Editorials - June 20, 2025

Last weekend, pomp and circumstance took over the United States of America, as President Donald Trump presided over a military parade on his 79th birthday (coincidentally, also the 250th anniversary of the United States Army), with a much smaller crowd than expected.

 

The extravaganza that cost U.S. taxpayers more than $42 million must have been a disappointment for Trump, who had long wanted to host this type of event, rolling all the militaristic hardware that the country could muster down the National Mall past the White House and the Washington Monument. Crowds were thin and many left early. 

 

At the same time, more than 2,000 cities across the country hosted “No Kings” rallies to protest Trump’s policies. Early estimates peg the attendance at more than five million.

 

No political figure has been as polarizing as Donald Trump. Americans are as divided as you can get, with Republicans and MAGA adherents seemingly willing to support an authoritarian regime, while moderate Americans are becoming increasingly vocal for change.

 

And, on the day that parades and rallies were front and centre, Minnesota authorities were hunting an assassin who had shot two state representatives and their spouses, killing two and injuring two. While condemning the shootings, Trump refused to call Democratic Governor Tim Walz, snubbing a long-established custom of the office to express sympathy and extend support. The refusal to engage after such a tragedy speaks volumes about where this nation is headed. – DS

Much of the work of the G7 revolves around economics and security and, at a time when the United States is isolating itself from the world in both respects, it was perhaps fitting that President Donald Trump left the summit early, leaving the remaining six leaders behind. You don’t need to squint too hard to see the symbolism laid bare. 

 

The summit was a chance for these seven countries to iron out some of the issues most important to their countries with the architect of those issues (tariffs, increased hostility among one-time allies, etc.) yet just like that he was gone before anything truly meaningful could be discussed, but not before Trump lamented Russia’s absence from the table and blamed liberal-leaning leaders for that ongoing conflict.

 

At a time when the G7 countries have much to discuss amongst themselves, early speculation was that escalating conflict in the Middle East would dominate discussion, robbing the countries of that chance. The string played out with Trump leaving due to the Iran-Israel conflict and the U.S. failing to sign a joint statement on the Russia-Ukraine war with reports stating that the U.S. pushed for watered-down language in regards to Russia, further muddying those waters. 

 

While fears ran high that this summit would result in some sort of blow-up between Trump and his one-time allies, something a lot less interesting yet perhaps more troubling, happened: nothing. Now Trump has what he wants and leaders will have to come to him. – SL 

The world paused recently when news broke that Brian Wilson, the visionary co-founder and creative heart of The Beach Boys, had died at the age of 82. More than just a songwriter, Wilson was a sound sculptor; a studio alchemist whose fearless experimentation and emotional depth redefined the possibilities of popular music.

 

From the sun-drenched harmonies of early surf anthems to the symphonic complexity of Pet Sounds, Wilson transformed the recording studio into an expressive instrument in its own right. His lush, multi-layered productions expanded the boundaries of what pop could convey, blending innocence and melancholy with an ambition that rivalled classical composition. These innovations did not just elevate The Beach Boys, they shifted the direction of music itself. Wilson’s influence rippled outward through other artists who helped introduce his genius to new audiences. In 1985, actor and musician John Stamos began performing with The Beach Boys, eventually bringing them into the homes of millions through their appearances on Full House. 

At the same time, the Canadian band Barenaked Ladies paid homage with their 1992 song “Brian Wilson,” a fan-favourite that served both as a tribute and a bridge, linking Wilson’s enduring influence to the alternative scene of the early 1990s.

 

And yet, behind the falsettos and layered arrangements was a man marked by profound struggle. Wilson endured an abusive childhood, wrestled with mental illness, lost hearing in one ear and fell into addiction. After suffering a breakdown in 1964, he withdrew from touring altogether and sought refuge in the studio. His personal battles were immense, but his willingness to speak openly about them helped reshape the public discourse around mental health. 

 

In its mourning, the world is celebrating a man who shows that music could be both technically groundbreaking and achingly human. – SBS