incivility

Tuesday October 22, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 22, 2024

See the animated making-of version here!

Why Americans Tolerating Trump’s Incivility Is a Dangerous Gamble

January 24, 2017

Consider this: A group of children recently asked former President Donald Trump some simple questions on “Fox & Friends.” When asked by a 10-year-old boy from Tennessee to name his favourite president as a child, Trump at first awkwardly offered Ronald Reagan—who was elected when Trump was already 34. But instead of reflecting on Reagan’s legacy or discussing any childhood admiration, Trump veered off into his own trade policies, claiming credit for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As the conversation rambled, he dropped bizarre musings about the Civil War, claiming it “doesn’t make sense we had a civil war,” and somehow linked this to his belief that conflicts like Ukraine or Israel’s war with Hamas would never have happened under his watch.

January 9, 2019

This strange exchange underscores a larger truth about Trump: He exhibits no genuine respect for the office he once held, nor any real grasp of the legacy of his presidential predecessors. If a former president cannot engage thoughtfully with a child’s question about presidential history, it’s no wonder his campaign today offers nothing but spectacle, insults, and grievance politics. Trump’s inability to answer a child’s question without bragging about his trade deals reflects the same indifference that has shaped his chaotic campaign strategy—one focused on division and personal survival rather than governance or public service.

As Election Day looms, Americans face a stark decision: whether to indulge Trump’s theatrics once more, or demand more from their leaders. Trump’s recent rallies look more like circus acts than political discourse. At a Pennsylvania rally, he speculated about Arnold Palmer’s anatomy, attacked Kamala Harris as a “terrible” vice president, and complained that “woke” military officers wouldn’t help him incarcerate his political opponents. His campaign offers no serious policy vision, only grievances and attacks—a test of just how far Americans are willing to go in tolerating this behaviour.

March 26, 2019

Disturbingly, many Americans seem comfortable waiting for some “October surprise”—a twist that will suddenly make sense of Trump’s chaotic campaign. As Bill Maher recently pointed out, this obsession with surprises has become a coping mechanism, allowing voters to avoid confronting the reality of Trump’s behaviour. But the truth is, Trump has shown exactly who he is. There is no new twist coming—just the same divisive rhetoric, insults, and contempt for democratic norms. Waiting for a dramatic shift is like re-watching a bad movie, hoping for a different ending.

What’s truly troubling is how numb Americans have become to the erosion of political standards. As Timothy O’Brien argues, the Republican Party under Trump has abandoned its former values—fiscal conservatism, respect for the Constitution, and civility—in favour of authoritarianism, conspiracies, and macho posturing. What would have been disqualifying behaviour just a decade ago—mocking military officers or delivering vulgar rants on stage—has become disturbingly routine. Americans appear fatigued, overwhelmed by years of scandals and outrage, struggling to muster accountability.

Opinion: Trump Goes All In on Fear and Loathing. Will Voters?

May 11, 2023

While Democrats focus on traditional campaigning—door-knocking, opening field offices, and organizing grassroots volunteers—Trump’s campaign relies on stunts and gimmicks, including the financial backing of billionaires like Elon Musk. Reports suggest that Musk’s PAC, tasked with running ground operations, may have mismanaged canvassing efforts. Meanwhile, Musk’s desperate offer of million-dollar prizes to voters raises both ethical and legal questions. This slapdash approach reflects the deeper truth about Trump: he values power not for public service, but for the protection it offers from legal consequences.

At the heart of Trump’s campaign lies a cynical formula: harness anger and grievance without offering solutions. This fuels division, but it offers no path forward. And yet, many Americans appear willing to tolerate his incivility, dishonesty, and chaos—a dangerous gamble that risks normalizing behaviour unworthy of the presidency. Trump’s political success is not rooted in ideas but in performance art, a show of insults and fear-mongering designed to inflame rather than inspire.

News: Bill Maher On Likelihood Of October Surprise Knocking Trump Out Of Election: “Better Odds Of Another ‘Joker’ Musical”

May 5, 2020

The real danger lies not just in Trump’s rhetoric but in what it represents: a lowering of the standards Americans expect from their leaders. As Arnold Palmer’s daughter once noted, her father had no patience for public dishonesty or rudeness—qualities Trump has elevated into virtues. This election is about more than policy differences; it is a referendum on what Americans will accept in their leaders.

There is no “October surprise” that will absolve Americans of their responsibility. The choice before them is clear: continue down a path of spectacle, fear, and incivility, or reject it in favour of accountability, decency, and truth. The outcome of this election will define not only the future of American democracy but the standards to which all future leaders will be held.

Posted to my new *experimental*  SUBSTACK page. It’s at the early experimental stage (at the time of it’s posting,) and presented in the form of notes as I figure out how to integrate it into my daily routine. Find out what’s swirling in my head as I come up with my ideas.  It’s free and will continue to be, as will this carefully curated WordPress website which I’ve maintained obediently since 2012… until the traditional structure that has sustained me a livelihood collapses on top of me as it has for so many of my peers. Please take a look, and if you want to continue following/subscribe to my work, please subscribe, and thank you!

Donald Trump’s inability to answer even a child’s simple question about his favourite president reflects a deeper problem: his lack of respect for the office he once held and his reliance on performance over substance. How can we be sure that this individual has ventured beyond the shallow depths provided by his speechwriters to engage with the broader context of Presidential and American history? Oh, but that’s his appeal, isn’t it, talking on the same level of the average Joe, broad mindedness entails book smarts, and trivialities best left to pointy headed liberal elites. Leave that soaring Presidentese language to the voice overs of PBS documentaries. As his rallies devolve into vulgar spectacles and personal attacks, Trump’s campaign offers no vision for governance, only grievance and division. While Americans seem resigned to waiting for an “October surprise,” as Bill Maher reminded viewers on his weekend show, the real danger lies in normalizing behaviour that would have been disqualifying in the past. This election presents a critical choice: whether to indulge Trump’s incivility once more or demand accountability, decency, and truth in leadership.

I’ve gotten into the habit of making use of the technology made available when drawing digitally. I’ve been doing these for a few months. Apps make it faster to create and way more easy to add sound effects and music while showing the process I follow when drawing a cartoon. It adds another level to satire that I think takes editorial cartooning to a new level and makes it more interesting, entertaining, and exciting. I probably went overboard with the voiceovers in this clip, but it’s all experimentation, and you are my willing audience…

 

Saturday March 2, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2024 Reflecting on Brian Mulroney's passing, a celestial scene contrasts with a contemporary tableau of present federal leaders engaged in an uncivilized punch-up, highlighting the disagreeable nature of today's political discourse and its evolution.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2024

R.I.P. Brian Mulroney

Mocking the mocker, me, as depicted by fellow cartoonist Michael de Adder from 2002.

In the day following the death of a past Prime Minister I came of age to, I’d like to acknowledge the personal connection and admiration I have for him, a sentiment tinged with a sense of atonement as an editorial cartoonist who has spent decades skewering politicians, with Mulroney being one of my enduring satirical targets. While some editorial cartoonists relentlessly skewer politicians, even in the wake of their death, the humanist in me requires the occasion to be drawn in the form of a tribute for public service.

Ed Broadbent, though not a Prime Minister, left an indelible mark as a progressive champion, steering the New Democratic Party for over two decades with a genuine commitment to justice and the well-being of average Canadians.

January 13, 2024

Pearly gates cartoons, often deemed clichéd, present an irresistible temptation for editorial cartoonists, who, despite mockingly acknowledging the trope, find it difficult to resist utilizing this well-worn comedic device when commemorating the passing of famous individuals. In my recent editorial cartoon, I navigated this trope by revisiting Canada’s pivotal federal election of 1984 within a celestial backdrop. I incorporated the infamous “I have no option” phrase uttered by Liberal leader John Turner during the heated great leaders debate, responding to Brian Mulroney’s inquiry about Turner’s approval of numerous patronage appointments made by his predecessor, Pierre Trudeau, just before Trudeau’s exit after 16 years in office. In my cartoon, this historical dialogue becomes a comical punchline in the afterlife, where the reunited leaders—Turner, Mulroney, and the recently deceased Ed Broadbent—share a jovial moment under the head caption “Disagreeing without being disagreeable.”

The Globe & Mail: Brian Mulroney, the last great prime minister

September 23, 2022

This celestial scene intentionally contrasts with a contemporary earthly tableau, depicting the present federal party leaders engaged in an uncivilized punch-up, spewing insults, vulgarities, and accusations. The dust ball featuring the heads of current leaders serves as a stark visual representation of the disagreeable nature of contemporary political discourse, creating which I hope might be a thought-provoking commentary on the evolution of political dialogue over time.

Returning to my personal connection with Mulroney, despite the polarizing opinions surrounding his name, I’ve always held a soft spot for him. My interest in politics began around the same time Mulroney was running for the leadership of the PC party. Growing up with Pierre Trudeau as the leader, there was a sense of fatigue and a hope for a fresh face in Canadian politics. Mulroney’s youth, charisma, and optimism appealed to me and millions of other Canadians, leading to his party’s historic majority government in 1984.

The Toronto Star: ‘Mr. Mulroney never stopped working for Canadians’: Former prime minister’s death prompts outpouring of reflection

The controversial appointment of Brian Mulroney as a Companion of the Order of Canada, citing public disapproval and raising concerns about the criteria for recognizing retired prime ministers in the nation's highest civilian award

July 16, 1998

Throughout Mulroney’s tenure, I closely followed his successes and failures, viewing it as a case study during my years of interest in political science. I vividly remember the smaller scandal stories involving his problem cabinet ministers like Bob Coates, in change Canada’s Defence who had a penchant for visiting strip joints on foreign missions; John Fraser in charge of Fisheries and forced to quit over the infamous ‘Tunagate”; Suzanne Blais-Grenier, a low level minister whose spendy ways led to her removal; and Sinclair Stevens worn down and disgraced by a scandal over business holdings that lead to charges of a conflict of interest that he was years later cleared of. Mulroney’s team spawned many personalities who went on to greater fame, in particular, a NL Lieutenant-Governor in  John Crosbie, and Premiers of Quebec, Lucien Bouchard, and Jean Charest. There were several other heavyweights in Mulroney’s cabinet who already had honed executive skills, like former PC leader Joe Clark, and brighter members from his team like Flora MacDonald (Canada’s first female Foreign Minister), Perrin Beatty (later head of the CBC), Michael Wilson (later ambassador to the USA), Ray Hnatyshyn (later Governor-General), Erik Neisen (the crusty brother of comedian Leslie – how cool I thought that was), former Toronto mayor David Crombie, and even an old Diefenbaker Minister George Hees.  Check the list below to see how it’s all turned out for Mulroney’s first cabinet (…and for the really nerdy politics buffs, check up on Pierre Trudeau’s cabinet where are they now feature.)

It became evident that regardless of cabinet or his own actions, Brian Mulroney would always be despised by a certain sector of the population. Some criticize him for issues like the GST, selling out Canada to free trade, or the Airbus affair. I distinctly recall the ire he raised for daring to wear Gucci shoes, a bit of ostentation that pales by comparison to that which is on display by politicians of the present. That, and paper bags full of cash will be the only defining tokens of Mulroney’s legacy. However, others, including myself, recognize his early understanding of and actions against climate change, as well as his influential relationships with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, which played a crucial role in pressuring the apartheid regime in South Africa.

December 10, 2013

In retrospect, considering the Prime Ministers who followed him, Mulroney’s achievements stand out, and his dedication to the betterment of the country is evident in his legacy. It’s difficult for many Canadians to let go of their allegiances to one Prime Minister while despising the other. However, both Mulroney and Pierre Trudeau left significant legacies for the country. Trudeau gave Canada the Charter of Rights, and Mulroney brought forth free trade. Both had their successes and failures on the economic front and impacted national unity. Decades before Justin Trudeau proclaimed himself the “feminist Prime Minister” and prioritized elevating women to his cabinet, Brian Mulroney quietly and significantly surpassed his predecessor Trudeau by shattering the glass ceiling, achieving a notable increase in female representation well beyond the initial two appointed by Pierre Trudeau.

15yr old me on the right

I met Mulroney a couple of times. My first encounter was at a rally in 1984 when I was just a nerdy 15 years old. Myself a few friends rode our bicycles across Hamilton to catch a glimpse of him. He exuded the same charm and charisma that I had seen in newspapers and on TV. I shook his hand, had a group photo taken, and listened to his speech about unemployment and the deficit. It was an inspiration to witness firsthand.

The New York Times: Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister Who Led Canada Into NAFTA, Dies at 84

Years later, in 2007, I attended a talk and book signing session by Mulroney. He looked good and spoke about his life with his familiar self-deprecating humour and blarney. These experiences further solidified my respect for him.

During my post-secondary school years in Ottawa, I studied political science and had a front-row seat to the theatre of politics, with the Peace Tower visible from my residence window. It was during this time that Brian Mulroney was in charge, and I often observed the behind-the-scenes dynamics during question period from the visitors’ gallery. Before fading from memory, there stood a determined lone protester who, for years, positioned himself daily near the limo drop-off area at the western corner of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill during Question Period, passionately shouting phrases such as “Lyin’ Brian” and “impeach Mulroney” at the top of his lungs. I know there’s a recorded name and back story to that persistent fellow, but from what I can’t see, it seems to elude the Internet.

The very first Alas & Alack, Sept 1989

In those years, I also drew a cartoon strip called Alas & Alack, which featured Mulroney and his cabinet in a medieval monarchical system. It was a lighthearted way to satirize and comment on the political landscape at the time.

As I grew older and worked as an editorial cartoonist, I saw Mulroney stumble with the Airbus affair but also witnessed his efforts to repair his legacy. He continued to advise and inspire politicians, including his own daughter Caroline, who sits in the cabinet in Ontario.

Looking back on Brian Mulroney’s legacy, it is clear that he was a giant in Canadian history. While opinions may differ on his achievements and shortcomings, there is no denying the impact he had on the country. It may be a long time before we see leaders like Mulroney and Trudeau again, and their legacies will continue to shape Canada for generations to come.

Chronology of my Mulroney cartoons

May 18, 2022 – Battle of the Conservatives: Jean Charest leads the Mulroney forces while Poilievre leads the Harper forces

September 14, 2018 – Brian Mulroney blames Justin’s dad for Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership hopeful behaviour 

February 3, 2018 – Caroline Mulroney is overshadowed by dad’s legacy preservation efforts

December 3, 2015 – Rona Ambrose receives advice on how to attract progressives

August 25, 2015 – Crowned Canadian Prime Ministers features insulated Stephen Harper

December 10, 2013 – Stephen Harper and former Prime Ministers unite for Nelson Mandela memorial

July 15, 2009* – Jean Chretien sweeps Queen Elizabeth off her feet to much head scratching from the Prime Ministers club

May 22, 2009* – Brian Mulroney leaves public life a la Richard Nixon

May 14, 2009* – Ruby Dhalla’s testimony is more popular than Brian Mulroney’s

May 12, 2009* – Brian Mulroney and Karlheinz Schreiber do battle…again

April 10, 2009* – Ignatieff Easter Bunny has treats for Mulroney, but not Harper

April 7, 2009 – Stephen Harper is pinned by Mulroney statue after reform attempt

December 14, 2007* – Jean Chretien and Brian Mulroney have inverted statues

December 12, 2007* – House Ethics Committee ready for Brian Mulroney

December 5, 2007* – Karlheinz Schreiber celebrated as much as Brian Mulroney hated

November 29, 2007* – Karlheinz Schreiber to give hard-hitting testimony

November 15, 2007* – Brian Mulroney on bottom of investigation pile-on

November 14, 2007* – The Brian Mulroney $300,000 bank note

November 12, 2007* – Brian Mulroney is considered a bio-hazard

November 6, 2007* – Brian Mulroney, King Tut, and crumbling legacies

November 12, 2007* – Stephen Harper unzips mouth to announce review of Mulroney allegations

September 7, 2007 – Not So Great Debates: Brian Mulroney vs. Pierre E. Trudeau

March 18, 2006* – Where Former Prime Ministers go to retire

April 22, 2005 – Prime Ministerial addresses and their own ‘National Circus’

August 11, 2003* – Brian Mulroney considers crossing burnt bridge to USA for BSE talks

December 11, 2002 – NAFTA at 10 years old

June 13, 2000 – Mulroney drives through Joe Clark’s effort to rebuild the old Progressive Conservative Party

July 10, 1998 – Alan Eagleson awarding Mulroney the Order of Canada

June 16, 1998 – The appointment of Brian Mulroney as a Companion of the Order of Canada

November 19, 1997 – The RCMP terrorizing Mulroney

(* link to old website)

24th Canadian Ministry – Who’s still kicking around, and who’s not…As of March 2, 2024

Brian Mulroney (1938-2024): Prime Minister

George Hees (1910-1996): Veterans affairs; MP, 1950-88; Diefenbaker cabinet minister

Duff Roblin (1917-2010): Senate Government Leader, Manitoba Premier 1958-67

Joe Clark (b.1939): External Affairs; fmr. PM ; fmr. PC leader 1998-2003

Flora MacDonald (1926-2015): Employment & Immigration

Erik Nielsen (1924-2008): Deputy PM, Privy Council President; MP, 1957-87; brother of comedian Leslie Nielsen

John Crosbie (1931-2020): Justice, Attorney-General; NL Lieu. Gov. 2008-13

Roch LaSalle (1928-2007): Public Works

Don Mazankowski (1935-2020): Transport

Elmer MacKay (b.1936): Solicitor General; Father to Peter MacKay; fmr. PC leader

Jake Epp (b.1939): Health & Welfare

John Fraser (b.1931): Fisheries & Oceans

Sinclair Stevens (1927-2016): Regional Industrial Expansion

John Wise (1935-2013): Agriculture

Ray Hnatyshyn (1934-2002): Government House Leader; Governor-General

David Crombie (b.1936): Indian Affairs, Northern Development

Robert René de Cotret (1944-1999): Treasury Board

Perrin Beatty (b.1950): Revenue; Pres. CEO CBC

Michael Wilson (1937-2019): Finance; Cdn Ambassador to USA 2006-09

Robert Coates (1928-2016): Defence; MP 1957-88

Jack Murta (b.1943): Multiculturalism

Harvie Andre (1940-2012): Supply & Services

Otto Jelinek (b.1940): Fitness & Amateur Sport

Tom Siddon (b.1941): Science & Technology

Charles Mayer (b.1936): Wheat Board

Bill McKnight (1940-2019): Labour

Walter McLean (b.1936): Secretary of State

Tom McMillan (b.1945): Tourism

Pat Carney (1935-2023): Energy; Senator 1990-2008

André Bissonnette (b.1945): Small Business

Suzanne Blais-Grenier (1936-2017): Environment

Benoit Bouchard (b.1940): Minister of State for Transport

Andrée Champagne (1939-2020): Youth

Michel Côté (b.1942): Consumer & Corporate Affairs

James Kelleher (1930-2013): International Trade

Bob Layton (1925-2002): Mines; Father to fmr NDP leader Jack Layton

Marcel Masse (1936-2014): Communications

Barbara McDougall (b.1937): Minister of State for Finance

Gerald Merrithew (1931-2004): Forestry

Monique Vézina (b.1935): External Relations

Friday November 17, 2023

The recent incident in Vancouver, where Pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded Prime Minister Trudeau at a restaurant, along with previous instances of incivility, underscores a concerning trend of disrespect and aggression in Canadian politics that threatens the principles of civil discourse and democratic engagement.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 17, 2023

The Escalating Incivility: Protester Actions Against Prime Minister Trudeau

Amid rising COVID-19 cases and vaccine rollout, it's crucial to combat antivax sentiments by staying informed and resilient. Highlighting the recent Nobel Prize awarded to scientists Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking mRNA vaccine development can serve as a powerful countermeasure against such sentiments.

October 4, 2023

The recent incident in Vancouver, where Pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded and chanted at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while he dined at a restaurant, is a troubling reflection of the rising level of incivility in Canadian politics. This incident, reminiscent of the “F*ck Trudeau” signs during the freedom convoy protest last year and the gravel-throwing episode during the 2021 campaign stop, highlights a concerning trend of disrespect and aggression towards the country’s leader.

The altercation at Vikram Vij’s restaurant saw Trudeau being hurriedly escorted out by his security detail as protesters filled the establishment, chanting “ceasefire now!” Such behaviour not only disrupts the personal space of a public figure but also undermines the principles of civil discourse and democratic engagement.

News: 100 Vancouver police sent to protect Justin Trudeau after Gaza protest surrounds restaurant

Student unions marching for Palestine may focus on raising awareness about Palestinian suffering, but it's important to have respectful dialogue considering diverse perspectives and experiences in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

November 1, 2023

The subsequent pursuit of Trudeau to a Chinatown cocktail bar, where 250 demonstrators surrounded the area, led to a significant police response. One individual was tasered, and a charge of assaulting a police officer was recommended. This aggressive behaviour raises serious concerns about the state of public discourse and the safety of political figures.

Protest organizer Charlotte Kates defended the actions, stating a refusal to let political leaders “go about ordinary business.” While the right to peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of democracy, crossing the line into intimidation and disruption erodes the foundations of civil discourse.

It is crucial to note that these incidents are not isolated. Vancouver has witnessed a “significant increase” in protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, indicating a broader trend of heightened political tensions. The “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” chant, common at pro-Palestinian rallies, has raised questions about its potential antisemitic undertones, a concern also acknowledged by Calgary police in a recent case.

June 30, 2022

The parallels with the use of expletive-laden flags during the freedom convoy protest and the condemnation of Trudeau by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre are noteworthy. While Poilievre expressed disapproval of the flags, he acknowledged the underlying anger and frustration among Canadians. This sentiment, however, should not justify or normalize disrespectful and aggressive behaviour.

In a separate incident during the 2021 election campaign, a man threw gravel at Trudeau in London, Ontario, resulting in a 90-day house arrest sentence. The judge rightly denounced the act as the “manifestation of mob mentality” and emphasized the need to denounce such actions to safeguard the democratic process.

News: Trudeau says he was hit by gravel, condemns rock throwing as ‘unacceptable’  

As we navigate these challenging times, it is crucial for Canadians to engage in constructive dialogue and express dissent without resorting to aggression. Political leaders, regardless of their stance, deserve a level of respect that upholds the values of democracy. It is high time for a collective reflection on the tone and conduct of political discourse in Canada to ensure the preservation of a healthy and robust democratic society. (AI)