Conservative

Saturday September 9, 2023

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

Window Display Politics: Pierre Poilievre’s Balancing Act for Canada

July 28, 2023

Pierre Poilievre, at the helm of the Conservative Party of Canada, finds himself in a challenging position as he attempts to broaden his party’s appeal to a more centrist Canadian voting audience while deftly navigating the demands of its more extreme right-wing factions. Within the diverse landscape of the Conservative Party, there exists a mosaic of passionate groups advocating for policies ranging from catering to gun enthusiasts and Christian conservatives to embracing Trump-inspired ideologies and other far-right positions. Poilievre, however, recognizes that to secure electoral victories in a country as diverse and centrist-leaning as Canada, he must tread a complex and often treacherous path.

News: Poilievre riding high in polls as Conservatives meet for policy convention  

June 14, 2022

One of the most significant challenges facing Poilievre is the intricate web of internal dynamics within his party. These power struggles, often characterized by competing factions vying for influence, have been a recurring theme in Conservative politics. The recent prominence of social conservative groups within the party, pushing for greater sway in areas such as nominations and candidate selection, underscores this ongoing challenge. These groups are known for their unwavering commitment to causes like anti-abortion advocacy and the pursuit of stringent restrictions on abortion access. While such positions may resonate with certain segments of the party’s base, they are seen as divisive and potentially unpopular among the broader Canadian electorate.

A pivotal moment in this internal power struggle was the recent nomination battle in the Ontario riding of Oxford. In this contest, Poilievre’s perceived preferred candidate emerged victorious, while a social conservative candidate was disqualified by the party’s leadership. The fallout from this incident revealed deep divisions within the party, with the Oxford community left fractured, and the outcome of the subsequent by-election in Oxford significantly impacted.

June 24, 2021

Furthermore, Poilievre faces the challenging task of reconciling his party’s stance on contentious policy debates, most notably the Conservative Party’s position on carbon pricing. The ability to maintain party unity and prevent internal dissent on issues like these is crucial for his leadership and the party’s electoral prospects.

Adding another layer of complexity is Poilievre’s willingness to engage with conspiracy theories, particularly those circulating around the World Economic Forum. While such engagement may resonate with certain segments of the party’s base, it raises concerns about the mainstreaming of fringe beliefs. These conspiracy theories, once relegated to the fringes of the internet, have increasingly gained traction in mainstream political discourse, fuelled in part by growing distrust of government institutions.

News: Conservatives to vote on controversial issues at Poilievre’s first policy convention as leader   

February 26, 2021

As the Conservative Party convenes for its policy convention, Pierre Poilievre’s leadership and strategic decisions will be under close scrutiny. While he is not bound by every policy resolution put forward, his choices and strategies will undoubtedly shape the party’s image and determine its ability to resonate with a broader Canadian electorate. Balancing the demands of the party’s base with the imperative of securing wider support is an intricate and formidable challenge—one that will significantly impact the party’s fortunes in the upcoming federal election.

In the display window for all Canadian voters to consider, the Conservative Party plans to showcase a vision that transcends its internal divisions and speaks to the values and aspirations of a diverse nation. This vision will require Pierre Poilievre to deftly navigate the competing interests and ideologies within his party, presenting a compelling narrative that addresses the concerns of both traditional conservative constituents and the broader Canadian electorate. The choices made at this pivotal policy convention will shape the Conservative Party’s path forward, ultimately determining its success in the quest for power. (AI.) Editorial cartoon printed in the Hamilton Spectator.

Letter to the Editor – The Hamilton Spectator 

Letter to the Editor

The red hats are coming 

Graeme MacKay’s cartoon in the Saturday Specta- tor depicted exactly the vision that is coming from the Conservative party through Poilievre’s rhetoric. He actually uses the “broken country” themes and the “I can fix it” quote from Trump himself. Seems American right-wing Republicanism has taken hold in Canada. Red hats on the way? God help us all! Bernadette Homerski, Dundas

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:

 

Thursday July 27, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 28, 2023

The Absurd Shadow Cabinet of Pierre Poilievre: A Comedy of Errors

September 1, 2017

In a stunning display of political theatrics, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre unveils his aptly named “Shadow Cabinet” – a motley crew of characters that seems to have jumped straight out of a science fiction sitcom. With the country hurtling towards an inevitable federal election, Poilievre’s desperate attempt at a “great reset” aims to revitalize his party’s chances against the neck-and-neck Liberals. But as the curtains rise on this farce, it becomes apparent that Poilievre’s antics are more likely to raise eyebrows than to win hearts.

Let’s start with the “Shadow Minister of Defunding the CBC.” Poilievre’s pledge to strip the CBC of its funding has earned him cheers from his conservative base. However, the catch is that he still supports Radio-Canada’s French services. It’s like trying to take away the main course while leaving the side dishes intact – a recipe for absurdity.

Next up, we have the “Shadow Minister without Portfolio: Barbaric Cultural Practices Crisis.” Yes, you read that right! Poilievre seems to be stuck in a time warp, defending controversial policies from past campaigns that have alienated immigrant communities. Perhaps he believes it’s an effective strategy to fight for the rights of barbaric cultural practices tip lines while ignoring the reality that times have changed.

August 26, 2022

Let’s not forget the “Shadow Minister of Proud Boys and Traditional Gender Roles.” Poilievre must be hoping to attract voters from the 1950s with this one. Embracing outdated ideas of gender roles and cozying up to extremist groups like the Proud Boys is sure to win the hearts of, well, no one.

And who could overlook the “Shadow Crypto Board President”? With cryptocurrencies facing scandals and plummeting prices, Poilievre’s support for Bitcoin sounds like a punchline. Promoting a “Ponzi scheme” that lost money for investors is hardly a winning policy.

Oh, and let’s not miss the “Shadow Minister of All Lives Matter.” In a country that values diversity and inclusivity, this choice can only be described as tone-deaf and insensitive. Poilievre might as well appoint a “Shadow Minister of Ignorance and Division.”

Moving on, we encounter the “Shadow Trumpism Minister.” Because nothing says “leadership material” like emulating a divisive former U.S. president who is far from popular with a significant portion of the Canadian population.

May 13, 2022

And who could forget the “Shadow Minister of Conspiracies and Pseudo-Science”? Poilievre’s enthusiasm for anti-vaccine sentiments and promoting unfounded conspiracy theories only proves that he has a flair for the absurd.

Lastly, we have the “Shadow Apologies for Past Apologies Minister.” This is the perfect role for someone who seems to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of defending past mistakes and refusing to learn from them.

As the spotlight shines on this ridiculous cast of characters, one has to wonder if Poilievre is serious about winning the hearts of Canadians or if he’s auditioning for a role in a political comedy. It’s clear that his desperate bid for support from fringe elements and conspiracy theorists is leading him down a path of absurdity.

If Poilievre wants to be taken seriously as a leader, he needs to step out of the shadows of extremism and embrace a vision that truly represents the diverse and inclusive Canada we know and love. Until then, the show must go on – a comedy of errors that leaves Canadians shaking their heads and wondering what happened to the once-respectable Conservative Party. (AI)

 

Wednesday June 21, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 21, 2023

Right-Wing Purgatory: The Delusional Quest for Comebacks by Conservative Leaders

April 26, 2022

In a bizarre right-wing purgatory, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and Maxime Bernier find themselves entangled in their own web of delusions, desperately seeking earthly comebacks to lead their respective governments. However, their chances are slim, and their attempts at redemption border on the comical and ultimately futile.

In Canada, the landscape is rife with conservative leaders vying for right-wing supremacy. Pierre Poilievre and Maxime Bernier, leaders of the Conservative Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada, respectively, showcase the internal divisions within conservative politics. The recent Portage-Lisgar by-election exposed their opposing stances, with Conservatives resorting to exploiting anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments to undermine Bernier’s credibility. Yet, Bernier managed to retain significant support, revealing the endurance of his party’s platform, even among those holding anti-Pride views. It’s a convoluted mess of contradictions and reveals the challenges these leaders face in navigating sensitive topics to appeal to a broad voter base.

News: Liberals, Conservatives take 2 seats apiece in 4 federal byelections  

December 16, 2019

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson’s transformation into a Trump-like figure is evident. From his resignation letter styled after Trump’s brashness to the inadequate response by the Conservative Party to his Party-gate actions, Johnson’s resemblance to Trump is hard to ignore. While British institutions successfully removed Johnson from office and parliament, the condemnations from the Tory party have been weak, reminiscent of the mistakes made by Republicans in handling Trump. The Tories risk storing up problems for the future if they fail to address Johnson’s actions and reject his lies, as the Republicans did with Trump.

April 6, 2023

As for Donald Trump himself, he faced arraignment in Miami on charges related to the intentional retention of classified documents and obstruction of justice. Remarkably, this marked the second indictment against Trump within three months, adding to his long chain of corruption. Despite his legal troubles, Trump remains a leading contender for the Republican nomination, and his team seems undeterred by the chaos surrounding him. Other Republican candidates have been hesitant to confront him directly, hoping that the weight of the charges will prove insurmountable. The lack of forceful opposition from candidates and GOP leaders indicates that voters are unlikely to change their stance, further entrenching the perception divide between Republicans and the rest of the country.

The future remains uncertain for these conservative leaders as they battle their way back to power. Their shamelessness and unwavering arrogance set them apart from other politicians, but it is precisely these qualities that render their comebacks comical and futile. The prolonged stay in right-wing purgatory serves as a stark reminder that political redemption is not guaranteed, even for those who once held significant influence.

Opinion: Trump, Johnson and the real problem with populism  

May 16, 2023

The delusional quest for comebacks by Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and Maxime Bernier paints a vivid picture of right-wing purgatory. As they grapple with internal divisions, exploit anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, and face legal troubles, these conservative leaders find themselves trapped in a realm of their own making. Their chances of reclaiming power dwindle as their antics and refusal to be held accountable alienate their own party members and the broader public. The lesson is clear: political redemption requires humility, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people, qualities that these leaders sorely lack. (AI) | Editorial Cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.

 

Friday May 26, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 26, 2023

DeSantis’ Presidential Spectacle: From Twitter Chats to Dewoke Rats

November 10, 2022

Political journalists and pundits spent a significant portion of Wednesday fixating on the unconventional method by which Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his presidential candidacy. He chose to utilize Twitter Spaces for an audio conversation, accompanied by billionaire Elon Musk and David Sacks, a South African-born venture capitalist and Republican donor. Sacks had recently expressed his belief that continued military support for Ukraine could lead to a hypothetical “woke war III.”

The media engaged in rampant speculation about DeSantis’ decision to forgo an in-person event in his hometown near Tampa and pondered the level of attention he would receive from Fox News, which has a tumultuous relationship with the governor, vacillating between support and disillusionment. The spectacle resembled a Disneyworld parade with its satirical mascot, “Ron Dewoke Rat,” a twisted caricature of Mickey Mouse.

Certainly, the choice of Twitter as the platform for the announcement is intriguing, as it indicates DeSantis’ alignment with influential right-wing financiers. The message to other affluent Republicans is clear: even if you distance yourself from Trump, DeSantis will still advocate for your interests regarding tax policies, wages, and similar matters. It is akin to displaying a bumper sticker on your luxury car that assures you of safety under DeSantis’ leadership in the digital age.

Analysis: How DeSantis Allies Plan to Beat Trump in the 2024 Presidential Election 

November 12, 2022

However, the rollout of the announcement was marred by embarrassing technical issues, which is unsurprising given Twitter’s frequent glitches under Musk’s ownership. It is ironic that a governor who touts his technological savvy would stumble on such a platform.

Beneath DeSantis’ incessant culture wars lies a distressing reality of policies that disregard the majority of Florida’s non-wealthy citizens. While he wages his crusade against what he perceives as “wokeness,” which translates to opposing equal and fair treatment of Black, gay, and transgender individuals, he has also fostered an environment of censorship. Florida schools have removed books like “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman, a young Black poet whose powerful recitation captivated audiences at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Although it is unlikely that DeSantis personally made these decisions, his relentless campaign against perceived wokeness has laid the groundwork for such acts.

June 24, 2022

DeSantis has also enacted policies regarding women’s reproductive rights that ban abortions after only six weeks of pregnancy, often before women even realize they are pregnant. He takes pride in legislation that restricts gender-affirming care for minors, targets drag shows, limits discussions of personal pronouns in schools, and enforces discriminatory bathroom policies. These actions are based on narratives that experts from major medical associations have debunked, yet DeSantis persists in spreading misinformation, such as falsely claiming that children are routinely subjected to “mutilation.”

In addition to his divisive tactics in the culture war, DeSantis has resorted to attention-seeking and destructive stunts, such as transporting plane-loads of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and engaging in public feuds with Disney, a prominent employer and tourist attraction. Internationally, he infamously referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a mere “territorial dispute,” only to backtrack when his statement did not resonate well within his own party.

Analysis: Will Ron DeSantis’s culture war with Disney threaten his White House run?  

March 22, 2023

Unfortunately, the media pays less attention to the fact that while DeSantis proclaims Florida to be “where woke goes to die,” the state has also become a place where its residents suffer in various ways. Florida ranks poorly in healthcare, school funding, and long-term care for the elderly. Teachers’ salaries are among the lowest nationwide, unemployment benefits are inadequate, and the governor actively opposes efforts to raise the minimum wage, which remains low in the state.

The regressive tax structure of Florida explains why wealthy individuals are flocking to the state. With no individual income tax and an exceptionally low corporate tax rate, it becomes an attractive haven for affluent Americans seeking to evade their fair share of taxes. However, this burden falls disproportionately on the poor and middle class, as the state heavily relies on sales and excise taxes for revenue. Consequently, Florida ranks worse than comparable northern states in areas such as diabetes, cancer mortality, teenage birth rates, and infant mortality.

Beneath the flashy distractions of DeSantis’ culture wars lies a grim reality of policies that neglect the majority of Florida’s non-wealthy citizens. If Florida sets the tone for the nation, electing Ron DeSantis as president could result in unfortunate repercussions stemming from his governance. (AI)

Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, May 29, 2023 

Letter to the Editor

WOKE must die at Spec

I fail to understand why The Spectator would stoop so low as to publish a cartoon (May 25) of this nature. Only a small percentage of the population support WOKE. DeSantis famously stated “Florida is where WOKE comes to die” and many support him. As owner of a small USA business I follow U.S. politics closely. WOKE needs to die at The Spectator, too.

John McGrath, Dundas

‘Don’t say gay’ could lead to mass clear out of libraries (The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday June 3, 2023)

A recent letter writer (May 29) complained about an earlier Spectator cartoon. It showed “Ron DeWokeRat” (a caricature of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis) burning literature labelled “Filth” (including The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Hill We Climb, the poem read by Amanda Gorman, a young black woman, at President Biden’s inauguration). The letter writer approvingly quoted DeSantis as saying “Florida is where WOKE comes to die” and then went on to argue that “WOKE needs to die at The Spectator, too.”

June 3, 2023

I couldn’t tell what the specific objection to the cartoon was but it seems that the writer supports DeSantis’ policies. These include letting parents force the removal of books they don’t like from public school libraries. I suspect the letter writer would like to see that policy replicated here.

But I wonder if the writer has thought through what would happen if it were combined with the DeSantis ban on the word “gay.” All sorts of books would disappear from the shelves, including many of the English classics.

For example, in A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens wrote of “gay crowds.” In George Eliot’s Middlemarch, we can read that “Mr. Bambridge was a man of pleasure and a gay companion.” I assume that Governor DeSantis would agree that our children shouldn’t read this, especially when you remember that the book was written by a woman pretending to be a man. Was she (horror!) transgender or did she simply cross-dress?

No doubt DeSantis would also want to remove Pride and Prejudice from the eyes of the young and impressionable. Jane Austen wrote about “the streets of that gay bathing-place.” While the book has been read by many generations, its unsuitability should have been obvious simply from its title, which includes the word “Pride”! Austen even had the gall to suggest that anyone who objected was guilty of “Prejudice.”

And don’t try arguing that the word “gay” used to mean something different. “Don’t say gay” means “Don’t say gay.”

Seriously, do those who rail against “woke” even know what it means? Merriam-Webster defines it as: “aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).” In other words, woke means learning things, being sensitive to others, and paying attention to various forms of discrimination. What’s the problem with that? Surely we don’t want to raise a generation of ignorant, selfish bigots. By Harry Shannon, Harry Shannon lives in Dundas and blogs at PROBABLYMAYBE.NET  

Woke must stay alive – Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday June 10, 2023

Concerning ‘Woke must die at Spec’, I believe the cartoon the author complains about is right on the money.

Woke describes people who are against racism and bigotry. Ron DeSantis and others have twisted Woke into a bad thing and they use it as an insult to those who do not share their beliefs.

The author goes on to say that only a small percentage of the population support Woke. Actually, it is fair and decent minded people who support Woke. I hope and pray that they are more than a small percentage of the population.

Jesus said: “love your enemy.” He was the most Woke person who ever lived. The author is right about one thing: Many do support DeSantis. They are all phoney Christians just like him. His restrictions of LGBTQ rights, his dictating what books people are allowed to read, and his entire platform is the roots of fascism.

Woke needs to stay alive and well at The Spectator and everywhere!

Douglas Doede, Burlington

Thursday May 25, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 25, 2023

Opposition Parties Reject Access to Classified Information in Inquiry Decision

May 5, 2023

On Wednesday, the Bloc Québécois and the Conservatives aligned in their refusal to examine classified information that had led to a watchdog’s recommendation against a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference. Both party leaders expressed their reluctance to be bound by the obligation of secrecy.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, however, urged his colleagues to prioritize facts over partisan interests, specifically calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. During an event in Winnipeg, Trudeau criticized Poilievre, stating, “Pierre Poilievre is deliberately choosing to remain uninformed.”

David Johnston, appointed by Trudeau as a special rapporteur in March to investigate the foreign interference allegations, presented his initial report on Tuesday. The report advised against initiating a public inquiry into the allegations of foreign interference during the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. These allegations had been a contentious issue for the government following reports by Global News and the Globe and Mail, which referred to leaked national security documents and anonymous sources.

News: Poilievre calls on Singh to force a foreign interference inquiry  

March 24, 2023

In his report, Johnston also recommended that the government grant the necessary security clearances to other party leaders, allowing them access to the complete report, including a confidential annex of materials used to reach his conclusions. Despite calls from the NDP, Conservatives, and Bloc Québécois for a public inquiry, Johnston explained that due to national security concerns, the reviewed intelligence must remain classified. Consequently, a formal inquiry would largely be conducted behind closed doors. Instead, Johnston pledged to hold public hearings to discuss the broader issue of foreign interference, without delving into the specific allegations.

Johnston acknowledged the challenge of not being able to publicly disclose the reviewed information and emphasized the importance of future potential leaders of the country intentionally remaining unaware. He also recognized the opposition leaders’ desire not to be constrained by security laws that prohibit the sharing of such material.

March 9, 2023

Trudeau accepted Johnston’s findings and sent letters to Opposition leaders, inviting them to begin the process of obtaining the required security clearances. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed his intention to do so. However, Poilievre rejected the offer, vowing to call for a public inquiry if the Conservatives formed the next government. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also supported him, describing the opportunity as “a misguided trap.”

Trudeau urged opposition leaders, including Poilievre, to review the substance of Johnston’s report, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He singled out Poilievre, stating, “He is more interested in political arguments and personal attacks than in confronting the facts. Can we consider him a serious leader?”

Poilievre, speaking to reporters in Toronto on Wednesday, criticized Johnston as a “Trudeau insider,” highlighting the former governor general’s friendship with Prime Minister Trudeau’s father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and his involvement in the foundation named after the former prime minister. In response, Johnston defended his work and his relationship with the current prime minister, stating that their families had gone skiing together decades ago.

Erin O’Toole: I met with David Johnston for his report – here’s what happened  

March 17, 2023

Poilievre suggested that an experienced judge in handling national security cases should be responsible for determining which information should remain classified and what could be made public if an inquiry were to be called. He asserted, “Justin Trudeau is concealing something.”

Although Poilievre declined the opportunity to closely examine the report himself, he stated that he would not hinder the review by Conservative MPs serving on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. Johnston confirmed that these committee members would receive additional information and could challenge his conclusions if necessary.

On Wednesday, MPs from the NDP, Conservatives, and Bloc Québécois on the House of Commons procedure committee jointly signed a letter requesting Johnston’s presence before them to answer questions about his decision not to recommend a public inquiry. The letter, shared on social media by Conservative MP Michael Cooper, characterized Johnston’s decision as “a disregard for diaspora groups who face abuse and intimidation from hostile foreign governments.” (AI)