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propaganda

Tuesday September 10, 2024

September 10, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canada faces an alarming new threat as far-right influencers, allegedly funded by Russian operatives, use propaganda to radicalize citizens, sow division, and undermine democracy, posing a form of ideological homegrown terrorism.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 10, 2024

An animated version of this cartoon…here…

Canada’s Far-Right Propaganda Problem—A New Form of Homegrown Terrorism?

The rise of anonymous commentators on social media platforms spreading misinformation and disinformation poses a significant threat, emphasizing the need for individuals to exercise caution, critical thinking, and news literacy skills to combat deception.

November 7, 2023

By now, the recent revelations about Canadian far-right influencers embedded in an alleged Russian propaganda scheme should be a wake-up call to anyone who values Canadian democracy. The U.S. Department of Justice’s indictment against two Russian nationals, accusing them of covertly funding Tenet Media—a media outlet tied to Canadian influencers Lauren Chen and Lauren Southern—has brought an insidious problem to light. Yet this scandal may be only the tip of the iceberg, highlighting a growing threat to our country: foreign-funded disinformation campaigns aimed at radicalizing Canadians, creating chaos, and undermining Western institutions.

News: With charges and sanctions, US takes aim at Russian disinformation ahead of November election

January 25, 2022

We often think of foreign interference in abstract terms, assuming it’s something that happens “elsewhere”—in the U.S. or Europe. But this activity is unfolding in our own backyard. Canadian far-right influencers have become willing collaborators in these schemes, taking advantage of our digital platforms to broadcast propaganda, peddle disinformation, and inflame societal tensions. What’s more, this foreign-backed radicalization effort mirrors the traits of homegrown terrorism, aiming to weaken the state from within by fostering hate, fear, and division.

Take Lauren Chen and Lauren Southern, two figures central to Tenet Media’s pro-Russian propaganda efforts. These influencers have become part of a dangerous transnational network that seeks to destabilize not only the U.S., but also Canada. Southern, a vocal supporter of the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, has collaborated with figures like Aleksandr Dugin, a known ally of Vladimir Putin. Chen, meanwhile, built a following with her anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ views, creating content that mirrored the Kremlin’s talking points. Both individuals are deeply intertwined in the international far-right media ecosystem, and both contributed content designed to stoke outrage over issues like immigration and cultural identity.

The rising threats of extremism and misinformation targeting politicians and elections demand urgent attention from authorities to safeguard democracy and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

March 26, 2024

This goes beyond mere opinion-shaping. When foreign actors like Russia fund and direct the narrative of far-right media outlets, the consequences are dire. They manipulate real grievances—about housing affordability, inflation, and the erosion of trust in government institutions—to serve their strategic interests. The allegations against Tenet Media and its Canadian founders demonstrate how vulnerable we are to outside influence when our own influencers are willing to sell out our democracy.

Russia’s goal, as former CSIS director Richard Fadden warns, is not just to influence the U.S. presidential election but to erode trust in institutions across the West, including Canada. This is not just about disinformation; it’s about creating a psychological state of disillusionment and division. It’s about weakening the social fabric by promoting cultural warfare, distrust, and polarization. The strategy is simple but effective: amplify fringe voices, divide communities, and let chaos unfold from within.

This tactic should be considered akin to a new form of homegrown terrorism. While it may not involve guns or bombs, it involves something far more dangerous: the poisoning of minds. When we see online comment sections flooded with pro-Russian talking points or blatant Kremlin propaganda, it’s not hard to recognize the pattern. Influencers like Lauren Southern and Lauren Chen may not have planted physical explosives, but they have helped detonate ideological bombs that fragment our society.

Analysis: Meet the right-wing Canadian influencers accused of collaborating with an alleged Russian propaganda scheme

December 22, 2022

The recent revelation that $10 million in Russian money was funnelled to Tenet Media and its Canadian collaborators underlines the scale of this disinformation campaign. Far from being passive bystanders, these individuals were active participants in shaping narratives that played directly into Russian hands.

What’s more concerning is that Tenet Media and its Canadian influencers are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Many far-right media personalities, both in Canada and the U.S., have been parroting Kremlin talking points for years. These talking points, whether about Ukraine, immigration, or Western values, have seeped into the broader conservative ecosystem, influencing not just media but politics. Prominent figures, such as Tucker Carlson in the U.S., have shown remarkable alignment with Russian narratives on issues like Ukraine, further complicating the fight against disinformation.

As one concerned reader commented, “The calls are coming from inside the house.” And they’re right. The influence of foreign disinformation campaigns is not just an external threat; it’s been internalized by many of our own citizens who now openly question the legitimacy of our institutions and media.

Opinion: I cover the far right for a living. This is why I wasn’t surprised to find Canadians embedded in an alleged Russian propaganda scheme

Pierre Poilievre should listen to the Ukrainian diaspora's concerns, rectify the party's approach to Ukraine, and explicitly declare support to "Stand with Ukraine" for a more principled foreign policy.

March 8, 2024

How did we become so polarized in such a short time? It’s no coincidence that nations like Russia, China, and Iran are using sophisticated disinformation tactics to turn citizens against one another. Russia, in particular, excels at exploiting societal fault lines to sow discord. Whether it’s inflaming outrage over gender issues or immigration, or pushing narratives that undermine public trust in health measures, the goal is always the same: division. And the Ottawa occupation and Coutts blockade are prime examples of how these foreign-backed movements have amplified domestic unrest.

The protests and occupations we’ve seen in recent years are more reactions to propaganda than to any genuine grassroots discontent. They’re reactions stoked by agitators who profit from division, just as Russia profits from a weakened and polarized Canada.

So, what can we do? As another reader insightfully pointed out, “The best offence is one where the enemy doesn’t even realize they’re being attacked.” This is exactly what’s happening in Canada today. The Russian state and its allies have perfected the art of ideological subversion, making it hard to even recognize that we’re under attack.

We need to call this out for what it is: a coordinated attack on our democracy. Canada cannot afford to become a safe haven for far-right influencers acting as foreign agents. It is crucial that policymakers take stronger steps to regulate social media platforms and introduce foreign agent registries. We must also foster public awareness about how disinformation works and how to identify it.

Finally, as individuals, we need to talk to our friends, family, and colleagues. Explain what’s happening. Expose the insidious nature of these disinformation campaigns, and make sure we are getting our news from credible, trusted sources. By doing so, we can help stop this growing form of ideological terrorism from further taking root in Canada.

Our democracy depends on it. (AI)

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: 2024-16, animated, bear, beaver, Canada, disinformation, division, foreign interference, misinformation, polarization, propaganda, ruble, Russia, Vladimir Putin

Sunday March 10, 2024

March 10, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Pierre Poilievre's confrontational stance towards the media, epitomized by viewing everyone as either a friend or foe, is critiqued in the context of growing selective media engagement among politicians, emphasizing the indispensable role of editorial cartoons in fostering democratic discourse and scrutinizing leaders.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Sunday March 10, 2024

Pierre Poilievre and the Crucial Role of Editorial Cartoons in Democratic Discourse

December 6, 2022

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party with a pretty good chance becoming Canada’s next Prime Minister, has consistently voiced his disdain for mainstream media. His call to defund the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster, has ignited a contentious debate. In a recent article, CBC journalist Anton Wherry courageously confronted Poilievre’s confrontational approach towards the media. One particularly striking observation in Wherry’s piece elicited a verbal “BINGO” from me as I read it: “Poilievre’s criticisms of and attacks on the media also can be viewed as an extension of a political style that sees everyone as either a friend or an enemy: for Poilievre, if you’re not with him, you must be against him.” Haven’t we seen this play out elsewhere on the North American continent?

Anton Wherry: What, if anything, should voters make of Pierre Poilievre’s attitude toward journalists? – No politician in recent memory has mocked and criticized reporters more than the Conservative leader  

The Online News Act in Canada, a groundbreaking legislative framework securing fair compensation for news outlets from tech giants like Google and Meta, contrasts with the hot air of opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who remains skeptical and resistant, raising concerns about fair terms, media sustainability, and the effectiveness of government agreements in shaping the news ecosystem.

December 1, 2023

This astute observation resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for Poilievre to “suck it up, buttercup” and recognize the indispensable role of media scrutiny in a thriving democracy. Quit the whining and face the music! Wherry’s article raises concerns about the potential dismissal of critical coverage, turned into an art form by Donald Trump, and a trend not limited to him nor Poilievre but increasingly prevalent among politicians like Ontario Premier Doug Ford. On the federal level, Prime Minister Trudeau, while appearing to answer questions, is a master of dodging any direct answers to many of them, but at least shows a modicum of courtesy to journalists without snarling like his main opponent does. This selective media engagement prompts the question: do voters prefer leaders who control their messaging through sympathetic outlets, potentially fostering lazy leadership? How is this helpful?

As an editorial cartoonist advocating for the importance of visual commentary in a healthy democracy, I stress the vital role of editorial cartoons, especially during election seasons. They transcend partisan boundaries, demanding clear answers from politicians of all affiliations. The power of editorial cartoons lies in their ability to raise crucial questions and priorities, making them an indispensable part of democratic discourse.

“Journalism bought to you by Trudope’s red star party” – Oh, really?

Wherry’s article also touches on concerns about government-controlled journalism through subsidies and grants. While acknowledging the compromises to media independence, I strive to point out my autonomy as a cartoonist in critiquing politicians from all parties without influence from corporate overlords. If you don’t like how I treated your hero leader in today’s editorial cartoon, chances are you’re going to love my cartoon in days to follow when I go after the opponent of your beloved prince or princess.

Wherry’s piece further addresses the bias in mainstream media, which leans towards democratic values. As I have said, newspapers without editorial cartoons are likened to burgers without patties—incomplete. Editorial cartoons serve as essential commentary, evoking laughter, tears, or even discomfort. Satire should also be interpreted as free advice politicians and their handlers, adoring apologists, and sycophants should gladly accept for their own benefit. It serves to validate internal conflicts that partisan suck-ups may possess secretly in the deep recesses of the brain – in other words, did my hero just royally screw up? The satire that follows will confirm it before lengthy opinion pieces do!

A growing concern is the tribalism exacerbated by social media, where partisans perpetuate narrow-minded thinking as keyboard warriors and trolls. Social media has transformed political discourse into a chaotic frontier, with reasonable arguments drowned out by partisan cheerleading and buzzwords. Mainstream media, once a regulator of information, now contends with the power of likes and shares and membership sales that are earned registering their support through scrolling on smart phones, and influencing the rise of leaders like Poilievre, Ford, and let’s not leave out, Justin Trudeau, and his social media pile-on brigade.

October 20, 2022

In the face of Poilievre’s criticism of the media, it is crucial to uphold the role of journalists and editorial cartoonists who challenge the status quo and speak truth to power. As politicians increasingly shun legacy media for outlets aligning with their messaging, it is imperative to question whether this trend aligns with the desires of the average voter. Commentary, opinion pieces, and editorial cartoons, with their nuanced perspectives, remain pillars of democratic discourse. It’s high time politicians, including Poilievre, and their apologists recognize their role and embrace the scrutiny that comes with public office.

Pierre Poilievre, content with his disdain for a local reporter seems pretty proud of himself after this performance in this YouTube clip that it’s shared in its full glory on his fan channel. Here he is mawing on an apple while A&Qing in an Q&A interview. How charming. The tribal bubble of his fan base is on full display in the comments. But like all politicians in the modern age, they’ll all eventually be eating their words of devotion and revelry for him should he ever control the levers of power and falls out of favour. It happens to all of them, yet the useful idiots go on to endorse the next messianic snake-oil salesman.  

 

Posted in: Canada, Cartooning Tagged: 2024-05, Canada, editorial cartooning, Justin Trudeau, media, newspapers, Pierre Poilievre, press, propaganda, Trudeau

Saturday April 15, 2023

April 15, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 15, 2023

Poilievre’s Label Lunacy

December 6, 2022

Pierre Poilievre, aka “Skippy” in Conservative circles, recently caused a stir on Twitter with his demand to Twitter’s Elon Musk to label CBC as a “Conservative news hater.” Poilievre, notorious for his gun-loving persona and tendency to flip-flop on issues, sent a letter insisting on the label, drawing comparisons between the public broadcaster and Russia’s Sputnik TV. However, CBC brushed off Poilievre’s antics, asserting its editorial independence protected by law, despite his reputation as an “angry man.”

The demand by Poilievre, also dubbed the “Gun Nut” by some, left many scratching their heads, with advocacy groups like FRIENDS slamming his irresponsible tactics. Poilievre, a vocal critic of public broadcasting, has a history of bashing government-funded media, but his latest Twitter tantrum has taken things to a whole new level of absurdity.

Opinion: Why CBC isn’t the enemy — no matter what Pierre Poilievre and Elon Musk may think  

July 28, 2022

The brouhaha over the “Conservative news hater” label has sparked a hilarious debate over the use of labels and terminologies. Twitter’s recent change from “state-affiliated” to “government-funded” for public broadcasters like the BBC has left media outlets rolling their eyes, and questioning if Poilievre has taken comedy writing lessons from late-night talk show hosts.

As CBC contemplates how to respond to Poilievre’s demands, other media outlets like NPR have decided to quit Twitter altogether, fearing that their accounts may be inaccurately labeled next. This latest episode in the ongoing circus of Poilievre’s antics has further exposed Twitter’s questionable handling of labels, and left many wondering if politics has turned into a stand-up comedy routine.

NEWS: Poilievre’s pitch to defund CBC, keep French services would require change in law  

September 13, 2022

In conclusion, Pierre Poilievre’s recent demand for a “Conservative news hater” label on CBC’s accounts has brought comedic relief to the otherwise serious debate on government funding for public broadcasters. Poilievre’s fiery antics, including his tendency to flip-flop on issues and his gun-loving persona, have drawn both amusement and bewilderment from various quarters, highlighting the absurdity and unpredictability of modern politics in the age of social media.

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-07, Canada, CBC, Elon Musk, label, media, Pierre Poilievre, Printed in the Toronto Star, propaganda, public broadcaster, skippy, twitter

Tuesday August 24, 2021

August 31, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 24, 2021

Canada doesn’t need more social media trickery

The last thing this election campaign needs is a drift toward American style social media political manipulation and disinformation.

April 21, 2021

We saw an example of that over the weekend, and the offender is someone we would have hoped was above it — Chrystia Freeland. 

It starts with an online question-and-answer session made in 2020 during the Conservative leadership race. In a tweeted video of the session, which was retweeted by Freeland, O’Toole is questioned about privatized health care. Asked if he would advocate private, “for-profit” health care in Canada, his clear response was “yes.”

The only problem is, the video was edited to manipulate the message. In the same segment, the original video shows O’Toole also noted that universal access to health services is of paramount importance. The condensed clip used in Freeland’s tweet did not include that statement.

Justin Trudeau later retweeted the video, and Twitter marked Freeland’s tweet as “manipulated media.” Conservative lawyers sent a complaint to Elections Canada demanding an investigation and disclosure of who was involved in making the video. Conservative manager of media relations Mathew Clancy said: “It’s disappointing to see the Liberals resort to American-style divisive politics.”

March 1, 2012

That’s rich, considering the Conservatives had their own social media mud slinging event just a week ago, distributing a video mocking Trudeau by placing his face on a character from the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” It was so offensive even some sitting Conservatives called the tweet juvenile, amateur and a bad idea during an election campaign.

April 10, 2019

Fair enough. The Conservatives are hypocritical and too precious by half, but that doesn’t excuse what the Liberals did. Their campaign social media gurus manipulated a piece of content to change the message from the original. And the Conservatives did the same thing by adding Trudeau’s face to a fake partisan message. 

Both these things are wrong. We should not be concerned about the feelings or reputations of the politicians and parties involved, but Canadians certainly deserve an apology.

This sort of social media distortion is a toxic import from our friends down south. It has become big business and high art in American politics to manufacture social media demonizing the opposition. The Trump Republican leadership and presidential campaign used literally hundreds of operatives to generate false and misleading storylines about their opponents. Many pundits argue that had an impact on Trump’s successful campaigns.

June 26, 2019

Granted, it was probably naive to hope this twisted tactic would not eventually migrate north, and in fact there have been previous examples. But things are getting worse, and that is not something Canadians should sit quietly and tolerate. 

Much as we have been critical of social media giants for accepting and even encouraging this sort of behaviour, Twitter is to be congratulated for its practice of clearly labelling manipulated content. Other social media platforms have taken their own measures, but Twitter’s is among the most clear and identifiable, and that should sufficient incentive for political parties to lay off the disreputable tactic. 

It cheapens already damaged election discourse. It disrespects our democratic process and ideals. Everyone knows election campaigns have their share of spin and partisan fakery. But outright manipulation is a line parties should not to cross. Parties need to understand that, and the best way to ensure that is by public reaction to this sort of unethical behaviour. We don’t need this garbage in our election. (Hamilton Spectator Editorial) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2021-29, Afghanistan, Canada, Chrystia Freeland, computer, editing, election2021, Erin O’Toole, manipulation, media, propaganda

Friday April 3, 2020

April 10, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 3, 2020

Trudeau must reveal COVID-19 national projections

It’s time for Justin Trudeau to tell us just how bad the COVID-19 pandemic could get in Canada.

Coronavirus cartoons

The prime minister holds in his hands science-based models that project how many people might get this illness and, just as crucially, how many might die from it.

Yet he’s doggedly keeping this vital information secret, despite the fact many other political leaders are levelling with their public about the viral tsunami barrelling their way.

Even Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who had previously resisted publicizing such projections, just did a complete about-face.

“You deserve to know what I know,” he told Ontarians Thursday as he announced that the province’s top doctors would on Friday provide the modelling numbers for where Ontario was, is and could be. 

It was only Wednesday when Ford said people might panic if they learned those projections. Now, he says the information will provide the public with “a real wake-up call.”

This is one of those rare occasions when Trudeau should follow Ford’s lead. Trudeau’s condescending, father-knows-best rejection of the public’s right to know infantilizes mature Canadian adults and leaves them in the dark — just when they most need the bright light provided by the latest scientific research to guide them forward.

Not only are his excuses for doing this flimsy, they’re self-contradictory. In one breath, Trudeau says he won’t release the pandemic predictions prepared by Canada’s top public health officials until they’re more accurate. 

In the next breath, he suggests those projections are unreliable because the response of Canadians in the coming days will change them. But that argument, taken to its logical conclusion, means even Ottawa’s best projections will always be useless because they could always be altered by future events. 

And if that’s so, why does the government bother making such projections at all? If they serve no purpose in helping Canadians know how to act, they serve no purpose in directing federal policy.

Finally, if the pandemic models are so problematic, it made no sense for Trudeau to promise that he looks “forward to sharing more information with Canadians in the coming days” after he consults with the premiers.

The only way people will truly comprehend the life-and-death stakes of COVID-19 is if Trudeau gives them the facts as he knows them.

That’s what Premier Ford rightly decided to do. It’s what even the much-maligned Donald Trump has done. On Tuesday, the president allowed the release of sobering projections from the top U.S. scientists battling the coronavirus. They indicated it could kill 100,000 to 240,000 Americans. 

Likewise, in mid-March new modelling from the Imperial College of London demonstrated stronger measures were urgently needed to cut the projected COVID-19 death-toll in the United Kingdom from 260,000 to 20,000. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who entrusted the nation with these numbers, changed course almost immediately.

Trudeau owes the public this kind of transparency — and trust. There are too many rumours and fake news stories spreading alarms in this country. There is no cure, as yet, to COVID-19. A steady flow of solid information from the government, however, is the best cure for public confusion and fear. (Hamilton Spectator Editorial)

 

Posted in: Canada, Ontario, USA Tagged: 2020-11, Canada, Coronavirus, covid-19, filter, Ontario, pandemic, propaganda, Public Relations, transparency, truth, USA
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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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