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Thursday July 25, 2024

July 24, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canada's women's soccer team has marred the start of Paris 2024 with a scandal involving espionage through a drone, casting a shadow over their Olympic reputation and joining the ranks of infamous state-sponsored cheating scandals.

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

Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.

Canada’s Soccer Scandal: A Humiliating Start to Paris 2024

December 3, 2022

In a misstep that has overshadowed their gold-medal glory, the Canadian women’s soccer team has managed to kick off the Paris 2024 Olympics with a scandal that’s less “sportsmanship” and more “spy game.” Yes, Canada’s latest Olympic entry is not a record-breaking performance but a full-blown scandal involving espionage with a drone.

Let’s put this into perspective. When we talk about state-sponsored doping, countries like Russia, China, and North Korea come to mind. Russia’s doping scandal, exposed in 2015, involved a sprawling state-supported program so elaborate it could have been scripted by a spy novelist. This wasn’t just about athletes taking banned substances; it was a coordinated effort involving falsified tests and a state-run cover-up. The fallout? Russian athletes were banned from competing under their flag, and the country faced severe sanctions from international sports organizations.

News: Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Caught Spying on Opponent With Drone Ahead of Olympics

August 1, 2012

China, too, has had its fair share of doping controversies. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Chinese government’s doping programs were so widespread that they seemed to be operating with the sole purpose of winning medals at any cost. This systematic abuse led to stripped medals and a long-term black mark on their sports programs, with many athletes suffering lasting health consequences.

North Korea, while less documented, has not escaped suspicion. Allegations of state-sponsored doping have hovered over the country, with rumours suggesting a pattern of using performance-enhancing drugs to elevate its athletes on the world stage. Despite the murkiness of the evidence, the association with such practices damages their reputation.

Fast forward to Canada’s present-day debacle: our women’s soccer team, in a bid for an edge over New Zealand, turned to spying—using a drone to capture training sessions. French authorities caught Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst, and assistant coach Jasmine Mander in the act. They were promptly sent home, and head coach Bev Priestman offered to step down from the opening match, a gesture accepted in an attempt to salvage some semblance of integrity. Yet, the damage was done.

Opinion: Canada’s soccer spying scandal is a humiliating way to kick off Paris 2024

February 27, 2018

The Canadian Olympic Committee’s decision to mandate ethics training for staff following these Games underscores a glaring issue: if we need to be reminded that cheating is wrong, we have a bigger problem. This scandal, involving the unauthorized drone and espionage, not only casts a long shadow over the team’s achievements but also puts Canada in an uncomfortable spotlight, alongside those infamous states known for their ethical breaches.

So, ask yourself, is this the legacy Canada wants to build at Paris 2024? Are we aiming to join the ranks of Russia, China, and North Korea in the annals of disgrace? This isn’t just a minor lapse; it’s a significant blemish on a nation that once prided itself on fairness and sportsmanship.

March 3, 2010

As the Olympic Games unfold, will Canada be remembered for its athletic prowess or for this sordid episode? The hope is that this scandal will be seen as an isolated incident in an otherwise illustrious sporting tradition. However, if this is the new face of Canadian sportsmanship, perhaps our Olympic motto needs a rethink—“Own the Podium by Any Means Necessary” might be closer to the truth than we’d like to admit. (AI)


Reader Comments

Meta Al – What people are saying

The comments react to a controversy involving Team Canada and spying at the Olympics, with many expressing embarrassment, shame, and disappointment. One comment notes that while the behaviour was not ethical, it is a common practice in sports. (Click on the image below to read reactions)


 

 

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: 2024-13, balloon, blimp, Canada, commentary, drone, Eiffel Tower, ethics, Feedback, football, France, olympics, Paris, soccer, Sports, spying, Team Canada, women

Tuesday July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024 by Graeme MacKay
Kamala Harris's candidacy offers a dynamic and historic alternative to Donald Trump, with the potential to energize the Democratic base and appeal to swing voters despite significant challenges.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 23, 2024

Kamala Harris: The New Hope for Democrats in the 2024 Election

The 2024 presidential debate has triggered a critical reassessment of Joe Biden's candidacy, stemming from concerns over his perceived weakness and inability to counter Donald Trump's falsehoods and controversial positions.

June 29, 2024

As President Joe Biden steps down from the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. This momentous decision injects new energy into the Democratic campaign, positioning Harris as the frontrunner to take on Donald Trump in what promises to be an intense and historic election.

Kamala Harris brings a fresh and dynamic presence to the Democratic ticket. At 59, she inverts the age argument that has plagued Biden’s candidacy, effectively neutralizing one of Trump’s key lines of attack. Unlike the 81-year-old Biden, Harris’s relative youth and vigour offer a stark contrast to Trump, who will turn 80 while in office if re-elected.

Harris’s prosecutorial background is another significant asset. Her sharp, incisive questioning during her time on the Senate Judiciary Committee and her memorable performance in the 2019 Democratic debates showcased her ability to prosecute the case against Trump. Now, with Trump facing multiple felony convictions, Harris is uniquely positioned to highlight his legal troubles, adding a potent weapon to her campaign arsenal.

Opinion: If Harris Is the Nominee, It Still Won’t Be Easy to Beat Trump

March 20, 2021

Moreover, Harris has the potential to re-energize core Democratic constituencies that felt alienated in recent years. Her historic candidacy as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to be nominated for the presidency is expected to galvanize voters, particularly among Black and younger demographics. This surge of enthusiasm is already evident, with Democrats contributing over $60 million online in a single day following Biden’s exit.

However, Harris’s candidacy is not without its challenges. Her favourability ratings have been consistently lower than Biden’s and Trump’s, posing a significant hurdle. Many voters still view her unfavourably, and she trails Trump in several national and battleground state polls. This necessitates a strategic reintroduction to the American public, focusing on her strengths and vision for the future.

Opinion: Kamala Harris’s early momentum shows there’s a path for Democratic recovery

August 8, 2003 ‘To those who never watched the ’80s TV show, Diff’rent Strokes, apologies are in order for not getting a chuckle from this cartoon. More than any other cartoon I drew this year, this one seemed to be a hit among a generation of 30-somethings who, like me, grew up watching the stupid program featuring pint-size actor Gary Coleman.’ - Graeme MacKay

August 8, 2003

Harris must also overcome the perception of being a “California liberal,” a label that could alienate moderate and swing voters. Her political origins in one of the most liberal states and her positions to the left of Biden during the 2020 primaries could be used against her. To counter this, Harris needs to emphasize a centrist, inclusive agenda that appeals to the broad electorate, much like Biden did in 2020.

To succeed, Harris must articulate a clear, optimistic vision for America. She needs to go beyond merely positioning herself as the anti-Trump candidate. Voters are looking for positive change and practical solutions to pressing issues such as healthcare, economic inequality, and reproductive rights. By focusing on policies that resonate with a majority of Americans, like paid maternity leave, government-funded childcare, and universal healthcare, Harris can build a compelling case for her presidency.

February 11, 2020

Additionally, embracing a competitive primary process could strengthen her candidacy. As some readers of Nate Cohn’s article suggested, facing challengers like governors Whitmer and Shapiro could force Harris to prove her mettle and earn the nomination, ultimately enhancing her electability.

Kamala Harris’s candidacy represents a new chapter for the Democratic Party and the nation. Her combination of youth, prosecutorial skill, and historic significance offers a promising alternative to the divisiveness and chaos of the Trump era. By leveraging her strengths and addressing her challenges head-on, Harris can position herself as a beacon of hope and progress.

Analysis: The Promise, and Risks, in Turning to Kamala Harris

In the aftermath of Super Tuesday, with Trump's resurgence and Biden facing concerns about his age, the upcoming U.S. election requires the campaign teams to dispel perceptions – one addressing Trump's potential authoritarianism and strategic choices, and the other countering worries about Biden's fitness for the presidency.

March 7, 2024

In a political climate where voters are weary of hate, bigotry, and inequality, Harris’s message of compassion, inclusivity, and forward-thinking policies could resonate deeply. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with a strategic campaign and a clear vision, Kamala Harris has the potential to not only defeat Donald Trump but also lead America towards a brighter, more hopeful future.

As Bill Maher quipped back in March, many were ready to vote for Biden’s “head in a jar of blue liquid” over Trump. Now, with Harris at the forefront, Democrats have an even more compelling candidate who can energize the base, appeal to swing voters, and ultimately win the 2024 election. The stakes are high, but the opportunity for transformative change is within reach. (AI)

 

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2024-13, Donald Trump, election, football, game, J.D. Vance, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, shadow, USA

Saturday June 29, 2024

June 29, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

The 2024 presidential debate has triggered a critical reassessment of Joe Biden's candidacy, stemming from concerns over his perceived weakness and inability to counter Donald Trump's falsehoods and controversial positions.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 29, 2024

*An animated Making-of clip can be found here.

America Needs a New Challenger Against Trump

Live Drawing: the highs an Lows of Debate 2024

The United States finds itself at a critical juncture once again, grappling with a presidential election that echoes the disillusionment of past choices. As observed in Thomas L. Friedman’s poignant reflection on the recent debate, Joe Biden, a respected figure, has faltered under the weight of his age, evident in a debate performance that left many disheartened. Friedman’s words resonate deeply: “I watched the Biden-Trump debate alone in a Lisbon hotel room, and it made me weep. I cannot remember a more heartbreaking moment in American presidential campaign politics in my lifetime.”

Friedman: Joe Biden Is a Good Man and a Good President. He Must Bow Out of the Race

In the midst of awaiting the verdict in the Stormy Daniels affair, the resonance of past scandals underscores the daunting challenge for Donald Trump to navigate a political future already marred by a litany of controversies, including allegations of collusion with Russia, impeachment proceedings, and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 30, 2024

In 2024, Donald Trump, despite his divisive tenure and legal troubles, remains a formidable contender. The grim reality of facing a convicted felon with autocratic tendencies in another election cycle underscores the urgency for Democrats to act decisively. The sentiment expressed by critics is clear: Biden’s stumbling performance against Trump’s barrage of lies was not just a setback but a stark reminder of the need for new leadership.

The sentiment among Democrats, encapsulated in Friedman’s column, reflects a growing urgency: “The Biden family and political team must gather quickly and have the hardest of conversations with the president, a conversation of love and clarity and resolve.” This call to action is not merely about electoral strategy but about safeguarding democracy itself from the spectre of Trumpism.

August 7, 2020

The lack of robust fact-checking during the debate, as highlighted in a subsequent article, left many falsehoods unchallenged, perpetuating a narrative that could sway undecided voters. As noted, moderators took a hands-off approach, allowing Trump’s misleading claims to linger without sufficient rebuttal. This underscores the need for a candidate who can not only confront Trump’s rhetoric but also offer a compelling alternative vision for America’s future.

At this pivotal juncture, the Democratic Party must heed the lessons of history and embrace a new challenger who embodies vitality, clarity, and a bold vision for the nation. The stakes are high: a choice between “a con man who thrives on chaos and division,” as articulated in the analysis, and a candidate who can restore faith in democratic governance and lead America forward.

Analysis: ‘You’re the sucker, you’re the loser’: 90 miserable minutes of Biden v Trump

In the aftermath of Super Tuesday, with Trump's resurgence and Biden facing concerns about his age, the upcoming U.S. election requires the campaign teams to dispel perceptions – one addressing Trump's potential authoritarianism and strategic choices, and the other countering worries about Biden's fitness for the presidency.

March 7, 2024

The upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago presents a crucial opportunity to showcase a robust public process that engages voters and energizes the party’s base. This openness, as advocated in the articles, is essential in identifying a candidate who can unite disparate factions and appeal broadly across the political spectrum.

While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, one thing remains clear: America cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. The Democratic Party must summon the courage to pivot away from Biden’s candidacy if necessary, guided by the imperative to offer voters a compelling alternative to the tumultuous chapter of Trump’s presidency. This decision, as emphasized in the articles, must prioritize the nation’s future over political expediency and demonstrate unwavering commitment to the principles that define America’s democratic ethos.

The choice in 2024 is not just about defeating Trump; it is about reclaiming America’s moral authority and reaffirming its commitment to a future that is inclusive, just, and resilient. This moment demands bold leadership and decisive action from Democrats. The time to act is now. (AI)

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2024-12, animation, conspiracy, David and Goliath, debate, deep state, Donald Trump, football, Joe Biden, men in grey suits, Sports, USA

Saturday December 11, 2021

December 12, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday December 11, 2021

Fans feeling the love, excitement as CFL’s premier game set to kick off

Chants of “Oskee Wee Wee” are echoing through Hamilton, the streets flooded with CFL jerseys from across the country and rival fans are taking part in some good-natured ribbing.

It’s Grey Cup Sunday and the energy surrounding the biggest game in Canadian football can be felt around much of the city.

“The excitement, the fans, the crowds. It’s just going to be an amazing game,” said Pam Broadley who’s been cheering for the home team, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, for two decades.

The Ticats take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at 6 p.m. ET.

It’s a rematch of the last time the Grey Cup was awarded in 2019, in Calgary, after last season was cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (CBC) 

 

Posted in: Canada, Hamilton Tagged: 2021-41, blue bombers, cfl, football, Grey Cup, Hamilton, Mascot, Ticats, tiger-cats, Winnipeg

Monday September 7, 2020

September 7, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Fantasy Classic 2020

Illustration by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Labour Day, September 7, 2020

‘It’s like they made the whole thing up’

The Tiger-Cats, the Argos and their colourful fans provide a 2020 Labour Day Classic completely unlike any before

August 20, 2014

Unless Labour Day is part of your geographic and cultural DNA you’d never assume that a single play more than 30 minutes from the end, could determine the final outcome.

Especially when the margin of victory was the minimum one point and the combined score — Hamilton 57, Toronto 56 — was the highest in CFL in history.

But that’s why when we assume on Labour Day, it makes an ass out of u and me, and not just the Toronto Argonauts. 

There were the Argos presuming they could finally add another chapter to the one of the shortest sports books ever written: Great Argonaut Labour Days. But the smug smell of football assumptions turns into a performance-enhancing drug when the Ticats and their fans inhale even a whiff of it.

Toronto captains Joe Krol had correctly predicted Vic Copps’ coin toss to get the northern gale at their backs for the long fourth quarter, a win-advisory in itself. Ever since Environment Canada designated the stadium a National Wind Tunnel, games have been divided into two distinct personalities: you can score with the wind but not into it.

Which is where the final minute of the first half takes over the story of the 50th Labour Day Classic.

With the Argos riding first-quarter wind advantage to a stunning 44-12 lead, they confidently lined up for a short field-goal attempt into the wind from the Hamilton 20-yard-line. Even a single point would make it a five-score game, and it’s over.

High in the open grandstand, man of the of the people and former Argos owner John Candy, was whooping it up beside his glum Hamilton-raised SCTV buddies Martin Short, Dave Thomas and Eugene Levy, egging on the surly citizens who love him every day but this one.

“I think you meant ‘Don’t Suck!’” he yelled. 

Bad karma, John-Boy.

July 9, 2014

The snap from Norm Stoneburgh, Royal Copeland’s hold, the Lance Chomyc’s powerful swing, the ball soaring 50 feet into the air like a helium balloon … then abruptly plummeting like a lead one as it caught the head wind.

“ I thought I was back in Guelph,” Ticat lineman Mike Filer said.

“I thought I was back in the ’65 Grey Cup,” the Argos’s Dave Raimey and Ticats’ Ellison Kelly said in unison.

Speedy Banks thought he was in returner’s heaven. He caught the ball like an infield fly, dashed past 12 frozen Argos then zigzagged into the South End zone around members of the Ticats Cheer Team who’d prematurely hit the field.

After Troy Davis pounded in the two-point convert everyone, including the instantly-paranoid Argos, knew things had completely changed. Down only 24? On Labour Day? Got ‘em right where we want ‘em.

As Banks tore into the end zone, Evelyn Dick — a season’s ticket holder since the 1950s — dressed all in black screamed with innocent joy.

“I was absolutely out of my head,” she said. then paused “ … just like my husband.”

She was joined in her private box by Johnny Papalia who, like a lot of folks in the Murderer’s Row suites, was there in hologram form only. Deeply-experienced in gory history, they knew what was coming next for the Argos. Down the hall, though, blissfully unaware Toronto mayors Rob Ford, John Tory and Nathan Phillips gloated it over Hamilton’s Lloyd Jackson, Bob Morrow, and Fred Eisenberg.

“They’re just like the fans,” grumbled Ticat owner Harold Ballard. “You can’t get the $#%&*’s to come to regular games, but discounts on Labour Day? You can’t get rid of them.”

Just five minutes before Banks’ 109-yard return Ballard had spontaneously sold the Ticats to Bob Young, muttering “maybe this tech nerd can save them.”

Young immediately asked the Argos to immediately sell him Pinball Clemons for the second half. Clemons had already scored touchdowns in three different ways — by run, by catch and by grinning — but Ticat front office interns, Shawn Burke and Drew Allemang, gently explained why it was against CFL rules.

November 28, 2014

“What kind of business model is that?” Young asked.

By the end of the intermission, Young’s right hand man Scott Mitchell had bought back the stadium naming rights from Krispy Kreme and sold them for five times as much to Ron Joyce and Tim Horton, and through commissioner Randy Ambrosie’s CFL 2.0 Japanese connections, had positioned Hamilton as the default site if Tokyo can’t stage the 2021 Olympics.

Banks’ wind-aided home run sent anticipatory adrenalin surging through the entire stadium, including the halftime massed choir and orchestra. When Crowbar, Terra Lightfoot, Junk House, Frankie Venom and Teenage Head, Arkells, Monster Truck, Garnett and Stan Rogers, and Neil Peart struck their first note, conductor Boris Brott’s glasses disintegrated.

And, over the next 30 minutes, so did the Argonauts. 

The Argos crumbled under a revived and ferocious Hamilton defence, and did not score a second-half point while touching the ball. Ralph Sazio surrendered six safety touches. “Not my first rodeo,” the Ticats’ head coach growled.

Tobin Rote who had combined with Flutie for five touchdown passes in the opening 30 minutes, soon left the game, missing a part of his left ear later found embedded in Angelo Mosca’s face mask.

Meanwhile Danny McManus and Bernie Faloney, sacked a combined eight times in the first half, threw only one incompletion and an interception in the second, while flinging surgical touchdown passes to Hal Patterson, Earl Winfield and Banks. They controlled the clock against the wind too handing off to Willie Bethea, Lee Knight and Bernie Custis, the only guy in the game with a school named after him.

Banks added a punt-return major to his missed field goal and reception touchdowns and scored again when he recovered a fourth-quarter fumble by Dickie Thornton, whose interception seconds earlier should have locked it up, again, for the Argos.

And late in the fourth quarter, Banks lined up deep in the backfield and as Joe Zuger’s punt hit the stiff breeze, caught it on the fly and ran 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown. It was his fifth different method of scoring, equalling in one game the CFL season record set by Ticat Marcus Thigpen.

The Argos still had one last chance, with the wind, at victory. But Garney Henley stepped in front of Mookie Mitchell to pick off Flutie and it was all done. The Ticats outscored Toronto 45-12 in the second half, enough by just one point.

The visuals painted the entire picture. Every Box J Boy, tailgating since Sunday, rendered totally limp; Henley and Banks buried under an avalanche of fans, Custis and Toronto’s Uly Curtis walked off arm in arm; brilliant Argo linebacker Mike O’Shea’s shoulders slumped in dejection, as he stood exactly where he had whenever he wasn’t on the field — which almost the entire second half — on the sidelines, distanced from his safety-conscious teammates, while a ReStore employee picked up the hundreds of tiny batteries Ticats fans had lobbed at him.

What if, he was probably wondering, that first-half place kick hadn’t hit a wall of wind? 

He’ll never know, what if, and neither will we because the 50th Labour Day Classic goes into the books just like another 35 before it. Ho-hum, just another win for the Town Team. (Steve Milton – Hamilton Spectator)

Posted in: Hamilton Tagged: 2020-29, argonauts, Argos, cfl, Classic, Coronavirus, covid-19, dream, fantasy, football, Hamilton, Labour Day, Ontario, pandemic, Pandemic Times, psychedelic, Sports, tiger-cats, Toronto
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