Constitution – mackaycartoons

Thursday November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 14, 2024

A Government of the (Most) Loyal, by the (Most) Loyal, for the (Most) Loyal

July 20, 2024

As Donald Trump prepares for his second term, his Cabinet appointments reflect a vision that deeply diverges from the traditions of U.S. governance and the peaceful transitions of power Americans have come to expect. Typically, the transition period is marked by a gracious, symbolically unifying gesture—a meeting at the White House where outgoing and incoming presidents signal continuity and respect for democratic processes. In 2020, Trump famously disrupted this tradition by refusing to meet with President-elect Joe Biden, a snub now underscored by incoming First Lady Melania Trump’s decision to skip the customary White House tour with Dr. Jill Biden. This refusal of symbolic unity is emblematic of Trump’s wider disregard for norms and appears to set the stage for an administration filled with loyalists, ideologues, and media personalities who may prioritize fealty over expertise.

News: Biden is about to have the meeting he’s been dreading with Trump

October 26, 2024

A closer look at Trump’s appointments reveals a Cabinet stacked with political loyalists, partisan firebrands, and billionaires. Notably, he has appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a proposed new “Department of Government Efficiency.” Musk, the world’s richest man and a vocal Trump supporter, has contributed millions to pro-Trump political action committees and has frequently used his social media platform to shape public opinion in ways favourable to Trump’s agenda.

His potential control over government efficiency measures raises questions about the motives behind regulatory and budget cuts and whether they would truly benefit the American public or serve the interests of corporate allies and ultra-wealthy backers like Musk.

Equally concerning is the appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. A Fox News personality more known for his television commentary than military leadership, Hegseth has stoked divisive narratives, dismissing military diversity programs as “woke” and pushing rhetoric that undercuts the inclusion and unity central to military morale. His stance that women should not serve in the military suggests he might roll back decades of progress in creating a military that reflects American society. Moreover, his support for conspiracy theories around the “Stop the Steal” movement raises questions about his ability to objectively defend democratic principles in his role as defence chief.

News: ‘Who the f–k is this guy?’: Defense world reacts to Trump’s surprise Pentagon pick

October 22, 2024

Adding to this is Trump’s proposed “warrior board,” an executive order that would replace the Pentagon’s existing promotion and review system with an ideologically driven panel of retired generals handpicked by Trump to judge “leadership qualities” among top officers. Retired Major General Paul Eaton of VoteVets has warned that this order would essentially create a “MAGA military,” compromising the apolitical tradition of the U.S. armed forces by ensuring loyalty to Trump rather than to the Constitution. This proposal follows Trump’s repeated complaints that he needs generals “like Hitler had,” raising fears that the Department of Defense may see an erosion of its independence if top officers are removed based on political conformity.

Trump’s choices for diplomatic roles also reveal a troubling blend of ideological rigidity and political favouritism. His anticipated appointment of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, for instance, signals a likely shift in U.S. foreign policy towards uncompromising support for Israeli expansionism. Huckabee has publicly opposed Palestinian statehood and encouraged Israel to annex West Bank territories. Such a position risks deepening the rift with allies who support a two-state solution, potentially alienating key international partners and compromising longstanding diplomatic strategies in the region.

Analysis: Trump rolls out his most MAGA picks for new White House term

February 11, 2021

The appointment of John Ratcliffe, a former intelligence official with a history of selectively declassifying intelligence for partisan advantage, as CIA Director, raises similar concerns. Ratcliffe’s prior tenure as Director of National Intelligence was marked by decisions that some felt jeopardized the agency’s nonpartisan reputation, such as his release of unverified information tied to Hillary Clinton during the Russia investigation. His return to intelligence could see further politicization, with critical security assessments potentially shaped by partisan agendas rather than objective analysis.

Perhaps most emblematic of the administration’s direction is Trump’s choice of Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. Miller, an architect of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, has been one of the most polarizing figures from Trump’s first term, pushing policies like family separation and strict asylum restrictions. His return signals a potential crackdown on immigration policy that would likely exacerbate tensions and fears among immigrant communities, while also creating strain between the federal government and localities seeking more balanced approaches to immigration.

January 12, 2021

Taken together, these appointments suggest a presidency with little regard for expertise or experience if it comes at the expense of loyalty. The appointments reflect a push for a government populated by those willing to execute Trump’s agenda uncritically—an agenda focused less on inclusive governance and more on dismantling institutional safeguards that maintain checks and balances. The peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of American democracy, is not merely a procedural formality but a symbolic act that unites the country around shared principles. In 2020, Trump rejected this gesture. In 2024, his appointments appear set to challenge the very foundations of this tradition, reshaping the nation’s institutions to reflect not American democracy, but personal allegiance to one man.

A full week after the 2024 election, the roaring fire behind #46 and the incoming #47 at the Oval Office was hard to ignore. Donald Trump who left the place in flames on his way out in 2020, was back meeting with Joe Biden who, let’s face it, as one commentator said, looked like he’d rather be eating glass than doing the responsible thing. Defeated or lame duck, the presidential thing is to carry on the tradition of inviting the incoming leader, which every President had done for more than 2 centuries continued. Until of course, that one time when the incoming guy didn’t return the courtesy to the host 4 years ago. So, even a group of toddlers could point out who the bigger person was of the two?

This year, 44/47 behaved himself by not letting his mouth run off as photographers captured the moment.

Meanwhile, incoming Trump insignificant other Melania, the most inconsequential first lady ever, made herself even less significant by skipping the White House tour with Jill Biden, just in case you thought the Trump’s were really into unity. Spoiler alert: They weren’t. Apparently she won’t be hanging around the White House very much in years to come. I really don’t care, do you?

Could be that 46/47 may be attempting to start off statesman-like while letting family members carry out the snubs, slights, and give middle fingers to the masses of skeptics.

Donny Trump Jr. is the first nepo baby to the incoming monarch and threw out a doozy to Zelenskyy taunting the Ukrainian President about losing his allowance offered by the west for defending his country against the tyranny of Vladimir Putin. Donny must think loosing financial aid is worse than actually witnessing the horrors that the President of Ukraine has been dealing with.

Late breaking: Matt Gaetz has been nominated as Trump’s Attorney-General. At this point I’m wondering if Trump’s looney appointments are just designed to trigger saner people to lose their minds completely.

Now, as we look to #47’s earlier appointments, it’s clear that loyalty is the new currency. Forget about experience, competence, or even an understanding of basic governance. Trump’s Cabinet looks like it was assembled by a blindfolded Fox News producer after a weekend binge of conspiracy documentaries. Let’s start with the good ol’ “Department of Government Efficiency”—led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Yes, that’s right: the richest man in the world is apparently going to hack away at bureaucracy. You can almost hear the ping of his latest conflict-of-interest-laden contract from here.

And then, there’s Pete Hegseth—defence secretary-in-waiting and self-proclaimed “warrior” for the MAGA cause. Apparently, having seven kids and tattoos somehow qualifies you to run the military. Never mind the fact that Hegseth thinks women shouldn’t be in combat roles and has a very, very specific idea of what constitutes a “woke general.” It’s almost like his qualifications were forged in a right-wing think tank, not on the battlefield.

Let’s not even get started on his ideas about NATO, Ukraine, or Taiwan—unless you’re a fan of global instability. And while his confirmation hearings may provide the slimmest line of protection from the total chaos ahead, let’s face it: With a Congress full of Trump loyalists, that’s like putting up a picket fence in front of a bulldozer.

So buckle up, folks. It’s only been 1 week since the world changed

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Saturday November 19, 2022

November 19, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 19, 2022

Ford’s retreat notwithstanding, the fight over charter rights is far from over

June 16, 2021

The events in Ontario over the last week offer only limited solace to those who worry that politicians are increasingly unafraid to use the notwithstanding clause to override judicial rulings on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

But in a way, the system worked. Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government made questionable use of the notwithstanding clause, the public and civil society rose up to say it was unacceptable, and Ford felt compelled to back down.

If the ultimate limit on the notwithstanding clause is “political accountability,” this was an example of the democratic system working more or less as it should.

Fear of a negative public response was supposed to deter governments from using the notwithstanding clause. But Ford already had threatened to use it in 2018 (when he reorganized Toronto’s city council) and he went through with using it in 2021 (to override a court decision on political financing) without suffering much political damage.

November 4, 2022

So Ford had reasons to assume he could use the clause again without too much trouble.

But the premier and his advisers seem to have discounted at least two factors.

First, the preemptive use of the clause in Ontario, at the expense of organized labour, created an opportune moment for Trudeau to take a loud stand.

Second, while Ford framed his fight in terms of keeping schools open — a message that theoretically should have resonated with Ontario families — it turned out that the workers and the union involved had a lot of allies.

Polling quickly showed public opinion running against Ford. Reporting over the weekend suggested that a number of unions were banding together, with plans for a provincewide general strike.

Ford’s position was untenable and he had to abandon both his back-to-work legislation and its use of the notwithstanding clause.

The result may be that the words “notwithstanding clause” become tainted, much the way “prorogation” was poisoned after 2009. That could help re-establish some of the political accountability over the clause’s use that has been lacking in recent years.

But Ford’s retreat can’t be seen as the end of the conversation. (CBC News)

Wednesday July 21, 2021

July 28, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday July 21, 2021

Ford outright rejects vaccine passports on eve of Step 3 of COVID-19 reopening

Ontario Premier Doug Ford firmly rejected the possibility of implementing vaccine passports on Thursday.

June 4, 2021

Ford spoke at a news conference announcing a new long-term care home in Toronto, the Runnymede Long-Term Care Home, expected to open in the summer of 2023. The centre is expected to provide 200 new long-term care spaces.

“No, we aren’t doing it,” he said. “We’re not going to have a split society.”

As for whether it will be mandatory for health-care workers to get a vaccine, Ford said while they’re encouraged to do so, no one should be forced to be immunized.

“I’m not in favour of a mandatory certification and neither, by the way, is the chief medical officer,” said Ford. “Folks, just please go get vaccinated.”

Fords comments follow similar ones by Solicitor General Sylvia Jones a day before, who shut down the possibility of any sort of proof-of-vaccination system being introduced in the province.

April 8, 2021

If needed, Jones said, Ontarians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can rely on the receipt printed or emailed to them after their second shot.

Some businesses in the province have said that when Ontario enters Step 3 of its reopening plan, patrons will need to show proof of vaccination upon arrival.

Toronto Mayor John Tory has called on the provincial government to create a voluntary system that would help individual businesses or organizations determine the vaccination status of patrons, employees and members. The Toronto Region Board of Trade has also endorsed such an initiative.

Ford said Thursday he will be addressing the question of a federal vaccination card with the prime minister later in the day.

Ontario reported 143 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 more deaths linked to the illness on Thursday, while total vaccinations fell by more than 100,000 from the same day last week.

Public health units collectively administered another 166,201 doses of COVID-19 vaccines yesterday, of which roughly 88 per cent were second shots. Last Wednesday saw more than 268,000 shots given out provincewide.

More than 57 per cent of Ontarians aged 12 and older have now had two doses of vaccines. (CBC)

Wednesday June 16, 2021

June 23, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 16, 2021

Ford government pushes through controversial election spending bill with notwithstanding clause

The government of Premier Doug Ford has pushed a controversial bill through the Ontario legislature limiting third-party election advertising by employing a rarely used legislative power.

June 11, 2021

Bill 307, which used the notwithstanding clause to reintroduce parts of a law struck down by a judge last week, passed Monday by a margin of 63 votes to 47.

The clause allows legislatures to override portions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for a five-year term.

A judge found it was unconstitutional for the government to double the restricted pre-election spending period for third-party advertisements to 12 months before an election call.

The Progressive Conservative government argued the extended restriction was necessary to protect elections from outside influence.

The bill passed Monday afternoon after a marathon weekend debate in which opposition politicians argued the government was trying to silence criticism ahead of next June’s provincial election.

“It’s obviously a move from a man who’s desperate to cling to power,” said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

December 9, 2010

The New Democrats spent the day trying to drag out the process by introducing a variety of motions on pandemic-related issues they argued should be the focus of the sitting. Ford said earlier on Monday that he wouldn’t be swayed.

“We’re fighting for democracy,” Ford said at Queen’s Park. “I’ll work all day, all night to protect the people.”

Last week, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Morgan found it was unconstitutional for the Progressive Conservative government to double the restricted pre-election spending period for third-party advertisements to 12 months before an election call.

A bill that took effect this spring had stretched the restricted spending period from six months to one year before an election is called, but kept the spending limit of $600,000 the same.

Morgan found that the government didn’t provide an explanation for doubling the limit, and his decision meant sections of the law involved in the court challenge were no longer in effect. (CBC)

Friday June 11, 2021

June 18, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 11, 2021

The Canadian Charter’s notwithstanding clause is increasingly indefensible

It isn’t happening in Quebec, but in Ontario, so there will be more of a fuss than would otherwise be the case.

September 14, 2018

But there will be less of a fuss than the last time the Doug Ford government threatened to use the notwithstanding clause to override constitutionally guaranteed rights. The next time it happens, there will be less still. And there will be a next time, and a next time after that, and another, and another – precisely because the political costs of doing so diminish with each use.

This is how the clause is being normalized. This is how, in consequence, the Charter of Rights is being eviscerated. It is already more or less a dead letter in Quebec, where the override has been invoked over the years by governments of every party. Once upon a time it might have caused something of a stir, at least outside the province, as when Robert Bourassa used it to uphold the ban on English-language signs in 1988.

September 21, 2019

But having paid no discernible price for invoking the clause to protect Bill 21, legislation that effectively bars the hiring of religious minorities across much of the public service, Quebec’s CAQ government was quick to do the same with regard to Bill 96, its new and harsher language law. A rights “guarantee” that cannot protect minorities from overt harassment and discrimination – a guarantee that applies only as when the government of the day decides it should – is not much of a guarantee at all.

July 28, 2018

And now it is happening elsewhere. Mr. Ford’s first attempt to use the clause, over a 2018 bill that would have cut the size of Toronto city council in half – in the middle of a municipal election – may have collapsed in confusion, but now the Premier is back for another try. This time the casus belli is Bill 254, legislation passed earlier this year that would, among other things, double the length of time before an election campaign during which third-party advocacy groups would be subject to spending limits.

As before, the Premier has supposedly been provoked to action by a judge’s ruling, overturning the legislation on Charter grounds. But as before this is not really the issue. The government could have appealed either ruling to a higher court, and even had it lost there, it could have rewritten either bill in ways that addressed its purported intent, without unduly limiting Charter rights. (Globe & Mail)