Democracy – mackaycartoons

Wednesday June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 11, 2025

Democracy on the Defensive: The Challenge of Chaos

March 6, 2025

The recent dismissal of all members of the CDC’s vaccine panel by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the turbulent times unfolding south of the border. This move, emblematic of a government that thrives on disruption, should have been a rallying point for the opposition. Instead, it highlights a troubling ineffectiveness within the Democratic Party in the United States, raising questions about their capacity to act as a counterbalance in a healthy democracy.

The removal of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a body integral to public health and safety, is not merely a policy shift—it’s an alarming development with far-reaching implications. In any other era, such a decision would dominate headlines, prompt urgent discussions, and catalyze a unified response from the opposition. Yet, in today’s world, it becomes just another item in a long list of distractions orchestrated by an administration skilled in the art of “flooding the zone.”

News: Kennedy Removes All C.D.C. Vaccine Panel Experts

November 18, 2024

This strategy, perfected over years of political maneuvering, involves overwhelming the public and media with a barrage of half-baked schemes, executive orders, and inflammatory rhetoric. The goal is clear: to obscure scrutiny and enact policies under the cover of chaos. It is a tactic that demands a vigilant and adaptive opposition, one capable of cutting through the noise and focusing public attention on the core issues at stake.

Yet, the Democrats, who should be adept at countering such tactics after previous encounters, seem ill-prepared to meet this challenge. Their struggles are multifaceted, ranging from internal divisions and strategic missteps to an inability to maintain a coherent and focused narrative. In their failure to adapt, they have allowed the administration to push through damaging policies with minimal resistance, leaving the public vulnerable to the consequences.

The New Yorker: The Second Trump Administration’s New Forms of Distraction

March 6, 2024

Consider the administration’s outrageous pronouncements and actions: being an apologist for Vladimir Putin in his conquest of an ally in Ukraine, undermining international unity and trust; engaging in trade conflicts with allies by breaking agreements, disrupting supply lines, and imposing tariffs that harm both domestic and global economies; ignoring the rule of law and due process in the deportation of migrants, which raises serious human rights concerns; and the bizarre pursuit of acquiring Greenland, a diplomatic misstep that strained relations with a longstanding ally.

From a Canadian perspective, the stakes could not be higher. Public health, economic stability, and international relations are all at risk, impacting not only Americans but also their neighbours and allies. The Democrats’ role is not merely to criticize but to offer a compelling alternative, to inspire confidence and mobilize action. They must rise to the occasion, learning from past missteps and employing innovative strategies to engage with a public that is increasingly desensitized to political turmoil.

The Atlantic: The Real Problem With the Democrats’ Ground Game

November 1, 2024

To do so, they must prioritize unity and clarity, focusing on key issues that resonate with the electorate. They need to harness the power of grassroots movements, leverage digital platforms for broader reach, and most importantly, present a vision for the future that transcends mere opposition to current policies. By doing so, they can reclaim their role as a vital counterbalance, ensuring that democracy not only survives but thrives in these challenging times.

The Democrats’ effectiveness—or lack thereof—is not just an American concern; it’s a matter of international importance. As the administration continues to test the limits of governance with actions like the CDC panel dismissal and other controversial pronouncements, it’s imperative for the opposition to adapt and respond with the urgency and resolve the situation demands. The health of American democracy, and by extension, its impact on global relations, depends on it.

Saturday April 19, 2025

April 19, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 19, 2025

Poilievre’s Notwithstanding Gamble: A Risky Precedent for Canada

May 4, 2024

In a political landscape increasingly characterized by divisive rhetoric and the erosion of democratic norms, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s pledge to invoke the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a troubling signal. His proposal to use this powerful constitutional tool to impose consecutive life sentences for multiple murderers may tap into populist sentiments, but it sets a dangerous precedent that should disqualify him and his party from gaining the reins of power.

December 14, 2022

The notwithstanding clause, or Section 33 of the Charter, allows federal and provincial governments to override certain Charter rights temporarily. Traditionally, its use has been confined to provincial matters, such as Quebec’s secularism laws, where it has already sparked controversy. No Canadian Prime Minister has ever used this clause at the federal level, and for good reason. It represents an extraordinary measure intended for exceptional circumstances, not a tool for advancing populist agendas.

December 6, 2022

Poilievre’s willingness to be the first Prime Minister to wield this clause reflects a concerning alignment with tactics seen south of the border under Donald Trump. Trump’s efforts to undermine the judiciary and politicize the courts have led to a weakening of the checks and balances that are foundational to American democracy. Canadians should be wary of similar trends taking root here.

News: Poilievre’s pledge to use notwithstanding clause a ‘dangerous sign’: legal expert

Critics, including legal experts and political leaders, have voiced strong opposition to Poilievre’s plan. They warn that normalizing the use of the notwithstanding clause for routine legislative purposes could erode the Charter’s protections and lead to further politicization of fundamental rights. This slippery slope could extend beyond criminal justice, potentially threatening academic freedom, reproductive rights, and other areas where individual liberties might clash with political agendas.

March 15, 2025

Public sentiment, as reflected in reader comments and broader discourse, reveals deep apprehension about Poilievre’s intentions. The use of the notwithstanding clause is seen not only as an overreach but also as an indication of Poilievre’s authoritarian tendencies—a “trumpy” approach that prioritizes personal opinion over established legal norms. Such a path risks alienating those who value the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

News: Poilievre says he’ll use notwithstanding clause to ensure multiple-murderers die in prison

November 9 2024

Poilievre’s tough-on-crime rhetoric may resonate with certain voter bases, but the implications of his proposals extend far beyond immediate policy goals. They strike at the heart of Canada’s democratic values and the delicate balance of power that protects citizens’ rights. As we approach the upcoming election, it is crucial for Canadians to consider the long-term consequences of granting power to a leader willing to circumvent the Charter for political gain.

In a time when global democratic institutions face unprecedented challenges, Canada must stand firm in upholding its principles. Poilievre’s promise to invoke the notwithstanding clause is a stark reminder of the stakes at play. It is a promise that, if fulfilled, could fundamentally alter the landscape of Canadian governance. For this reason, it stands as yet another compelling argument.

“Notwithstanding Clause” no doubt instantly triggers eye glazing in vast swaths of Canadians, a nation where many voters remain unaware of its implications until they feel the impact firsthand. Pierre Poilievre, echoing Trump, is using populist outrage to justify potentially overriding judicial independence with the notwithstanding clause, signalling a troubling shift towards authoritarianism. What might have been seen as fear-mongering before an election becomes irrelevant once a movement takes power. When these accusations no longer trigger instinctive reactions, they solidify into harsh realities. Just look south for proof of this. Timbit Trump’s promise to enforce life sentences by bypassing court decisions raises concerns about future threats to constitutional rights, drawing unsettling parallels with recent U.S. politics. Today, Poilievre targets criminal sentencing, but despite denying admiration for Trump, he emulates many strategies from the Trump playbook, suggesting he might next challenge academic freedom, women’s rights, or other constitutional protections. This commitment to undermining judicial independence to consolidate power is the pivotal issue of this election, as it echoes the U.S. pattern of filling the judiciary with like-minded judges and defying court rulings, reflecting a desire to centralize authority. Sure, just what democracy ordered: another leader eager to override court decisions with his own, thanks to the trusty notwithstanding clause. Vote for this at your peril.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 19, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

YouTube: Easter Bunny Rejection https://youtu.be/jDyQEaocYGc

– The Graeme Gallery

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Thursday March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 6, 2025

“America is Back” – A Return to What?

January 21, 2025

The declaration of “America is back” by President Donald Trump rings through the halls of power with a resonance that’s both reassuring to some and disconcerting to others. But as we delve deeper into his policies and the current state of the nation, a pressing question arises: Back to what, precisely? The rhetoric suggests a return to greatness, yet the reality paints a picture that seems to harken back to an era less democratic and more autocratic.

Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China has been described by The Economist as an unexpected upheaval, causing a ripple of economic isolationism reminiscent of the protectionist policies of the late 19th century. Readers of The Globe and Mail express concern that these actions dismantle decades of progress toward free trade that the U.S. once championed. The United States, a founding figure in reducing global trade barriers through agreements like GATT and the WTO, now appears to be retreating to a time when tariffs were the norm rather than the exception.

News: A Combative Trump Says ‘America Is Back’ and Taunts His Political Rivals

February 7, 2025

The editorial from The Globe and Mail paints a picture of a U.S. pivoting away from its Western allies towards the arms of the Kremlin. This shift raises questions about America’s role as a reliable ally in the post-war era, a period when it provided security and leadership against totalitarianism. Reader comments reflect unease over the abandonment of long-held security guarantees and the potential fallout for global stability. The U.S. seems to be distancing itself from the very alliances it helped to build, suggesting a return to an era of isolationism and unilateralism.

Domestically, Trump’s administration is characterized by significant upheaval, with an unelected billionaire like Elon Musk reportedly wielding power to fire civil servants. The concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals and the erosion of institutional norms evoke a time before the robust checks and balances established by the founding fathers. Reader comments express fears of a permanent alteration in governance, with democracy itself appearing to be under threat.

February 4, 2025

Trump’s rhetoric of annexing territories and embracing former adversaries echoes imperial expansionism. The notion of America “being back” might conjure images of a time when nations were led by divine kings, wielding unchecked power and pursuing imperial ambitions. This raises the question of whether Trump’s vision aligns with the democratic ideals and international cooperation that have long defined American leadership.

Opinion: Pax Americana is over. Donald Trump killed it

As Trump declares “America is back,” the question remains: Back to what historical period does he refer? Is it a return to economic isolationism, diplomatic withdrawal, and centralized power reminiscent of monarchies? For a nation that once stood as a beacon of democracy and global leadership, the current trajectory seems at odds with the principles that have guided it for over two centuries.

February 6, 2019

In this context, the call for vigilance and reflection becomes imperative. Understanding what “America is back” truly means is crucial for the nation and the world, as the implications of this rhetoric reverberate across borders and generations. The path forward must reconcile the nation’s historical ideals with the challenges and complexities of the modern world.

America is back (To c1534)

Just wrapped up another day at the drawing board, capturing the political scene. If you know my work, you’ll recall my detailed chart of English and British monarchs. In the Trump 2.0 era, though he’s been in power just six weeks, I’ve already illustrated him in royal attire a few times.

U.S. history has seen presidents compared to overbearing kings when they veer from the essence of a presidency, rooted in the republic’s founding ideals. Yet here we are with Donald Trump, the “anti-President,” echoing the Vatican’s anti-popes and Oliver Cromwell’s flirtation with kingship. Trump, who seems to relish the company of monarchs and dictators, has expressed his kingly aspirations openly.

What’s more, his followers are urging him to break term limits and push for a third term, a notion that challenges the legitimacy of democratic elections. It’s as if Trump and his circle of enablers have forgotten that a U.S. President isn’t meant to play king. With MAGA’s fealty and his grand rhetoric about territories, when Trump says “America is Back,” it feels like a nod to Tudor times

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for March 6, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Saturday March 1, 2025

March 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 1, 2025

Also Published in the Toronto Star. Also, the Daily Cartoonist.

The Oval Office Clash and America’s Troubling Shift in Foreign Policy

February 27, 2025

The recent explosive meeting in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has laid bare a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy. The disgraceful behaviour displayed by Trump and Vance not only confirms a departure from traditional American values but also signals a realignment with authoritarianism and financial interests over democratic principles.

Historically, the United States has been regarded as the leader of the free world, championing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. However, the confrontation with Zelenskyy reveals a stark departure from these ideals. Trump’s demand for gratitude and his ultimatum to Zelenskyy, alongside Vance’s aggressive lecturing, highlight an administration more interested in transactional diplomacy than principled leadership.

News: Trump, Vance shout at Zelenskyy in combative Oval Office meeting

February 21, 2025

This meeting, intended to finalize a minerals deal, devolved into a shouting match that resembled a scripted wrestling show, complete with public posturing and choreographed chaos. Such theatrics might be expected from a WWE event, but in the context of international diplomacy, they are both extraordinary and alarming. The behaviour of Trump and Vance, with its lack of decorum and respect, was not just a diplomatic faux pas; it was a deliberate display of bullying that undermines America’s standing on the global stage.

The comparison of this spectacle to a fixed wrestling match is not far-fetched. The meeting’s dynamics, with Vance’s sudden attack on Zelenskyy triggering Trump’s tirade, seemed orchestrated to humiliate the Ukrainian leader and assert dominance. This aligns disturbingly with the tactics of a narcissist, where manipulation and coercion replace genuine dialogue and negotiation.

January 21, 2025

Beyond the embarrassing display, the geopolitical implications are profound. The administration’s stance appears increasingly aligned with Vladimir Putin’s interests. Trump’s praise of Putin, coupled with his skepticism of Ukraine, suggests a pivot towards accommodating Russian narratives. This shift raises questions about the integrity of U.S. foreign policy and its commitment to supporting allies like Ukraine, who are fighting for their survival against aggression.

Furthermore, the administration’s focus on economic deals over strategic alliances indicates a prioritization of financial gain over moral leadership. This transactional approach, where everything is reduced to a negotiation chip, erodes the very foundation of alliances and partnerships built on shared values and mutual respect.

News: Tempers flare before Zelensky abruptly departs the White House without signing a minerals deal

October 26, 2024

In light of these developments, the perception of the United States as a beacon of democracy is under threat. The world watched in dismay as Trump and Vance’s conduct betrayed the principles America once stood for. The incident not only damages U.S.-Ukraine relations but also emboldens adversaries like Russia, who seek to exploit divisions within the Western alliance.

As the dust settles from this diplomatic debacle, it is crucial for American leaders and citizens alike to reflect on the country’s direction. The path towards aligning with tyranny and prioritizing the mighty dollar over democratic ideals is a perilous one. It is time for a recommitment to the values that have long defined American leadership on the world stage, ensuring that the United States remains a champion of freedom, not a supporter of authoritarianism.

Reflections on a Diplomatic Debacle

As I settled into my Chinese takeout lunch today, the news of the extraordinary and disgraceful Oval Office meeting broke, overshadowing the earlier event where UK Labour leader Keir Starmer had lavished flattery upon President Trump. Starmer had outdone even President Macron by presenting a personal letter from King Charles, inviting Trump for an unprecedented second state visit. This diplomatic maneuver, though noteworthy, was quickly eclipsed by the chaotic spectacle that unfolded with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In my latest editorial cartoon, I aimed to capture the essence of this debacle. The meeting, intended as a diplomatic engagement, devolved into a performance reminiscent of a WWE match. President Zelenskyy, a leader who has emerged as a symbol of resilience and freedom since Trump and Vance’s inauguration, was treated with shocking disrespect. The hosts, Trump and Vance, behaved as though they were managing a drive-thru restaurant rather than conducting a serious diplomatic dialogue.

This event reflects a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy, where theatrics and transactional diplomacy overshadow genuine leadership and support for democratic ideals. The cartoon serves as a visual critique of how the current administration’s actions have undermined America’s standing as the leader of the free world, with Zelenskyy stepping into that void as a beacon of courage and determination.

Through humour and satire, my cartoon aims to provoke thought and spark conversations about the values we hold dear and the direction we are heading. It is a call to recognize the importance of integrity, respect, and true leadership in our global interactions.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for March 1, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 21, 2025 (also, The Toronto Star)

Trump’s Dangerous Dance with Authoritarianism: Rewriting Reality

October 26, 2024

In a world increasingly fraught with geopolitical tensions and the stark realities of authoritarian aggression, the responsibility of democratic nations to uphold truth and justice has never been more critical. As former President Donald Trump seeks to rewrite history by casting Ukraine as a villain and its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as a dictator, it is imperative that the global community stands united against this dangerous narrative.

The facts are clear and undisputed: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was an unprovoked act of aggression, a blatant breach of international law, and a humanitarian disaster that has claimed countless innocent lives. Ukraine, under the steadfast leadership of Zelenskyy, has fought valiantly to defend its sovereignty and democratic principles against an authoritarian regime bent on its destruction.

December 10, 2024

Trump’s recent comments not only distort these truths but also align disturbingly with the playbook of authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, a man widely recognized as a war criminal due to his regime’s actions in Ukraine. By shifting blame onto the victim of this brutal conflict, Trump undermines the very principles of justice and democracy that the United States and its allies have long championed.

As highlighted in a New York Times piece by Peter Baker, Trump’s revisionism involves “a striking distortion of reality,” where he falsely accuses Ukraine of initiating the conflict and portrays Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections.” Such rhetoric not only misleads but also endangers the fragile alliances and support systems that have been built to uphold international law and order.

News: Trump Flips the Script on the Ukraine War, Blaming Zelensky Not Putin

September 28, 2024

This revisionist rhetoric poses a grave threat to the established world order, one that has, despite its imperfections, largely sought to promote peace, stability, and human rights. By sowing doubt and division, Trump risks weakening the unity of Western nations and emboldening authoritarian regimes that see opportunity in discord.

It is incumbent upon the leaders of democratic nations, including those in Europe, Canada, the UK, and beyond, to resist this dangerous narrative. Silence in the face of such blatant misinformation and revisionism is not an option. To remain silent is to tacitly endorse a worldview that values power over principle, lies over truth, and tyranny over freedom.

February 13, 2024

As one courageous GOP congressman pointed out, Vladimir Putin’s actions warrant the label of war criminal, a fact that cannot be ignored or softened by political expediency. It is a moral and ethical imperative for politicians, regardless of party affiliation, to speak out against any attempt to rehabilitate or justify his regime’s actions.

History will judge those who, in a time of moral crisis, chose the path of least resistance. It will remember those who stood by and allowed truth to be eclipsed by falsehoods for political gain. But it will also honour those who had the courage to speak out, to defend the values of democracy and human rights, and to stand with the oppressed against their oppressors.

In this pivotal moment, the global community must reaffirm its commitment to these principles. We must reject revisionism, support the victims of aggression, and hold accountable those who seek to distort reality for their own ends. Only by doing so can we hope to preserve the fragile peace and order that so many have fought and died to protect.

Today, I poured my creativity into crafting a cartoon that tackles a situation fraught with serious implications. The focus was on former President Donald Trump’s recent statements about Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the cartoon’s lighthearted approach, the underlying issues are deeply concerning.

It’s telling that a lot of people say everything Trump says is a lie, reflecting a widespread skepticism and mistrust. This perception adds a layer of complexity, especially as Trump leads efforts to broker peace in a critical conflict with questionable intentions. Many still believe him, which only deepens the divide between those who seek truth and those who follow his narrative.

While the cartoon aims to entertain, it also highlights the troubling reality of misleading rhetoric. It underscores my worry about the direction of global politics and the urgent need for leaders who prioritize truth and genuine peace efforts.

Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 21, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack