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Thursday November 28, 2024

November 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

October 10, 2020

America’s Thanksgiving Turkey – Originally published: Saturday October 10, 2020

That cartoon from Canadian Thanksgiving in 2020 is such a time capsule, isn’t it? Back then, the world was in the grip of COVID-19, Trump was stumbling his way through the pandemic response, and Canadians were quietly counting their blessings that, for all our problems, that wasn’t ours to deal with directly. The image of Trump as a giant turkey, gobbling out COVID-19 particles, captured the surreal mix of horror and relief many Canadians felt as we peered southward. The masks, the fence, and that simple punchline—“It’s not ours”—said it all.

October 12, 2024

Now, four years later, we’re in a different time but somehow back in a similar headspace. Trump is president again, and while the pandemic is largely behind us, the sense of relief that “it’s not ours” is creeping back into the national mood. It’s less about public health this time and more about the political chaos Trump’s return is sure to unleash. Whether it’s his rhetoric, his policies, or the way he polarizes everything he touches, Trump’s presidency still feels like this storm Canadians are happy to watch from the safety of the sidelines.

Pandemic Thanksgiving 2020

Of course, this time around, the fence between us feels a little less solid. The issues spilling over—trade disputes, border pressures, global climate goals, and the ever-present tug of American culture—remind us that what happens in the U.S. rarely stays there. Trump’s second term won’t just be America’s problem; it’s going to test Canada’s ability to hold onto its values and navigate the fallout, just like it did last time.

Still, that old cartoon feels like a fitting reminder for U.S. Thanksgiving this year. As Canadians, we might not always be thrilled with everything happening on our side of the fence, but it’s hard not to feel grateful when we glance southward and think, “At least that’s not ours.”

Wednesday November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 20, 2024

The 1,000th Day of Ukraine’s War Marks a Critical Juncture for Global Democracy

October 26, 2024

As Ukraine endures the 1,000th day since Vladimir Putin’s invasion, the world watches an increasingly perilous intersection of geopolitics and human suffering. With less than 100 days before Donald Trump is inaugurated as U.S. president, the conflict is entering what could be its most decisive—and dangerous—phase. The stakes are not just for Ukraine, but for the broader values of democracy and collective security that have underpinned global stability since World War II.

President Joe Biden’s reported authorization for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike within Russia reflects an understanding of the narrowing window for action. These strikes, targeting critical Russian military infrastructure, are a last-ditch effort to shift the balance on the battlefield before negotiations likely begin under a Trump administration. Critics, particularly from Trump’s MAGA-aligned faction, decry this as reckless escalation, accusing Biden of provoking “World War Three” to complicate Trump’s peace promises.

News: Biden’s move on missiles for Ukraine angers Trump allies

September 28, 2024

While these criticisms are pointed, Biden’s strategy has merit. The war has dragged on as a brutal stalemate, with Ukrainian civilians bearing the brunt of Putin’s relentless aggression. Long-range strikes serve not only as a tactical necessity but as a psychological one, signalling that Russia’s aggression will no longer go unanswered on its own soil. As former U.S. envoy Kurt Volker noted, these weapons enable Ukraine to target Russian airfields and supply lines once considered untouchable sanctuaries.

However, Biden’s gamble unfolds under the shadow of Trump’s impending presidency. Trump’s rhetoric about NATO, combined with promises to “end the war in 24 hours,” fuels fears of a deal skewed in Russia’s favour. Trump’s disdain for multilateral alliances and his history of conciliatory remarks toward Putin lend credence to worries that Ukraine may be coerced into territorial concessions. The MAGA movement’s critiques of Biden’s decision highlight these concerns, framing continued support for Ukraine as “America last” while echoing Putin’s own talking points about Western overreach.

June 19, 2024

This potential retreat from U.S. leadership carries risks far beyond Ukraine. Europe, already grappling with economic fallout from the war, may find itself on the frontlines of a resurgent Russian imperialism. As reader feedback noted, Putin’s goals extend beyond Ukraine, aiming to reestablish Soviet-era influence across Eastern Europe. A U.S. withdrawal from its post-WWII role as democracy’s ultimate guarantor would embolden autocrats worldwide.

News: Russia’s Putin issues warning to United States with revised nuclear doctrine

Putin’s recent revision of Russia’s nuclear doctrine—lowering the threshold for deployment—adds a chilling dimension to this moment. By framing Ukraine’s U.S.-enabled strikes as a NATO-provoked attack, Russia has signalled its willingness to escalate dramatically. Though some analysts dismiss these threats as bluster, the risks of miscalculation in such a charged environment cannot be ignored.

January 4, 2023

Biden’s decision to empower Ukraine with long-range capabilities is not without peril, but it reflects a necessary recognition of what is at stake. This is not merely a war between two nations but a battle for the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. Allowing Ukraine to bring the fight to Russian territory may be the leverage needed to force Putin to the negotiating table under terms that preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the international order.

Trump’s vow to end the war within 24 hours underscores the urgency of this moment but raises uncomfortable questions. Peace, hastily brokered, risks becoming appeasement. Any settlement that rewards Russian aggression would validate not just Putin’s tactics but those of aspiring autocrats worldwide. As one commenter aptly stated, “War is not a one-way street”—Ukraine has the right to defend itself and demand accountability from its aggressor.

January 26, 2023

The next 100 days will test the resolve of democracies worldwide. Will they stand firm against tyranny, or will they retreat, ceding ground to a dictator whose ambitions extend beyond Ukraine? Biden’s decision, controversial as it is, offers a glimmer of hope that Ukraine will enter any negotiations from a position of strength, not surrender.

This is a defining moment not just for Ukraine but for the global order. The decisions made now will reverberate far beyond the battlefields of Eastern Europe, shaping the world’s trajectory for years to come. The stakes demand courage, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to the principles that have long been the foundation of international peace.

A thousand days into Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine, we’re standing at a precarious crossroads. With Joe Biden in his final weeks in office, he’s rolled the dice by giving Ukraine the green light to hit military targets inside Russia with U.S.-made missiles. It’s a bold move, one that could shake up the battlefield and give Ukraine a stronger position heading into negotiations—but not everyone sees it that way. Trump’s allies are calling it reckless, and there’s fear that come January, Trump might undo all of this in favour of a deal that flatters Putin at Ukraine’s expense.

Meanwhile, Putin has responded by doubling down on nuclear brinkmanship, rewriting his rules to lower the bar for launching nukes. He’s playing up the victim card, all while he continues to rain destruction on Ukrainian cities. It’s the ultimate hypocrisy: a bully whining about a punch back after almost three years of unprovoked aggression. But as history shows, appeasing bullies like Putin never works, and his admirer-in-chief, Trump, doesn’t inspire confidence in his promises to “end the war.”

The next 100 days aren’t just about Ukraine—they’re about the soul of the democratic world (I know, very Biden sounding, which is fitting giving the intent of his successor.) If Ukraine’s resistance is bargained away, it sends a chilling message to every authoritarian dreaming of territorial conquest. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the world is watching nervously to see how this all unfolds.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday 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. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Wednesday October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 9, 2024

Animated making-of clip here!

The Absurdity of Politicizing Natural Disasters in Florida’s Hurricane Season

September 23, 2005

As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, the sight of politicians leveraging human suffering for their gain is a stark reminder of how far we have strayed from the ideals of public service. Amidst the chaos and destruction, we witness a disturbing spectacle: the politicization of disasters by figures like Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Their cavalier dismissal of facts and the dissemination of outright lies during one of the most catastrophic hurricane seasons in recent memory exemplify a lunacy that seems to resonate with a low-information electorate.

News: Marjorie Taylor Greene condemned over Helene weather conspiracy theory

November 11, 2022

Trump’s claims following Hurricane Helene are a case in point. He alleged that federal disaster relief was deliberately withheld from Republican areas and that Vice President Kamala Harris had squandered FEMA funds on housing for undocumented migrants. This narrative was not only false but also deeply damaging. The actual response from FEMA included essential aid, which Trump’s rhetoric obscured, potentially preventing victims from accessing the help they desperately need. JD Vance’s similar mischaracterization of FEMA’s support only adds to this cacophony of misinformation. He suggested that victims were receiving only $750 in assistance, neglecting to mention that this was merely an emergency advance, with additional support available for those affected.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent foray into conspiracy theories regarding weather control further illustrates the absurdity of this political game. Her insistence that “they control the weather” is emblematic of a broader trend where truth is sacrificed at the altar of political expediency. It’s bewildering that such claims resonate with many voters, especially when the stakes are as high as they are during a hurricane season that threatens lives and livelihoods.

Opinion: What Trump and Vance Want From Hurricane Helene

September 2, 2022

As these politicians capitalize on the chaos, they simultaneously sow distrust in critical government functions, such as FEMA. Bouie rightly points out that the chaos created by such rhetoric disrupts the flow of vital information, which is paramount during crises.

This disruption becomes a double-edged sword: not only does it create confusion, but it also undermines the public’s trust in the very institutions designed to assist them. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned this rhetoric, stating that it demoralizes relief workers and hinders their efforts to help those in need.

What’s truly alarming is that this misinformation appears to be working. As the 2024 election approaches, polls show a tight race between candidates, with many voters seemingly swayed by the incendiary claims of these political figures.

Opinion: Florida braces for dual threat of Hurricane Milton and Trump’s self-serving lies

November 6, 2020

This indicates a troubling trend in American politics: the normalization of lies and the exploitation of tragedy for electoral gain. It raises the question of how a significant portion of the electorate can be so easily misled, especially in the face of tangible evidence and expertise.

Hurricanes, as nature’s most formidable forces, do not discriminate based on political affiliation. They are a stark reminder of our shared vulnerability and the need for collective action. Yet, amid this devastation, we find ourselves mired in a political quagmire where the urgency of human need is overshadowed by partisan posturing. This behaviour not only reflects poorly on those who engage in it but also erodes the democratic fabric of our society.

In the face of a looming disaster like Hurricane Milton, we should be united in our response, prioritizing human lives over political gains. The politicization of natural disasters serves only to fracture our communities and distract from the essential work of recovery and rebuilding. As we brace for the impact of this storm, let us hope that voters will see through the smokescreen of misinformation and recognize the importance of truth in governance and public service. (AI)

Saturday September 28, 2024

October 1, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 28, 2024

Animated making-of clip here!

Netanyahu’s Escalation Risks Broader Conflict While Peace Remains Abandoned

December 20, 2023

Thomas L. Friedman’s recent analysis of the Israel-Hezbollah-Hamas-Iran conflict in The New York Times frames the issue as part of a global battle between a “coalition of inclusion” and a “coalition of resistance,” with Israel standing at a critical junction. While this perspective offers a compelling geopolitical narrative, it glosses over key realities on the ground. As Benjamin Netanyahu’s military offensive expands from Gaza to Lebanon, it seems less about securing peace and more about consolidating power through the elimination of key leadership figures in Hamas and Hezbollah. The harsh humanitarian toll and the escalating risks of broader regional conflict suggest a more dangerous path—one where peace is sidelined and devastation deepens.

Opinion: What This Israel-Hezbollah-Hamas-Iran Conflict is Really About

October 14, 2023

The insightful reporting by Ben Hubbard and Alissa J. Rubin in The New York Times vividly documents the devastating impact of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The relentless bombardment, aimed at dismantling Hamas leadership, has destroyed civilian infrastructure, flattened entire neighbourhoods, and displaced thousands. This is not a fight that ends with the death of key leaders; instead, it’s a cycle that perpetuates destruction, creating a new generation of anger and despair among Palestinians. As Friedman correctly notes, Netanyahu’s military campaign against Iran’s proxies is framed as part of a larger international conflict, but it’s also clear that this strategy is profoundly damaging to those living under fire.

Analysis: Facing a Big Test, Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ Flails

Hubbard and Rubin emphasize the cost of this war not only in terms of lives lost but in the complete collapse of basic services and governance in Gaza. Hospitals are overwhelmed, water supplies are compromised, and electricity is scarce. Civilians bear the brunt of a war in which they have little say, caught between the militant tactics of Hamas and the overwhelming military power of Israel. Netanyahu’s military strategy may succeed in taking down Hamas leaders, but at the cost of eroding any prospects for a peaceful future in the region.

October 20, 2023

Netanyahu’s widening offensive in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah in the north, risks expanding the humanitarian catastrophe beyond Gaza. Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, now killed in an Israeli strike, was seen as a destabilizing force, but his death, like the toppling of Hamas leadership, is unlikely to bring about the peace Israel claims to be fighting for. As Hubbard and Rubin detail, the fear in Lebanon is palpable. The nation is already teetering on the edge of collapse due to its political paralysis, economic crisis, and a vast influx of refugees. Further destabilization from Israeli military actions could push Lebanon into outright disaster, echoing the ruin seen in Gaza.

Reader comments on Friedman’s analysis rightly point out the complexities Israel faces. One reader highlighted the entanglement of Israel’s military leadership with its far-right settler movement. Many high-ranking Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officers come from these settlements, complicating any move toward a two-state solution or territorial concessions. The settlements—long supported by Netanyahu’s government—are not just political bargaining chips; they are deeply entrenched in Israel’s defence and security infrastructure. As one reader argued, Israel may be stuck in a “bear trap” of its own making. Any serious disengagement from the occupied territories risks not only international fallout but potential civil unrest within Israel itself.

November 10, 2023

The parallels Friedman draws between Israel’s regional struggle and the broader post-Cold War global order are illuminating but ultimately incomplete. While Israel is fighting proxies of Iran, Russia’s war in Ukraine is driven by similar attempts to resist Western inclusion. Yet, as one reader commented, America itself seems to be straddling the line between inclusion and resistance, particularly given the rise of populist, authoritarian-leaning movements at home. In this sense, the struggle between inclusion and resistance is not just an external geopolitical dynamic—it is one that many countries, including the U.S. and Israel, are grappling with internally.

Friedman’s argument that Israel can emerge as a stabilizing force through an alliance with Saudi Arabia overlooks the core issue of Palestinian sovereignty. While Netanyahu’s government seeks to normalize relations with Arab states like Saudi Arabia, the price of such an alliance—ignoring the plight of Palestinians—will likely prove unsustainable. As Ben Hubbard and Alissa J. Rubin report, the Israeli offensive against Hamas and Hezbollah has sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab world. Social media is flooded with posts calling out the destruction and human cost in Gaza and Lebanon. Saudi Arabia and other regional players may see the long-term benefit of aligning with Israel, but public opinion in these countries cannot ignore the ongoing suffering of Palestinians.

October 18, 2022

One of the key questions raised by both Friedman and the reader comments is whether Netanyahu has a plan beyond the military victories he seeks. The answer seems to be no. As one commenter noted, Netanyahu’s far-right coalition has shown little interest in pursuing peace or reconciliation with the Palestinians. The maps Netanyahu held up during his UN speech may reflect his vision of Israel’s place in the world, but their omission of Gaza and the West Bank underscores his government’s unwillingness to confront the realities of occupation and Palestinian statehood. Without a diplomatic strategy that addresses the core grievances of Palestinians, Netanyahu’s military victories will only be pyrrhic, ensuring more instability in the long run.

Hubbard and Rubin’s reporting, along with Friedman’s broader analysis, paints a picture of a region on the brink of broader conflict. The elimination of key leadership figures in Hamas and Hezbollah may satisfy short-term military objectives, but it is unlikely to lead to a lasting peace. Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas, will not simply abandon its proxies, and its response may come in ways that Israel and its allies are unprepared for. The risks of escalation, both within the region and involving global powers like Russia and China, are very real. Moreover, the humanitarian cost of these wars—particularly in Gaza and Lebanon—will only deepen the divides between Israel and the Arab world, making the prospect of normalization with Saudi Arabia ever more complicated.

While Netanyahu’s strategy may deliver tactical victories by eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, it is a strategy that comes with severe humanitarian costs and escalates the risk of broader conflict. True peace will require more than military dominance—it will demand a commitment to diplomacy, reconciliation, and a genuine effort to address the root causes of conflict, particularly Palestinian self-determination. Until Netanyahu and his government are willing to engage in meaningful peace efforts, the region will remain locked in cycles of violence and destruction. (AI)

Tuesday August 13, 2024

August 13, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 13, 2024

An animated version of this cartoon may be viewed here.

The True Provocateur Behind the Bloodshed – Vladimir Putin’s Unlawful Conquests

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, the recent Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region has garnered significant attention. This bold move by Ukrainian forces, pushing deep into Russian territory, has been labeled a “terrorist attack” and a “provocation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin. But such claims, coming from the architect of this brutal conflict, are not only disingenuous but deeply offensive.

February 24, 2023

Let us be clear: the root cause of this war and the needless deaths on both sides can be traced back to one person—Vladimir Putin. It is his unlawful territorial ambitions and flagrant disregard for international law that have plunged both Russia and Ukraine into this bloody conflict. The Ukrainian raid into Kursk, far from being an unprovoked act of aggression, is a natural and inevitable response to months of defending their homeland against an invader who seeks to erase their sovereignty.

The war in Ukraine, now stretching into its third year, was never a defensive operation for Russia. It was conceived in the Kremlin as a quick and decisive campaign to subjugate Ukraine and expand Russian influence. In February 2022, Russian forces crossed into Ukrainian territory in what Putin cynically dubbed a “special military operation.” The expectation was clear: Ukraine would fall swiftly, and Russia would cement its control over its neighbour.

News:Ukraine’s foray into Russia’s border region embarrasses Putin. How will it affect the course of war?

December 13, 2023

But Putin underestimated the resolve of the Ukrainian people and their determination to defend their country. Instead of a swift victory, Russia found itself bogged down in a protracted and bloody conflict. The Kremlin’s initial plans have unraveled, leading to heavy Russian casualties, economic sanctions, and growing international isolation. Yet, despite these setbacks, Putin has continued to pursue his expansionist goals, with devastating consequences.

When Putin accuses Ukraine of provocation, it is crucial to remember who the real provocateur is. The invasion of Ukraine was an unprovoked act of aggression—a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and a breach of international law. The relentless bombing of Ukrainian cities, the targeting of civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of millions of Ukrainians are all on Putin’s hands. This war has not only devastated Ukraine but has also led to the deaths of thousands of Russian soldiers, many of whom were conscripts sent to fight in a conflict they likely did not understand or support.

Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russian territory is not a provocation; it is a defensive measure taken by a nation fighting for its survival. After enduring relentless attacks on its own soil, Ukraine has shown that it can and will strike back. This raid is a message to Russia that Ukraine will not be cowed or conquered. It is a demonstration of resilience and a declaration that Ukraine will not surrender its sovereignty.

February 13, 2024

As the war drags on, there is a growing weariness in the West about the ongoing support for Ukraine. Voices like Senator J.D. Vance and former President Donald Trump have suggested cutting military aid to Ukraine and seeking a “peaceful solution” that would hand over significant portions of Ukrainian territory to Russia. This approach is not only shortsighted but dangerously naive.

Such a “solution” would not bring lasting peace; it would embolden Putin to push his expansionist agenda even further. History has shown that appeasement only invites further aggression. If Putin is allowed to carve up Ukraine, there is little doubt that his ambitions will extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, potentially threatening the stability of Eastern Europe and the broader region.

Those in the West who advocate for scaling back support for Ukraine must understand that this war is not just about Ukraine; it is about defending the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. If Putin is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, it will set a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for global security.

Opinion: Ukraine’s incursion shows Russia’s war is not going to plan

November 11, 2022

The hypocrisy in Putin’s rhetoric is staggering. For years, he has been the one provoking Ukraine, destabilizing the region, and disregarding the lives of both Ukrainians and Russians alike. Yet, when Ukraine responds, he cries foul, attempting to cast Russia as the victim. This narrative is not only false but also insulting to those who have suffered and died because of his ambitions.

The truth is that every death in this conflict—whether Ukrainian or Russian—is the result of Putin’s choices. His unlawful invasion has led to a catastrophic loss of life and has plunged Europe into its most severe conflict since World War II. The suffering on both sides is a direct consequence of his imperial dreams, and no amount of propaganda can obscure that fact.

As the war continues, it is vital to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for the devastation he has wrought. The international community must recognize that the provocation, the bloodshed, and the suffering all stem from one man’s unlawful pursuit of territorial conquest. Putin’s actions have not only threatened Ukraine’s existence but have also endangered global peace and security.

For those in the West who are growing weary of supporting Ukraine, let this be a reminder: the cost of abandoning Ukraine is far greater than the price of standing with them. A “peaceful solution” that rewards Putin’s aggression would not end the conflict—it would simply pave the way for more bloodshed. The world must stand with Ukraine, not only in its fight for sovereignty but in its fight for justice. For it is only by confronting and condemning the true provocateur—Vladimir Putin—that we can hope to bring an end to this senseless war. (AI)