Youth – mackaycartoons

Tuesday April 9, 2024

April 9, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 9, 2024

The Heavy Toll on Youth in a Living Crisis

March 11, 2024

In the poignant juxtaposition of everyday struggles, from longing for a night out with friends to the desperate plea for essentials like toothpaste and diapers, a stark reality emerges for today’s young adults. We find ourselves at the precipice of adulthood, navigating a landscape where financial precarity has become the norm rather than the exception.

As a generation, we stand at a crossroads defined by a myriad of challenges—housing costs skyrocketing beyond our means, wages stagnant against an inflating cost of living, and an unyielding burden of personal and planetary anxieties. This isn’t the coming-of-age narrative our parents reminisce about, where buying a home in your twenties was an attainable dream rather than an elusive fantasy.

News: Housing, Mental Health & Cost of Living Crises Pulling Youth From Climate Movement, Activists Say

October 26, 2023

Recent surveys underscore the harsh reality faced by Canadian youth, with a staggering 53 percent of those aged 18 to 35 living paycheck to paycheck. The compounding effects of financial strain extend far beyond mere monetary concerns, infiltrating every aspect of our lives—our aspirations, our relationships, and our mental well-being.

Amid this whirlwind of economic pressure, the ability to engage meaningfully in societal issues, such as climate activism, often takes a backseat. The passion that ignited climate strikes and grassroots movements in 2019 has waned, replaced by a sobering realization that survival itself demands our undivided attention.

The allure of volunteerism and advocacy, once within reach for many, now feels like a luxury reserved for the few untouched by the relentless grind of making ends meet. Miranda Baksh, a leading voice in environmental engagement, encapsulates this sentiment, noting that the sheer weight of day-to-day existence eclipses the urgency of addressing broader global challenges.

April 13, 2023

Indeed, the discourse around climate action cannot be divorced from the broader socio-economic context in which it unfolds. How can we be expected to champion environmental justice when securing basic necessities like housing and food is an uphill battle? The burdens of today—financial instability, mental health strains, and a looming climate crisis—threaten to erode our capacity for collective action.

Yet, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, there remains a glimmer of hope. Baksh’s call for community engagement and education underscores the transformative power of collective awareness. By nurturing grassroots initiatives and advocating for systemic change, we can transcend the limitations imposed by circumstance.

News: It’s nearly impossible to find a place to rent. But retirement homes have room to spare

June 22, 2021

To the disillusioned and disheartened youth yearning for a path forward, there is solace in recognizing that our struggles are not borne in isolation. Each small act of defiance against apathy and inertia contributes to a broader movement for change—a movement that demands inclusivity, resilience, and unwavering resolve.

Let us rally not only for ourselves but for future generations who deserve a world unburdened by the weight of our present crises. In reclaiming agency amidst adversity, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the planet and reclaiming the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

This is our clarion call—to confront the living crisis with unwavering courage, to foster solidarity in the face of adversity, and to reclaim our rightful place as architects of a more just and sustainable future. (AI)

Friday February 9, 2024

February 9, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 9, 2024

Pierre Poilievre’s Defence of Alberta’s Transgender Policies: A Dangerous Culture War at the Expense of Marginalized Youth

February 3, 2024

In recent days, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has found himself at the centre of a contentious debate surrounding Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s controversial transgender policies. Poilievre’s vocal support for Smith’s measures raises concerns about the Conservative Party’s priorities and its willingness to engage in a culture war that may have detrimental effects on a small, marginalized group – transgender youth.

Poilievre’s defence of Smith’s policies revolves around the idea that parents should have more say over their children’s lives, particularly when it comes to sensitive matters like gender identity. While advocating for parental involvement is not inherently problematic, Poilievre seems to be echoing Smith’s stance without critically examining the potential harm these policies could inflict on transgender youth.

The focus on parental consent for preferred names and pronouns in schools, as well as restrictions on medical interventions such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, appears to be more about currying favour with a social conservative base than safeguarding the well-being of transgender individuals. By aligning himself with Smith’s controversial policies, Poilievre is punching down on a vulnerable and marginalized group, using them as pawns in a larger culture war.

News: Pierre Poilievre defends Alberta Premier Smith on transgender policies

May 26, 2023

One of the most alarming aspects of Smith’s proposals is the ban on “top” and “bottom” surgeries for minors aged 17 and under. This goes against established standards of care and seems to prioritize a rigid ideological stance over the well-being of transgender youth who may benefit from these medical interventions. Poilievre’s failure to critically assess these measures raises questions about his commitment to evidence-based policy and the rights of transgender individuals.

Additionally, Smith’s attempt to exclude trans women and girls from women’s sports under the guise of safety and fairness is a thinly veiled discriminatory measure. Poilievre’s endorsement of such policies further emphasizes the Conservative Party’s alignment with socially conservative groups rather than standing up for the rights of all Canadians.

News: Conservatives tell MPs not to comment on Alberta transgender policies, prioritize parental rights, internal e-mail shows

June 24, 2021

The condemnation of Smith’s policies by LGBTQ groups, trans advocates, and medical associations highlights the potential harm they could inflict on transgender youth. The Canadian Pediatric Society emphasizes the importance of gender-affirming medical interventions for some adolescents, citing lower odds of suicidal ideation associated with access to puberty blockers.

In contrast, Poilievre’s defense of these policies without addressing the concerns raised by experts and advocacy groups appears to be a calculated move to exploit a divisive issue for political gain. This approach not only disregards the well-being of transgender youth but also perpetuates a harmful narrative that can contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of an already vulnerable community.

Pierre Poilievre’s support for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s transgender policies raises serious questions about the Conservative Party’s priorities and commitment to inclusivity. By aligning with divisive measures that target a small and marginalized group, Poilievre appears to be prioritizing political posturing over the well-being and rights of transgender youth, perpetuating a dangerous culture war at their expense. (AI)

Tuesday May 26, 2020

June 2, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 26, 2020

There will be ‘lessons learned’ from situation at Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto mayor says

Toronto Mayor John Tory says there will be “lessons learned” from the incident that unfolded on Saturday at Trinity Bellwoods Park, where he says “out of control” crowds gathered to party and enjoy the sunshine.

May 9, 2020

Toronto police estimated that as many as 10,000 people were at the downtown park on Saturday afternoon, where many gathered in large groups and drank alcohol as police and bylaw officers looked on.

Police Chief Mark Saunders said Sunday that while several tickets were issued to people who urinated and defecated in the driveways and backyards of nearby homes, very few tickets were issued to the large swath of people ignoring physical distancing laws.

Mayor John Tory, who visited the park on Saturday night to educate those not following the rules, also came under fire after a photo surfaced of him wearing a mask incorrectly while standing too close to a group at the park.

“Lessons will be learned, including by me, and we will move forward and hopefully do better,” Tory said during an interview with CP24 on Monday morning.

While many have been critical of the Toronto Police Service’s response to the situation, the mayor said officers have a difficult “balancing act” when it comes to enforcement.

“There is criticism, you’ve heard it, long and loud… about excessive ticketing and excessive law enforcement and the heavy hand of the authorities in the circumstances versus a more laissez faire kind of approach,” Tory said.

He noted that had police and bylaw officers known this type of crowd would gather there on Saturday, they likely would have provided more resources to the area.

May 6, 2020

“People are saying it was all predictable. I think a crowded park at Trinity Bellwoods is predictable on a nice, sunny day. This is a massive crowd the likes I have never seen and the quantity of alcohol that was there was extraordinary,” he said.

“But you do get to a point where as that crowd pours in with no fences around the perimeter of the park… it becomes a very difficult task for them to enforce the law in a safe manner.”

Tory added that the city is looking at various solutions to prevent this type of crowding in the future.

“In some parks… they draw big circles on the ground that sort of say that if you are going to have a group of people that are going to be properly social distanced, then you have to sit in these circles,” Tory said.

“The problem becomes how do you enforce that when you put limits on every park? We have 1,500 parks in Toronto…. There has to be a degree of personal responsibility.”

Living in a Pandemic

The mayor was quick to point out that the situation at Trinity Bellwoods Park this weekend is not indicative of what went on across the city.

“There were parks that had lots of people in them, spaced out properly, and it wasn’t a problem. There was a particular problem at this one park,” he said.

“It is the nature of that neighbourhood in terms of the highrises and what not. And we are going to have to take another look at that, hopefully without restricting the ability of people being able to use that wonderful park because those people don’t have a backyard in many cases.”

Tory said that he would self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, advice Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa has recommended. However, Tory added that he would not get tested for the virus noting that there is a documented incubation period to develop symptoms and testing too early could result in a false negative. (CTV)

Friday March 6, 2020

March 13, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 6, 2020

Biden’s older voters are showing up. Sanders’ young voters aren’t

March 3, 2020

Super Tuesday was not so super for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. He lost most of the states up for grabs, and it’s quite possible that he’ll end up with fewer delegates on the evening than chief rival former Vice President Joe Biden.

Sanders’ struggles reflect an inability to connect with older voters, while at the same time failing to generate large youth turnout.

We saw a very familiar age gap across the Super Tuesday states. Sanders crushed it with younger voters. Looking across all the contests with an exit poll, Sanders won an astounding 61% to Biden’s 17% among voters under 30 years old. He even beat Biden by 20 points (43% to 23%) among those between 30 years old and 44 years old.

January 20, 2016

Sanders, however, struggled mightily with older voters. Biden won by 22 points (42% to 20%) with voters 45 years old to 64 years old. With senior citizens (those 65 years and older), Sanders managed to come in third with 15% (behind Biden’s 48% and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s 19%).

Now you might be tempted to look at those numbers and see that Sanders won those under 45 years old by more than he lost those 45 years and older.

The problem for Sanders is the under 45 group make up a smaller piece of the pie. In no Super Tuesday state with an exit poll did those under 45 years old make up more than 42% of voters. Those under 45 years old were just 35% of the electorate in the median state.

The lack of younger voters in the electorate is, of course, usually the case. Those under 45 years old make up the minority of Democratic primary voters in 2016 as well. Sanders’ theory of the case, though, is his that candidacy can generate youth turnout.

A look at the results on Tuesday night suggests that he failed to do so.

The lack of strong youth turnout didn’t stop Sanders from his big win Nevada earlier this month. Unfortunately for Sanders, he did 4 points, 6 points and 7 points worse on Super Tuesday compared to Nevada among those 18-29 years old, 30-44 years old and 45-64 years old respectively. He actually did 3 points better among seniors on Super Tuesday than in Nevada, but Biden more than compensated for that by doing 19 points better with those 65 years and older.

Indeed, Biden did better in every age category on Tuesday compared to Nevada as he became the clear alternative to Sanders.

Going forward, the math is simple enough for Sanders. He’s either gotta win more votes from those voters who regularly turn out, or he’ll need to bring more young people to the polls. Failure to do so will result in a Biden nomination. (CNN)

The challenges of getting a caricature right. Below, shown using an iPad, captures the struggle I had drawing Bernie Sanders for the March 6, 2020 editorial cartoon. It’s maybe the 6th or 7th time I’ve ever drawn him, and despite he may have reached the final chapter of his political life (post Super Tuesday 2020), I think it’s my best drawing of him.

Friday October 5, 2018

October 4, 2018 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 5, 2018

Teenagers who use e-cigarettes more likely to start smoking, study finds

Teens who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes – and they are likely to use both products more often over time, a new study found.

February 18, 2012

The Rand Corporation study looked at more than 2,000 youths in California, starting when they were teenagers and continuing until they were young adults.

The researchers found that youth who reported vaping were more likely to also report smoking cigarettes.

When they were surveyed around age 17, more of the teens said they used e-cigarettes in the last month – 8% – than regular cigarettes, at 6%. By around age 19, 9% of the young adults surveyed were using e-cigarettes, but cigarette smoking had jumped to 12%.

“Not only are adolescents who start vaping more likely to start smoking in the future, but they’re also likely to go on and use e-cigarettes and cigarettes more frequently,” said Michael Dunbar, the study’s lead author and a behavioral scientist at Rand.

“Our work provides more evidence that young people who use e-cigarettes progress to smoking cigarettes in the future,” he said. “This study also suggests that teens don’t substitute vaping products for cigarettes. Instead, they go on to use both products more frequently as they get older.”

It’s the latest research to suggest a link for young people between electronic cigarettes and smoking the more dangerous, traditional tobacco-based variety.

For adults who already smoke, e-cigarettes have been promoted as a safer to help them quit. (Continued: The Guardian)