Hopefully Ford will keep acting up like this and it'll keep adding up and then it'll bite him in the ass.
We can only hope.
You … bitches! Don’t you f---ing know? I’m Rob f---ing Ford, the mayor of this city
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Because Blair`s word is not as meaningless as you claim and it doesn`t make sense that he would stick his neck out over this relatively trivial matter that has witnesses that could sink him.
Because the onus in Canada is not on the accused to prove innocence.
Because the quote has already being refuted and forcing the CBC to admit that the sources were inaccurate provides very little return.
Because Ford and the TPS have more to lose than these alleged anonymous sources.
Because the upside is negligible and not even remotely close to offsetting the potential downside.
Please refer back to this post the next time you ask the same question over and over again.
Everything you posted in meaningless, except for his upside being minimal. This isn't a court of law friend, it's the court of public opinion, which in this case is rapidly polarizing people. This ain't over.Because Blair`s word is not as meaningless as you claim and it doesn`t make sense that he would stick his neck out over this relatively trivial matter that has witnesses that could sink him.
Because the onus in Canada is not on the accused to prove innocence.
Because the quote has already being refuted and forcing the CBC to admit that the sources were inaccurate provides very little return.
Because Ford and the TPS have more to lose than these alleged anonymous sources.
Because the upside is negligible and not even remotely close to offsetting the potential downside.
Please refer back to this post the next time you ask the same question over and over again.
Blair's word is not "meaningless?" Un, have you spent any time looking over how Blair lied, lied lied through the G20 stuff. I don't trust Father Knows Best. It's so obvious that Blair got what he wanted from Ford, owned him good on the police budget, and now he's got him right where he wants him for any other ace-in-the-hole he needs next time around. Ford agrees never to release the tapes, and Blair just saved him from imminent death by going to the wall for him. Blame the CBC and everyone wins.
I think people on both sides who have a like-on for the truth can agree: Release the tapes.
There is plenty of real material to attack Ford with.
Clinging to this unsubstantiated fantasy quote is idiotic, to say the least.
If the CBC tries to back up their allegation or continues the attack based on material from these alleged anonymous sources, Ford could get Blair to allow a few widely trustworthy people to hear the tapes and simpy state whether the quotes are correct or not.
Embellishing the attack was unnecessary and actually distracting and counter-productive.
Clinging to this unsubstantiated fantasy quote is idiotic, to say the least.
If the CBC tries to back up their allegation or continues the attack based on material from these alleged anonymous sources, Ford could get Blair to allow a few widely trustworthy people to hear the tapes and simpy state whether the quotes are correct or not.
Embellishing the attack was unnecessary and actually distracting and counter-productive.
You're missing something over and over: Bill Blair has "substantiated" the tape. Meanwhile, the CBC sticks by its story.
Bill Blair has a history of lying to the public and is in a conflict-of-interest position. What part of that are you missing? Would you like me to provide links, or were you awake during the G20?
The CBC continues to maintain its sources verify the original version, and also continues to trumpet releasing the tapes on its website. They're not burying the story.
So. Who do you trust?
Why trust? Release the tapes and we're done.
Less and less the more I think about it is Rob Ford hurt by releasing the tapes if they show him to have only used the fword. People already know he's a loon with a temper.
But not releasing them leaves very troubling questions about both Ford and Blair. Hey, how about half way: invite the head of CBC News to a private listening of the raw calls. No damage to Ford that way. Let the truth be free.
The presumption of innocence? The guy's already 9/10 tarnished by this story. He couldn't sink much lower. But he could restore tremendous goodwill if he releases the tape, assuming he didn't call anyone a "bitch." The public's sympathy pendulum has swung the other way. So, release them and gain some traction.
Optics are very bad on this. The public has a right to know if the Chief is lying or the CBC dropped the ball. It's no longer about Ford in that sense. Someone's lying, and both options are not pretty if found out.
We need to know. The public has a right to know.
The CBC doesn`t have any skin in the game.
All they are saying is that this is what they have been told.
They have completely distanced themselves from any culpability.
Worst case for CBC is they have to say that they were mislead.
Big deal.
The only thing they are standing by is their ability to deflect the blame.
Signing off on unsubstantiated rumours from alleged anonymous sources should mean that you own the allegation.
The CBC needs to have some skin in the game and they should offer to have several executives fired if Ford proves that he did not say the things that are claimed.
Why is the CBC not attacking Blair for lying?
All they are saying is that this is what they have been told.
They have completely distanced themselves from any culpability.
Worst case for CBC is they have to say that they were mislead.
Big deal.
The only thing they are standing by is their ability to deflect the blame.
Signing off on unsubstantiated rumours from alleged anonymous sources should mean that you own the allegation.
The CBC needs to have some skin in the game and they should offer to have several executives fired if Ford proves that he did not say the things that are claimed.
Why is the CBC not attacking Blair for lying?
I fail to see the importance of whther or not he said "bitches". There are agreed upon facts that still are very unbecoming of a mayor- a representative of toronto. 1. He called 911 3 times, because a camera crew and comedienne were in his driveway. Annoying maybe, lifethreatening definitely not. Do i call 911 when those direct energy bastards visit my property? 2. He admits to having said "fuck" when talking to the 911 operators, and his excuse is that he is "only human". Well sorry bud, you are not only human, you are a human who is the mayor of yhe biggest city in the country, and part of the job description is that you KEEP your cool, that you act appropriately as a representative of the people of toronto. Not to fly off yhe handle when the cops are failing to show to clear a camera crew that is annoying and inco veniencing you.
I don`t see how "bitches" is materially relevant to the incident.
It is relevant in regards to the CBC`s credibility and biased motivation.
Sure. There may be an argument there. If you believe that the cbc has a left wing anti ford axe to grind maybe they need to check their sources better.
However it is irrelevant as to whether or not the mayor's actions were inappropriate and disgraceful.
However it is irrelevant as to whether or not the mayor's actions were inappropriate and disgraceful.
Very well put.
We all know that there is thing called "tone" in a conversation. Be that in person, or on the phone and I would bet everything I own that Rob Ford's tone (regardless of whether or not he used the word "bitches") was one of abusiveness.
Rob Ford is about as tactful as a Sherman Tank. Rob Ford is a small minded bully. At the end of the day I'd go so far as to say he is a pathological liar.
He called 911, not because he was genuiniely afraid for his life, but because he was going to show that bitch Mary Walsh who was boss by having the cops come and hopefully put her into the system. "You dare fuck with ME, I'll show you just fucked with the wrong fat man"
Rob wanted the cops there pronto for no other reason than to hopefully arrest the bunch of them and show them who's who and he was getting impatient with Emergency Services that the CBC was getting in its van and driving away.
The one part of the puzzle that has not been discussed is - what did the cops do once they did get there?
I presume that the cops did show up at Mayor McCheese's home and that he did tell them what happened. I presume that Mayor McCheese described the incident to the cops and they were having a hard time not laughing at him. Probably choking back laughter. I assume that Mayor McCheese then launched into "it was dark", and "my daughter was crying" (not telling them she was crying because he was scaring the shit out of her when he came into the house ranting and raving like a madman), and then how they "ambushed him" in his driveway. A story he would run with the rest of the day.
Did the cops give chase of the mysterious black van?
Did they put out an APB on the mysterious black van?
Did they issue an arrest warrant for a slightly chubby 60 year old lady wearing a vinyl warrior princess suit with oversize glasses, and carrying a plastic sword?
Further polarising? The only people I know who are still going on about this story are those that already hated Rob Ford. The rest of the world has moved on, including those I know that didn't vote for him, but don't have a built in hate for the man.
There is zero reason to release the tapes except to extend the story beyond its natural life. The CBC will likely do what it can to keep it alive as it seems to fit their agenda. Those more in the middle will simply move on to a real story.
The electorate will remember nothing of this in 30 days or less. I will think harder about the character of the next person running for mayor, as unfortunately this one does come off poorly more often than not, and situations like this one detract from the real issues. Toronto needs a mayor of Ford's ideals, but with the polish and aplomb that Miller provided.
I voted for Miller in his first term, and more recently did vote for Ford, so my political leanings are not set in stone. I simply could not vote for Smitherman, he has no appreciation for the public confidence and is simply a career politician looking out for what is best for him. Pretty slim pickings last go around.
There is zero reason to release the tapes except to extend the story beyond its natural life. The CBC will likely do what it can to keep it alive as it seems to fit their agenda. Those more in the middle will simply move on to a real story.
The electorate will remember nothing of this in 30 days or less. I will think harder about the character of the next person running for mayor, as unfortunately this one does come off poorly more often than not, and situations like this one detract from the real issues. Toronto needs a mayor of Ford's ideals, but with the polish and aplomb that Miller provided.
I voted for Miller in his first term, and more recently did vote for Ford, so my political leanings are not set in stone. I simply could not vote for Smitherman, he has no appreciation for the public confidence and is simply a career politician looking out for what is best for him. Pretty slim pickings last go around.
Because it's a news organization, not a political organization, unlike the political movements disguised as "news organizations" that vilify it.
Best comment from a blog:
"It's just so wonderful -- like an early Christmas present. We finally have an incident that perfectly captures Rob Ford as Mayor in a way that even the silent majority can't ignore. The many who voted for him because they were simply annoyed at rising taxes and fees and strikes (and this group includes my own family) and really didn't care that much about LRT or bike lanes or gay pride or even some of the budget talk now have to face the fact that they elected not Mike Bloomberg, not Rahm Emmanuel, not Naheed Nenshi, not John Tory, but a clown. A freaking clown to run this metropolis."
I don't hate Rob Ford. I toyed with voting for the guy, but came to my senses. It just seems so bizarre that people are defending this clown.
"It's just so wonderful -- like an early Christmas present. We finally have an incident that perfectly captures Rob Ford as Mayor in a way that even the silent majority can't ignore. The many who voted for him because they were simply annoyed at rising taxes and fees and strikes (and this group includes my own family) and really didn't care that much about LRT or bike lanes or gay pride or even some of the budget talk now have to face the fact that they elected not Mike Bloomberg, not Rahm Emmanuel, not Naheed Nenshi, not John Tory, but a clown. A freaking clown to run this metropolis."
I don't hate Rob Ford. I toyed with voting for the guy, but came to my senses. It just seems so bizarre that people are defending this clown.
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This hour has 22 minutes is still on the air? Never found the show funny. What a waste of taxpayers dollars. CBC has some incredibly lame "comedy".
The mayor did in fact swore to the dispatcher, which is not very civilized of someone who is a mayor of a big city. It is also as if your boss berated you with swearing, since he technically employs the Toronto Police (work place harassment). Also, I would not put much faith in Police Chief Blair's word, since this man did lie to the public about having a law that allowed him extra-ordinary powers to arrest people during the G20 summit when there was not one in place. I means he may lie again to the public if it suited his purposes.
Comments from this morning's National Post:
- Chris Selley is a Post columnist. Follow him on Twitter at @cselley.
- Matt Gurney is the acting Deputy Editor of the Post’s Comment section. Follow him on Twitter at @mattgurney.
- Jonathan Goldsbie has no official title at the Post, and into that void inserts the title “Resident Communist.” Follow him on Twitter at @goldsbie.
Chris Selley:
"Rob Ford calls 911, three times, under ridiculous pretenses; the recording apparently starts popping up in various Toronto Police Service inboxes; CBC runs direct quotes derived from unnamed sources, which are contradicted by police Chief Bill Blair, and someone tells the Sun you can hear Ford’s daughter screaming in the background, but of course no one will release the tape, because that would be too easy. (bolded mine)
--
Matt Gurney:
"I can almost understand the first call, when he might theoretically have felt threatened. The later ones are a bit much. But then the CBC got too cute by half when they led with the “I’m Rob Effing Ford” quote that no one who works for the CBC has heard, and which has now seemingly been ruled out by Chief Blair, who also said Ford didn’t use the word “bitches.” (I can’t believe I’m writing this. I feel like we’re dissecting Clinton’s definition of sexual relations with that woman. Ms. Lewinsky.) Anyway, it’s silly, but the CBC either needs to get someone to release the tape or else they’ll have to wear the balance of the face-egg on this one.
--
Jonathan Goldsbie:
"The past several days have been like that: a concrete piece of evidence exists, and yet absent anyone who actually wishes to share it, we have the farce of one media outlet’s anonymous sources duelling another media outlet’s anonymous sources, which, in turn, may or may not contradict the assertions of other named individuals who either claim to have heard the tape or been reliably informed of its contents. This is insane. Rob Ford comes off as an idiot for declining to consent to the release of the tapes, but the city’s news media comes off worse, for failing to get their hands on it regardless. Mayor Ford and demagogues like him have always flourished in fact-free environments in which rhetoric and opinion have been allowed to determine the terms of reality; it’s the media’s job to figure out what’s actually going on and to report it."
--
Selley:
"The least Torontonians should demand for enduring this melodrama is the stupid recording."
--
Gurney:
"If the tape comes out and the CBC is shown to have blown it, Ford’s supporters will use that as ammo forever. If Ford is proven wrong, he’ll have given his critics (slightly more) reason to question his stability and maturity. To keep the zombie talk going, these sorts of PR crises are like the first sign of an outbreak. If you shoot it in the head fast enough, you’re fine. If you squabble, we all end up eaten. Metaphorically. (It’s not my best analogy, OK?)"
--
Goldsbie:
"There’s a certain nihilism inherent in the widespread interest in this scandal particularly and our mayor more generally, as though we’re mired in a post-apocalyptic political landscape, in which despair reigns and hope for a brighter future is non-existent — that we’re picking over the dregs of a broken, desolate municipal system and getting our kicks where we find them."
---
- Chris Selley is a Post columnist. Follow him on Twitter at @cselley.
- Matt Gurney is the acting Deputy Editor of the Post’s Comment section. Follow him on Twitter at @mattgurney.
- Jonathan Goldsbie has no official title at the Post, and into that void inserts the title “Resident Communist.” Follow him on Twitter at @goldsbie.
Chris Selley:
"Rob Ford calls 911, three times, under ridiculous pretenses; the recording apparently starts popping up in various Toronto Police Service inboxes; CBC runs direct quotes derived from unnamed sources, which are contradicted by police Chief Bill Blair, and someone tells the Sun you can hear Ford’s daughter screaming in the background, but of course no one will release the tape, because that would be too easy. (bolded mine)
--
Matt Gurney:
"I can almost understand the first call, when he might theoretically have felt threatened. The later ones are a bit much. But then the CBC got too cute by half when they led with the “I’m Rob Effing Ford” quote that no one who works for the CBC has heard, and which has now seemingly been ruled out by Chief Blair, who also said Ford didn’t use the word “bitches.” (I can’t believe I’m writing this. I feel like we’re dissecting Clinton’s definition of sexual relations with that woman. Ms. Lewinsky.) Anyway, it’s silly, but the CBC either needs to get someone to release the tape or else they’ll have to wear the balance of the face-egg on this one.
--
Jonathan Goldsbie:
"The past several days have been like that: a concrete piece of evidence exists, and yet absent anyone who actually wishes to share it, we have the farce of one media outlet’s anonymous sources duelling another media outlet’s anonymous sources, which, in turn, may or may not contradict the assertions of other named individuals who either claim to have heard the tape or been reliably informed of its contents. This is insane. Rob Ford comes off as an idiot for declining to consent to the release of the tapes, but the city’s news media comes off worse, for failing to get their hands on it regardless. Mayor Ford and demagogues like him have always flourished in fact-free environments in which rhetoric and opinion have been allowed to determine the terms of reality; it’s the media’s job to figure out what’s actually going on and to report it."
--
Selley:
"The least Torontonians should demand for enduring this melodrama is the stupid recording."
--
Gurney:
"If the tape comes out and the CBC is shown to have blown it, Ford’s supporters will use that as ammo forever. If Ford is proven wrong, he’ll have given his critics (slightly more) reason to question his stability and maturity. To keep the zombie talk going, these sorts of PR crises are like the first sign of an outbreak. If you shoot it in the head fast enough, you’re fine. If you squabble, we all end up eaten. Metaphorically. (It’s not my best analogy, OK?)"
--
Goldsbie:
"There’s a certain nihilism inherent in the widespread interest in this scandal particularly and our mayor more generally, as though we’re mired in a post-apocalyptic political landscape, in which despair reigns and hope for a brighter future is non-existent — that we’re picking over the dregs of a broken, desolate municipal system and getting our kicks where we find them."
---
I agree and disagree. The CBC has some skin in this as without the bitches bit they come off looking even more pathetic than usual with yet another unfunny Walsh skit. When was the last time 22 Minutes made anyone laugh anyway?
Au Contraire mon ami.
This Rob Ford thing is brilliant. We have laughed, we have scowled, we have judged, we have pontificated, the media has had a veritable field day with this one.
Name me a similar instance in which a TV show character has given so much with 60 seconds of material? (Let alone a woman a few years away from collecting her CPP wearing oversized glasses and a red vinyl outfit.)
I can't think of a single one.
Those out there who say, "I've never heard of Mary Walsh", or "I never watch this show" - besides coming off as a little dull and boring - you've just proved how brilliant 22 minutes is as you can't stop talking about it.
