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Friday April 11, 2025

Trump's erratic tariff strategy has isolated the U.S., damaging trust and alliances while raising suspicions of market manipulation.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 11, 2025 (Also, The Toronto Star, April 13, 2025)

A Circus of Chaos and Consequences

Trump's aggressive trade policies, particularly against China, create risks and uncertainties in an already fragile global economy.

April 10, 2025

In the annals of American leadership, few figures have managed to blend showmanship with governance quite like Donald Trump. Touting himself as the mastermind behind “The Art of the Deal,” Trump promised to harness his negotiating prowess to fortify the U.S. economy and elevate its standing on the global stage. Yet, as recent events have painfully demonstrated, Trump’s leadership style has proven less an art form and more a chaotic spectacle, reminiscent of a ratings-dropping game show rather than strategic statecraft.

Opinion: What Trump Just Cost America

Trump’s recent decision to impose and then abruptly pause tariffs, excluding China, has not only destabilized markets but shattered trust in American leadership. Announcing a 90-day pause, Trump expected foreign leaders to flock to his door, eager to negotiate. Instead, as Thomas L. Friedman of The New York Times aptly noted, his actions have echoed the old adage: if you hire clowns, expect a circus.

The administration’s rationale for these tariffs — from curbing fentanyl to funding tax cuts — fluctuated as erratically as the stock market during his tenure. Trump’s so-called principles crumbled under pressure, revealing a strategy not rooted in sound economic theory but in impulse-driven theatrics. The result? A loss of billions and an even more invaluable currency: trust.

Opinion: America is lost. But we can still save the rest of the world from Trump’s tariffs

President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs risk isolating the U.S. economically and diplomatically, as allies retaliate and rethink their reliance on American partnerships.

April 3, 2025

In one fell swoop, Trump equated long-standing allies with adversaries like China and Russia, applying tariffs indiscriminately and disregarding decades of partnership. Countries that stood shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. in moments of global crisis were left questioning their alliance with a nation that seemed to value spectacle over substance.

Friedman likened this diplomatic blunder to the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan — a strategic misstep that Trump’s tariffs have now emulated in the trade arena. Yet, unlike Afghanistan, this self-imposed trade war has no exit strategy, leaving America isolated at a time when unity is paramount.

Trump’s approach to China, a nation with vast manufacturing capabilities, was a tactical misfire. Rather than rallying global allies to address trade imbalances collaboratively, Trump went it alone, fostering animosity instead of alliance. Friedman highlights this failure to unite against a common economic rival as a critical error, strengthening Beijing’s position while allies now view China as a more stable partner than the unpredictable U.S.

News: Trump’s Encouragement of Stock Investors Draws Scrutiny

Trump's cabinet is characterized by loyalty-driven appointments, where fealty often overshadows expertise, raising concerns about governance integrity.

March 26, 2025

The Trump era’s hallmark is not economic resurgence but rather a profound erosion of American values and influence. His administration’s apparent disregard for ethical governance has fueled suspicions of market manipulation and insider trading, with allegations, as Friedman points out, that Trump’s inner circle profited from his policy pivots. Such actions, if proven, would underscore a presidency marred by self-interest and oligarchic tendencies.

In the end, Trump’s “Art of the Deal” narrative unfolds more like an episode of “Let’s Make a Deal,” where the stakes are not merely ratings but the very credibility and leadership of the United States. As the curtain falls on this chapter of American policymaking, the world grapples with a sobering reality: faith in American leadership has been not just shaken, but shattered.

As America navigates the aftermath of Trump’s tenure, it must work tirelessly to rebuild the bridges burned by his reckless policies. This requires a commitment to transparency, ethical governance, and strategic alliances that prioritize collective prosperity over individual gain. Only then can the U.S. hope to restore its standing as a leader not just in power, but in principle.

Pardon the Conspiracy theory But… As I’ve been reading through various articles and the comments sections, one thing is clear: the idea of insider trading is dominating people’s minds. Many are questioning who might have been tipped off about the reversal. It feels eerily similar to the 2008 scenario, with concerns about how many people panicked and sold low, only for a select few to profit when the market surged.

The opinion pieces aren’t holding back either, pointing out how Trump’s actions have not only wiped out investments but also eroded trust in the system. It’s frustrating to see such recklessness from someone in charge, and the lack of transparency and accountability is a real concern.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 11, 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 July 13, 2024

The Wild West of Print on Demand

AliExpress Piracy  Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3  |  Part 4   |  Part 5  | Part 6 | Fight Back

 

Duking it out with the online pirates

For those who know me, it’s no secret that for years I’ve been sharing my unique designs through Redbubble and TeePublic. My passion for creating original art has brought over 300 captivating pieces to life, each one reflecting my journey as an editorial cartoonist since 1997. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for something special, my gallery has something for everyone! Thousands of people around the world have made purchases of my designs over the years. There’s a nice steady flow of royalties I receive every month from sales – not enough for me to quit my day job, but enough to help pay the bills in our soaring cost of living world!

What follows though, is the sinister side of being an artist making a few bucks selling designs online.

Welcome to the chaotic realm of print on demand, where creativity meets copycats, and ethical practices seem like a distant dream. It’s a jungle out there, and unfortunately, companies like Printerval, AliExpress and yes, Amazon.com are swinging from the branches, ready to snatch up original artwork without a second thought.

Take my design of Theodore Roosevelt, for instance. Proudly available on my Redbubble shop here, this piece showcases Roosevelt’s larger-than-life personality and historical significance. Yet, what’s this? A quick glance reveals that it has been repurposed by multiple intellectual property thieves:

  • Jeff A Jacobson over on Printerval? Check it out here.
  • Divya Agrawal, another thief, who thought it would be a good idea to steal my design, available here.
  • Then there’s the cutely named Teal Narwhal Lillis, (click the link to see their gallery of intellectual property theft) who decided to jump on the bandwagon with a slightly different take on my design, found here.
  • And let’s not forget Ryan Miller, who has his own version floating around here.

Nice try, everyone, but originality seems to have taken a vacation!

It doesn’t stop there. Amazon.com, the giant conglomerate dominating the planet sells all kinds of repurposed intellectual property.

I’ve spent the past two weeks of my own Summer holidays making Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) reports to Jeff Bezos’ worker bees getting nothing done about the following designs, so maybe Jeff, the latest Intellectual Property Thief Donkey inductee to my pantheon will be shamed into finally doing something.

Ulysses S. Grant: So, GFL Graphics (click the link to see their gallery of intellectual property theft) thought they could swipe my design and sell it on Amazon—guess originality isn’t their strong suit! Legit here vs. Pirate here. Look carefully at his left heel where it says “MacKay Cartoons” – still not enough evidence for Amazon to remove it. To them it’s just fine because some sucker will drop $5 on a blurry low resolution image. Did they come to their senses and remove their willful act of piracy? Here it is in perpetuity.

John Adams: Vision Graphics clearly couldn’t resist lifting my John Adams design and calling it their own—creative genius at work! Legit here vs. Pirate here.

Donald Trump: MagX USA decided my Trump magnet was fair game for a quick cash grab—nothing says “artist” like recycling! Legit here vs. Pirate here.

The China-based AliExpress, an arm of e-commerce giant Alibaba from Hangzhou, is the east’s answer to Amazon, but with a particularly egregious disregard for intellectual property rights. Their infringement reporting process is a nightmare, demanding piles of personal information before they even consider your complaint. Do I want to hand over sensitive documents to a foreign entity mired in political controversy? Hard pass. So, instead, I’ll let them—and all of you—know about their criminal activities right here:

The AliExpress repurposed version of my President Theodore Roosevelt design through this link, which was ripped off from my original work on Redbubble through this link. 

The AliExpress repurposed version of my President Abraham Lincoln design through this link, which was ripped off from my original work through this link. The abusing individual seller’s account name is Lorraine Living Store (such a nice boutique name – find your choice pirated merchandise here!)

The AliExpress repurposed version of my Karl Marx design (I know, ironic as it is) through this link, which was ripped off from my original work through this link. The abusing individual seller’s account name is Felice Livingroom Store (how quaint.)

2023 Coronation Design

The AliExpress repurposed version of my iconic The Kings And Queens Of England design can be found officially at Redbubble through this link. Another lovely ripoff is here. And for a final insult, check out this terribly placed product here. All are blatant ripoffs from my original work here.

I expect the company to remain blissfully unaware of these and other unmentioned infractions. I’ve informed AliExpress of these violations even though my website’s firewall prevents any visitors from mainland China to access it through the Internet. They don’t care.

This isn’t just a one-off incident. Countless creators like me are battling the tidal wave of theft that floods these POD platforms. It’s a sad reality that many of these companies prioritize profit over principles, turning a blind eye to the rampant design piracy that plagues their marketplaces. They seem perfectly content to churn out pixelated, low-quality products that inevitably end up in landfills, all while raking in the cash.

What’s more frustrating? The vast number of dissatisfied customers who, after receiving their shoddy products, leave scathing reviews, as expressed as follows with regard to Printerval, AliExpress, and Amazon.  It’s like ordering a gourmet meal and getting a cold microwave dinner instead. These POD giants need to realize that when they allow thieves to thrive, they’re not just hurting artists; they’re damaging their own reputations.

Feel free to take advantage of the low prices of any of the above unethical print-on-demand companies.  In exchange for my pirated work, aggravation will most certainly result. The design will be blurry, because they’ve used low resolution jpegs. They will be printed on cheap, substandard quality merchandise, and when the product takes forever to arrive (or never arrive) on your doorstep, good luck receiving customer service when you inevitably register your complaints to get refunded.

I can attest from my own experience that the companies I contract in terms of vending, distribution and billing – Redbubble and TeePublic – are excellent. They act swiftly on the odd ripoffs that weasel their way on to the platform, and for the most part ensure that the best quality of purchases are delivered to their customers. They also allow sellers to determine their royalties. Mine are mostly set at 25%, which is, yes, pretty high, but fair.

So, here’s my challenge to these companies: If you’re going to profit off artists’ hard work, at least have the decency to vet your sellers and enforce some standards. Because right now, it looks like a free-for-all where creativity goes to die.

Let’s make some noise, folks! If you care about supporting true artistry, think twice before buying from these platforms. We need to hold these companies accountable for their actions, or lack thereof. The future of creative integrity hangs in the balance, and it’s time to start shaming the companies that prioritize profits over principles.

ALIBABA (update August 2, 2024)

AliExpress, the China based print on demand site is particularly tedious to deal with in trying to get infringements removed. Several steps have to be accomplished and a few official documents have to be handed over to prove you are who you are and the designs you’re complaining about are yours. I’m going along with the process and have initiated and progressing with getting the pirated images off their platforms. First I had to register who I am. Second I had to register my designs. Third I have to file my complaints, which is where I am now on August 2, 2024. Many thanks to the person behind OH PLESIOSAUR, who’s provided great tips on getting things moving. Here’s what I’m working on:

This design (British and English Monarchy) is featured on my professional website that acts as a portal to authorized print-on-demand vendors of the design. AliExpress nor its partners are authorized to sell products bearing this design. The links provided below infringe on my intellectual property and need to be removed promptly.  

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805091262032.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805091291870.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804743724318.html    by Shop1102419444 Store

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806765757180.html   by Shop1103741147 Store

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807179482974.html   by Shop1103706163 Store

DENIED: https://aliexpress.ru/item/1005005277576784.html   Shop1102676079 Store

Message from Alibaba IP Protection Platform (August 2, 2024): Congratulations you complaints submitted success!  Your complaint has been submitted successfully. Your complaint will be reviewed as soon as possible, please pay close attention to the complaint processing progress. Thank you for using the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group Intellectual Property Protection Platform!

Tuesday May 16, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 16, 2023

Maxime Bernier’s PPC and its potential impact on the Conservative Party

August 17, 2018

The People’s Party of Canada (PPC) and its leader Maxime Bernier are making headlines again, with Bernier announcing his candidacy in a coming byelection in rural Manitoba. He has called the vote a “two-horse race” between himself and a “fake conservative”, suggesting that he sees the Conservative party as his main competition.

The PPC’s showing in the last federal election suggests that Bernier’s prediction may not be too far off. In Portage-Lisgar, where the byelection will be held, the PPC candidate received 22% of the vote. While that may not seem like a significant portion, it is enough to potentially split the right-wing vote and give the Liberals or the NDP a better chance of winning the seat.

Opinion: Pierre Poilievre needs to unite Canada’s conservatives 

December 14, 2022

The PPC’s rise has been a concern for the Conservative party since Bernier split from the party in 2018. Since then, Bernier has been a vocal critic of the Conservatives, accusing them of being no different from the Liberals and NDP. He has also rallied against what he sees as Canada’s moral and cultural degeneracy, which he believes has been worsened by the pandemic.

Despite his criticisms, Bernier has not indicated any plans to merge with the Conservatives. Instead, he has compared the PPC to the former Reform Party, saying he has learned from their mistakes. However, the possibility of vote-splitting remains a real concern for the Conservatives in upcoming elections.

While it remains to be seen how the PPC will perform in the next federal election, it is clear that they are a force to be reckoned with. Whether they will be the deciding factor in future races or merely a footnote remains to be seen, but their influence on Canadian politics should not be underestimated. (AI)

 

Thursday December 8, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 8, 2022

Red states and blue states; the coming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

November 17, 2022

Donald J. Trump’s unusually early announcement of a third presidential campaign was aimed in part at clearing the Republican field for 2024, but his first three weeks as a candidate have undercut that goal, highlighting his vulnerabilities and giving considerable ammunition to those in the G.O.P. arguing to turn the page on him.

Since emerging from the November election with a string of humiliating losses to show for his pretensions to be a midterm kingmaker, Mr. Trump has entertained a leading white supremacist and a celebrity antisemite at his South Florida mansion.

He has suggested terminating the Constitution — the one that a president swears to preserve, protect and defend — in furtherance of his long-running lie that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

Friday April 9, 2021

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 9, 2021

Canada’s public health data meltdown

For weeks, Canadians have been casting their envious eyes to Israel, where more than half the country has been inoculated against COVID-19. Israel, less than a quarter the size of Canada, has administered nearly twice as many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

December 11, 2020

The Middle Eastern country has some innate advantages: It is small and centralized, and offered top dollar to ensure vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna would come fast, and in large volumes. But geography and money aren’t the reason why Israel is outpacing Canada by 10-to-one.

Israel has the vaccines because it has the data.

In its shrewd deal with Pfizer, Israel offered to turn the country into one giant clinical trial: Providing the vaccine manufacturer unprecedented large-scale visibility as to the vaccine’s efficacy. It’s all made possible because of the country’s state-of-the-art information technology and robust national vaccination database.

The rest of the world is currently benefiting from that incredibly granular information.

December 21, 2016

Canada could never have struck such a deal. Its health technology is, charitably, a decade out of date. It lacks the ability to adequately track infectious disease outbreaks, efficiently manage vaccine supply chains and storage, quickly administer doses, and monitor immunity and adverse reactions on a national basis.

Even though all the shipments of vaccines arriving in Canada come with scannable barcodes, to make tracking and logistics easier—with some manufacturers even barcoding the vials themselves—no Canadian province can scan them. In many provinces, pharmacies can’t access the provincial vaccine registry. Provinces do not automatically submit reports on COVID-19 cases or vaccines into the federal system, and must submit reports manually. Many crucial reports are still submitted by fax: Where fax has recently been phased out, they have been replaced by emailed PDFs.

March 31, 2021

Ours is a dumb system of pen-and-paper and Excel spreadsheets, in a world quickly heading towards smart systems of big data analytics, machine learning and blockchain. It’s unclear how Ottawa will be able to issue vaccine passports, even if it wants to.

At the core of the omnishambles is a simple fact that Canada has no national public health information system, but 13 different regional ones. Many of those regional systems have smaller, disconnected, systems within: Like a Russian nesting doll of antiquated technology.

But there’s good news: It doesn’t have to be this way. In some parts of the country, real progress is being made. Small technology start-ups are figuring out cheap, scalable and innovative solutions. In some provinces, progress can be as simple as updating operating systems.

If we are ever going to build efficient, cost-effective, and effective health infrastructure, Ottawa needs to take the lead. We need to abandon the idea that federalism requires us to have each sub-national government run entirely independent, walled-off, health databases.

We need data sharing. We need shared infrastructure. We need a national public health system. (Continued: MacLean’s)