Kennedy-Pilled
I really thought that Trudeau’s speech the other day about tariffs and wanting to avoid a trade war and appealing to a historic friendship between Canada and the US was well done. It’s true, Canada and the US are mostly great neighbours, the longest undefended border in the world and all that. Canadians and Americans, of the average kind, are wonderfully friendly to one another. And you’ll find plenty of instances of camaraderie between the Presidents and Prime Ministers.
BUT
Lol.
I also found it funny that Trudeau quoted this speech, which Kennedy made in part to push an arms agenda that Canada didn’t totally want (I said we’re friends! When I nuke up, you nuke up!) and also, it is a speech after which JFK deliberately interfered with the Canadian election to get rid of Prime Minister Diefenbaker who he hated, and thought was boring, and put in Pearson who was ok with nuclear weapons and also who JFK could talk cool baseball stats with. That quote has impressive staying power even though it is, partially, a bunch of bullshit. What can I say, Canada likes to be complimented. And by god we all love the Kennedys no matter how many lives they wrecked.
I was talking on Bluesky about this yesterday and this morning said why don’t I just waste some time drawing a stupid comic about it like the ole days.
Comments (44)
John F. Pseudonym had me like
I looooooove your comics, and did not know this history. - signed, an American who loves Canada (going to New Brunswick for two weeks this summer)
You’re doing great! Keep it up! 👏
You say you decided to “just waste some time drawing a stupid comic” — and create something that perfectly captures the personality and dynamic of two historical figures, and educates people on a topic the didn’t know much about (at least, us Americans). Dang! Not bad for some “time wasting”! Brava!
Whiffs of Hark A Vagrant!! emanate around this one. Love it.
Also I really hope Trudeau sees this, cause I feel like he and his team could probably use a giggle right about now
‘Global Super Pain in my Ass’ gave me the first real laugh I’ve had since this nightmare started. Thank you
This is still my very very favorite way to learn history!
Hello neighbor!
Kate, this is absolutely brilliant and hilarious!!!
Aw yiss, that's the good shit right there.
God i want to share this
I have missed your political comics more than I can say
History comics!! "It's the QUEEN on MY money" 🤣🤣💀
Also just every single panel of JFK's eyes pointing in different directions ::chefskiss:: he's like the pony!!!
I've read this like five times I can't stop laughing
I love this so much. I cackled with each different Diefenbaker and the coup de grace *jowls* versus brains. Long live Diefenbaker and his "Diefenbunker" bomb shelters.
This is delightful and also yeah JFK sucked so so much!! I want to time travel and give Bobby Kennedy’s wife some reliable birth control so we can avoid the Kennedy trying to break the only good bits of America’s health systems, but I digress.
Oh, I missed that you had a BlueSky account now! Nice, followed!
Taken from "The Illustrated History of Canada, by K. Beaton", (soon to be) taught in all schools!
Pleeeeeese let this happen
A delightful comic. That queen salute panel! And informative, I really didn't know the beef between ol' Jeffy K and Diefenbaker's jowels. The irony of Trudeau pulling from that speech at this moment!
The "global super pain in my ass" panel is going to live in my head for long time. Well done as always
Gobal Super Pain in the Ass describes the U.S. perfectly, and I say that as an American, although I'm from Michigan, which is basically just Canada Jr.
I dig everything that you do, sincerely, but I've kind of missed this sort of History a la Beaton thing. Especially loved the sort-of cheeky Elizabeth Regina in that one panel.
Can we just send this to all major Canadian newspapers on the front page so everyone can read it and get with the program?
Wonderful. Pairs beautifully with "They got all fucked up on hockey!" "We shouldn't have called them boring!"
Reviving Hark, a Vagrant!
That hit the spot. Really needed some of that old magic today. 🙂
I knew some of this, but didn't realize it was Kennedy who got him out. Thank you for the education.
well he was really on the way out anyway but foreign interference didn't help
i love when you waste some time drawing a stupid comic
The newspaper article titles in this are breathtaking. I almost died. Kennedy has become sainted in the US, so you don’t see many critiques of him, but boy there are plenty to make.
Thanks you, Kate. I'm amused AND educated. It's also fun to read this in a voice like Mayor Quimby.
This is so good.
I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to Canadians on behalf of the current U.S. administration. Please know that so many of us are appalled and terrified by recent events, and are fighting against them.
haha you are not responsible!
What was the meme a few years back, that Canada must feel like they live in an apartment above a meth lab? And I quote that as an American. I hope your PMs keep shutting down Trump's bullsh*t, we need as many people doing that as possible.
I think that's a Robin Williams quote? It's great and apt.
When I was in high school, one year I introduced my History teacher to your comics and he adored them. I distinctly remember him using the school printer to print one of your French Revolution comics to show me and he was so excited about it. Anyway this gives the vibes of your older work and reminded me of that memory, and it made me smile.
I lost it when I read "Written by John F. Pseudonym." I knew it!
You've done a service to both our nations by kickin' it old school on this one!! Thank you, Kate. Not only was that hilarious, but it was also an education for me, which I'm *certainly not proud of* but figured I should let you know.
I mean this as an absolute compliment: that your JFK is giving stronger Mayor Quimby vibes than actual JFK vibes
This is amazing!