"Doing the 'hezza', which is believed to be slang for heroine"
December 4, 2013 2:57 PM Subscribe
In case you were starting to miss the daily insanity that is Rob Ford, Toronto's admitted crack-smoking, tax-cutting, drunken stupor of a Mayor, your wait is over. Newly-unredacted wiretaps from the police investigation into attempts to retrieve the infamous video of Rob Ford smocking crack, calling his football team "a bunch of fucking minorities", and Justin Trudeau a "fa**ot", have re-ignited the inquiry into the Mayor's actions.
Early highlights/lowlights:
-Police believe the "crack video" was the motive for the murder of gangster Anthony Smith
-Discussions about Ford smoking heroin
-A discussion regarding an offer from the Mayor to "buy the back the video" for $5,000 and a car
-Rob Ford losing his phone in a crack house and then threatening to "put the heat" on the Dixon community if he didn't get it back.
A redacted version of the same wiretaps were released on October 31st of this year; the same day Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair announced they had "retrieved a digital video file" consistent with the details of the "crack video" first reported in May by Gawker and The Toronto Star.
Canadian Media outlets had petitioned the court for the full release of the wiretaps related to the investigation into the video. These were released after the Crown decided not to appeal a court ruling to release the full document.
Ford has resisted loud calls for resignation at multiple junctures and from many corners, and cannot be removed by Toronto City Council. However, Council voted last month to strip him of his office budget, much of his staff, many powers the Mayor typically enjoys, and remove him from Council's Executive Committee.
Early highlights/lowlights:
-Police believe the "crack video" was the motive for the murder of gangster Anthony Smith
-Discussions about Ford smoking heroin
-A discussion regarding an offer from the Mayor to "buy the back the video" for $5,000 and a car
-Rob Ford losing his phone in a crack house and then threatening to "put the heat" on the Dixon community if he didn't get it back.
A redacted version of the same wiretaps were released on October 31st of this year; the same day Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair announced they had "retrieved a digital video file" consistent with the details of the "crack video" first reported in May by Gawker and The Toronto Star.
Canadian Media outlets had petitioned the court for the full release of the wiretaps related to the investigation into the video. These were released after the Crown decided not to appeal a court ruling to release the full document.
Ford has resisted loud calls for resignation at multiple junctures and from many corners, and cannot be removed by Toronto City Council. However, Council voted last month to strip him of his office budget, much of his staff, many powers the Mayor typically enjoys, and remove him from Council's Executive Committee.
And now he's gonna be having his own weekly call in football segment on a Washington DC based radio show, The Sports Junkies.
posted by tittergrrl at 3:03 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by tittergrrl at 3:03 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just checking: does one of these links actually lead to the crack video?
posted by jacquilynne at 3:03 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by jacquilynne at 3:03 PM on December 4, 2013
I await the darkly comic Coen Brithers movie adaptation starring Jon Goodman.
posted by The Whelk at 3:03 PM on December 4, 2013 [30 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 3:03 PM on December 4, 2013 [30 favorites]
Just in time; the last Ford thread just closed.
What a flipping train wreck.
I think this has gone beyond comedy; this is going to end in some level of tragedy.
posted by nubs at 3:04 PM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
What a flipping train wreck.
I think this has gone beyond comedy; this is going to end in some level of tragedy.
posted by nubs at 3:04 PM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
> Just checking: does one of these links actually lead to the crack video?
No, it still hasn't surfaced publicly. Back in May, who would have bet money on the eventual release of the tape being anti-climactic?
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:04 PM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
No, it still hasn't surfaced publicly. Back in May, who would have bet money on the eventual release of the tape being anti-climactic?
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:04 PM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
Just checking: does one of these links actually lead to the crack video?
They do not. Amazingly, the actual video has never been shown publicly. However, police have confirmed it exists.
posted by dry white toast at 3:05 PM on December 4, 2013
They do not. Amazingly, the actual video has never been shown publicly. However, police have confirmed it exists.
posted by dry white toast at 3:05 PM on December 4, 2013
DOESN'T MATTER MY TAXES ARE LOWER la la la
posted by Rykey at 3:06 PM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
posted by Rykey at 3:06 PM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
this is going to end in some level of tragedy.
Umm, a young man is dead and the mayor might have played a role in his death. We reached the tragic stage some time ago.
posted by dry white toast at 3:08 PM on December 4, 2013 [26 favorites]
Umm, a young man is dead and the mayor might have played a role in his death. We reached the tragic stage some time ago.
posted by dry white toast at 3:08 PM on December 4, 2013 [26 favorites]
And wtf with the picture of Rob touching Doug's ear in the Post story?
Well, at least we have more to chew on now. Gotta make sure we all have enough to eat, don't cha know.
posted by nubs at 3:10 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Well, at least we have more to chew on now. Gotta make sure we all have enough to eat, don't cha know.
posted by nubs at 3:10 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
> this is going to end in some level of tragedy.
Rob Ford's re-election?
> DOESN'T MATTER MY TAXES ARE LOWER la la la
Pro-Ford commenters seem to be taking the "See, Ford's a victim! Those gangbangers were trying to extort him!" tack. If anyone gets into how and why there were allegedly able to do so, they switch to "This is all in the past!"
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:11 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob Ford's re-election?
> DOESN'T MATTER MY TAXES ARE LOWER la la la
Pro-Ford commenters seem to be taking the "See, Ford's a victim! Those gangbangers were trying to extort him!" tack. If anyone gets into how and why there were allegedly able to do so, they switch to "This is all in the past!"
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:11 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Umm, a young man is dead and the mayor might have played a role in his death. We reached the tragic stage some time ago.
Yes, sorry, wasn't meaning to dismiss that. My ruminations are more on how this ends for Ford and his family, not on the other people in the case for whom it has already had tragic outcomes.
posted by nubs at 3:11 PM on December 4, 2013
Yes, sorry, wasn't meaning to dismiss that. My ruminations are more on how this ends for Ford and his family, not on the other people in the case for whom it has already had tragic outcomes.
posted by nubs at 3:11 PM on December 4, 2013
Important note: Initial reports that police believe Smith's murder was related to the video are inaccurate.
Documents indicate the police actually believe the murder was in retaliation for a robbery. The theory of the video connection actually originated from members of Ford's inner circle, but aren't being propagated by police.
posted by dry white toast at 3:14 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Documents indicate the police actually believe the murder was in retaliation for a robbery. The theory of the video connection actually originated from members of Ford's inner circle, but aren't being propagated by police.
posted by dry white toast at 3:14 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Hezza, huh?" Round these parts it's called "boy". Alternate spelling: boi. (Contrasted with "girl"--cocaine--which comes both "hard" and "soft".) I believe Mayor Ford likes the hard. This guy parties like Amy Winehouse. He really needs to get his shit straight.
posted by apis mellifera at 3:18 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by apis mellifera at 3:18 PM on December 4, 2013
"I’m sure he does it purposely," [a city councillor] said of the mayor’s propensity for immersing himself in political hot water. "What else could it be? You can’t be that dumb."
The big wheel keeps on turning.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 3:21 PM on December 4, 2013 [5 favorites]
The big wheel keeps on turning.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 3:21 PM on December 4, 2013 [5 favorites]
My ruminations are more on how this ends for Ford and his family
Ford will be fine, unless he overdoses and/or dies of a heart attack. He's a rich, politically-connected white man. If he loses the next election, or decides not to run, he'll probably transition into some sort of media figure; he's not smart or motivated enough to be a Canadian Rush Limbaugh, but he could probably join a radio station as part of their Morning Zoo Crew.
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:22 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Ford will be fine, unless he overdoses and/or dies of a heart attack. He's a rich, politically-connected white man. If he loses the next election, or decides not to run, he'll probably transition into some sort of media figure; he's not smart or motivated enough to be a Canadian Rush Limbaugh, but he could probably join a radio station as part of their Morning Zoo Crew.
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:22 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
However, Council voted last month to strip him of his office budget, much of his staff, many powers the Mayor typically enjoys, and remove him from Council's Executive Committee.
Are there North American cities without mayors? If the city is functioning and meeting its obligations to its constituents, could it keep running without a mayor (or just keep the mayoral position as a figurehead)?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:22 PM on December 4, 2013
Are there North American cities without mayors? If the city is functioning and meeting its obligations to its constituents, could it keep running without a mayor (or just keep the mayoral position as a figurehead)?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:22 PM on December 4, 2013
I'm also reading that Blair is the one extorting Ford by collecting all of this "embarrassing" information for his own nefarious purposes.
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:25 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:25 PM on December 4, 2013
Are there North American cities without mayors? If the city is functioning and meeting its obligations to its constituents, could it keep running without a mayor (or just keep the mayoral position as a figurehead)?
That's pretty much what Ford is at this point. He retains the title and wears the chains of office (literally, he's been wearing them to events), but functionally he is basically a Councillor-at-large.
posted by dry white toast at 3:25 PM on December 4, 2013
That's pretty much what Ford is at this point. He retains the title and wears the chains of office (literally, he's been wearing them to events), but functionally he is basically a Councillor-at-large.
posted by dry white toast at 3:25 PM on December 4, 2013
Also notable: The video was filmed at the crack home in February; Ford lost his phone there on April 20th; police recorded a call at a different time summoning a dealer to the crack home to bring product for the mayor.
Ford's long-delayed admission to having smoked crack in one of his stupors, 'about a year go' looks a bit shaky.
posted by Flashman at 3:27 PM on December 4, 2013
Ford's long-delayed admission to having smoked crack in one of his stupors, 'about a year go' looks a bit shaky.
posted by Flashman at 3:27 PM on December 4, 2013
Just a reminder of some useful Twitter feeds for those of you in need of teeny snacks of WTF for the duration of this thread (which, BTW, will last into the official beginning of the Toronto mayoral campaign.)
The Star: Jennifer Pagliaro, Robyn Doolittle, Daniel Dale, Michael Cooke
The Sun: Don Peat
National Post: Andrew Coyne (who has been doing excellent work at the Post on the sadly-neglected Senate scandal, too)
Various worthy Torontonians: Ivor Tossell, Matt Elliott, Jonathan Goldsbie, Edward Keenan
Some tidbits:
The Star does the journalistic equivalent of lighting a cigarette to make the bus show up.
Andrew Coyne: "Guys, the Senate just shut down an investigation again… guys? guys?"
posted by maudlin at 3:28 PM on December 4, 2013 [6 favorites]
The Star: Jennifer Pagliaro, Robyn Doolittle, Daniel Dale, Michael Cooke
The Sun: Don Peat
National Post: Andrew Coyne (who has been doing excellent work at the Post on the sadly-neglected Senate scandal, too)
Various worthy Torontonians: Ivor Tossell, Matt Elliott, Jonathan Goldsbie, Edward Keenan
Some tidbits:
The Star does the journalistic equivalent of lighting a cigarette to make the bus show up.
Andrew Coyne: "Guys, the Senate just shut down an investigation again… guys? guys?"
posted by maudlin at 3:28 PM on December 4, 2013 [6 favorites]
Mefi's own Mightygodking is also a great collector of Ford links and WTFery.
posted by The Whelk at 3:31 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 3:31 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Coyne has been great. Not a fan of his politics generally, but I am a fan of his principles.
posted by nubs at 3:32 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by nubs at 3:32 PM on December 4, 2013
Oh yes, MGK is in my list, too.
A sentence I never thought I would write: Hey, this teeny Sun article on today's developments is made better by its comments.
A sentence I never thought I would write: Hey, this teeny Sun article on today's developments is made better by its comments.
steakandpotatoes: Already got the next Warmington headline: "Rob Ford's Heart In Right Place Trying To Reach Out to Drug Underworld."posted by maudlin at 3:38 PM on December 4, 2013
icebiker: "Mayor Ford Kicks Off Glocks for Thugs Campaign."
If you voted for Rob Ford, you owe me an apology
posted by dry white toast at 3:44 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by dry white toast at 3:44 PM on December 4, 2013
My favorite bit of Rob Ford awesomeness lately.
posted by mediocre at 3:44 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mediocre at 3:44 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
This is NSFW, but pretty much the pinnacle of WTF-ness.
posted by zarq at 3:44 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by zarq at 3:44 PM on December 4, 2013
Of note in the videos for that moment. That was the day he said he was going to sue City Council and members of his staff for what they told police. That was three-ish weeks ago. "Litigation will be starting shortly."
To date he has sued no one.
posted by dry white toast at 3:46 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
To date he has sued no one.
posted by dry white toast at 3:46 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
I wasn't doing heroin in public, I have plenty to bang back home.
posted by Teakettle at 3:59 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Teakettle at 3:59 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
But with him still holding the title but powerless, it stops him from doing any more damage, right? Better than if he quit and a Special Election was won by another "city-killer" conservative but who's smarter and more effective, right? (Which could still happen, right?)
posted by oneswellfoop at 4:01 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by oneswellfoop at 4:01 PM on December 4, 2013
-Discussions about Ford smoking heroin
What? I ... what? That's not how you do that!
Man, "the mayor did heroin" seems so much less bad than "the mayor smoked heroin because he didn't know to inject it".
posted by kafziel at 4:08 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
What? I ... what? That's not how you do that!
Man, "the mayor did heroin" seems so much less bad than "the mayor smoked heroin because he didn't know to inject it".
posted by kafziel at 4:08 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
But with him still holding the title but powerless, it stops him from doing any more damage, right? Better than if he quit and a Special Election was won by another "city-killer" conservative but who's smarter and more effective, right? (Which could still happen, right?)
I'm not too, too worried about another conservative being elected mayor. Our weak mayor system limits their power, and in most situations, they have have one vote, the same as other councillors. For example, Norm Kelly (deputy mayor / mayor without the fancy jewellery) really, really wanted to fast track voting on the expansion of our island airport. A lot of council opposed this, and he's pretty much resigned to the matter being put off until 2015, after the election. (The vote is not officially postponed, but that seems the likely outcome.)
Ford is not terribly smart, very erratic, and incapable of negotiating like an adult. In 2010, he struck a chord with a lot of people in this city (that number is dwindling now), and a combo of a weak, divided field and his charisma -- yes, charisma -- got him elected.
A lot of the damage he's done to this city arose from council's early shocked acquiescence to his vow to cancel a major transit initiative. He won fewer and fewer battles from 2011 onward, though. His one big "victory" -- getting an ill-defined Scarborough subway approved this year with provincial and federal funding -- only happened because he had spent so much time whipping up resentment in that part of the city. (Whipping up resentment is his one great talent.) Some venal councillors changed their stance on transit, produced a new subway plan (after Ford's was voted down) and the province and Ottawa bought in for reasons of their own.
tl, dr: A smart conservative can be much less dangerous than a dumb conservative.
posted by maudlin at 4:18 PM on December 4, 2013
I'm not too, too worried about another conservative being elected mayor. Our weak mayor system limits their power, and in most situations, they have have one vote, the same as other councillors. For example, Norm Kelly (deputy mayor / mayor without the fancy jewellery) really, really wanted to fast track voting on the expansion of our island airport. A lot of council opposed this, and he's pretty much resigned to the matter being put off until 2015, after the election. (The vote is not officially postponed, but that seems the likely outcome.)
Ford is not terribly smart, very erratic, and incapable of negotiating like an adult. In 2010, he struck a chord with a lot of people in this city (that number is dwindling now), and a combo of a weak, divided field and his charisma -- yes, charisma -- got him elected.
A lot of the damage he's done to this city arose from council's early shocked acquiescence to his vow to cancel a major transit initiative. He won fewer and fewer battles from 2011 onward, though. His one big "victory" -- getting an ill-defined Scarborough subway approved this year with provincial and federal funding -- only happened because he had spent so much time whipping up resentment in that part of the city. (Whipping up resentment is his one great talent.) Some venal councillors changed their stance on transit, produced a new subway plan (after Ford's was voted down) and the province and Ottawa bought in for reasons of their own.
tl, dr: A smart conservative can be much less dangerous than a dumb conservative.
posted by maudlin at 4:18 PM on December 4, 2013
he's not smart or motivated enough to be a Canadian Rush Limbaugh, but he could probably join a radio station as part of their Morning Zoo Crew.
Close enough.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 4:21 PM on December 4, 2013
Close enough.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 4:21 PM on December 4, 2013
Somehow I missed the second comment in this thread.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 4:21 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 4:21 PM on December 4, 2013
Nigella Lawson for mayor
posted by XMLicious at 4:37 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by XMLicious at 4:37 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
What? I ... what? That's not how you do that!
Man, "the mayor did heroin" seems so much less bad than "the mayor smoked heroin because he didn't know to inject it".
You know you can smoke heroin right? I mean it's a fucking waste compared to railing it or (yuk) shooting it, but hey
posted by WhitenoisE at 4:39 PM on December 4, 2013
The Card Cheat: "If he loses the next election, or decides not to run, he'll probably transition into some sort of media figure; he's not smart or motivated enough to be a Canadian Rush Limbaugh, but he could probably join a radio station as part of their Morning Zoo Crew."
He did Ford Nation with his mastermind - er, brother - for a while, if I recall correctly. The thing mentioned in the post isn't his first shot at radio. He just announced last week they'd be bringing it back as a podcast. This is after the TV version was cancelled a few weeks ago after a single episode.
posted by koeselitz at 4:43 PM on December 4, 2013
He did Ford Nation with his mastermind - er, brother - for a while, if I recall correctly. The thing mentioned in the post isn't his first shot at radio. He just announced last week they'd be bringing it back as a podcast. This is after the TV version was cancelled a few weeks ago after a single episode.
posted by koeselitz at 4:43 PM on December 4, 2013
Pro-Ford commenters seem to be taking the "See, Ford's a victim! Those gangbangers were trying to extort him!" tack. If anyone gets into how and why there were allegedly able to do so, they switch to "This is all in the past!"
My big question: In our opposition politics/culture wars society (I'm American, so maybe it applies more down here), what, seriously, would it take for the followers of the Rob Fords/Richard Nixons/Kwame Kilpatricks of the world to turn on them? Is it raising taxes? Is it renouncing Christ? Is it beating a toddler?
I know every political figure and situation is a different story, but I find the psychology of the blindly loyal intriguing. Rob Ford's is a real test case, though-- his defenders really have an attachment to him, even as the allegations get more and more outrageous. Does anybody know of any case studies on what drives people to stick with their political favorites, even in the face of *lots* of scandal?
How much of it is "I defended him at the beginning, so I can't back down now, even though it's obvious I'm arguing an asinine position?" versus being honestly incapable of applying objective standards to somebody I favor? Maybe it's just being willing to defend an asinine position more than being willing to "concede" to one's political enemies (e.g., "I'd rather stand by Ford than to side with the goddamn downtown liberals!").
These things... I wonder them.
posted by Rykey at 4:44 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
My big question: In our opposition politics/culture wars society (I'm American, so maybe it applies more down here), what, seriously, would it take for the followers of the Rob Fords/Richard Nixons/Kwame Kilpatricks of the world to turn on them? Is it raising taxes? Is it renouncing Christ? Is it beating a toddler?
I know every political figure and situation is a different story, but I find the psychology of the blindly loyal intriguing. Rob Ford's is a real test case, though-- his defenders really have an attachment to him, even as the allegations get more and more outrageous. Does anybody know of any case studies on what drives people to stick with their political favorites, even in the face of *lots* of scandal?
How much of it is "I defended him at the beginning, so I can't back down now, even though it's obvious I'm arguing an asinine position?" versus being honestly incapable of applying objective standards to somebody I favor? Maybe it's just being willing to defend an asinine position more than being willing to "concede" to one's political enemies (e.g., "I'd rather stand by Ford than to side with the goddamn downtown liberals!").
These things... I wonder them.
posted by Rykey at 4:44 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
> How much of it is "I defended him at the beginning, so I can't back down now, even though it's obvious I'm arguing an asinine position?" versus being honestly incapable of applying objective standards to somebody I favor? Maybe it's just being willing to defend an asinine position more than being willing to "concede" to one's political enemies (e.g., "I'd rather stand by Ford than to side with the goddamn downtown liberals!").
I think it's all of the above.
posted by The Card Cheat at 4:49 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
I think it's all of the above.
posted by The Card Cheat at 4:49 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
And somewhere Chris Farley is rolling in his grave, itching for one more skit on Saturday Night Live.
posted by JackFlash at 5:19 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by JackFlash at 5:19 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
> Ford lost his phone there on April 20th
4/20; how apt!
posted by scruss at 5:38 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
4/20; how apt!
posted by scruss at 5:38 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Generally speaking the popular "soft" way to use powder heroin is to snort it, whereas for black tar it's to smoke it, though there are ways to do whatever with either. I don't know which variety is most common in Toronto - I'd guess the white but who knows? Anyway it's quite a common thing to do if you are more of a dabbler in H or have a lot of cash and don't want to take it all the way.
posted by atoxyl at 5:38 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by atoxyl at 5:38 PM on December 4, 2013
I'm a bit disappointed that there isn't more (if 'disappointed' is the word). There isn't anything really new here, at least, nothing that much beyond confirming the reasonable inferences that he lied when he said there was no video, and that he's been doing more drugs than what he said he'd done. Neither of those confirmations should be surprising to anyone who has given this all a bit of thought.
Absent enough to lay charges against Ford (which there isn't), it all feeds into the narratives that he's the victim. Which is, of course, total nonsense, but it's enough for Ford Nation to excuse him once again. Indeed, the fact that there aren't any charges will probably be touted as a vindication.
Fucking strange. So fucking strange. The political playbook is being entirely rewritten, and Lord knows what comes next. It can't be good.
posted by Capt. Renault at 5:39 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Absent enough to lay charges against Ford (which there isn't), it all feeds into the narratives that he's the victim. Which is, of course, total nonsense, but it's enough for Ford Nation to excuse him once again. Indeed, the fact that there aren't any charges will probably be touted as a vindication.
Fucking strange. So fucking strange. The political playbook is being entirely rewritten, and Lord knows what comes next. It can't be good.
posted by Capt. Renault at 5:39 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Does anybody know of any case studies on what drives people to stick with their political favorites, even in the face of *lots* of scandal?
I'm increasingly thinking that the remnants of Ford Nation are not unlike 9/11-truthers etc.; everything they see/hear is rolled back into their all-encompassing conspiracy.
posted by docgonzo at 5:42 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm increasingly thinking that the remnants of Ford Nation are not unlike 9/11-truthers etc.; everything they see/hear is rolled back into their all-encompassing conspiracy.
posted by docgonzo at 5:42 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you voted for Rob Ford, you owe me an apology
if you voted for Rob Ford, sorry but you don't get to vote for a while. Say, ten years. Because we have to fix democracy somehow.
posted by philip-random at 5:44 PM on December 4, 2013
if you voted for Rob Ford, sorry but you don't get to vote for a while. Say, ten years. Because we have to fix democracy somehow.
posted by philip-random at 5:44 PM on December 4, 2013
If you voted for Rob Ford, you owe me an apology
if you voted for Rob Ford, sorry but you don't get to vote for a while.
See, this isn't helping. For members of Ford Nation, trolling the Great and Good of the Annex etc. is not a bug, it's a feature. Do you really think treating them like misbehaving toddlers is going to help the situation?
posted by docgonzo at 5:47 PM on December 4, 2013
if you voted for Rob Ford, sorry but you don't get to vote for a while.
See, this isn't helping. For members of Ford Nation, trolling the Great and Good of the Annex etc. is not a bug, it's a feature. Do you really think treating them like misbehaving toddlers is going to help the situation?
posted by docgonzo at 5:47 PM on December 4, 2013
> Ford lost his phone there on April 20th
4/20; how apt!
Yep. Hitler's birthday.
posted by heyho at 5:52 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
4/20; how apt!
Yep. Hitler's birthday.
posted by heyho at 5:52 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Do you really think treating them like misbehaving toddlers is going to help the situation?
Well, we've tried reasoning with them like adults, but that isn't fucking working.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:19 PM on December 4, 2013 [17 favorites]
Well, we've tried reasoning with them like adults, but that isn't fucking working.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:19 PM on December 4, 2013 [17 favorites]
I've been thinking for some time that Rob Ford will not live to see Christmas. He'll have a heart attack or a stroke or he'll get into a drunken fight with Renata and fall over and smash his head on the corner of the coffee table. Or... something. But I just can't see a man like him, with his coping skills, lasting much longer in such pressure cooker of a situation. It's really going to end badly.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 7:03 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 7:03 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
And! Doesn't he go to Florida for Christmas - as soon as school lets out? Is he going to be allowed into the US at this point? Maybe they ought to skip the trip this year.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 7:08 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 7:08 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I've been thinking for some time that Rob Ford will not live to see Christmas...
Speaking as an amateur psychologist and physician -- he drinks and drives, he snorts oxy and downs a pint of vodka, he smokes crack, he does heroin, he's overweight. Add to that untold amounts of global pressure he cannot escape, and there's more demand for escape, even more dependence on whatever substance is handy, and if it wasn't a numbers game before, it certainly is now.
When he finally admitted to having smoked crack, to me it looked like a huge relief to the man. It seemed like he was going to resign, that he wanted some other way out of this than through whatever he was doing that wasn't working, that he knew wasn't working. But by the time the news conference came around, more pressures were put on him, and he didn't quit.
Looking at him at the NFL game, I see a mechanical smile, with nothing behind it. He knows he's lost, in every sense. It is only a matter of When.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope he does find help. But seeing him now, I get the feeling he knows better than anyone that he's already gone.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:27 PM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
Speaking as an amateur psychologist and physician -- he drinks and drives, he snorts oxy and downs a pint of vodka, he smokes crack, he does heroin, he's overweight. Add to that untold amounts of global pressure he cannot escape, and there's more demand for escape, even more dependence on whatever substance is handy, and if it wasn't a numbers game before, it certainly is now.
When he finally admitted to having smoked crack, to me it looked like a huge relief to the man. It seemed like he was going to resign, that he wanted some other way out of this than through whatever he was doing that wasn't working, that he knew wasn't working. But by the time the news conference came around, more pressures were put on him, and he didn't quit.
Looking at him at the NFL game, I see a mechanical smile, with nothing behind it. He knows he's lost, in every sense. It is only a matter of When.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope he does find help. But seeing him now, I get the feeling he knows better than anyone that he's already gone.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:27 PM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
But seeing him now, I get the feeling he knows better than anyone that he's already gone.
Seeing him now -- well, last week, watching from the stands while his beloved Don Bosco Eagles played -- I was reminded of something else.
But no, I would dispute your assertion. It is hard to credit any degree whatsoever of self-knowledge to His Worship.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:36 PM on December 4, 2013
Seeing him now -- well, last week, watching from the stands while his beloved Don Bosco Eagles played -- I was reminded of something else.
But no, I would dispute your assertion. It is hard to credit any degree whatsoever of self-knowledge to His Worship.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:36 PM on December 4, 2013
Is he going to be allowed into the US at this point?
Unclear.
posted by transient at 9:41 PM on December 4, 2013
Unclear.
posted by transient at 9:41 PM on December 4, 2013
Wow, the police and dealers in a plot to frame Rob Ford. Literally, I'm supposed to believe that the drug dealers and criminals are just saying "Rob Ford wants drugs" over their cell phones? Too convenient. Rob told us this police chief was abusing his powers and this is just more evidence of a plot to take him down. No way.
j/k
but really? is this possible? just destroys own SNL potential by making reality so funny that you can't make a joke about it. Seriously, they have a wiretap where drug dealers said "Rob Ford wants drugs" and the even crazier “The mayor of the city, Rob Ford, was smoking his rocks today,” Who says that on a cell phone? Not an Avon Barksdale by any stretch.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:50 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
j/k
but really? is this possible? just destroys own SNL potential by making reality so funny that you can't make a joke about it. Seriously, they have a wiretap where drug dealers said "Rob Ford wants drugs" and the even crazier “The mayor of the city, Rob Ford, was smoking his rocks today,” Who says that on a cell phone? Not an Avon Barksdale by any stretch.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:50 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
I really wonder about the accuracy of those polling numbers. And I also wonder why the Star and the G&M and CBC printed the polling numbers without any analysis. It's not like the pollsters do a very good job covering Canadian politics these days.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:34 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by KokuRyu at 10:34 PM on December 4, 2013
Instead of focusing on the continuing idiocy of this nincompoop (photos with Hells Angels mafiosi etc at the Bills game) why isn't this the real story?
Rob Ford scandal prompts calls for police to explain why mayor not charged Councillor Adam Vaughan says he’s concerned Mayor Rob Ford has been handled differently by police because of his position.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:38 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob Ford scandal prompts calls for police to explain why mayor not charged Councillor Adam Vaughan says he’s concerned Mayor Rob Ford has been handled differently by police because of his position.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:38 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
"I’m sure he does it purposely," [a city councillor] said of the mayor’s propensity for immersing himself in political hot water. "What else could it be? You can’t be that dumb."
Wow.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:41 PM on December 4, 2013
Wow.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:41 PM on December 4, 2013
So, this is going to make it a bit more difficult for him to become prime minister, right? Or will he have the entire white suburban vote locked up?
posted by happyroach at 11:16 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by happyroach at 11:16 PM on December 4, 2013
ThatCanadianGirl: I've been thinking for some time that Rob Ford will not live to see Christmas. He'll have a heart attack or a stroke or he'll get into a drunken fight with Renata and fall over and smash his head on the corner of the coffee table. Or... something. But I just can't see a man like him, with his coping skills, lasting much longer in such pressure cooker of a situation. It's really going to end badly.
I think there's a fairly significant chance he'll be taken out by organized crime as a liability, particularly if he gets charged with anything significant.
posted by Mitrovarr at 11:29 PM on December 4, 2013
I think there's a fairly significant chance he'll be taken out by organized crime as a liability, particularly if he gets charged with anything significant.
posted by Mitrovarr at 11:29 PM on December 4, 2013
Capt. Renault: “When he finally admitted to having smoked crack, to me it looked like a huge relief to the man. It seemed like he was going to resign, that he wanted some other way out of this than through whatever he was doing that wasn't working, that he knew wasn't working. But by the time the news conference came around, more pressures were put on him, and he didn't quit.”
Doug. He talked to Doug. Doug would not allow it. Doug still has plans. One shudders to think what they may be.
posted by koeselitz at 12:04 AM on December 5, 2013 [3 favorites]
Doug. He talked to Doug. Doug would not allow it. Doug still has plans. One shudders to think what they may be.
posted by koeselitz at 12:04 AM on December 5, 2013 [3 favorites]
January 1st 2014. Michigan Stadium. On a pcp fuelled rampage, Rob Ford decides to streak the Winter Classic. Attempting to intervene, Commissioner Bettman and Prime Minister Harper are crushed by Ford's nude slippery body. Standing rinkside, Don Cherry suffers a head injury from a wayward vodka bottle and suddenly starts to make sense. Later, a hungover nation awakens to the news that their long nightmare is over.
posted by mannequito at 12:31 AM on December 5, 2013 [10 favorites]
posted by mannequito at 12:31 AM on December 5, 2013 [10 favorites]
Seeing Harper Zambonied by Ford would be the greatest thing ever!
posted by troll on a pony at 2:31 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by troll on a pony at 2:31 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
I've been thinking for some time that Rob Ford will not live to see Christmas. He'll have a heart attack or a stroke or he'll get into a drunken fight with Renata and fall over and smash his head on the corner of the coffee table.
People have been thinking this for years. Even back when he was a councilor, political observers would wonder how it was that he was still alive. My own theory is that each of his vices keeps the others in perfect check, and that if he were to kick just one of them, he would fly apart like a washing machine with a brick in it.
Either that, or he is a sophisticated golem which runs on a precise mixture of cocaine, heroin, vodka, and shmaltz.
In which case, what did we ever do to the rabbis of Vilnus?
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:30 AM on December 5, 2013 [9 favorites]
People have been thinking this for years. Even back when he was a councilor, political observers would wonder how it was that he was still alive. My own theory is that each of his vices keeps the others in perfect check, and that if he were to kick just one of them, he would fly apart like a washing machine with a brick in it.
Either that, or he is a sophisticated golem which runs on a precise mixture of cocaine, heroin, vodka, and shmaltz.
In which case, what did we ever do to the rabbis of Vilnus?
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:30 AM on December 5, 2013 [9 favorites]
Rob Ford's extremely rare limited edition harsh noise tape leaked a couple days ago. It's a must grip. A review here.
Okay, this is not real, but it should be.
posted by sixohsix at 5:31 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
Okay, this is not real, but it should be.
posted by sixohsix at 5:31 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
It's hard for me to understand how he gets up every morning these days. Maybe he feels like pushing over councilwomen, smoking crack, and cunnilingus are all he has to live for these days. I kind of view him as I did Anthony Weiner: layers of pity wrapped over outrage for the dude's actions
posted by angrycat at 5:54 AM on December 5, 2013
posted by angrycat at 5:54 AM on December 5, 2013
tittergrrl: And now he's gonna be having his own weekly call in football segment on a Washington DC based radio show, The Sports Junkies.
He couldn't have picked a show with a more appropriate name.
And I see he's weighed in on the Redskins name debate - “To me, that’s ridiculous. What are we going to call the Cleveland Indians? The Cleveland Aboriginals next?” Ford said at city hall Wednesday. “The Skins are the Skins.”
posted by gman at 6:08 AM on December 5, 2013
He couldn't have picked a show with a more appropriate name.
And I see he's weighed in on the Redskins name debate - “To me, that’s ridiculous. What are we going to call the Cleveland Indians? The Cleveland Aboriginals next?” Ford said at city hall Wednesday. “The Skins are the Skins.”
posted by gman at 6:08 AM on December 5, 2013
I didn't want to get anything done today anyways.
I hope there is another press conference soon. At least a hurried apology...
posted by Theta States at 6:44 AM on December 5, 2013
I hope there is another press conference soon. At least a hurried apology...
posted by Theta States at 6:44 AM on December 5, 2013
I've been thinking for some time that Rob Ford will not live to see Christmas. He'll have a heart attack or a stroke or he'll get into a drunken fight with Renata and fall over and smash his head on the corner of the coffee table. Or... something. But I just can't see a man like him, with his coping skills, lasting much longer in such pressure cooker of a situation. It's really going to end badly.
I think there's a fairly significant chance he'll be taken out by organized crime as a liability, particularly if he gets charged with anything significant.
If anything should happen to Ford, Ford Nation will claim he was a martyr. If he dies of any sort of physical cause (i.e., overdose or a heart attack), the liberals and the media will have hounded him into it. If he's murdered by criminals, it'll be a plot on the part of the liberals to take him down because he stood in the way of our agenda. Ford Nation is already claiming that the liberals and the lefty media is trying to kill Ford with stress.
I don't know what I hope for. I want something definitive to happen that makes Ford Nation get it, but I don't know what that would be. Rob Ford's death won't do it (and of course I don't want Ford to die — I want him to step down for both Toronto's sake and his own and get the help that he needs). Ford doing something really, really awful, such as killing someone when he's driving drunk, might do it, but of course I don't want him to do something really awful because people will suffer for it. There just doesn't seem to be a possible happy ending here, unless Ford and his followers wake up and face reality, and I've lost all hope that will ever happen.
posted by orange swan at 6:52 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
I think there's a fairly significant chance he'll be taken out by organized crime as a liability, particularly if he gets charged with anything significant.
If anything should happen to Ford, Ford Nation will claim he was a martyr. If he dies of any sort of physical cause (i.e., overdose or a heart attack), the liberals and the media will have hounded him into it. If he's murdered by criminals, it'll be a plot on the part of the liberals to take him down because he stood in the way of our agenda. Ford Nation is already claiming that the liberals and the lefty media is trying to kill Ford with stress.
I don't know what I hope for. I want something definitive to happen that makes Ford Nation get it, but I don't know what that would be. Rob Ford's death won't do it (and of course I don't want Ford to die — I want him to step down for both Toronto's sake and his own and get the help that he needs). Ford doing something really, really awful, such as killing someone when he's driving drunk, might do it, but of course I don't want him to do something really awful because people will suffer for it. There just doesn't seem to be a possible happy ending here, unless Ford and his followers wake up and face reality, and I've lost all hope that will ever happen.
posted by orange swan at 6:52 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
I don't know what I hope for. I want something definitive to happen that makes Ford Nation get it, but I don't know what that would be. Rob Ford's death won't do it (and of course I don't want Ford to die — I want him to step down for both Toronto's sake and his own and get the help that he needs). Ford doing something really, really awful, such as killing someone when he's driving drunk, might do it, but of course I don't want him to do something really awful because people will suffer for it. There just doesn't seem to be a possible happy ending here, unless Ford and his followers wake up and face reality, and I've lost all hope that will ever happen.
I always want this sort of politician to be caught on tape shit-talking their base. But honestly I'm not sure even that would matter at this point.
posted by showbiz_liz at 7:40 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
I always want this sort of politician to be caught on tape shit-talking their base. But honestly I'm not sure even that would matter at this point.
posted by showbiz_liz at 7:40 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob Ford says latest claims an "outright lie"
Countdown to him backing down and admitting it happened begins now.
I always want this sort of politician to be caught on tape shit-talking their base. But honestly I'm not sure even that would matter at this point.
“I’m sick of you people, you’re nothing but a pack of fickle mush heads!” – ‘Diamond’ Joe Quimby
“He’s right!” – Female Fickle Mush Head
“Give us hell Quimby!” – Male Fickle Mush Head
posted by nubs at 8:07 AM on December 5, 2013 [7 favorites]
Countdown to him backing down and admitting it happened begins now.
I always want this sort of politician to be caught on tape shit-talking their base. But honestly I'm not sure even that would matter at this point.
“I’m sick of you people, you’re nothing but a pack of fickle mush heads!” – ‘Diamond’ Joe Quimby
“He’s right!” – Female Fickle Mush Head
“Give us hell Quimby!” – Male Fickle Mush Head
posted by nubs at 8:07 AM on December 5, 2013 [7 favorites]
> Police believe the "crack video" was the motive for the murder of gangster Anthony Smith
The article actually says the opposite. The police were told that, yes, but they disagree with it because of other information.
Can anyone explain to me why Ford Nation is even relevant? Why can't people rally around other fiscal conservatives on council (there must be a few among his former allies)?
posted by The arrows are too fast at 8:41 AM on December 5, 2013
The article actually says the opposite. The police were told that, yes, but they disagree with it because of other information.
Can anyone explain to me why Ford Nation is even relevant? Why can't people rally around other fiscal conservatives on council (there must be a few among his former allies)?
posted by The arrows are too fast at 8:41 AM on December 5, 2013
Ford Nation is already claiming that the liberals and the lefty media is trying to kill Ford with stress.
Stress he could relieve, in large part, by doing the thing he's probably going to have to do anyway (step down) at some point? Yeah, totally the left's doing.
posted by Rykey at 8:46 AM on December 5, 2013
Stress he could relieve, in large part, by doing the thing he's probably going to have to do anyway (step down) at some point? Yeah, totally the left's doing.
posted by Rykey at 8:46 AM on December 5, 2013
Can anyone explain to me why Ford Nation is even relevant?
They are a minority, but they're a large enough minority that they become a significant political force under the right circumstances, such as there being several other viable candidates who split the majority of the votes between them, leaving Ford with the largest minority vote. This is how Ford got elected last time, and it's a very real possibility that it might happen again.
posted by orange swan at 9:14 AM on December 5, 2013
They are a minority, but they're a large enough minority that they become a significant political force under the right circumstances, such as there being several other viable candidates who split the majority of the votes between them, leaving Ford with the largest minority vote. This is how Ford got elected last time, and it's a very real possibility that it might happen again.
posted by orange swan at 9:14 AM on December 5, 2013
Somebody posted something on this in the other thread, but as Rob Ford responds and reacts to the latest crop of allegations, it's fun to check off each technique he uses on this handy list.
posted by KokuRyu at 9:48 AM on December 5, 2013
posted by KokuRyu at 9:48 AM on December 5, 2013
Can anyone explain to me why Ford Nation is even relevant? Why can't people rally around other fiscal conservatives on council (there must be a few among his former allies)?
Because with those sorts of voters, the fiscal conservatism isn't important. It is how the politician feeds the emotional needs of the voters. they are likely white males of the lower middle class who want certain emotional needs met.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:51 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
Because with those sorts of voters, the fiscal conservatism isn't important. It is how the politician feeds the emotional needs of the voters. they are likely white males of the lower middle class who want certain emotional needs met.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:51 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
During the "Cleveland Aboriginals" interview he also implied that concussions in football are no big deal. Is there *any* issue this asshole isn't on the wrong side of?
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:05 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:05 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
they are likely white males of the lower middle class who want certain emotional needs met.
That's part of his base, but not all of it. There are oodles of links in the last thread describing Toronto and Ford's supporters a little more thoroughly. Some sympathy for a perceived underdog, plus his record of hands-on constituent service, also help expand his base beyond "lower middle class white males".
posted by maudlin at 10:20 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
That's part of his base, but not all of it. There are oodles of links in the last thread describing Toronto and Ford's supporters a little more thoroughly. Some sympathy for a perceived underdog, plus his record of hands-on constituent service, also help expand his base beyond "lower middle class white males".
posted by maudlin at 10:20 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
During the "Cleveland Aboriginals" interview he also implied that concussions in football are no big deal. Is there *any* issue this asshole isn't on the wrong side of?
He also claimed that First Nations people never complained about the R--skins name before, that they should have said something back THEN, and that it was now a false campaign by P.C. leftists.
posted by Theta States at 10:46 AM on December 5, 2013
He also claimed that First Nations people never complained about the R--skins name before, that they should have said something back THEN, and that it was now a false campaign by P.C. leftists.
posted by Theta States at 10:46 AM on December 5, 2013
I am very disappointed in our white Obama.
posted by maudlin at 10:54 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by maudlin at 10:54 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
As a protest action, perhaps natives should look to reclaiming some of the place-names that European settlers have appropriated for their towns and cities.
For example: the Mississaugas tribe can declare that 'Etobicoke' ("wadoopikaang") goes from the translation "Place where the Alders Grow" to the new meaning: "Place where the Crackheads go."
posted by In The Annex at 11:24 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
For example: the Mississaugas tribe can declare that 'Etobicoke' ("wadoopikaang") goes from the translation "Place where the Alders Grow" to the new meaning: "Place where the Crackheads go."
posted by In The Annex at 11:24 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob Ford denies latest bombshell claims as councillors demand answers from top cop on lack of charges
And then the cherry on top, from his brother:
posted by Theta States at 11:28 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
When the mayor did turn the conversation to football he casually dismissed the NFL’s concussion problem and Native Americans’ problem with the Washington Redskins name.(I would add my own emphasis, but... that'd just be bolding the whole thing.)
“It’s been around for years and year and years and if they were offended they should have come out when the name was first initiated,” he said. “How long have the ‘Skins had their name for? Years and years and years and all of a sudden the political correct people are coming out now.”
Ford also said he was a fan of “two-tier” health care.
“I’d be a Republican if I was down in the States. I don’t believe in all this public-funded health care, we can’t afford it,” he said. “If you want health care, you pay for it. It’s going to cost you guys a fortune to put in Obamacare.”
He also drew the ire of Twitter when he claimed that female sports fans just pick “who’s the cutest guy” in fantasy sports pools.
But when asked what his future in politics, Ford promised “the future is that I’m getting reelected.”
And then the cherry on top, from his brother:
When asked if his brother should resign, councillor Doug Ford had few words.Shock and awe.
“I have no comment, I don’t know what else to say. It is what it is and that’s it,” he said. Asked if now he thinks the mayor should step aside, given the severity of the allegations, he said “why?”
“That’s why I don’t talk about anything before the courts. You said the magical word, allege. I can allege that you offered $5,000, right? It’s alleging, so I have no comment,” he said.
posted by Theta States at 11:28 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
this article has a great rundown of quotes from his Sports Junkies radio appearance
posted by Theta States at 11:37 AM on December 5, 2013
posted by Theta States at 11:37 AM on December 5, 2013
Christ, what an asshole.
posted by Imperfect at 11:40 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Imperfect at 11:40 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
"Place where the Crackheads go."
That's only if you use the most bare-bones, literal translation. Most prefer the much more poetic, "Grove Where The Crack Smoke Wafts Among the Alders And Also Apparently Heroin."
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 11:41 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
That's only if you use the most bare-bones, literal translation. Most prefer the much more poetic, "Grove Where The Crack Smoke Wafts Among the Alders And Also Apparently Heroin."
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 11:41 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
The more accurate rendition would be"... And Also Allegedly Heroin."
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:59 AM on December 5, 2013
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:59 AM on December 5, 2013
Still mayor.
posted by yellowbinder at 12:07 PM on December 5, 2013
posted by yellowbinder at 12:07 PM on December 5, 2013
they are likely white males of the lower middle class
This hasn't been my experience. His popularity is quite high in UMC McMansion neighbourhoods and majority non-white areas of the suburbs.
posted by rocket88 at 1:38 PM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
This hasn't been my experience. His popularity is quite high in UMC McMansion neighbourhoods and majority non-white areas of the suburbs.
posted by rocket88 at 1:38 PM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
My own theory is that each of his vices keeps the others in perfect check, and that if he were to kick just one of them, he would fly apart like a washing machine with a brick in it.
All of your diseases are in perfect balance.
posted by mannequito at 1:39 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
All of your diseases are in perfect balance.
posted by mannequito at 1:39 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]
I am very disappointed in our white Obama.
Please, Northern neighbors, I beg you... hatch the "Thanks White Obama" version of the American meme.
posted by Rykey at 2:18 PM on December 5, 2013
Please, Northern neighbors, I beg you... hatch the "Thanks White Obama" version of the American meme.
posted by Rykey at 2:18 PM on December 5, 2013
More Americans know of Rob Ford than they do most world leaders
Here are the most widely recognized international political figures, inside the U.S.:
Russian President Vladimir Putin 64%
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford 50%
United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron 38%
Chinese President Xi Jinping 21%
Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi 25%
Prime Minister Stephen Harper 18%
posted by gman at 4:07 PM on December 7, 2013
Here are the most widely recognized international political figures, inside the U.S.:
Russian President Vladimir Putin 64%
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford 50%
United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron 38%
Chinese President Xi Jinping 21%
Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi 25%
Prime Minister Stephen Harper 18%
posted by gman at 4:07 PM on December 7, 2013
Ford will be fine, unless he overdoses and/or dies of a heart attack. He's a rich, politically-connected white man. If he loses the next election, or decides not to run, he'll probably transition into some sort of media figure; he's not smart or motivated enough to be a Canadian Rush Limbaugh, but he could probably join a radio station as part of their Morning Zoo Crew.
The more I watch His Worship's travails, the more I think the card cheat has the right of it. The transition from city council to mayor, the ongoing scandals while in politics, the open musing about running for federal office, the media growth starting with radio and moving into TV -- there is an obvious role model for him from a generation earlier to follow, and nowadays almost nobody thinks of Jerry Springer as the one-time mayor of Cincinnati.
I think it very likely that a generation hence, (assuming he does not flame out ins spectacular fashion before reaching this point) RoFo will be recalled as a media figure, and the political career will be a prologue.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:00 AM on December 8, 2013
The more I watch His Worship's travails, the more I think the card cheat has the right of it. The transition from city council to mayor, the ongoing scandals while in politics, the open musing about running for federal office, the media growth starting with radio and moving into TV -- there is an obvious role model for him from a generation earlier to follow, and nowadays almost nobody thinks of Jerry Springer as the one-time mayor of Cincinnati.
I think it very likely that a generation hence, (assuming he does not flame out ins spectacular fashion before reaching this point) RoFo will be recalled as a media figure, and the political career will be a prologue.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:00 AM on December 8, 2013
So Conrad Black "interviewed" Ford on Vision TV last night. (For those without Canadian cable: Vision is "Canada’s only English language cable and satellite specialty channel that airs multi-faith, multicultural and family-oriented entertainment.")
The interview was about as obnoxious as you would expect, but Ford, as always, felt compelled to go the extra mile:
But you have to wonder about the people running the show Zoomer (!!) and Vision TV in general. The interview was taped last week, was supposed to be shown on the 16th, but was moved up due to "demand". They showed about 20 minutes around 9 PM (which included the Dale comments) and then a full hour at midnight. This wasn't a live interview where something slipped through: they had time to look at it before it aired -- twice.
I decided to phone this morning, more out of jaundiced curiosity than burning rage. I politely asked the nice lady working reception at Vision if they had an ombudsman or another person with whom I could register a complaint about adead parrot tv show. She immediately asked, "Is this about Zoomer" and gave me the number 416-607-6227. I asked if this was a voicemail dump or a place where I could talk with a live person, and she said that she didn't know, but this was the number they had been told to give out. So yeah, they've gotten at least a few calls at Vision already.
I called: it's a voicemail dump that promises a callback within 24 hours. I did not bother.
Finally: goddamn it, Denise Donlon. God DAMN it.
posted by maudlin at 7:28 AM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
The interview was about as obnoxious as you would expect, but Ford, as always, felt compelled to go the extra mile:
Mr. Black, the former press baron, asked him to name the most “offensive events – abrasions – that have been perpetrated on you or your family by the media?”I don't know how strong a case the Star has, or whether they are just going to ask for an apology (which, it must be said, Ford gives out as frequently as car magnets, with about as much serious thought and corresponding quality).
“Well,” replied Mr. Ford, “I guess the worst one was Daniel Dale in my backyard taking pictures. I have little kids. When a guy’s taking pictures of little kids” – and here Mr. Ford shook his head and gave a small, skeptical laugh – “I don’t want to say that word but you start thinking, ‘What’s this guy all about?’” ...
Mr. Dale’s editors are getting their libel and slander lawyers on the case. “Mr. Ford calling reporter Daniel Dale a pedophile tells you all you need to know about our mayor’s brain,” said Star Editor Michael Cooke. “So sad for all of us.”
But you have to wonder about the people running the show Zoomer (!!) and Vision TV in general. The interview was taped last week, was supposed to be shown on the 16th, but was moved up due to "demand". They showed about 20 minutes around 9 PM (which included the Dale comments) and then a full hour at midnight. This wasn't a live interview where something slipped through: they had time to look at it before it aired -- twice.
I decided to phone this morning, more out of jaundiced curiosity than burning rage. I politely asked the nice lady working reception at Vision if they had an ombudsman or another person with whom I could register a complaint about a
I called: it's a voicemail dump that promises a callback within 24 hours. I did not bother.
Finally: goddamn it, Denise Donlon. God DAMN it.
posted by maudlin at 7:28 AM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
I don't know how strong a case the Star has, or whether they are just going to ask for an apology
Isn't Ford still barely acknowledging the Star's existence?
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 11:09 AM on December 10, 2013
Isn't Ford still barely acknowledging the Star's existence?
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 11:09 AM on December 10, 2013
I was really surprised that Moses Znaimer would have allowed this. But yeah, I forgot about Denise Donlon. Geez, to be a fly on the wall over there today! I'll be watching for word of rolling heads. Or resignations.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 11:18 AM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 11:18 AM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
Doug was yelling and lying (same thing) at reporters about this today. Rob has been silent because I don't think reporters have figured out this week's magic words to make him answer a straight question.
Here's the 2012 story from The Star with extensive quotes from police sources showing that Dale did nothing wrong and that Ford and his neighbour were less than helpful to the investigation. I think I'll re-read it and refresh my memory before Christmas dinner this year as I'm pretty sure one or more people present will want to talk about poor, poor Rob Ford.
posted by maudlin at 11:19 AM on December 10, 2013
Here's the 2012 story from The Star with extensive quotes from police sources showing that Dale did nothing wrong and that Ford and his neighbour were less than helpful to the investigation. I think I'll re-read it and refresh my memory before Christmas dinner this year as I'm pretty sure one or more people present will want to talk about poor, poor Rob Ford.
posted by maudlin at 11:19 AM on December 10, 2013
The short version of the interview was removed from the Vision site. Luckily, Ev Delen snagged and posted a copy of the Dale segment. Warning: link contains footage of Ford and Black. May not be suitable for the easily queased.
Andrew Coyne thinks the accusations about Blair are worse: "I think what Ford says here about Chief Blair is far more outrageous than what he said about Dale. Dale remark, tho’ odious, is obv’ly over the top. He’s describing his thought process at the time, in the moment, not what he thinks now. But the Blair thing is intended to be believed. It’s a direct assault on the chief’s integrity. It suggests he is guilty of corruption, launching a major police investigation against an innocent man, using police resources as a means of settling a political score. Which, in the absence of *any* evidence, is not only utterly outrageous and defamatory, but deeply subversive of the public trust."
posted by maudlin at 11:26 AM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]
Andrew Coyne thinks the accusations about Blair are worse: "I think what Ford says here about Chief Blair is far more outrageous than what he said about Dale. Dale remark, tho’ odious, is obv’ly over the top. He’s describing his thought process at the time, in the moment, not what he thinks now. But the Blair thing is intended to be believed. It’s a direct assault on the chief’s integrity. It suggests he is guilty of corruption, launching a major police investigation against an innocent man, using police resources as a means of settling a political score. Which, in the absence of *any* evidence, is not only utterly outrageous and defamatory, but deeply subversive of the public trust."
posted by maudlin at 11:26 AM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]
> I called: it's a voicemail dump that promises a callback within 24 hours. I did not bother.
Not sure how much good it'll do, but I lodged a complaint with the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council.
What a terrible human being our mayor is.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:06 PM on December 10, 2013
Not sure how much good it'll do, but I lodged a complaint with the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council.
What a terrible human being our mayor is.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:06 PM on December 10, 2013
How the fuck is Conrad Black even here? I thought we were supposed to be taking a tough stance on letting non-citizen criminals into the country?
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:09 PM on December 10, 2013
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:09 PM on December 10, 2013
Well, if you're rich and white, Stephen Harper is cool with it.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:37 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:37 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob Ford is lying about me, and it's vile.
posted by maudlin at 6:10 AM on December 11, 2013
I was generous. I didn’t call the mayor a liar.Not linked in Dale's story today: His original, mild response on May 3, 2012.
Perhaps he was somehow misled by an excitable neighbour. Perhaps he somehow thought he saw something he didn’t see. He tried to get me arrested, to destroy my career; I decided to correct him gently, deferentially.
Not any more. Not 19 months later. Rob Ford is lying about me, he knows it, and it’s vile.
posted by maudlin at 6:10 AM on December 11, 2013
According to Conrad Black on As It Happens just now, re whether Ford was implying Dale was a pedophile, "well, there are levels of perversion."
posted by Flashman at 2:40 PM on December 11, 2013
posted by Flashman at 2:40 PM on December 11, 2013
I'm listening to this RIGHT NOW. It's a beautiful setup from Off. Beautiful. It almost balances out the revulsion I feel while listening to Black simply accepting Ford's account of the "leering" over a fence. When she points out the bullshit claims and says, "You're known for your research", his reply is "I didn't know any of that." Huh. He finally says that Dale might have a case against Ford, but not him.
What's that German word for a face badly in need of a fist?
posted by maudlin at 3:43 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
What's that German word for a face badly in need of a fist?
posted by maudlin at 3:43 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
Loved that interview. "Would you stop harping on that!" Go Carol!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 6:11 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 6:11 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
For those who missed it. (Gravol recommended.)
posted by maudlin at 6:28 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by maudlin at 6:28 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]
I got around to watching the video of Ford interview that was a segment on the O'Reilly factor and I swear to god he has stars in his eyes because he realizes he will be on Big Kid Fox News TV.
He's made no secret that he loves USA-style hyper-partisan rhetoric, because he is quite adept at it, and really wants it to be the new norm in Canada. All ra ra ra go team go, crush the opponents skulls.
O'Reilly was the cool kid, making the eager young'n think he can roll with the big boys, but really they were just making him dance for their amusement.
posted by Theta States at 6:54 AM on December 12, 2013
He's made no secret that he loves USA-style hyper-partisan rhetoric, because he is quite adept at it, and really wants it to be the new norm in Canada. All ra ra ra go team go, crush the opponents skulls.
O'Reilly was the cool kid, making the eager young'n think he can roll with the big boys, but really they were just making him dance for their amusement.
posted by Theta States at 6:54 AM on December 12, 2013
I can't even.
Suggested viewing techniques:
1) Pad desk so that you don't bruise your forehead.
2) Scroll to 4:20 and play video.
3) Ask yourself "Is that even legal?"
4) Drink heavily.
posted by maudlin at 9:30 AM on December 12, 2013
Suggested viewing techniques:
1) Pad desk so that you don't bruise your forehead.
2) Scroll to 4:20 and play video.
3) Ask yourself "Is that even legal?"
4) Drink heavily.
posted by maudlin at 9:30 AM on December 12, 2013
And if you can't play video right now, here's a screen cap.
posted by maudlin at 9:46 AM on December 12, 2013
posted by maudlin at 9:46 AM on December 12, 2013
Yep. Dale explains why he's made the decision.
posted by maudlin at 2:37 PM on December 12, 2013
I am serving Rob Ford today with a libel notice, the first step in the process of pursuing a defamation lawsuit. I am also serving Vision TV, which twice broadcast Ford’s vile and defamatory remarks to Conrad Black even though their interview was filmed days before it aired.Ford's comments on today's Sports Junkies.
It had become clear to me that, if I had done nothing, the mayor would make his smears some sort of political talking point. His comments to Black were no one-time slip; they seemed to be the first shots in a bewildering campaign against my good name. At a Tuesday news conference, he pointedly said he stands by “every word.” Today, he repeated many of his false claims on American radio.
posted by maudlin at 2:37 PM on December 12, 2013
Good on Daniel Dale. What a hassle. I mean, who needs this shit?
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 3:35 PM on December 12, 2013
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 3:35 PM on December 12, 2013
> Ford's comments on today's Sports Junkies.
Oh, so *now* he's okay with talking about non-football stuff on that show?
What a colossal asshole.
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:40 PM on December 12, 2013
Oh, so *now* he's okay with talking about non-football stuff on that show?
What a colossal asshole.
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:40 PM on December 12, 2013
Not a huge fan of Carol Off, but holy shit that was awesome. And I love how Conrad Black is quite willing to pass the buck and throw Zoomer under the bus.
posted by KokuRyu at 4:08 PM on December 12, 2013
posted by KokuRyu at 4:08 PM on December 12, 2013
So: if RoFo "stand[s] by every word" of the interview with His Lordship, including the word he did not say but merely alluded to, and maintains that the police investigation which found no evidence of any wrongdoing on Dale's part covered up the truth, then it seems that the hardworking mayor has unmasked an award-winning reporter as a contemptible prevert out to to practice his preversions despite a massive conspiracy that involves the entire police force suppressing these preversions.
The other possibility, of course, is that in making a claim with zero evidence (indeed, much evidence to the contrary) intended to besmirch the name of a journalist covering City Hall, while coyly refusing to say exactly what the preversion is, then His Worship has managed the impressive hat trick of being a liar, a bully and a coward all in a single sentence.
I miss Mayor Mel. He was also cartoonish and dim, but I never had the sense he was actively mean-spirited.
Anyway, if and when the suit comes to trial, His Worship can make much political hay of how the conspiracy of preverts is dragging his good name through the mud with this nuisance lawsuit.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:03 AM on December 13, 2013
The other possibility, of course, is that in making a claim with zero evidence (indeed, much evidence to the contrary) intended to besmirch the name of a journalist covering City Hall, while coyly refusing to say exactly what the preversion is, then His Worship has managed the impressive hat trick of being a liar, a bully and a coward all in a single sentence.
I miss Mayor Mel. He was also cartoonish and dim, but I never had the sense he was actively mean-spirited.
Anyway, if and when the suit comes to trial, His Worship can make much political hay of how the conspiracy of preverts is dragging his good name through the mud with this nuisance lawsuit.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:03 AM on December 13, 2013
Predicted headline: Rob Ford Sues Country of Taiwan Despite Not Knowing Where It Is.
posted by Kitteh at 9:45 AM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Kitteh at 9:45 AM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I don't know...that As It Happens interview rubbed me the wrong way. As interview shows go, Conrad Black was just the on-air talent. He's a talking head who does nothing but read a teleprompter or some prepared notes. It's really not his responsibility to fact-check Ford's answers in real time or even to halt broadcast after the fact. Like he said, he's not even part of the production or editing process.
Carl Off should have been interviewing Denise Donlon or Moses Znaimer.
posted by rocket88 at 12:43 PM on December 13, 2013
Carl Off should have been interviewing Denise Donlon or Moses Znaimer.
posted by rocket88 at 12:43 PM on December 13, 2013
If the AIH interview rubbed you the wrong way, that may just be Carol Off's normal demeanor.
I think Conrad Black most certainly deserves to have his feet held to the fire a little bit, but on the other hand it seems ridiculous to treat him as a serious journalist on a serious program. It is weird that Zoomer didn't edit out the stupid remarks.
Anyway, it will be fun to watch the Rob Ford kryptonite in action. The clip has already vanished from Zoomer and YouTube, and before long heads will roll at Zoomer. My guess is that Conrad Black will also lose his show before long, never to reappear in 2014.
posted by KokuRyu at 1:20 PM on December 13, 2013
I think Conrad Black most certainly deserves to have his feet held to the fire a little bit, but on the other hand it seems ridiculous to treat him as a serious journalist on a serious program. It is weird that Zoomer didn't edit out the stupid remarks.
Anyway, it will be fun to watch the Rob Ford kryptonite in action. The clip has already vanished from Zoomer and YouTube, and before long heads will roll at Zoomer. My guess is that Conrad Black will also lose his show before long, never to reappear in 2014.
posted by KokuRyu at 1:20 PM on December 13, 2013
Prison notwithstanding, Conrad Black is smart enough to know better, at least judging by the couple of well-received histories he has written. So, yes, he probably does deserve some of the criticism directed at him (not to say that Donlon and Znaimer don't).
The thing is, if he were the genuine conservative he claims to be, he should be genuinely horrified by the Ford Brothers' shenanigans. Maybe prison really does change a man, or perhaps he is just the same grasping chancer he's always been.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:17 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
The thing is, if he were the genuine conservative he claims to be, he should be genuinely horrified by the Ford Brothers' shenanigans. Maybe prison really does change a man, or perhaps he is just the same grasping chancer he's always been.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:17 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'll go with "grasping chancer", thanks.
Today's "Tories in disarray" tidbit: "In a voice loud enough for several of their cabinet colleagues to hear, Flaherty told Kenney to "shut the f--k up" about Ford."
Yesterday's "Yes, Ezra Levant is THAT batshit crazy" tidbit: he took this 'shop from Steve Murray as a genuine pierce of editorial art from The Star web site that they tried to hide after the fact. He spent a lot of time on Twitter and his show crowing that he had caught the hypocrites at the Star REAL good.
posted by maudlin at 8:08 PM on December 13, 2013
Today's "Tories in disarray" tidbit: "In a voice loud enough for several of their cabinet colleagues to hear, Flaherty told Kenney to "shut the f--k up" about Ford."
Yesterday's "Yes, Ezra Levant is THAT batshit crazy" tidbit: he took this 'shop from Steve Murray as a genuine pierce of editorial art from The Star web site that they tried to hide after the fact. He spent a lot of time on Twitter and his show crowing that he had caught the hypocrites at the Star REAL good.
posted by maudlin at 8:08 PM on December 13, 2013
Flaherty is taking some pretty serious steroids at the moment (presnidone) that can significantly affect his emotions. It's a known side-effect of the drug. I have taken presnidone for a week or two a couple of times in the past to deal with asthma, and it was not fun.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:44 AM on December 14, 2013
posted by KokuRyu at 8:44 AM on December 14, 2013
Oh this is rich. Conrad Black lashes out:
Rob Ford's critics refuse to give up hate campaign as their attempted coup collapses (secondary title: Conrad Black: ‘Star values’ on parade)
TIME TO PAT MYSELF ON THE BACK!
My attempt to de-escalate the prolonged effort to crucify Toronto Mayor Rob Ford (in which, admittedly, he often has participated himself by his outrageous antics) seems, to the intense frustration of its perpetrators, to be succeeding.
HMMM, I WONDER WHO IS BEST KNOWN FOR LYING?
Mr. Dale has denied almost every aspect of the mayor’s account, and the mayor has reaffirmed his version of these events. The gap between their versions is greater than can be explained by a legitimate good faith difference of recollection. They have accused each other of lying, and one of them is.
Conrad Black manages to somehow make this whole affair, like everything else, about himself.
Bravo, you felonious megalomaniac!
posted by Theta States at 8:16 PM on December 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob Ford's critics refuse to give up hate campaign as their attempted coup collapses (secondary title: Conrad Black: ‘Star values’ on parade)
TIME TO PAT MYSELF ON THE BACK!
My attempt to de-escalate the prolonged effort to crucify Toronto Mayor Rob Ford (in which, admittedly, he often has participated himself by his outrageous antics) seems, to the intense frustration of its perpetrators, to be succeeding.
HMMM, I WONDER WHO IS BEST KNOWN FOR LYING?
Mr. Dale has denied almost every aspect of the mayor’s account, and the mayor has reaffirmed his version of these events. The gap between their versions is greater than can be explained by a legitimate good faith difference of recollection. They have accused each other of lying, and one of them is.
Conrad Black manages to somehow make this whole affair, like everything else, about himself.
Bravo, you felonious megalomaniac!
posted by Theta States at 8:16 PM on December 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Perhaps the baron has forgotten that he no longer buys ink by the barrel, and is in fact prevented from doing so by Canadian media ownership regulations.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 8:06 AM on December 16, 2013
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 8:06 AM on December 16, 2013
Conrad Black has earned his fresh dose of ridicule
Yet Another Rob Ford Tape Has Disappeared
Is there anything like a media fight?
posted by nubs at 8:53 AM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Yet Another Rob Ford Tape Has Disappeared
Is there anything like a media fight?
posted by nubs at 8:53 AM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Conrad Black has earned his fresh dose of ridicule
Ooh, that was delightfully nasty from the very first sentence.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:18 AM on December 16, 2013
Ooh, that was delightfully nasty from the very first sentence.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:18 AM on December 16, 2013
Rob Ford emblematic of the dark place where politics are headed
posted by nubs at 7:25 PM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 7:25 PM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
So Ford is super, super, super sorry for calling councillors "corrupt" yesterday and offers a late apology to Dale.
posted by maudlin at 8:39 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Mr. Ford initially said: “I’ll withdraw my comments.” However, councillors took issue with the brief comment and Ms. Nunziata prompted the mayor to apologize.Half-assed, late apologies that he'll milk for everything possible, I guess. Newest Ford Nation talking point: "He apologized to scum! What else do you want from him?"
“How about ‘I am so sorry’?” Mr. Ford said. "Super, super, super, super, super, super, super, sorry? So sorry?" ...
Later on Tuesday, Mayor Ford unexpectedly rose to offer an apology to Toronto Star reporter Daniel Dale for comments he made about him in a televised interview last week.
"I did not mean to insinuate anything personally about Mr. Dale," he said in the middle of a city council meeting. "I certainly did not mean to insinuate that he was a pedophile." ...
[Background] The council meeting descended into chaos on Monday evening after Ms. Nunziata asked Mr. Mammoliti to leave the chamber three times after he repeatedly interrupted other councillors. Mr. Ford then said: “The most corrupt ones can stay, but he has to go?” Mr. Ford defended himself by saying: “I didn’t name names. I can say what I want.” He refused Ms. Nunziata’s entreaties to apologize.
posted by maudlin at 8:39 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob's apology to Daniel Dale started out with "I want to apologize for the way the media interpreted my comments." Perfect.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 9:41 AM on December 17, 2013
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 9:41 AM on December 17, 2013
The mayor said he was sorry, and supplemented it with an excuse that he did not know it was Dale.
I am sure this is not the first time that "sorry," "excuse," and "mayor" have appeared in the same sentence when referring to His Worship.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:03 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
I am sure this is not the first time that "sorry," "excuse," and "mayor" have appeared in the same sentence when referring to His Worship.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:03 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Apparently none of Ford's gaggle of lawyers are laying claim to the statement. As I suspected, this appears to be another off the cuff collection of lies, half truths, self-pity, and resentment. Or, as we call it in Toronto, "Tuesday".
(Oh, wait, it was only one of his lawyers who seemed surprised. Yes, THAT one. Ann Hui of the Globe is trying to get his libel lawyer, Gavin Tighe, on the phone for confirmation.)
posted by maudlin at 10:37 AM on December 17, 2013
(Oh, wait, it was only one of his lawyers who seemed surprised. Yes, THAT one. Ann Hui of the Globe is trying to get his libel lawyer, Gavin Tighe, on the phone for confirmation.)
posted by maudlin at 10:37 AM on December 17, 2013
That apology was very obviously written by Doug Ford and mom Diane Ford in Diane's kitchen this morning. No lawyer was involved in writing that final product.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 10:46 AM on December 17, 2013
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 10:46 AM on December 17, 2013
In perhaps the most shocking video to surface yet... Rob Ford goes to church.
posted by Rykey at 12:13 PM on December 17, 2013
posted by Rykey at 12:13 PM on December 17, 2013
"His statement today didn't come close. I'm proceeding with a defamation lawsuit."
Good.
posted by The Card Cheat at 12:47 PM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Good.
posted by The Card Cheat at 12:47 PM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
The dance break at today's council. Well, at least my councillor isn't in an elf suit this time.
posted by maudlin at 4:22 PM on December 17, 2013
posted by maudlin at 4:22 PM on December 17, 2013
Looks like Rob spoke to a real lawyer this time, got a real apology written, and the real Daniel Dale has accepted it and dropped the libel suit against Ford.
Vision TV, however, is still on the hook and has made no apology to date.
And Lord Black (not the real Conrad Black) is in shock.
posted by maudlin at 6:12 PM on December 18, 2013
Vision TV, however, is still on the hook and has made no apology to date.
And Lord Black (not the real Conrad Black) is in shock.
posted by maudlin at 6:12 PM on December 18, 2013
And a rather amusing exchange between Ezra Levant and Coyne on Twitter results:
posted by nubs at 10:26 PM on December 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
And yes, the Lord Black parody twitter account is very amusing all around.
Ezra Levant @ezralevant
@acoyne you're manic about Ford. I get it. But it's turned you into a cheerleader for libel chill & SLAPP suits. And many other journos too
Andrew Coyne @acoyne
I can see the concern about libel chill. This is the kind of thing that could deter people in power from making false & damaging statements…
Andrew Coyne @acoyne
… over many months to intimidate critics from reporting on their questionable and illegal activities. Who knows where that could lead?
posted by nubs at 10:26 PM on December 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rob Ford's Christmas gift advice: "Women love money".
posted by rocket88 at 9:15 AM on December 19, 2013
posted by rocket88 at 9:15 AM on December 19, 2013
Men, by contrast, usually take vows of poverty on their 18th birthday. That's why most billionaires are women.
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:30 AM on December 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:30 AM on December 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
911 calls and money changing hands; Christmas at the Ford house sounds magical.
posted by The Card Cheat at 9:40 AM on December 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by The Card Cheat at 9:40 AM on December 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
In today's Toronto news: Ford's chief opponent in the election in 2010 was George Smitherman, whose husband Christopher Peloso was found dead this morning. Peloso had struggled with depression and his disappearance this week was the second time this year he had vanished.
The "I Hate The War On Rob Ford" page on Facebook, so assiduous at scrubbing anything critical of His Worship and banning users for questioning the far-sighted wisdom of the mayor, is letting an avalanche of homophobia and mockery of the mentally ill stand proudly.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:55 AM on December 30, 2013
The "I Hate The War On Rob Ford" page on Facebook, so assiduous at scrubbing anything critical of His Worship and banning users for questioning the far-sighted wisdom of the mayor, is letting an avalanche of homophobia and mockery of the mentally ill stand proudly.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:55 AM on December 30, 2013
Not going to look. Not. But I did notice that the Sun and the Post have turned off comments in their stories about Peloso's death. They know their base.
posted by maudlin at 7:35 AM on December 30, 2013
posted by maudlin at 7:35 AM on December 30, 2013
The Evening Standard: Toronto mayor Rob Ford immortalised in an action figure
posted by frimble at 3:28 AM on January 3, 2014
posted by frimble at 3:28 AM on January 3, 2014
« Older Warren Publishing's Creepy and other non-Comics... | במבי Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by Pope Guilty at 3:00 PM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]