Marjorie Taylor Greene – mackaycartoons

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)

Friday April 5, 2024

April 5, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 5, 2024

The Eclipsing of Democracy: A Celestial and Political Paradox

Ivan Glassco, The Hamilton Spectator

In 1936, Ivan Glassco’s editorial cartoon for the Hamilton Spectator captured a moment of political symbolism: Adolf Hitler, emerging as a dominant force on the world stage, eclipsed Benito Mussolini, representing the ascendancy of authoritarianism over the fading embers of democracy. This visual metaphor, though born in a specific era, carries timeless resonance, echoing the recurrent pattern of strongmen casting their shadow over democratic institutions throughout history.

As we anticipate the forthcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, Glassco’s imagery takes on a renewed poignancy. Just as the moon intermittently obscures the brilliance of the sun, so too have authoritarian rulers intermittently obstructed the light of democracy. The cosmic phenomenon of an eclipse serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of power dynamics and the transient nature of political dominance.

Poll: Democracy in North America: Significant segments in Canada, U.S. open to authoritarian leadership

March 7, 2024

Consider the accounts of Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, who chronicled the extraordinary events of 585 BC when a solar eclipse intervened to halt the relentless conflict between the Medes and the Lydians. In the face of the celestial spectacle, warring factions laid down their arms, seized by a shared sense of awe and reverence. Though separated by millennia, the psychological impact of witnessing such cosmic phenomena remains a unifying force, evoking humility and fostering a sense of interconnectedness among humanity.

Recent studies corroborate this notion, suggesting that the experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse can evoke a profound sense of awe, prompting individuals to feel more deeply connected to their communities and to each other. This transient moment of collective wonder stands in stark contrast to the divisive forces that often fracture societies along political lines.

Yet, as we marvel at the celestial ballet unfolding above us, we cannot afford to overlook the troubling parallels evident in our political landscape. The rise of authoritarianism, not only in distant lands but also within the heartlands of North America, poses a grave threat to the principles of democracy. In both Canada and the United States, significant segments of the population express openness to authoritarian leadership, viewing strongman rule as a viable alternative to democratic governance.

Opinion: The Uniquely American Future of US Authoritarianism

July 20, 2021

In the United States, particularly, the Republican Party has veered toward authoritarianism in recent years, embracing extremist rhetoric and undermining democratic norms. From attempts to overturn election results to attacks on the judiciary and the media, the GOP’s flirtation with authoritarianism has cast a shadow over the future of American democracy.

The events of January 6, 2021, when rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a brazen attempt to overturn a free and fair election, serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of authoritarian encroachment. The parallels between the celestial and the political are not merely coincidental. Just as a solar eclipse reminds us of the vastness of the cosmos and our place within it, so too do the rise and fall of authoritarian regimes remind us of the fragility of democracy and the constant struggle to preserve it.

BBC: How the solar eclipse may affect the brain and bring people together

As we gaze up at the darkened sun on April 8, reflect not only on the wonders of the universe but also on the challenges facing our own societies. Draw inspiration from the awe-inspiring spectacle above us to reaffirm our commitment to democracy, to reject the siren call of authoritarianism, and to stand together in defence of freedom and justice for all. As the eclipse passes, so too shall the shadow of tyranny be dispelled by the light of liberty…we can only wish. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

Thursday August 3, 2023

August 3, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 3, 2023

Compare and Contrast – Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump

July 19, 2023

In the world of politics, leaders are often measured against their predecessors. In the case of President Joe Biden and his potential 2024 opponent, Donald Trump, the contrasts are stark. Despite his age, gaffes, and questions raised about his son Hunter Biden, Joe Biden stands as a decent and respectable gentleman by comparison to the divisive, corrupt, and criminal actions of Donald Trump.

The spector of Donald Trump looms large over the GOP, with some House GOP leaders considering an impeachment inquiry against President Biden. The reality of a third indictment against Trump has Republicans and Democrats alike preparing for a potential 2024 rematch between the two men.

What sets Biden apart from his predecessor is his commitment to honesty and integrity. While Trump faced two separate indictments, one involving hush-money payments and the other for inciting an insurrection, Biden has faced no such criminal charges. Despite the relentless efforts by Republicans to paint the Biden administration as corrupt, they have failed to produce any credible evidence of wrongdoing.

News: Republicans don’t dare criticize Trump over Jan. 6. Their silence fuels his bid for the White House

April 26, 2023

The allegations against Biden stem from his son Hunter’s business dealings with foreign companies. GOP lawmakers have been hunting for evidence to support their calls for an impeachment inquiry, but so far, they have relied on uncorroborated information from an FBI document that was already investigated and deemed not worthy of escalation. There is no solid evidence to tie Biden directly to any corruption or bribery.

On the other hand, Trump has been relentless in trying to drag Biden down with him. He pressures GOP lawmakers to pursue an impeachment process against Biden, seemingly driven by a desire for revenge and retribution. But the truth is that Trump’s comparison between his first impeachment and the allegations against Biden is nothing more than an attempt to distract from his own legal troubles.

January 14, 2023

The Trump-led GOP’s threats of impeachment against Biden reek of a lack of a plan and an inability to govern effectively. They struggle to define Biden, alternating between calling him “sleepy Joe” and “corrupt Joe.” However, Biden’s record stands strong, with the Washington Post suggesting that the Republicans may need to find something else to criticize him for, given his economic achievements.

One area where Biden undeniably surpasses Trump is in handling his family’s legal issues. Hunter Biden may have faced charges, but no credible allegations of corruption have been connected to Joe Biden. In contrast, Donald Trump’s tenure was marked by numerous ethical controversies, from nepotism to conflicts of interest.

Analysis: Why Trump’s poll lead went up after criminal indictments

May 14, 2021

Despite Trump’s claims and the GOP’s attempts to scandalize the Biden administration, no legitimate charges of corruption have stuck. It is clear that Republicans are trying to deflect from Trump’s own legal problems, using baseless allegations to distract and damage Biden’s reputation.

Joe Biden may not be a perfect president, but he stands as a beacon of decency and integrity when compared to Donald Trump. His leadership is defined by a commitment to truth, honesty, and serving the American people. While the GOP may try to tarnish his reputation with unsubstantiated claims, the truth remains that Biden’s character and leadership are miles apart from the dirty, corrupt, and criminal actions of his predecessor. As the potential 2024 rematch looms, the choice between a respectable and experienced leader and a divisive and scandalous figure is clear. It all comes back to Donald Trump. (AI)

Friday November 11, 2022

November 11, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 11, 2022

Greene’s call for ending U.S. aid to Ukraine isn’t about the money

December 20, 2016

Speeches presented at Donald Trump’s rallies are not renowned for their detailed presentations of carefully considered policy proposals. That’s not why people go to rallies in general, of course, much less this specific genre of rally. Attendees show up to show their support for Republican candidates — and to hear excoriations of the political left.

That’s the context in which we should consider the contribution by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to a rally Thursday in Iowa: Her arguments about funding for the war in Ukraine were political rhetoric, not considered analysis. The question, instead, is what political aim she intended to advance.

Greene’s mention of Ukraine stemmed from a riff about the border. Greene accused Democrats and the news media of ignoring an alleged “crime spree” involving undocumented immigrants, including that there are “drugs flooding across our border, with fentanyl poisonings every single day.” One reason you’re hearing about fentanyl so much this year is that overdose deaths have increased, as the media have reported. Another reason is that Republicans are using the fear of fentanyl as a way to bash Democrats on border policies — although most fentanyl is smuggled in through existing border checkpoints, often by U.S. citizens.

June 18, 2022

Regardless, that was the setup for her comments about U.S. spending to help Ukraine.

“Democrats have ripped our border wide open,” she said in Iowa. “But the only border they care about is Ukraine, not America’s southern border. Under Republicans, not another penny will go to Ukraine. Our country comes first.”

See the logical jump there? From “Democrats care too much about Ukraine’s border” to “we shouldn’t spend on Ukraine at all.” It’s not clear how one follows from the other, but consistency on such things is not how Greene has built her political reputation.

June 15, 2021

While not the official position of the GOP, Greene’s “not another penny” line met with some applause. That’s not surprising, given that polling has shown increasing Republican skepticism about providing aid to Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders. As The Washington Post’s Aaron Blake noted Thursday, nearly half of Republicans now think the United States is doing too much in support of Ukraine.

But the United States is doing relatively little — particularly when considering the historical context of its effort to contain Russian aggression.

May 5, 2000

U.S. defense spending has increased dramatically since the end of the Cold War, the period in which U.S. opposition to Russian strength was most overt. That’s largely because of the increase in spending that followed the 9/11 attacks, including for the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

But it’s also because spending has increased broadly and because of inflation. Relative to total government spending, defense spending (here meaning Department of Defense outlays) has been fairly flat. (The Washington Post)