Yesterday, Rob Ford announced that he would not attend World Pride in Toronto because "I'm not going to change the way I am." Judging from his continuing escapades, it would seem that the public can take that statement to the bank.
And, after reading Robin Doolittle's book Crazy Town, Tasha Kheiriddin writes that Ford is anything but mayoral:
The Fords — according to Doolittle — live in a world of thugs and drugs. From high school on, the four Ford siblings — Kathy, Randy, Doug and Rob — were enmeshed in the drug culture in various ways, as users and (allegedly) in the case of Doug, as a seller. Kathy’s journey led her to being shot in the face, Randy’s to involvement in a kidnapping. Rob enjoyed his weed as a teenager, prescription pills as an adult, and crack cocaine after the death of his father.
Kheirddin admits that Ford's substance abuse problems might cause some to feel sympathy for him:
But the association with criminals should not. The drug-addled friendships nurtured in the plaza at the end of the Fords’ leafy childhood street haunt the family to this day. And they cannot be excused because of the Fords’ good works over the years. No matter how much football you coach, if you’re doing crack, you are contributing to the same criminal behaviour you claim to want to eradicate.
Ford argues that this is all part of his private life and should be out of bounds in any public discussion. But now he is being sued by his former brother-in-law for allegedly arranging a jailhouse beating. And his legal problems keep coming. On the weekend, he was ticketed for j-walking while under the influence.
Ford is right. He won't change. And if Torontoians are smart, they won't re-elect him.
9 comments:
I almost see what happens in the next Toronto municipal elections as a barometer of our democracy's health, Owen. I think that is why, despite the fact that I don't live in Toronto, I continue to be interested in Ford's pathetic saga.
The strength of Ford's support, Lorne, is a barometer of our democracy's health.
As an aside, I note this morning that the Harperites are moving to cut short debate on the Election "Reform" bill.
I feel like British Columbia has let Ontario down. We had the chance when he was staggering out on the Lougheed Hwy and didn't take it. What can we say? Sorry.
No need for Harper to change the company he keeps: http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2014/02/06/drummer-in-harpers-band-charged-with-sexual-assault/#.UvPiDP0o59B
For a summary of the other company he keeps, see this: http://www.ipolitics.ca/2013/02/24/stephen-harper-worlds-worst-talent-scout/
Tough on crime PM ... yup.
Sorry, the first line in my previous post should have read: No need for both Ford and Harper to change the company they keep.
It's interesting, Anon, that Harper and Ford aren't seen in the company of each other these days.
You would think, Mound, that Torontonians would be saying that to each other these days.
But, if the polls are to be believed, there are a significant number of people who are cheering him on.
these days the one with the best spin doctors win the election. In this age of celebrity culture, people will vote for him. Not a good thing for democracy, but then neither is Harper.
With Ford's base, he still could win re-election.
Unfortunately, that's quite true, e.a.f. And the ability of each man to make wise decisions will never be debated in an election campaign.
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