‘Rob Ford is the guy being bullied’
Re: More Trouble For Ford On Two Fronts, Nov. 14.
Here in Calgary, we often hear that sensitive information cannot be disclosed because the matter is before the courts or is the subject of an ongoing police investigation. No such restraint seems to apply in Toronto — although perhaps that is only in the case of Rob Ford. The police interviewed members of the Mayor’s staff and some of his associates, but not under oath. They then prepared an affidavit incorporating the contents of these interviews, including hearsay and opinion, and presented this to a judge in support of an application for a search warrant. Unbelievably, the judge decided that the untested affidavit should be made available to members of the media.
The media, in the finest traditions of Britain’s gutter press, have since had a field day and Mayor Ford has been effectively convicted and destroyed, but without any pretence to due process or even fair play. If Torontonians need to be embarrassed about something then this, rather than anything Mr. Ford may have done, should top the list.
Frank Frank Casey, Casey, Calgary. Calgary.
Re: Councillors Aim To Strip Emergency Powers, Nov. 14.
I listened on Wednesday as Toronto city councillors asked Mayor Rob Ford questions about his behaviour; I was somewhat confused. The coun- cillors questioning the Mayor sounded like the unprofessional journalists who are stationed outside his office on a daily basis — both groups are desperately trying to make the Mayor look bad.
Rob Ford is the guy being bullied.
Jason Sullivan, Barrie, Ont.
… he needs help
I am an alcoholic, as I suspect Rob Ford is also. Many politicians have been alcoholics. But most have not acted in the disgraceful way he has. He rarely showed up for work and then, according to co-workers, spends some of his time ordering vodka, etc. Is that what we pay the Mayor’s staff to do?
Mr. Ford is a wealthy, well-connected person, pals with Stephen Harper and Jim Flaherty, the latter who almost shed tears over him. And I do not believe that he saved “the most money of any mayor in history.”
M. Watson, Toronto.
More than adequate public media attention has been spent articulating the Rob Ford imbroglio, which has resulted in the public political administrative castration of the Toronto Mayor. Notwithstanding Mr. Ford’s multiplicity of apologies and willingness to reset and recalibrate his personal demeanour, he is now unable to fulfil the active function of chief magistrate of Toronto. One can only hope that next year, the Toronto citizens will be more cognizant in civic participation involving election of both members of city council and mayor. If Mr. Ford truly cares about this city, he should at least recuse himself sine
die (without day) and seek emotional and medical professional assistance. I believe the Toronto Mayor is not a bad person but rather someone with real and severe issues that must be attended in a manner most urgent.
Monte McMurchy, Toronto.
… he has to resign
How much more do we need to see before we show Rob Ford the door? What he has done, or not done, is his own fault. Some say he has done so much for Toronto — but isn’t that his job? I’m sure we have someone in the wings who can do more without all the self-centred drama.
Brenda Gilles, Toronto.
The Rob Ford soap opera brings to mind the story of The Emperor and His New Clothes. The one that worked out well until some little brat in the audience said: “But Mom, the Emperor isn’t wearing any clothes.”
Sebastian Grunstra, Ottawa.
Bill Clinton: “I did not have sex with that woman.” Rob Ford: “I am not an alcoholic or a drug addict.”
Arthur Rubinoff, Toronto.