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Friday February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

 Trump's revisionist narrative on the Ukraine invasion threatens democratic alliances by aligning with authoritarian rhetoric.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 21, 2025 (also, The Toronto Star)

Trump’s Dangerous Dance with Authoritarianism: Rewriting Reality

The convergence of Elon Musk’s influence over U.S. elections, Donald Trump’s authoritarian ambitions, and Vladimir Putin’s geopolitical agenda feels eerily like the unfolding of a real-life James Bond thriller, with democracy and global security hanging in the balance.

October 26, 2024

In a world increasingly fraught with geopolitical tensions and the stark realities of authoritarian aggression, the responsibility of democratic nations to uphold truth and justice has never been more critical. As former President Donald Trump seeks to rewrite history by casting Ukraine as a villain and its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as a dictator, it is imperative that the global community stands united against this dangerous narrative.

The facts are clear and undisputed: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was an unprovoked act of aggression, a blatant breach of international law, and a humanitarian disaster that has claimed countless innocent lives. Ukraine, under the steadfast leadership of Zelenskyy, has fought valiantly to defend its sovereignty and democratic principles against an authoritarian regime bent on its destruction.

The fall of Assad’s regime in Syria marks a crushing blow to Putin and Iran, stripping them of a key ally and undermining their influence in the Middle East.

December 10, 2024

Trump’s recent comments not only distort these truths but also align disturbingly with the playbook of authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, a man widely recognized as a war criminal due to his regime’s actions in Ukraine. By shifting blame onto the victim of this brutal conflict, Trump undermines the very principles of justice and democracy that the United States and its allies have long championed.

As highlighted in a New York Times piece by Peter Baker, Trump’s revisionism involves “a striking distortion of reality,” where he falsely accuses Ukraine of initiating the conflict and portrays Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections.” Such rhetoric not only misleads but also endangers the fragile alliances and support systems that have been built to uphold international law and order.

News: Trump Flips the Script on the Ukraine War, Blaming Zelensky Not Putin

Donald Trump's proposals to end the Ukraine war by conceding territory to Russia undermine the Ukrainian people's fight for sovereignty and should not dictate the fate of a nation fighting for its freedom.

September 28, 2024

This revisionist rhetoric poses a grave threat to the established world order, one that has, despite its imperfections, largely sought to promote peace, stability, and human rights. By sowing doubt and division, Trump risks weakening the unity of Western nations and emboldening authoritarian regimes that see opportunity in discord.

It is incumbent upon the leaders of democratic nations, including those in Europe, Canada, the UK, and beyond, to resist this dangerous narrative. Silence in the face of such blatant misinformation and revisionism is not an option. To remain silent is to tacitly endorse a worldview that values power over principle, lies over truth, and tyranny over freedom.

Donald Trump's recent remarks, cheering on aggression against NATO countries, and Canada's position as a buffer between Russia and potential U.S. instability, highlight the urgent need for a rethink on global security.

February 13, 2024

As one courageous GOP congressman pointed out, Vladimir Putin’s actions warrant the label of war criminal, a fact that cannot be ignored or softened by political expediency. It is a moral and ethical imperative for politicians, regardless of party affiliation, to speak out against any attempt to rehabilitate or justify his regime’s actions.

History will judge those who, in a time of moral crisis, chose the path of least resistance. It will remember those who stood by and allowed truth to be eclipsed by falsehoods for political gain. But it will also honour those who had the courage to speak out, to defend the values of democracy and human rights, and to stand with the oppressed against their oppressors.

In this pivotal moment, the global community must reaffirm its commitment to these principles. We must reject revisionism, support the victims of aggression, and hold accountable those who seek to distort reality for their own ends. Only by doing so can we hope to preserve the fragile peace and order that so many have fought and died to protect.


Today, I poured my creativity into crafting a cartoon that tackles a situation fraught with serious implications. The focus was on former President Donald Trump’s recent statements about Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the cartoon’s lighthearted approach, the underlying issues are deeply concerning.

It’s telling that a lot of people say everything Trump says is a lie, reflecting a widespread skepticism and mistrust. This perception adds a layer of complexity, especially as Trump leads efforts to broker peace in a critical conflict with questionable intentions. Many still believe him, which only deepens the divide between those who seek truth and those who follow his narrative.

While the cartoon aims to entertain, it also highlights the troubling reality of misleading rhetoric. It underscores my worry about the direction of global politics and the urgent need for leaders who prioritize truth and genuine peace efforts.

Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 21, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: International, USA Tagged: 2025-04, aggression, alliances, authoritarianism, Ayatolla, bear, China, circus, Democracy, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Iran, Kim Jong Un, North Korea, revisionism, rhetoric, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Xi Jinping

Wednesday August 28, 2024

August 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canada's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles are not just about economic competition; they're a stand against China's broader geopolitical influence, including alleged interference in Canadian elections. As China pushes affordable EVs, the West must protect its industries and democratic values, even at the cost of higher consumer prices.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star, Wednesday August 28, 2024

An animated version of this editorial cartoon has been posted to Pinterest.

The EV Trade War: Resisting China’s Economic and Geopolitical Expansion

Marvelous Maps

China’s aggressive expansion into the electric vehicle (EV) market highlights the complex intersection between economic competition and broader geopolitical concerns. While China’s affordable EVs offer a potential solution to global carbon emissions, this comes with significant trade-offs. Western nations have already ceded much of their manufacturing power to China, resulting in a dependency that now extends to the EV industry. However, China’s disregard for Western labour, safety, and environmental standards, combined with its authoritarian ambitions and environmental contradictions, such as expanding coal-fired plants, raises significant alarms.

News: Trudeau says Canada will slap big tariffs on Chinese-made EVs

November 16, 2022

Canada’s decision to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, effective October 2024, mirrors similar actions by the United States and reflects a growing resistance to China’s influence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that this move is necessary to protect Canadian industries from unfair competition driven by Chinese state subsidies. While these tariffs are aimed at levelling the playing field, they also spark concerns about affordability and the pace of EV adoption, crucial for addressing climate change.

Critics argue that while Chinese EVs are more accessible due to subsidies, relying on them undermines efforts to maintain labor and environmental standards. Moreover, China’s environmental contradictions, such as the simultaneous expansion of coal-fired plants to support EV manufacturing, complicate the narrative of their green agenda. The irony of promoting EVs while increasing coal use further exposes the ethical inconsistencies in China’s policies.

Opinion: Here’s how Canada can square tariffs on Chinese EVs with the WTO

December 12, 2019

However, the implications of China’s actions extend far beyond the economic sphere. China’s efforts to exert influence in Western democracies, including allegations of interference in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections, highlight the broader geopolitical stakes. These actions have raised concerns about China’s ambitions to undermine democratic institutions while expanding its economic reach. Canada’s tariffs on Chinese EVs are thus part of a broader strategy to resist China’s growing influence.

The New York Times: Canada Will Impose 100% Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

Animated!

The West’s response to China’s might in the EV sector should focus on reinvigorating its own innovation and manufacturing capabilities. To preserve the principles of a free and democratic society, the West must rise to meet the challenge posed by China’s dominance. This means investing in domestic industries, enforcing trade policies that demand respect for environmental and labor standards, and fostering innovation that ensures the West can compete in the global EV market without compromising its values.

While resisting China’s influence might seem like a losing battle in the long run, it is crucial for the preservation of democratic principles and the promotion of a fair, competitive global market. If humanity is to delay the spread of authoritarianism, the West must assert its strength, innovate aggressively, and ensure that the transition to a greener future does not come at the cost of the freedoms and standards that define its societies. The imposition of tariffs on Chinese EVs is not just about economics; it’s a stand against a broader geopolitical challenge that the West cannot afford to ignore. (AI)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-15, Canada, China, diplomacy, Economy, electric vehicles, energy, EV, Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau, maps, tariffs, Trade, USA, Xi Jinping

Friday April 5, 2024

April 5, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

The rise of authoritarianism, paralleled with the recurring cosmic event of a solar eclipse, underscores the cyclicality of power dynamics and the perpetual struggle to uphold democracy amidst societal divisions in North America.

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  

In the aftermath of Super Tuesday, with Trump's resurgence and Biden facing concerns about his age, the upcoming U.S. election requires the campaign teams to dispel perceptions – one addressing Trump's potential authoritarianism and strategic choices, and the other countering worries about Biden's fitness for the presidency.

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:

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-0405-NAT.mp4

 

Posted in: Canada, Cartooning, USA Tagged: 2024-07, Adolf Hitler, authoritarianism, autocrat, Charles I, dictator, Donald Trump, eclipse, editorial cartooning, Ivan Glassco, Josef Stalin, Julius Caesar, Kim Jong Un, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matthew Gaetz, Napoleon Bonaparte, Pierre Poilievre, procreate, Ron deSantis, solar eclipse, trope, USA, world, Xi Jinping

Thursday November 16, 2023

November 16, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Trudeau's absence from crucial discussions at the APEC summit, coupled with Canada's reactive foreign policy and diminishing influence, highlights a concerning trend of waning global relevance and a need for a comprehensive strategic realignment.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 16, 2023

Trudeau’s Fading Global Impact Evident at APEC Summit Amid Trade Talks and China Tensions

November 16, 2022

As leaders convene at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s absence from crucial discussions highlights Canada’s declining influence on the global stage, particularly in the face of exclusion from trade talks and escalating tensions with China.

Trudeau’s limited role in key diplomatic circles, exemplified by his exclusion from discussions between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscores Canada’s diminishing significance in shaping international affairs. The Trudeau administration’s handling of tensions with China has not only strained bilateral relations but has also left Canada isolated, with the absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi further undercutting its standing.

News: For Trudeau, the heavy lifting at APEC starts now  

April 21, 2023

The APEC summit reveals the disconnect between Trudeau’s emphasis on Indo-Pacific policy priorities and the urgent geopolitical challenges unfolding globally, such as delicate U.S.-China talks on military communications and artificial intelligence. Canada’s faltering Indo-Pacific strategy, marked by stalled trade talks and concerns about its ‘values first’ approach, raises questions about the country’s strategic acumen in navigating complex international relations.

Canada’s exclusion from discussions on the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) further highlights its diminishing relevance, raising doubts about its ability to influence economic policies that impact its interests. The absence of a comprehensive foreign policy review since 2005 has left Canada with a reactive and ad hoc approach, driven more by domestic politics than a coherent strategy addressing global challenges.

December 5, 2017

To regain influence, Canada must reevaluate its foreign policy, prioritizing security in specific regions while reasserting its role as a mediator and advocate for global causes. The APEC summit serves as a critical juncture for the Trudeau government to redefine its approach, ensuring that Canada’s voice resonates in discussions shaping the interconnected world’s future. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: 2023-20, APEC, Canada, China, diplomacy, irrelevancy, Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau, summit, Trade, USA, Xi Jinping

Friday March 3, 2023

March 3, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 3, 2023

Did foreigners interfere in Canada’s elections? Don’t expect politicians to sort it out

The best argument so far for an independent inquiry into foreign election interference in Canada has come from the least independent voices in this escalating furor — politicians and members of Parliament.

February 25, 2023

A hearing at a Commons committee on Wednesday vividly proved the point. National security discussions should come with a warning label — don’t try this at home. Or more accurately, don’t try this in the House.

It comes down simply to this: the question of whether foreign actors have been meddling in Canadian elections is simply too important to be litigated by the people who were players in those elections, with vested interests. That goes for all the political parties: the governing Liberals and their opposition rivals.

Opposition parties are in fact on side with the idea of some independent inquiry, though Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also wants MPs to continue their Commons committee investigation, such as it is right now.

“We cannot allow this affair to simply go up in smoke with a secret private investigation, it must be public so that Canadians know exactly what is going on,” Poilievre told reporters on Wednesday. “We cannot shut those parliamentary inquiries down with a promise that in two years there will be some report on a public inquiry.”

But if Wednesday’s Commons hearings were any indication, Canadians aren’t going to get many answers from the political arena. Justin Trudeau’s national security adviser, Jody Thomas, explained as much during her testimony.

January 16, 2020

“We cannot talk about national security information in a public forum,” said Jody Thomas, who stared down this committee with the same, flat, no-nonsense tone she brought to last fall’s public inquiry into the “freedom convoy.” Thomas said at those hearings that she was one of the influential advisers saying yes to a declaration of emergency on the convoy last winter. On Wednesday, she made clear she’s one of the people on the inside arguing against a wide-open public inquiry.

A lot of the back and forth between MPs, Thomas and other senior security officials testifying on Wednesday proved the national security adviser’s point. MPs — who do come from political parties — were gamely trying to get the security people to say how much political parties were in the loop about possible election threats in 2019 and 2022.

Sorry, the politicians were told — that’s top secret. (Though the officials did manage to reveal that the RCMP is not investigating any of the allegations surfacing in the media of late, which is significant.)

The problem with politicians looking into political interference is that they’re not the ones who need to be reassured that Canadian elections are free and fair. It’s the voting public, and the news on that right now is not good.

November 24, 2020

An Angus Reid poll released this week showed that a disturbing two-thirds of Canadians believed that China either definitely or probably tried to influence the past two elections in Canada. An even more disturbing 42 per cent of past Conservative voters were inclined to believe the elections had been “stolen.” Sound familiar?

That means that the horse is already out of the barn on this one. Reassurances from the Liberal government will just feed the cynicism of non-Liberal voters, while opposition’s continuing attempts to cry foul could make those parties sound like they have an axe to grind — a pox on all their houses, in other words.

The opposition leaders are right to ask that their parties have a voice in determining the shape of any future inquiry. In the past, I’ve been told, no election-reform legislation proceeded without broad agreement between all the parties.

That may have been a myth, I haven’t tested that against the long historical record. But it seems the point is wise. On something as important as democracy and electoral legitimacy, you don’t want anyone saying that the ruling party put its thumb on the scale.

Trudeau continues to say that we have all the inquiries we need into electoral interference right now and they need to run their course. The current Commons committee hearings, with no offence to any of the MPs doing their questioning, is not going to be the final word — any more than the various parliamentary hearings into the convoy, which paled in comparison to Justice Paul Rouleau’s inquiry.

Trudeau’s next move should be to convene a meeting of all the opposition leaders, swear them to the highest levels of security clearance, and hammer out how they can get a grasp on this issue before the public gets any more cynical about the fairness of elections. That one gesture in itself would prove that the politicians are putting democracy over their partisan interests.

It would also, as a bonus, be enormously frustrating to whatever foreign actors are enjoying the current spectacle of Canadians questioning whether their democracy works. (The Toronto Star)

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-04, Canada, China, Democracy, election, interference, Justin Trudeau, Pierre Poilievre, Printed in the Toronto Star, Punch and Judy, puppet, Xi Jinping
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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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