In a recent Maclean’s article, Rick Mercer discussed his trademark tool—the rant—and championed it’s power not only as a comedic device, but as essential to a healthy democracy. “The danger in not ranting is dire,” says Mercer. “If we as a nation don’t rant then the powers that be will use that complacency against us.”

This week, Canada pulled out of the Kyoto Protocol. The decision “had long been expected,” writes the New York Times. In fact, Rick Mercer called it way back in March of last year.