geography – mackaycartoons

Wednesday January 22, 2025

January 22, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 22, 2025

United States of Trump Renames

States	States	States	States
Alabaron	Arkangaetz	Connectivankacut	Delaputinware
AlasKushner	Califomaga	Floridesanctimonius	Georgesantosia
Baronzona	Trumporado	Hawaguilianii	Idadonjuniorho
Illdonjuniorois	Putindiana	Eloniowa	IllinoJFKjr
Kimjonguncky	louistrumpia	Melaniaine	Magaland
Magachusetts	Magagan	Hesgethsota	Mississtiffany
Misseric	Montrumpa	Magaska	Nevladia
New HampRamaswamyshire	New Trumpsey	New Trumpico	Kushneryork
North Magalina	North Damaga	Ohirubio	Trumplahoma
OreQUanon	Elonsylvania	Rhode Elonsland	South Kashpatelina
South Damaga	Trumpessee	Texmagas	Trumpah
Vermaga	Melaniaia	Washingtrump	Trumpington D.C.
West Virginiorban	Wistrumpskin	Wyomagaing

Symbolic Theatre in a World of Urgent Realities

January 11, 2025

In a world grappling with profound challenges, from economic crises to geopolitical tensions, President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” stands out as an emblematic gesture of political theatre. This proposal, highlighted in his inaugural address, has sparked debate and laughter, illustrating the peculiar priorities that have become synonymous with Trump’s political style.

The proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water with a deep-rooted historical identity, is seen by many as trivial and unilateral. The name “Gulf of Mexico” has been entrenched in international law and history since the 17th century. Changing it would involve not just domestic procedures but complex international negotiations, particularly with Mexico and Cuba, who share the Gulf’s waters.

Marvelous Maps

News: Can Trump change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’?

September 15, 2020

Governor Ron DeSantis’s swift adoption of the term “Gulf of America” in a Florida state weather advisory reflects the political alignment with Trump’s agenda. However, this action underscores the symbolic nature of the proposal. While the U.S. could update federal documents to reflect the new name, the change would not be recognized internationally without consensus from other nations and organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization.

Recalling Trump’s bellicose gestures, such as his declaration that “all hell would break loose” if hostages held by Hamas weren’t released on his first day in office, rings hollow. These statements serve as a foretelling of how serious people should trust his other slogans and pledges that sound great but often fall flat. Despite his rhetoric, hell has not broken out, and his tone has shifted to a more aloof stance, expressing doubt about the ceasefire’s durability and distancing himself by stating, “it’s not our war, it’s their war.”

News: Florida is first to use ‘Gulf of America’ in official weather advisory

May 11, 2019

The renaming proposal serves as a reminder of Trump’s penchant for bold gestures that capture public attention but often lack substantive impact. It diverts focus from pressing issues such as the cost of living crisis, global security threats, and ongoing conflicts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the turmoil in the Middle East. These are the challenges that demand coordinated international efforts and thoughtful policy solutions, yet they received scant attention in Trump’s inaugural address.

In stark contrast to the serious and complex nature of these global issues, the renaming proposal is perceived by many as a return to the strange priorities of Trump’s previous administration. It highlights a preference for symbolic actions that resonate with a certain segment of the political base but do little to address the root causes of the world’s most pressing problems.

Video: Hillary Clinton laughs as Donald Trump says he’ll rename Gulf of Mexico

September 13, 2001

Ultimately, the debate over renaming the Gulf of Mexico serves as a microcosm of larger political dynamics. It illustrates how symbolic gestures can generate significant media coverage and public debate, yet fall short of meaningful change. As the world faces an array of urgent challenges, the focus must shift from political theatre to substantive solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives.

This Map Editorial cartoon was featured in Politico’s Cartoon Carousel. Also, The Duluth News Tribune. Also, The Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Available for purchase on a wide range of merchandise through Redbubble and TeePublic.

Artistry lies not just in the lines an editorial cartoonist draws but also in the thoughts and challenges that shape each piece. One such challenge presented itself with Donald Trump’s peculiar promise to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” While this idea is steeped in political theatre, it offered a fertile ground for satire and creative expression.

When Trump made this proposal during his Inaugural address, it was hard not to notice the laughter from Hillary Clinton and the eye rolls from many in the audience. The absurdity of the idea served as a reminder of how symbolic gestures can often overshadow substantial political action. This became the starting point for my latest cartoon, where I envisioned an elaborate map of the USA, peppered with similarly outlandish renamings that evoke the Trump era.

Creating this piece was no small feat. As if I’m the only one who drew this gag – I didn’t go look, because frankly, I was too busy piecing this together. The pressure of a looming deadline, the task of weaving in as many satirical elements as possible, and the drive to offer a fresh perspective all added layers to the process. It’s always a race against time, submitting to editors half an hour later past my usual 5 p.m. deadline, only to revisit the drawing with more details after dinner. The goal is to ensure that even if others have tackled the same theme, my work stands out by squeezing as much meaning and creativity into the space as possible.

In the midst of global challenges like economic instability and geopolitical tensions, Trump’s proposal seemed trivial and out of touch. Yet, it provided a satirical lens through which to view his presidency’s priorities. The exercise was not without its frustrations, especially when similar gags surface on platforms like Jimmy Fallon’s show. This is why I often incorporate Canadian contexts into my work—there’s a unique angle in the familiar, less likely to be duplicated south of the border.

Reflecting on Trump’s rhetoric, from his unfulfilled promises of resolving wars to his recent comments on the hostage situation with Hamas, there’s a recurring theme of grand gestures lacking depth. However, as a cartoonist, these very gestures offer a canvas to critique, laugh, and provoke thought. — A long four years to come.

Please enjoy the making-of my January 22 2025 editorial cartoon.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Saturday January 11, 2025

January 11, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 11, 2025, and The Toronto Star

Unity in the Face of Chaos

Marvelous Maps

This past week in Canada has been nothing short of surreal. With the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the nation finds itself at a political crossroads, grappling with the implications of a leadership void. Yet, remarkably, it’s not the internal political machinations that have captured the nation’s attention. Instead, it’s the unexpected and audacious interference from south of the border, courtesy of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, that has united Canadians in a way few could have anticipated.

January 9, 2025

In a series of provocative statements, Trump has suggested that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States through “economic force.” This rhetoric, while seemingly far-fetched, has had a curious effect on a nation that has, in recent years, struggled with its sense of national identity and pride. It’s as though Trump’s ambition to “Make America Great Again” is being pursued by making life as unpleasant as possible for America’s neighbours, casting a shadow over the Canadian political landscape and, ironically, prompting a resurgence of Canadian unity and patriotism.

Opinion: Trump’s threats of using ‘economic force’ to annex Canada are far more important than who will replace Trudeau

Trump’s threats of using ‘economic force’ to annex Canada are far more important than who will replace Trudeau

November 18, 2024

As Andrew Phillips noted in The Toronto Star, the leadership race to replace Trudeau might seem significant, but it pales in comparison to the implications of Trump’s threats. The real story is how these threats have overshadowed internal divisions and prompted Canadians to rally together in defence of their sovereignty. Trump’s rhetoric has, in a way, reminded Canadians of their shared values and identity, rekindling a sense of national pride that had been waning.

Murray Mandryk’s piece in the Regina Leader Post captures this unexpected unity beautifully. Despite being one of the most divisive figures globally, Trump’s threats have brought Canadians together, transcending political and regional differences. Leaders from across the political spectrum, from Trudeau to Pierre Poilievre and even Maxime Bernier, have denounced the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting Canada’s sovereignty.

Opinion: Trump doing remarkable things to unite a badly divided Canada

November 8, 2024

This unity is reminiscent of the national pride displayed during Olympic hockey events, where Canadians set aside their differences to cheer for a common cause. It’s a reminder of what it means to be Canadian, beyond simply “not being American.” As Mandryk aptly points out, Trump’s ill-defined threats have unified Canadians of all political stripes, reawakening a sense of patriotism and solidarity.

In the comments section of Lawrence Martin’s article in The Globe and Mail, readers express scepticism about the influence of public figures like Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr. Yet, it’s clear that the broader effect of Trump’s rhetoric has been to unite Canadians at a grassroots level. This is a testament to the resilience of the Canadian spirit, which thrives on civility and respect for democratic values.

Opinion: Gretzky and Orr need to have a real faceoff with their man, Donald Trump

October 2, 2020

Adding to this surreal week is the cooperative spirit between Canada and the U.S. in responding to the devastating wildfires in Southern California. Canada’s emergency preparedness minister, Harjit Sajjan, announced that Canadian military personnel, equipment, and several hundred firefighters stand ready to support American efforts. Provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta have pledged resources, including firefighters and aircraft, to assist in battling the blazes.

This willingness to assist our American neighbours in their time of need underscores the deep-rooted cooperation and goodwill that exists between our nations, despite political tensions. It highlights Canada’s commitment to being a good neighbour and partner, reinforcing the idea that unity and cooperation are core to our national identity.

In the midst of political chaos and division, Trump’s attempt to sow discord may have inadvertently achieved the opposite effect. Canadians are rallying together, reaffirming their commitment to an independent and strong nation. This week, we have been reminded of the strength that comes from unity and the enduring pride that defines us as Canadians. It is, perhaps, a silver lining in an otherwise tumultuous time, and for that, we might, ironically, thank Donald Trump.

I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts that have been swirling in my mind after what has been a truly monumental week. As many of you know, I’ve always had a love for maps. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a “mapmaker” – little did I know, that fancy title is actually called cartography, and it comes with a side of math that I’ve never quite mastered!

While my dreams of drawing maps for a living didn’t quite pan out, I’ve found a way to channel that passion into my work as an editorial cartoonist. This week, inspired by the theory of continental drift, I created a cartoon that depicts the continental USA drifting away from Canada, Mexico, and the rest of the world to become an isolated island in the Pacific Ocean. I can’t help but think Donald Trump would be quite pleased with that scenario!

This week has been a rollercoaster for us Canadians. With Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s audacious comments about annexing Canada, we’ve seen a surprising surge in national unity. It’s fascinating how external threats can overshadow our political divisions and rally us together in defence of our sovereignty.

In the face of these challenges, Canadians from all walks of life have come together. Our cooperative efforts to tackle the wildfires in Southern California further highlight our commitment to neighborly support. It’s a reminder of the core values of unity and cooperation that truly define what it means to be Canadian.

So here’s to maps, to unity, and to finding humour in the chaos!

Enjoy the January 11, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Saturday January 25, 2020

February 3, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 25, 2020

Could Hamilton’s Lime Ridge arena rejection cost city nearly $1 billion?

When city council voted 11-3 last week to kill the idea of any further consideration of a 6,000-seat arena at Lime Ridge Mall, it leaned heavily on a staff report urging such a decision.

Not to worry, the report implied. Having a rink downtown is way better. Besides, it won’t affect Cadillac Fairview’s plans to spend $890 million redeveloping the Mountain property. Might delay it a bit but that’s it. So go ahead and vote against it. All is well.

Not so fast, the executive vice president of Cadillac Fairview says.

“I think the short answer to that is, yes, it is at risk,” Wayne Barwise says.

Not just short term. Completely. As in, potentially no 1,250-unit residential development, no hotel, no expanded office space, no new jobs. None of it. Because what would lure people there?

“People have not traditionally chosen to live at a shopping centre,” he says. “We’re trying to transform the shopping centre into more than a shopping centre so it’s a mixed use community. So you need other things. You need catalysts.”

This should be concerning to everyone in Hamilton.

For the better part of a decade, this town has turned itself into a pretzel over the LRT because of the billion dollars of someone else’s money it could bring into the community that would transform part of the city. Supporters — including many at city hall — say it’s essential. Politicians and bureaucrats have spent thousands of hours working to make sure that desperately needed cash infusion comes here.

Yet when a company says it wants to invest nearly an equal amount elsewhere in the city, there seems to be a whole lot less urgency.

This is troubling. Even more so when one of that company’s top executives argues the numbers the city is relying on to make its decision are “plain nonsense.” He says the real amount the proposal would cost the city wouldn’t be well over $100 million but closer to $27 million.

Without the arena — or something like it — nothing will happen at the site in the next three to five years, Barwise says. Doing it at any point will require “substantial positive market growth.” A sports and entertainment complex would lure people to the area and create that, he says.

Ironically, that’s pretty much exactly the city’s reasoning for wanting the entertainment district downtown.

“I think they made the wrong decision,” he says. “I think the decision lacks vision and I think it’s short sighted.”

Of course he’d say that, some will say. He’s got an interest in this. Which he does, of course. Even so, this seems rather too large a potential investment to be something we’d take for granted.

That LRT billion? City changing. This $890 million? We’ll get back to you. (Continued: Hamilton Spectator)