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USA

Friday May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 26, 2023

DeSantis’ Presidential Spectacle: From Twitter Chats to Dewoke Rats

November 10, 2022

Political journalists and pundits spent a significant portion of Wednesday fixating on the unconventional method by which Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his presidential candidacy. He chose to utilize Twitter Spaces for an audio conversation, accompanied by billionaire Elon Musk and David Sacks, a South African-born venture capitalist and Republican donor. Sacks had recently expressed his belief that continued military support for Ukraine could lead to a hypothetical “woke war III.”

The media engaged in rampant speculation about DeSantis’ decision to forgo an in-person event in his hometown near Tampa and pondered the level of attention he would receive from Fox News, which has a tumultuous relationship with the governor, vacillating between support and disillusionment. The spectacle resembled a Disneyworld parade with its satirical mascot, “Ron Dewoke Rat,” a twisted caricature of Mickey Mouse.

Certainly, the choice of Twitter as the platform for the announcement is intriguing, as it indicates DeSantis’ alignment with influential right-wing financiers. The message to other affluent Republicans is clear: even if you distance yourself from Trump, DeSantis will still advocate for your interests regarding tax policies, wages, and similar matters. It is akin to displaying a bumper sticker on your luxury car that assures you of safety under DeSantis’ leadership in the digital age.

Analysis: How DeSantis Allies Plan to Beat Trump in the 2024 Presidential Election 

November 12, 2022

However, the rollout of the announcement was marred by embarrassing technical issues, which is unsurprising given Twitter’s frequent glitches under Musk’s ownership. It is ironic that a governor who touts his technological savvy would stumble on such a platform.

Beneath DeSantis’ incessant culture wars lies a distressing reality of policies that disregard the majority of Florida’s non-wealthy citizens. While he wages his crusade against what he perceives as “wokeness,” which translates to opposing equal and fair treatment of Black, gay, and transgender individuals, he has also fostered an environment of censorship. Florida schools have removed books like “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman, a young Black poet whose powerful recitation captivated audiences at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Although it is unlikely that DeSantis personally made these decisions, his relentless campaign against perceived wokeness has laid the groundwork for such acts.

June 24, 2022

DeSantis has also enacted policies regarding women’s reproductive rights that ban abortions after only six weeks of pregnancy, often before women even realize they are pregnant. He takes pride in legislation that restricts gender-affirming care for minors, targets drag shows, limits discussions of personal pronouns in schools, and enforces discriminatory bathroom policies. These actions are based on narratives that experts from major medical associations have debunked, yet DeSantis persists in spreading misinformation, such as falsely claiming that children are routinely subjected to “mutilation.”

In addition to his divisive tactics in the culture war, DeSantis has resorted to attention-seeking and destructive stunts, such as transporting plane-loads of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and engaging in public feuds with Disney, a prominent employer and tourist attraction. Internationally, he infamously referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a mere “territorial dispute,” only to backtrack when his statement did not resonate well within his own party.

Analysis: Will Ron DeSantis’s culture war with Disney threaten his White House run?  

March 22, 2023

Unfortunately, the media pays less attention to the fact that while DeSantis proclaims Florida to be “where woke goes to die,” the state has also become a place where its residents suffer in various ways. Florida ranks poorly in healthcare, school funding, and long-term care for the elderly. Teachers’ salaries are among the lowest nationwide, unemployment benefits are inadequate, and the governor actively opposes efforts to raise the minimum wage, which remains low in the state.

The regressive tax structure of Florida explains why wealthy individuals are flocking to the state. With no individual income tax and an exceptionally low corporate tax rate, it becomes an attractive haven for affluent Americans seeking to evade their fair share of taxes. However, this burden falls disproportionately on the poor and middle class, as the state heavily relies on sales and excise taxes for revenue. Consequently, Florida ranks worse than comparable northern states in areas such as diabetes, cancer mortality, teenage birth rates, and infant mortality.

Beneath the flashy distractions of DeSantis’ culture wars lies a grim reality of policies that neglect the majority of Florida’s non-wealthy citizens. If Florida sets the tone for the nation, electing Ron DeSantis as president could result in unfortunate repercussions stemming from his governance. (AI)


Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, May 29, 2023 

Letter to the Editor

WOKE must die at Spec

I fail to understand why The Spectator would stoop so low as to publish a cartoon (May 25) of this nature. Only a small percentage of the population support WOKE. DeSantis famously stated “Florida is where WOKE comes to die” and many support him. As owner of a small USA business I follow U.S. politics closely. WOKE needs to die at The Spectator, too.

John McGrath, Dundas


‘Don’t say gay’ could lead to mass clear out of libraries (The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday June 3, 2023)

A recent letter writer (May 29) complained about an earlier Spectator cartoon. It showed “Ron DeWokeRat” (a caricature of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis) burning literature labelled “Filth” (including The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Hill We Climb, the poem read by Amanda Gorman, a young black woman, at President Biden’s inauguration). The letter writer approvingly quoted DeSantis as saying “Florida is where WOKE comes to die” and then went on to argue that “WOKE needs to die at The Spectator, too.”

June 3, 2023

I couldn’t tell what the specific objection to the cartoon was but it seems that the writer supports DeSantis’ policies. These include letting parents force the removal of books they don’t like from public school libraries. I suspect the letter writer would like to see that policy replicated here.

But I wonder if the writer has thought through what would happen if it were combined with the DeSantis ban on the word “gay.” All sorts of books would disappear from the shelves, including many of the English classics.

For example, in A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens wrote of “gay crowds.” In George Eliot’s Middlemarch, we can read that “Mr. Bambridge was a man of pleasure and a gay companion.” I assume that Governor DeSantis would agree that our children shouldn’t read this, especially when you remember that the book was written by a woman pretending to be a man. Was she (horror!) transgender or did she simply cross-dress?

No doubt DeSantis would also want to remove Pride and Prejudice from the eyes of the young and impressionable. Jane Austen wrote about “the streets of that gay bathing-place.” While the book has been read by many generations, its unsuitability should have been obvious simply from its title, which includes the word “Pride”! Austen even had the gall to suggest that anyone who objected was guilty of “Prejudice.”

And don’t try arguing that the word “gay” used to mean something different. “Don’t say gay” means “Don’t say gay.”

Seriously, do those who rail against “woke” even know what it means? Merriam-Webster defines it as: “aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).” In other words, woke means learning things, being sensitive to others, and paying attention to various forms of discrimination. What’s the problem with that? Surely we don’t want to raise a generation of ignorant, selfish bigots. By Harry Shannon, Harry Shannon lives in Dundas and blogs at PROBABLYMAYBE.NET  

 

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2023-10, article, Conservative, culture war, disney, Donal Trump, Feedback, identity politics, Mascot, Presidential, Republican, Ron deSantis, USA, woke

Thursday May 11, 2023

May 9, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 11, 2023

Words can sink campaigns, while Trump’s actions fuel his support

April 26, 2023

The verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case against Donald Trump was a momentous win for survivors of sexual assault, as well as women who have suffered due to lack of belief in their claims. The jury found that Trump sexually abused Carroll and awarded her $5 million for battery and defamation. Although the jury didn’t find that Carroll proved rape, it still marked a significant victory. As a former president, Trump enjoys considerable goodwill with GOP voters, despite scandals that would have doomed most politicians. However, as his legal woes increase and primary debates begin in August, his support will be tested.

This ruling marks a new chapter in the #MeToo movement, which has empowered survivors to come forward with their stories. The verdict demonstrates that no one is above the law, not even a former president of the United States. In his response to the verdict, Trump stated that he plans to appeal the decision, calling it a “disgrace” and a “political witch hunt”. However, this should not detract from the fact that this ruling sends a powerful message to survivors of sexual assault and shows that justice can be served.

News: Jury Finds Trump Liable for Sexual Abuse and Defamation  

September 24, 2022

Trump’s legal troubles continue to mount, with probes in New York, Washington, DC, and Georgia still underway. His willingness to deny allegations and call the case against him a political witch hunt undermines the bravery and courage of those who speak out about their experiences of sexual assault. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump faced backlash for comments made on the “Access Hollywood” tape, in which he bragged about sexually assaulting women. Despite this, he managed to survive the scandal and go on to win the presidency. However, as the Carroll case has demonstrated, times have changed, and Trump’s actions are finally catching up with him.

The ruling against Trump is a momentous win for survivors of sexual assault and women who have suffered due to a lack of belief in their claims. It sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, and that justice can be served. Trump’s continued denial of the allegations against him undermines the bravery and courage of those who speak out about their experiences of sexual assault. It remains to be seen how this case will affect Trump’s popularity, but it’s clear that his support will be tested as his legal woes continue to mount. (AI) 

A short history of gaffe disqualifiers 

July 26, 2016

In the 2016 US presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton referred to some of Donald Trump’s supporters as “a basket of deplorables,” causing controversy and backlash. Clinton later apologized for the comment, but it was used by her opponents to paint her as elitist and out of touch with working-class voters.

During a 2012 presidential debate, Mitt Romney claimed to have received “binders full of women” as part of his effort to hire more women for his cabinet. The phrase was criticized as insensitive and objectifying, and became a memorable moment of the election.

(It was Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live who paraphrased Palin’s foreign policy on Russia)

In a 2008 interview, Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate, claimed that Alaska’s proximity to Russia gave her foreign policy experience. She stated, “You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska.” The remark was widely mocked as evidence of her lack of foreign policy expertise.

In a 1999 interview, Al Gore stated that he “took the initiative in creating the Internet”. While he played a key role in supporting legislation that helped fund and develop the internet, his comments were widely criticized as an exaggeration of his contributions, leading to the popular misquote “I invented the internet”.

(The infamous Howard Dean Scream)

In 2004, Howard Dean was a presidential candidate and during his campaign, he gave an impassioned speech after a disappointing result in the Iowa caucuses. At the end of the speech, he let out a loud, guttural scream that was dubbed the “Dean Scream”. The moment was widely parodied and criticized, and is considered a major factor in his campaign’s ultimate failure.

(Rick Perry’s Oops Moment)

In a 2011 Republican presidential debate, Rick Perry forgot one of the three government agencies he wanted to eliminate, famously stating “Oops” when he couldn’t recall the third. The moment became a defining moment of his campaign and is often cited as one of the most memorable debate gaffes in recent political history.

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2023-09, Al Gore, campaign, Donald Trump, E. Jean Carroll, gaffes, Hillary Clinton, Howard Dean, Mitt Romney, predator, Rick Perry, Sarah Palin, sexual assault, USA

Thursday April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

April 27, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday April 27, 2023

Omar Alghabra defends proposed air passenger protection overhaul

March 16, 2023

As an airline crew member, Omar Alghabra bids farewell to Canadian passengers seeking cheaper airfares across the border in the U.S. airports with a “buh bye now” that may not be as jocular as it sounds. The proposed overhaul of air passenger rights rules in Canada by the Liberal government would ensure that airlines are held accountable for delivering the obligations they’ve committed to their passengers. The new regulations would also hike fines for airlines that don’t comply with Canadian Transportation Agency rules and limit situations where airlines can deny compensation for delays and damaged or lost luggage. Despite criticisms from airlines and advocacy groups, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra asserts that the proposal would protect consumers and shift the burden onto airlines.

Critics, however, have expressed concerns about the loopholes that may still exist and the possibility of increased ticket prices. Air Passenger Rights advocacy group president Gábor Lukács has accused the government of misleading Canadians about the new rules. Lukács argues that the new regulations could still allow airlines to deny compensation for cancellations and delays “required for safety purposes,” as those four words remain peppered throughout the fine text. He also believes that airlines can avoid fines by entering into “compliance agreements.”

News: What do the proposed passenger rights changes mean for travellers?  

May 25, 2022

In an interview on CBC Radio’s As It Happens, Alghabra disagrees with Lukács, saying that the proposal removes the loopholes that airlines could have used to justify not compensating passengers and ensures that airlines are held accountable for delivering their obligations to passengers. The proposed regulations also define new service standards that airlines need to follow, including providing food and access to telecommunication when customers are waiting for a snowstorm to end. Alghabra asserts that the new regulations are the toughest in the world, and airlines will be required to fund complaints at the Canadian Transportation Agency.

While the National Airlines Council of Canada argues that these rules will lead to higher ticket prices, Alghabra is surprised and says that they are not asking airlines to do more than what they promised customers they would do. The proposed regulations will only hold airlines responsible for what they promised customers and not what they don’t control. Alghabra believes that the new regulations will be better for customers, airlines, and everyone.

In terms of concerns about the lack of competition in Canada’s airline industry, Alghabra asserts that Canada has more competition than ever before, with Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Flair, Lynx, and some regional airlines expanding. He believes that the environment will be hospitable for airlines and will protect airline workers while ensuring that they are well-compensated and that Canadian jobs in the air sector continue.

As an airline crew member, Alghabra’s “buh bye now” might be an indication that Canada’s air travel system is undergoing significant changes. The proposed overhaul of air passenger rights rules in Canada, while not perfect, is a step in the right direction, protecting consumers and holding airlines accountable for delivering their obligations to passengers.

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-08, airfare, airline, airport, Canada, Omar Alghabra, passenger, rights, transport, USA

Wednesday April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 26, 2023

Old Titans Clash: Biden vs. Trump Rematch – Who Will Outlast the Other?

April 6, 2023

The upcoming re-election bid of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has been met with mixed reactions from Democrats and Americans alike. Some see it as a continuation of his legacy and a chance to build on his accomplishments, while others are concerned about his age and the potential challenges he may face during the campaign and if he were to win a second term.

On one hand, Biden’s supporters argue that he has been an underrated president who has accomplished significant legislative wins despite facing challenges. They point to his achievements in passing coronavirus relief, bipartisan infrastructure laws, and historic climate, healthcare, and tax plans, as well as his ability to maintain a narrow majority in Congress and defy historical trends in the midterm elections. Biden’s experience, empathy, and proven electoral success against Donald Trump in 2020 also make him a safe choice in comparison to the alternative.

News: Biden Announces Re-election Bid, Defying Trump and History  

December 8, 2022

On the other hand, there are concerns about Biden’s age and potential health issues, as he would be 86 at the end of a second term, making him the oldest president in US history. There are also concerns about the gap between Democratic officials and public sentiment, with many Americans expressing dissatisfaction with Biden’s job approval rating and citing his age as a concern. Some progressives are disappointed with his policy decisions and view him as representing the status quo, which they believe may not be enough to defeat the Republican party and advance a progressive agenda.

In addition, there are potential challenges that Biden may face during the campaign, including a gruelling schedule, attacks from right-wing media about his age and potential succession by Vice President Kamala Harris, and the need to navigate a polarized political climate. There are also questions about the viability of other potential Democratic candidates, with some seen as too unpopular, too young, too old, or too fringe to be credible alternatives.

Opinion: The Coming Biden Blowout  

May 27, 2020

In many ways, the rematch between Biden and Trump can be likened to the biblical story of David vs. Goliath. Biden, despite his age and potential challenges, represents an experienced and battle-tested politician who has achieved significant accomplishments and proven electoral success. Trump, on the other hand, represents a formidable opponent with his popularity among his base but also faces legal baggage and widespread unpopularity among a majority of Americans.

As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats and Americans will have to weigh the pros and cons of Biden’s re-election bid. Will his experience and accomplishments outweigh concerns about his age and potential challenges? Will he be able to overcome the gap between Democratic officials and public sentiment? Will he be able to fend off attacks from Trump and the Republican party? Only time will tell, but the upcoming rematch between Biden and Trump promises to be an epic battle in American politics, with echoes of the legendary tale of David vs. Goliath. (AI)

 

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2023-08, ageism, David, Donald Trump, election, Goliath, Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, MAGA, President, USA

Wednesday April 12, 2023

April 12, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 12, 2023

GOP Caught in Pro-Putin Romance: Leaked Pentagon Docs Reveal Embarrassing Bedfellows

The recent leak of top-secret Pentagon information related to the Ukraine war has sent shockwaves through the U.S. government and its allies. As the Pentagon scrambles to assess the scope of the leak and assure allies, there are concerns that the information revealed could potentially be embarrassing to Democrats and President Joe Biden. However, it is not just U.S. adversaries who may find glee in this leak, but also pro-Putin Republicans who have been supportive of Russia’s aggression and have advocated for policies that align with Russian interests.

February 24, 2023

There has been little media coverage of the pro-Putin rally that took place on February 19, 2023, or the growing number of Republicans and influential politicians who have expressed support for Putin and anti-support for Ukraine. This is a concerning development as it marks a departure from the historical stance of the Republican Party, which has traditionally been known for its support of U.S. national security interests and democracy promotion globally. Former Republican Presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan have championed American values and stood against Russian aggression, but many within the GOP have taken a different turn in recent years.

The pro-Putin sentiments among Republicans are evident in the statements and actions of influential figures such as Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson of Fox News, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, among others. These individuals have either held or sought political office and have openly expressed support for Russia’s aggressive actions. Social media platforms like Parler, Rumble, Gab, and Odysee have also been used to spread Russian disinformation, with some members of the GOP House Freedom Caucus and conservative media figures like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon promoting baseless claims that bolster the Kremlin’s aggression, according to think tanks that track disinformation propaganda.

Meet the pro-Putin Republicans and conservatives 

March 1, 2022

The leak of Pentagon information on Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and assessments of international support for Ukraine, along with other sensitive topics, presents a serious risk to national security, as stated by the Pentagon itself. It is yet to be authenticated by U.S. officials, but the potential impact of the leak is a cause for concern. The leaked information includes assessments of when Putin might use nuclear weapons, which could be embarrassing for Democrats and Biden’s administration if it reveals any missteps or vulnerabilities in their approach to Russia.

It is worth noting that the leak of classified information comes at a time when the U.S. and its allies are dealing with increased Russian aggression, including Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. While all living former U.S. presidents, except for Donald Trump, have condemned Putin’s actions, there are pro-Putin Republicans who have taken a different stance. This highlights a concerning trend within the GOP, which has shifted away from its historical support for U.S. national security interests and democracy promotion globally.

The implications of the leaked Pentagon information and the pro-Putin sentiments among some Republicans are significant. It raises questions about the trustworthiness of the U.S. in sharing information with its allies and the impact on Ukraine’s plans to intensify its fight against Russia. It also highlights the need for all patriotic Americans to uphold Reagan’s peace through strength message against Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, as stated by the Wall Street Journal. Failure to do so could result in dire consequences for the country and the world at large.

Pentagon leak: Spring offensive downplayed and other key takeaways 

In conclusion, the leak of top-secret Pentagon information related to the Ukraine war has potential implications that go beyond national security concerns. Pro-Putin Republicans who have expressed support for Russia’s aggression may find glee in any embarrassing revelations for Democrats and Biden’s administration. This trend among some Republicans is concerning and marks a departure from the party’s historical stance on U.S. (AI)

 

Posted in: International Tagged: 2023-06, intelligence, invasion, leak, pentagon, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Vladimir Putin
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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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