vandalism – mackaycartoons

Saturday March 22, 2025

March 22, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 22, 2025

The Tesla Turmoil in Canada

October 26, 2024

In recent years, the relationship between the United States and Canada has been strained, largely due to the actions and policies of former President Donald Trump. His approach of using “economic force” has led to unintended and destructive consequences, sparking unrest and acts reminiscent of guerilla warfare.

News: Canadians Turn on Tesla, and It Becomes Physical

The tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imposed by the Trump administration marked a significant shift away from the cooperative spirit of the USMCA free trade agreement. Hamilton, Ontario, a key player in Canada’s steel industry, has been hit hard by these measures. By ignoring the principles of trust and goodwill in the USMCA, Trump has not only damaged diplomatic ties but also ignited resentment and resistance among Canadians.

January 28, 2025

Adding to the tension, Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state have stirred unease. Such remarks, whether serious or not, undermine the sovereignty and pride of Canada, a long-standing ally. Coupled with Elon Musk’s alleged statement that “Canada is not a real country,” these actions suggest a troubling disregard for Canada’s independence.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and an advisor to Trump, has become a divisive figure in this narrative. Known for his controversial behaviour, Musk has been given the task of drastically reducing the U.S. federal workforce. His influence extends beyond business, as he uses his social media platform to spread information that some believe interferes with democratic processes. Musk’s rhetoric against Canada, including the alleged remark that “Canada is not a real country,” has only intensified the animosity. For many Canadians, Musk represents a direct threat to their sovereignty and democracy.

January 21, 2025

The backlash against Musk in Canada has been swift and intense. In Hamilton, more than 80 Teslas were vandalized, seen by many as a protest against what they perceive as an attack on their livelihoods. While vandalism is undoubtedly destructive, it reflects a deeper sense of frustration and desperation. When faced with economic force from a hardline president, these acts of defiance become a form of protest for those who feel marginalized and powerless.

News: Tesla under fire: Vanadalism, protests in Hamilton signal tense U.S.-Canada relations

August 28, 2018

The Trump administration’s decision to label these acts as “domestic terrorism” seems inconsistent, especially when compared to the pardons granted to those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Describing violent rioters as “patriots” while condemning Canadian protestors as terrorists highlights a troubling inconsistency in the application of justice.

The events unfolding in Canada serve as a warning about the unintended consequences of using economic force without considering diplomatic integrity and international cooperation. As tensions rise and acts of defiance continue, it is crucial for leaders to reflect on the impact of their policies and rhetoric. True leadership requires not only strength but also empathy and respect for the sovereignty and dignity of all nations.

Resisting Tesla

Some thoughts on the recent spate of vandalism against Teslas, especially since 80 of them were targeted in my own community, grabbing international attention. This is happening amidst some broader political and economic issues. Now, don’t get me wrong—I think the Tesla trucks are quite the eyesore, but generally, I’m a fan of electric cars. Elon’s are called “Cybertrucks,” am I right? The problem is, owning one is just too costly for many of us. So, when I see a Tesla on the road, I can’t help but think its driver is flaunting wealth, much like those who used to drive around in those obnoxious Hummers.

I’m not one to condone vandalism against personal property, but in this case, I find myself understanding the resistance. Here’s why:

Donald Trump launched an economic war against Canada, disregarding the good faith established by the USMCA. By imposing harsh tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, he’s directly targeting Hamilton, the heart of our steel industry.

His comments about wanting Canada to become the 51st state are unsettling, to say the least.

Trump enlisted Elon Musk—yeah, the world’s richest guy, who’s been leaning far right and has a bizarre knack for making Nazi-style salutes—to slash the U.S. federal civil service with mass firings.

The idea that “Canada is not a real country” aligns with Trump’s annexation ambitions.

Musk’s influence, especially through his social media platform, is a genuine threat to Canadian sovereignty. His spread of misinformation and interference in elections is alarming.

The backlash against Musk is rooted in his ties with Trump and the assault on livelihoods, especially in Hamilton. While I can’t support the vandalism itself, I see it as a reaction to Musk’s provocations.

Labeling this as “domestic terrorism” by Trump’s administration is laughable, especially considering the pardons given to those he called “patriots” after the January 6th Capitol attack.

In essence, when a hardline president imposes “economic force,” it’s almost inevitable that guerrilla warfare-like resistance will follow. That’s precisely what’s unfolding now.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Thursday February 18, 2021

February 25, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 18, 2021

Doug Ford facing online backlash after visiting Hazel McCallion on her birthday

Premier Doug Ford is facing some online backlash for going against his own message of asking people to stay home on Family Day.

Ford visited former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion as she celebrated her 100th birthday over the weekend.

Photos of Ford’s visit appeared on social media.

One person writing on Twitter, “Ford’s never-ending hypocrisy is infuriating.”

Another tweeting, “so what does the stay at home order mean and who does it apply to?”

November 5, 2020

Most of the province remained under a stay-at-home order over the weekend with 27 health units lifting the order as of Tuesday.

The order states every person shall stay in their residence unless leaving is necessary for a permitted purpose, which includes but is not limited to:

• working or volunteering (if cannot be done from home)

• attending school

• obtaining child care

• obtaining food, beverages and personal care items

• obtaining financial, government, social or health care services

• necessary maintenance for household or business

• exercise for oneself or one’s animal

• obtaining food or necessary goods/services necessary for the health/safety of an animal

• to support or provide assistance to someone that requires it

• attending a gathering for a funeral, wedding or religious services permitted under the Reopening Act

Young Doug Ford: The Series

Toronto, Peel Region, York Region and North Bay Parry Sound are set to remain under the stay-at-home order until at least Feb. 22.

This isn’t the first time Ford has faced criticism for failing to follow his own advice.

Last April, after telling people not to visit their cottages during the first wave of the pandemic, the premier’s office confirmed that Ford went to his family cottage on Easter Sunday.

In September, Ford called on police to crack down on large gatherings, as he faced some criticism for attending an MPP’s wedding. (CityNews)

Saturday, August 16, 2014

August 16, 2014 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday, August 16, 2014

His job: Tagging the taggers

Terick Mastroianni is halfway through the Grand Graffiti Tour of Hamilton.

He’s a seriously snap-happy “tourist,” committed to photographing as much illegal artwork on city-owned property as possible.

No ward is too rural. No alley too dark. No hastily scrawled “tag” too small.

“You don’t realize how much graffiti is actually out there until you start looking,” said the city summer student, who admitted he was skeptical about the gig before his “graffiti-mobile” sedan got rolling in early July. “Now I think it’s lucky that I enjoy driving so much.”

By September, the 20-year-old will have documented graffiti in every ward in the city, logging pictures, sites and descriptions on a master cleanup list for public works crews.

Mastroianni is just one new weapon the city is busting out this summer from a growing anti-aerosol arsenal: It’s also fighting back with bylaw blitzes, police crackdowns, tree-planting — and even more paint, in the form of “positive” graffiti and murals.

The flurry of activity was spurred by a $30,000 “graffiti audit” last year that staff have used to create a new strategy to battle the freelance painting problem, said clean and green program co-ordinator Phil Homerski.

That audit by B.C.-based MGM Management identified 50 of the most “intense” graffiti problem areas in the old city — the majority in wards 2 and 3, particularly in neighbourhoods around the Pan Am precinct.

It also showed 10 prolific taggers are responsible for close to 30 per cent of all identifiable tags.

Despite the audit, it’s hard to quantify how bad graffiti really is in Hamilton.

Hamilton police say reported graffiti incidents have dropped between 2009 and 2013. Between January and May this year, they’ve responded to 46 graffiti reports compared to 70 during the same time period last year. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Yo! A special shout out to my hommeys (hommies?) at Graffiticreator.net and their wicked graffiti generator which made the awesome graffiti in today’s cartoon a possibility.