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infection

Tuesday November 18, 2024

November 19, 2024 by Graeme MacKay
As the U.S. wrestles with the divisive and destabilizing effects of MAGA, Canada risks developing a version of its neighbour’s political and social illness, amplified by its smaller size and growing internal vulnerabilities.

November 18, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 18, 2024

When the U.S. Has Pneumonia, Canada Catches Something Worse

January 17, 2012

Pierre Trudeau’s metaphor of Canada as a mouse sleeping beside the American elephant has never felt more apt. But in today’s climate, it’s less about sleeping peacefully and more about catching something far nastier than a sneeze from our ailing neighbour. If the United States is stumbling with the long-term effects of its MAGA infection, Canada, always downstream, seems destined for something more chronic and debilitating.

In the United States, MAGA is no longer just a political slogan—it’s a systemic condition. Despite polarizing effects on the electorate, Trumpism has reshaped American politics, culture, and international relations. Rising discontent and populism, once confined to the U.S., are spreading northward like a contagious illness. With Trump’s resurgence in American politics, Canada’s immunity is faltering. Polls show that support for Trump has risen here, particularly among young men and Conservative voters, reflecting the restlessness and dissatisfaction that MAGA thrives upon.

News: Canadian support for Donald Trump higher than in last U.S. presidential election, poll finds

Chrystia Freeland’s assurances that Canada will be “absolutely fine” under a Trump presidency lack specificity, leaving Canadians skeptical and searching for real solutions amid mounting challenges.

November 8, 2024

Canada’s political and economic systems are deeply intertwined with those of the U.S., making any American turmoil impossible to ignore. Yet, our susceptibility to its influence often leaves us worse off. Take healthcare: Ontario faces an impending crisis, with chronic illness rates set to double by 2040. Strains on the system are compounded by recent spikes in walking pneumonia—a disease with mild origins but serious implications if left unchecked.

Similarly, MAGA ideology in Canada could exacerbate existing political fractures, intensifying polarization and undermining collaborative governance.

The metaphor writes itself: the U.S. is sick with pneumonia, and Canada, with its smaller size and weaker defences, risks developing a life-threatening condition.

Historically, Canada’s socio-political structure has relied on collective resilience, but MAGA thrives on division. Our rising health and social challenges mirror the vulnerabilities that MAGA-style populism exploits. With increasing chronic illnesses and strains on public services, there’s fertile ground for frustration and blame-shifting. This echoes Andrew Parkin’s observation that support for Trump in Canada is less about MAGA loyalty and more an expression of dissatisfaction with the status quo. Unfortunately, such dissatisfaction could be weaponized here in ways even more destructive than in the U.S.

News: Ontario’s reached a turning point’: Adults living with major illness in the province to double by 2040, study warns

November 12, 2018

Like walking pneumonia, MAGA’s influence is persistent but preventable. Strengthening Canadian democratic norms, fostering civic engagement, and investing in healthcare and social equity are vital steps. Much like vaccines for physical illnesses, proactive measures can build immunity against political contagion. But as Ontario’s health report warns, waiting too long to act can lead to overwhelming consequences.

If the U.S. has pneumonia, Canada must recognize its own vulnerabilities and act decisively. Without vigilance, the mouse may find itself not just jostled by the elephant but crushed under its weight.


Ah, the old adage: “When the U.S. sneezes, Canada catches pneumonia.” It’s a saying that’s practically folklore, illustrating how closely our fortunes are tied to our big southern neighbour. Pierre Trudeau once famously said Canada was like a mouse sleeping beside an elephant—vulnerable to every twitch, sneeze, or roll of its bedmate. But in my latest cartoon, the stakes have risen. The elephant isn’t just sneezing; it’s bedridden with a MAGA infection. And the poor mouse? Well, the prognosis isn’t looking great.

It’s November—peak infection season—and the metaphor couldn’t be timelier. America’s internal struggles, now turbocharged by MAGA populism, are spilling over into Canada. Trump’s influence, rising Conservative enthusiasm for him, and a growing dissatisfaction with the status quo are all symptoms of our neighbour’s turmoil that could infect us too. And like the respiratory viruses spiking in Ontario, this imported strain might hit Canada harder due to our smaller size and heightened vulnerabilities.

Speaking of “snoozing,” and in the spirit of not letting an online chat with someone who has decided to hibernate go to waste, here’s a gem from my Facebook feed.

“Snoozing this page among others, as I’m sick and tired of hearing his voice, seeing his face, and hearing Canadian media speak incessantly about this persimmon potentate.”

To which I responded: I get it. The Trump media deluge can be overwhelming. But ignoring it won’t make it go away. Canadians can’t afford to snooze through this moment, given the challenges looming on our side of the border. Whether it’s economic upheaval, strained social systems, or adapting to live beside a climate-change denier, the fallout is very real. Sure, take a break for some cat videos—but beware the perils of pressing snooze for too long.

Take a look at the cartoon, share your thoughts, and let me know: is Canada the mouse who’ll roar, or just about to come down with a really really bad cold? Volume up on this please:

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack


 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-21, bed, Canada, Donald Trump, Elephant, Elon Musk, infection, mouse, Pierre Trudeau, seasonal allergies. chronic illness, Substack, Substack3, USA

Tuesday June 18, 2024

June 18, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

June 18, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 18, 2024

Trust in Science and Expertise is Crucial to Preventing Future Viral Outbreaks

The recent surge in measles cases in Canada, particularly in Montreal, underscores the urgent need to address vaccine hesitancy and combat anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, with historical evidence emphasizing the proven efficacy of vaccines in preventing disease and protecting public health.

March 6, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many painful but invaluable lessons. One of the most significant is the paramount importance of trusting in science and heeding the advice of health experts. As we face the potential threat of the H5N1 avian influenza, it is crucial to remember these lessons and ensure that we prevent and mitigate such dangerous viral outbreaks through informed, science-based actions.

Science is our most powerful tool in understanding and combating infectious diseases. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines were nothing short of miraculous, showcasing the incredible capabilities of modern scientific research. These vaccines saved countless lives and provided a pathway out of the pandemic. Similarly, ongoing research into H5N1 and other viruses holds the promise of new vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures that could protect millions.

Analysis: H5N1 Bird Flu Isn’t a Human Pandemic—Yet. American Contrariness Could Turn It into One  

January 27, 2023

However, the power of science is only as effective as our willingness to embrace it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hesitancy and misinformation led to unnecessary suffering and death. Many people were swayed by pseudoscience, quackery, and unfounded claims, often promoted by individuals with no expertise in public health. This eroded trust in health interventions and hampered efforts to control the virus.

Health experts and scientists dedicate their lives to understanding diseases and developing ways to combat them. Their advice is based on rigorous research, data analysis, and peer-reviewed studies. When they warn of potential dangers or recommend specific actions, it is because the evidence supports those conclusions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci and organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided critical guidance that helped shape effective responses. Listening to their advice on mask-wearing, social distancing, and vaccination was key to reducing transmission and saving lives.

As we confront the threat of H5N1, it is vital to continue valuing and following the advice of health experts. The virus’s high fatality rate and recent spread to new animal hosts, including dairy cattle, highlight the urgency of taking proactive measures. Ignoring expert advice could lead to a preventable disaster. As noted by McMaster University’s Matthew Miller, “I have never been more worried in my career than I am about H5N1” due to its high case fatality rate and potential for rapid spread in new settings (Jon Wells, The Hamilton Spectator, June 17, 2024).

News:McMaster viral immunologist fears spread of bird flu virus with ‘staggering’ death rate

August 7, 2020

One of the most significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic was the spread of misinformation. Social media platforms and certain political figures contributed to a landscape where conspiracy theories and false information flourished. This misinformation not only caused confusion but also led to deadly consequences as people rejected proven health measures.

To prevent a similar scenario with H5N1 or any future viral threat, it is essential to combat misinformation vigorously. This requires a multifaceted approach: promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking skills to help people discern credible information from falsehoods, ensuring that health authorities and scientists communicate clearly, transparently, and frequently with the public, encouraging media platforms to prioritize accurate reporting and holding them accountable for spreading misinformation, and implementing policies to reduce the spread of false information, especially on social media.

News: A Bird-Flu Pandemic in People? Here’s What It Might Look Like

February 8, 2022

As a society, we must prioritize science and expert advice to safeguard public health. We need to invest in research, support and fund research into vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures for emerging infectious diseases. Strengthen public health infrastructure to build a resilient public health system capable of responding quickly and effectively to outbreaks. Foster trust by engaging with communities to build trust in health interventions and address concerns and misconceptions directly. Promote global cooperation by collaborating with international partners to monitor and respond to viral threats, recognizing that diseases know no borders.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring science and expert advice. As we face new threats like H5N1, we have the opportunity to apply the lessons learned and protect our communities. By valuing science and listening to health experts, we can prevent needless suffering and ensure a healthier, safer future for all. (AI)

 

Posted in: International, Lifestyle Tagged: 2024-12, anti-science, avian flu, bird flu, H5N1, health, infection, misinformation, pandemic, quackery, Science, skepticism, virus

Saturday April 2, 2022

April 2, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 2, 2022

Ontario’s sixth COVID-19 wave being driven by eased restrictions, science table head says

April 24, 2020

The head of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table says it is “very clear” that Ontario is now in the middle of a sixth wave of the pandemic driven by a relaxing of restrictions in the province.

“Oh, we’re in the middle of it,” Dr. Peter Juni told CP24 Tuesday night when asked whether he thinks the province is in the midst of a new wave. “When you look at our wastewater, it’s very clear. You can call it whatever you want, you know; whether it’s a resurgence of the Omicron wave we had or a sixth wave, the point is really to understand this is not a BA.2 wave.”

He said the highly infectious Omicron subvariant cannot be blamed for Ontario’s rising case count and said it has much more to do with “throwing caution to the wind.”

“The point here really is it’s entirely our responsibility what we’re seeing and we just got a little bit too much ahead of ourselves and here we are,” Juni said. “And we just have our task at hand to keep the slope of the wave upwards relatively flat so that we are not challenged again in our hospitals.”

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2022-12, covid-19, infection, masking, Ontario, pandemic, slogans, testing, vaccine passports, wastewater

Wednesday December 29, 2021

December 29, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 29, 2021

As Omicron Spreads and Cases Soar, the Unvaccinated Remain Defiant

As a fast-spreading new strain of the coronavirus swarms across the country, hospitals in Ohio running low on beds and staff recently took out a full-page newspaper advertisement pleading with unvaccinated Americans to finally get the shot. It read, simply: “Help.”

December 2, 2021

But in a suburban Ohio café, Jackie Rogers, 58, an accountant, offered an equally succinct response on behalf of unvaccinated America: “Never.”

In the year since the first shots began going into arms, opposition to vaccines has hardened from skepticism and wariness into something approaching an article of faith for the approximately 39 million American adults who have yet to get a single dose.

Now, health experts say the roughly 15 percent of the adult population that remains stubbornly unvaccinated is at the greatest risk of severe illness and death from the Omicron variant, and could overwhelm hospitals that are already brimming with Covid patients. In Cleveland, where Omicron cases are soaring, a hospital unit at the Cleveland Clinic that provides life support to the sickest patients is already completely full.

Posted in: International Tagged: 2021-43, antivaxx, covid-19, infection, meteor, Omicron, pandemic, tin foil hat, vaccination, variant

Saturday November 13, 2021

November 15, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 13, 2021

Ontario COVID-19 modelling shows ICU numbers stable, but likely to rise

Ontario’s COVID-19 cases are rising in most public health units, with hospitalizations and intensive-care occupancy rates remaining stable but ICU admissions likely to increase, according to new modelling.

March 11, 2021

On Friday, the province’s COVID-19 science and modelling advisory tables released data showing that between Oct. 26 and Nov. 8, all but eight of the province’s 34 public health units saw an increase in cases. The sharpest rise occurred in the Sudbury public health unit, which reimposed local restrictions such as capacity limits this week.

The models also state that those with lower incomes, essential workers and minority groups are at highest risk of COVID-19-related mortality, citing “different exposures” and access to testing.

The data show vaccinations continue to be highly effective in combatting COVID-19, with unvaccinated people 11 times more likely to be hospitalized and having a 26-fold higher risk of being in the ICU compared with the fully vaccinated.

With case counts rising, “the immediate future is uncertain,” because the current surge is very recent, the document said. Colder weather causing people to spend more time indoors, the lifting of capacity limits in most venues across the province and indoor gatherings are cited as the sources of recent transmission. (The Globe & Mail) 

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2021-38, covid-19, infection, map, Ontario, pandemic, roller coaster
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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