Fitness Debate: Biden vs. Trump and the Moral Imperative

May 27, 2020

In the run-up to the 2024 Presidential election, the issue of fitness for office has once again taken centre stage. Former President Donald Trump’s verbal missteps, particularly his confusion between former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Nikki Haley, have provided an opportunity for critics to question his mental acuity. However, the response from President Joe Biden and his allies raises an essential question: even if the exaggerated claims of Biden’s unfitness were true, how do they compare to the moral, ethical, and criminal unfitness of Donald Trump?

The allegations of cognitive decline against Biden, at 81, have been a recurrent theme, with critics pointing to his age, verbal stumbles, and general mental fitness. Yet, in the recent episode where Trump repeatedly confused Pelosi and Haley, Democrats saw an opportunity to turn the tables. However, this tit-for-tat strategy brings inherent risks for Biden, as it opens the door for Republicans to scrutinize his own verbal miscues or stumbles on stage.

Old News (Feb last year): Doctor says Biden’s ‘vigorous’ as he readies for 2024 run

November 17, 2020

It’s worth noting that Trump, at 77, is only four years younger than Biden. The age-related concerns seem to be more prominent for Biden, as indicated by polling data. An ABC News poll conducted earlier this month found that 69 percent of respondents did not think Biden had the mental sharpness to be president. A Wall Street Journal poll from the previous fall found that 73 percent of Americans believed the phrase “too old to run for president” described Biden, compared to 47 percent for Trump.

However, the focus on age may be a distraction from the more pressing question of moral and ethical fitness for office. Trump’s tenure as president was marked by controversies, divisive rhetoric, and an impeachment trial related to his conduct. Questions about his response to the coronavirus pandemic and allegations of incompetence have further fuelled doubts about his suitability for leadership.

Biden, on the other hand, has sought to deflect age-related concerns with humour and emphasizes the wisdom that comes with his years of political experience. The argument here is that age does not equate to incompetence, and Biden’s age may bring stability and wisdom to the job.

Not as old news (Nov last year): Trump Health Report Claims ‘Weight Reduction’ but Skimps on Specifics

December 8, 2022

While both candidates in the 2020 election accused each other of being unfit for office, the ongoing debate in 2024 seems to echo the same sentiments. Trump portrayed Biden as “shot” and “weak,” while Biden criticized Trump’s handling of the pandemic, going as far as suggesting it was “close to criminal.” These accusations, while part of the political rhetoric, underscore the broader concern about the moral and ethical fitness of the candidates.

As the 2024 election approaches, voters should consider not only the age-related concerns but also the character, moral compass, and ethical standards of the candidates. The question of who is fit for the highest office in the land should extend beyond cognitive abilities to encompass the qualities that define effective and responsible leadership. (AI)

Saturday January 27, 2024

January 27, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 27, 2024

When Cartoons Provoke Controversy… potentially

“The role of an editorial cartoonist is to provoke readers, not create controversy.”

This sage proclamation was once declared to me long ago by one of my first editorial overlords. It came not from who one might expect, a gruff old-timey journalist lecturing a potentially troublesome satirist. It came in my early days volunteering at my university campus student newspaper. From the dude with the important sounding title, “managing editor”. A guy I called a great friend, who I’d chum around with and drink beers with then and for years after. It’s a statement that I’ve tried to adhere to since hearing it in the late 1980’s while studying at the University of Ottawa. Yes, Sheldon Rae, I’m talking about you, my old friend!

As an editorial cartoonist, navigating the delicate waters of sensitive topics can be akin to walking a tightrope. Last week, I found myself grappling with the challenges that arise when an idea and sketch fail to align with the expectations of editorial gatekeepers, leading to the untimely demise of a concept – a fate commonly referred to in the industry as getting “spiked.”

January 12, 2024

The subject at hand was the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) investigating allegations of genocide committed by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. The conflict’s complexity, fuelled by historical grievances and recent tragic events, has heightened global tensions, triggering a surge in pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli sentiments, along with a disturbing rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia.

In an attempt to capture the gravity of the situation, I crafted a cartoon depicting ICJ judges on a boat in the Mediterranean cautioning a menacing missile-bearing Benjamin Netanyahu, blood-soaked and hovering over a devastated Gaza. The rubble, blood-spatters, and a subtle nod to Hamas held hostages in tunnels aimed to provide a truthful illustration, addressing concerns that the plight of the hostages was fading from discussions amidst the demands for a ceasefire.

However, the path from sketch to publication proved treacherous. Only one out of numerous editors endorsed the cartoon, and even among them, reservations emerged. An editor at the Toronto Star, while appreciating the concept, expressed concerns about the use of blood and the reference to hostages. This internal editorial scrutiny is not uncommon when dealing with controversial subjects, especially those as sensitive and polarizing as the Israel-Gaza conflict.

November 4, 2016

Controversial topics naturally draw the attention of higher-ups in the newsroom, and the highest authority holds veto power. In this case, faced with limited endorsements and sensing potential backlash, I redirected my focus to a more politically neutral subject – Donald Trump. The decision spared me from a weekend filled with vitriolic reactions to a cartoon addressing a dire and depressing topic.

The context behind the spiked cartoon includes the ICJ’s provisional order, stating that it is “plausible” that Israel violated the Genocide Convention. The court called on Israel to take immediate measures to prevent acts prohibited by the convention and protect Gaza’s population from further risk of genocide. South Africa, presenting the case, alleged genocidal acts by Israel, emphasizing the extensive civilian casualties in Gaza.

The court’s ruling, legally binding but unenforceable, may exert pressure on Israel’s allies, including the U.S., which reiterated that the genocide allegations were “unfounded.” The ICJ’s decision, while not a verdict on genocide, underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for international attention.

In the intricate dance between editorial creativity and the editorial room’s gatekeepers, the Israel-Gaza conflict stands as a formidable challenge. While the cartoon might have been a truthful portrayal, its potential impact on readers and the editorial decision-makers ultimately determined its fate. As controversies persist, editorial cartoonists continue to grapple with the delicate balance between artistic expression and editorial responsibility, knowing that not all battles are worth fighting on the pages of a newspaper. (AI)

Friday January 26, 2024

January 26, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 26, 2024

Ontario’s Double Whammy: Ailing Healthcare and Struggling Universities

August 3, 2022

In a strange dance of financial distress, Ontario finds itself caught between the ailing health care system and struggling universities, both desperately seeking a remedy for their budgetary ailments.

Joanna Frketich’s recent report in The Hamilton Spectator paints a grim picture of Ontario hospitals grappling with deficits in the tens of millions. Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), Brantford Community Health System (BCHS), and Burlington’s Joseph Brant Hospital are all resorting to loans and lines of credit to cover shortfalls. As Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, aptly puts it, “Efficiency has become deficiency.”

News: Area hospitals using loans, lines of credit to pay for care

August 30, 2023

Simultaneously, Kristin Rushowy’s report for the Toronto Star reveals that almost half of Ontario’s universities are drowning in deficits. (Hamilton’s McMaster University is for now bucking the trend.) Steve Orsini, head of the Council of Ontario Universities, warns that student services are on the chopping block unless the government steps in. It’s a financial tug-of-war between two pillars of society, both left teetering on the edge.

The situation in both sectors is no laughing matter, but one can’t help but wonder if the province’s decision-makers are secretly moonlighting as scriptwriters for a tragicomedy. Picture this: hospital CEOs and university administrators engaging in a bizarre game of financial limbo, each trying to outdo the other in how low they can go in their budgetary dance.

News: Almost half of Ontario universities are running deficits, putting student services at risk, council says

March 1, 2023

In this precarious ballet, hospitals and universities are forced to tap into lines of credit and loans just to keep their operations afloat. As the deficits mount, it seems like the only growth industry in Ontario is the debt market. The irony is glaring – a province known for its robust healthcare and education systems now forced to juggle financial burdens that threaten the very foundations of these institutions.

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) suggests that the province has chosen not to enforce accountability agreements mandating balanced budgets for hospitals. On the other side of the stage, universities are pleading for a boost in funding and the leeway to increase tuition fees. The government, it seems, holds the purse strings to a performance that impacts the well-being of both patients and students.

September 11, 2015

In this unfortunate duet, the people of Ontario are left as spectators, watching their essential services spiral into uncertainty. It’s time for the government to rewrite the script, providing the necessary financial support to ensure the stability of healthcare and education. The province’s future depends on it, and the citizens of Ontario deserve more than a front-row seat to a financial tragedy.

Thursday January 25, 2024

January 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 25, 2024

Trump’s Unrelenting Grip: An Inevitable Ascent in the GOP Landscape

January 17, 2024

In a seemingly predictable turn of events, Donald Trump has maintained a consistent lead in the polls since the early days of the Republican primary, overshadowing a once-crowded field of contenders that included notable figures like his vice president, Mike Pence, Chris Christie, and Ron DeSantis. The emergence of Nikki Haley as his sole remaining rival is more a testament to political pragmatism than a genuine threat, as she lingers, perhaps awaiting unforeseen shifts in Trump’s circumstances.

From the outset, Trump’s dominance in the polls has been unwavering, showcasing a tight grip on the Republican party that extends beyond mere popularity. His commanding presence has reduced a field of over 20 candidates to a lone competitor, Haley, who appears resigned to an inevitable defeat. Her persistence may be rooted in the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s legal challenges or health concerns, rather than a genuine belief in victory.

The Republican landscape, once teeming with diverse voices, now echoes with the singular resonance of Trumpism. Former allies and potential contenders, including Pence, Christie, and DeSantis, have either withdrawn or been eclipsed by the enduring appeal of the ex-president. This consolidation of power is emblematic of a party transformed, where Trump’s influence extends far beyond conventional political norms.

Opinion: Donald Trump’s New Hampshire victory gets him closer to dangerous fantasy of a golden age

December 9, 2023

Nikki Haley’s continued participation in the race, despite the near-certain outcome, underscores the unique dynamics at play. Her lingering presence hints at a party cautiously hedging its bets, anticipating potential disruptions to Trump’s candidacy, be it through legal challenges or unforeseen health issues.

While the inevitability of Trump’s triumph may dampen the spectacle of the primary, it raises critical questions about the state of the GOP and the enduring sway of its former leader. The polls, consistently favouring Trump, reinforce the narrative of a party firmly in the grip of a singular figure, shaping the trajectory of the upcoming election.

As the Republican primary unfolds with a sense of predictability, the true implications lie not in the absence of competition, but in the enduring dominance of a figure whose influence refuses to wane. The story of Trump’s unrelenting grip on the party may lack the element of surprise, but its consequences for the future of American politics remain deeply significant. (AI)

Wednesday January 23, 2024

January 24, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 23, 2024

Ontario’s Kindergarten Curriculum Makeover: A Balancing Act Amidst Past Greenbelt Controversies

March 19, 2019

Ah, Doug Ford, the man with a plan. Or, well, at least a plan to revamp Ontario’s kindergarten curriculum. Because, you know, nothing says “education reform” like a leader who once tried to turn the Greenbelt into a suburban paradise. But hey, let’s not dwell on past mistakes; let’s focus on the bright future of Ontario’s little tots and their newfound appreciation for fractions and phonics.

In a groundbreaking move that will undoubtedly reshape the trajectory of the province, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced the government’s grand plan to mix “back to basics” instruction with play-based learning in kindergarten. Finally, the kids will be able to recite the alphabet while constructing houses with blocks. Who knew learning could be so… constructive?

News: Doug Ford government to revamp full-day kindergarten curriculum

April 19, 2023

Lecce emphasized the importance of developing “core foundational skills” in our youngest students. Because, let’s face it, the fate of the entire province rests on whether Timmy can correctly identify an up arrow or if Susie can spell “foundation” while building her Lego masterpiece. Move over, Shakespeare, the future literary giants are in kindergarten.

But let’s not forget the genius behind this educational revolution – Doug Ford, the man who once thought it would be a great idea to sacrifice the Greenbelt for the sake of affordable housing. Because who needs a protected environmental area when you can have a few more cookie-cutter houses, right?

In the 2018 election, Ford vowed to open up the Greenbelt, promising developers a piece of the protected pie. However, after a brief moment of enlightenment (or perhaps a strong public backlash), he backtracked, claiming he wouldn’t develop the area after all. Fast forward to 2022, and surprise, surprise – he did exactly what he said he wouldn’t.

September 23, 2023

The Auditor General then swooped in, revealing a flawed process that conveniently favoured certain developers, leading to the removal of 7,400 acres of Greenbelt land. The cost? A mere $8 billion. But hey, who’s counting when you’re reshaping the landscape of the province, one questionable decision at a time?

Ford’s Housing Minister, Steve Clark, faced calls to resign, with the Integrity Commissioner confirming ethics rule violations. But who needs ethical governance when you can build affordable homes for “newcomers and young people” on the Greenbelt? Forget the environment; think of the children – the ones who will be marvelling at their newly constructed block houses in kindergarten.

In the end, after a series of resignations, apologies, and promises to build within urban boundaries, Ford decided to reverse his decision and restore the Greenbelt lands. A true masterclass in leadership and decision-making, wouldn’t you say?

So, as Ontario gears up for the kindergarten curriculum overhaul, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the strategic mind behind it all – the man who brought you Greenbelt chaos and now wants your four-year-old to master fractions. Bravo, Doug Ford, bravo. (AI)