Drawing Attention to Urgency

Saturday February 8, 2025 | Newsletter 14

As February 2025 began, the week presented a stark contrast between distraction and focus. Canada confronted the serious reality of an impending trade war with the United States, though a 30-day reprieve followed. Meanwhile, the seismic events afflicting countless others in the U.S. and Palestine registered mightily on my Richter scale, but I left the satire of those experiences to others. In this I refer to the MAGA assault on the marginalized and vulnerable (aka ‘wokery’), with DEI policies being systematically dismantled. Elon Musk was tasked to take a giant axe to the so-called deep state, wielding pink slips like a scythe through civil service ranks, siphoning the treasury and leaving foreign aid in tatters.

Amidst this, for those among the masses of the MAGA base who preach against globalists, Team Donald Trump took a swing at the world’s rules-based order, launching a brazen assault on the International Criminal Court. This move was perfectly timed with a visit from Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, as Trump unveiled his audacious vision to transform the Gaza Strip into a Mediterranean Coney Island.

Let’s review the MAGA retribution list of attacks and destruction – Wokery: check. Deep State: check. Globalists: check

MAGA list of advancing society – Gaza-Lago: check.

As the narratives intertwined with the looming provincial election in Ontario, the week offered a mix of humour and insight, reflecting a delicate dance between spectacle and the urgency of pressing domestic concerns. Remember, folks, our province is going through an election in a jurisdiction outside of the United States for one main reason: the current President of the United States - so don’t blame me for being rather fixated on Donald Trump these days. Each day unveiled new facets of the challenges faced by Canadians, from the absurdities of highchair diplomacy to the fiery spirit of national unity. It was a week of exploring identity, resilience, and the urgent need to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters at home and deliver commentary in the form of swift action to counter the aggressive maneuverings of a hostile leader to the south.

Monday, February 3, 2025: “The POTUS Who Cried Tariff”

Childplay I – A Re-run from 2018 of Trump’s Trade Tactics – The week kicks off with a reflection on the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Trump’s temporary reprieve on tariffs, primarily benefiting select American sectors ie: Whiskey, potash, pork rinds, SlimJims, has left Canada in a state of uncertainty. The re-run cartoon imagines Trump as “The POTUS Who Cried Tariff,” echoing the fable’s theme of repeated false alarms and highlighting the unreliability of his trade threats. Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining: Canadians are rallying around local businesses, strengthening national unity and identity.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025: “Toddler Tantrums and Trade Talks”

Childplay II, Coping With Highchair Diplomacy – Tuesday delves into the temporary tariff relief for Canada and Mexico and its questionable motives. Trump’s unpredictable policies have strained U.S.-Canada relations, sparking Canadian apprehension over his comments on annexation. The cartoon paints a vivid picture of Trump as a toddler throwing a tantrum in the Oval Office, demanding, "Me Want Canada," symbolizing the absurdity and chaos of his foreign policy approach. Canadians respond by embracing a “Buy Canadian” mentality, further uniting against perceived aggressive tactics.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025: “A Maple Leaf’s Fiery Response”

The Rise of Canadian Patriotism – Midweek reflections focus on the surge of national unity in Canada, driven by Trump’s tariff threats. A resistance movement has galvanized citizens and leaders, fostering an economic landscape centered on internal growth. The cartoon captures this sentiment with an explosive, fiery maple leaf—a powerful symbol of Canada’s resilience and defiance against economic coercion. This day emphasizes the importance of embracing Canadian identity in the face of adversity. It follows several years contemplating the uglier side of this nation’s history, and if there’s a silver lining in the torment Trump is delivering to Canada, it’s that his bully-boy behaviour is actually unifying us.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025: “The Death of A Myth”

Dimming Light of America – This is a rerun of a cartoon from Trump’s first term. When I reposted it with current circumstances, it attracted the usual snarky responses, with critics arguing that Americans do the complete opposite of this soaring rhetoric. Call it a delusion or a myth, but the “America First” principle once offered goals and a rules-based order that extended beyond the U.S. Today, this stance strains relationships with allies and raises concerns about America’s moral and diplomatic influence. Trump’s proposal to turn the Gaza Strip into a luxury destination—ignoring Palestinian perspectives—exemplifies this unilateral approach. As the U.S. retreats from global responsibilities, reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and international cooperation is crucial while the world watches closely.

Thursday, February 6, 2025: “Tear Down the Walls”

Breaking Down Barriers for Economic Growth – Thursday shifts attention to internal matters, highlighting the need to dismantle inter-provincial trade barriers. The commentary calls on action from provincial leaders to enhance trade and labour mobility across regions. The cartoon features Ontario’s political leaders in a humorous scene, each pointing fingers at respective pressures, with the caption urging, “Hey, Leaders! Tear Down the Walls!” This day underscores the importance of strengthening domestic economic fortitude amidst global distractions.

Friday, February 7, 2025: “Trump 2.0: The New Imperialism”

Resistance is Futile – A readapted re-run from 2017 of Rejection of Global Cooperation – Donald Trump’s second term has taken an aggressive turn toward expansionism, threatening global stability with ambitions for U.S. control over regions like Gaza and Greenland. His military and economic coercion, including punitive tariffs, reflects a revival of imperialist tactics. Additionally, his sanctions against the ICC, rejection of the Paris Accord and WHO, and termination of billions in U.S. foreign aid signal a retreat from global cooperation and generosity—while simultaneously asserting that the U.S. is entitled to dictate its terms. This approach mirrors his treatment of domestic figures, marking a global test of obedience to his agenda.

Friday, February 7, 2025: “The Geopolitical Sandwich”

Prioritizing National Defence Over Global Spectacles – As the week winds down, Friday spotlights Canada’s geopolitical challenges, sandwiched between U.S. and Russian pressures. The editorial cartoon, “Canada: The Geopolitical Sandwich,” depicts a beaver perched on a slice of bread labelled “Trump,” emphasizing the need for increased defense investment. This day underscores the importance of prioritizing national security and addressing domestic vulnerabilities rather than getting lost in global distractions like Trump’s “Gaza-Lago” proposal.

Saturday, February 8, 2024: “Focus, Folks, Focus”

Election Distractions and Accountability – he week concludes with a reflection on Ontario’s provincial election, overshadowed by Trump’s pervasive influence. The final cartoon portrays Doug Ford as a hypnotist, swinging a pendulum with Trump’s head and urging voters to “Focus, folks, focus,” while issues pile up behind him. This imagery encapsulates the week’s overarching theme: amidst the noise and spectacle, Canadians must remain vigilant in holding leaders accountable and addressing critical local issues.

The week has underscored the importance of prioritizing Canada’s internal challenges while navigating external distractions. Politicians must take the influence of powerful figures like Trump seriously and avoid unnecessary diversions—such as the recent provincial election, called primarily for Doug Ford’s benefit, which wasted valuable time during a crisis. Ontario should seize the opportunity to lead efforts in dismantling inter-provincial trade barriers and addressing long-neglected economic issues. Meanwhile, the federal government must focus on strengthening Canada’s defense in an increasingly uncertain world. Additionally, urgent action is needed to combat the fentanyl crisis through a coordinated response.

By honing in on these key areas, Canadians can work together to build a stronger, more resilient future. For next week, I aim to tackle some of the pressing issues facing Ontario—fingers crossed they don’t get railroaded by the Yankee Distraction-in-Chief.

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