Opening Statement



Monday 26 November 2012

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford? Chair Vacant!

Updated November 29th

Toronto mayor Ford has been found guilty on conflict of interest charges. The mayors seat on city council has been "declared vacant" by the judge. See: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/26/rob-ford-court-ruling-toronto_n_2191814.html


[Ex] Mayor Rob Ford: "Boo hoo! I got caught red handed again + somebody actually did something about it!"

Read the judges full decision: http://www.scribd.com/doc/114454163/Rob-Ford-Conflict-of-Interest-Decision

Here it is in short for when you get a break if you are busy with school work: https://twitter.com/robyndoolittle/status/273086905506205696/photo/1

The Toronto Star reports on the court decision: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1293190--mayor-rob-ford-guilty--kicked-from-office-but-can-run-again

An earlier Toronto Star article explains the judges options today and speculates on the councillors possible response should he be removed. See: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1292939--toronto-could-be-looking-for-a-replacement-mayor-if-rob-ford-is-ordered-out-of-office-monday

Twitter is a tweet with news + views as decision is announced and starts to sink in. See: http://storify.com/torontostar/rob-ford-removed-from-office?utm_campaign=&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=sfy.co-twitter&utm_content=storify-pingback&awesm=sfy.co_oBxN


Rob Ford shows he really gets the Toronto Multicultural thingy. Look! Here he is even teaching the Caribanas how to dance!

"All Toronto will pay the price" of Ford's blatant violation of our cities integrity rules. An overview of the charges against Ford, and a few more that are still pending. See: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1293231--all-torontonians-will-pay-for-rob-ford-s-wilful-blindness-james

Rob Ford has nobody to blame but himself. It is ironic that he was brought down by a private citizens complaint. See: http://www.thegridto.com/blog-post/i-declare-the-seat-of-the-respondent-rob-ford-on-toronto-city-council-vacant/

An air tight case. Rob can run but he cannot hide.  http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2667249035907855270#overviewstats/postNum=1

Christie Blatchford bares the National Posts right wing fangs for us. How can a citizen complainant, a lawyer and a judge dare depose an elected mayor when nobody voted for them? Duh. It's called rule of law and is a foundation of our democracy. Anyway, skip the nonsense if you must but check out the video links for today's comments by Ford, Clayton Ruby etc. See: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/11/26/rob-ford-christie-blatchford/

More of the same National Post drivel. Are they trying to say we should vote for our judges and who can take a case to court? Bizarre. The alleged indignation reeks of empty headed desperation to support a Grade A #1 bully. It might be good to read so you are familiar with and know the arguments. My best guess would be that's going to be one of the two main tracks the Ford Nation vodka train will take. See: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/11/26/marni-soupcoff-rob-fords-removal-is-an-insult-to-toronto-voters


Oh no! Oh No! What should I do?

The other is fear mongering over a "left wing resurgence". The National Post picked up on Robs theme right away but is more careful not to insinuate the judge made a political rather than a legal decision with his verdict. Slanderous? Very, very dicey grounds  See: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/11/26/marni-soupcoff-rob-fords-removal-is-an-insult-to-toronto-voters/

The Sun New's Christina Blizzard broadens the neo con argument to attack the OLP for Tim Hudak no doubt. Extra interesting: The voters should decide if Rob Ford's guilty or not. Now we are going to have popular vote on whether a right wing clearly corrupt convicted politician should be considered guilty or not? Wow! See: http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/straighttalk/archives/2012/11/20121126-182149.html

Tory MPP Shurman laments Fords "tragic" removal from office but at least has the decency and smarts to add it is rightly a court decision to make: http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2012/11/20121126-130145.html

A weekend Forum Research Survey suggests NDP's Olivia Chow at 40% could win a Toronto mayoral race, beating Rob Ford at 35% and Councillor Adam Vaughan at by 13%. See: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1290148--poll-suggests-olivia-chow-could-beat-ford-and-vaughan-in-three-way-race


"No Rob. You need to give the big shiny mayoral medals back too."

Time Line:

What next? Rob Ford has 14 days to ask for a stay and appeal the court decision. More details as they become available. 

See below:

11:30 Complainant Paul Madger and his lawyer Clayton Ruby respond, "If you want to run for office you must show integrity". Clayton also questions what Ford's actions actually teach his student football team and calls today "a sad day for Toronto" that Rob Ford has brought upon himself through his own actions. See: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/26/rob-ford-court-ruling-toronto_n_2191814.html#10_paul-madger-and-the-public-spotlight

11:50 Citypulse 24 live interview: City Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti [+ Ford's chief boot licker + lap dog] [or the "Little Gino" as Ford nicknamed once, no kidding!] blames "legislation" [?] for treating Toronto like "a small city up north" because of the integrity judgement against Ford! Incredible!


Giorgio sez: "I can be a good foot stool for anybody who wants a foot stool. Pick me! Pick me!"

12:30 Rob Ford's first press scrum. Media throng greets Ford's arrival at his office. Brother Doug Ford begins to push and shove reporters. Rob announces he will "appeal" the courts legal decision and still be around. He is  a "fighter" who has done "a lot  for Toronto". He will fight the court decision "tooth and nail". Blames "left wing politics" for the integrity ruling. Is he accusing the court judge of having made a political decision?!? Incredible!

1:00 Ford is headed to make a speech on the Christmas toy drive. Ford's press secretary warns reporters outside his office door that he can only answer a few questions because there are "children waiting for him." Well that explains everything eh? Ford repeats he will appeal court decision and run for mayor again. Thanks "tax payers" who are phoning to support him. An angry mob of Ford supporters [the so called "Ford Nation"] waits downstairs at city hall heckling and trying to shout down the media as they interview the city councillors. Totally bizzare. If you are near a t.v. in the Toronto area turn it on to see!!!! Truly this is a teachable moment!!!!

1:15 Ford is all choked up noting what a great day this is for Toronto because of the Christmas toy drive. He is about to get his "elves working." for "every little boy and girl in the city." Wow! Somebody! Hide the children! Quick! This is almost as scary as watching "Walking Dead" on t.v. last night.



Rob: Aaargh! Lefties! Lefties! Everywhere lefties! Can't a guy just lack integrity, ethics and be a mean p@$#k without you picking on me all the time?!?

1:30 City pulse 24 cuts to a special announcement. Toronto Police to the rescue! The man who stole the Salvation Army children's toys has been caught and charged! However, only two of the bicycles have been found, the two donated by Premier McGuinty! Reporter, "But who would buy hot toys?" Officer makes a pleas for more toys. Notes a second person from a company called "Northern Toys" is still being sought in connection with the diabolical plot. A twist on the "northern city" spin?!? Those darn hoozers from up north outside Toronto are up to their evil deeds again eh? =8-(  Yeah! Who's being unethical now?!? Wouldn't you just know it! Northern Ontario! Harumph!! Fords media team must be in full swing to deflect the spotlight from him. Today's show definitely deserves a Grammy, a Juno, whatever........ Maybe TVO can make it into a made for t.v. block buster movie?!? Unfortunately for now though, CP 24 once again craps out. Remember their "Wynne" speech coverage?

Toys! Toys! Toys! If they interview one more person more about stealing toys I think I'll scream. What do they expect folks to say? "Oh yeah. I think it's a great idea. We should all steal the children's toys."

Could somebody from ETFO please go tell them to clam up! They will frighten the children! Lisa?!?


Thinks: "A plan?!? What plan???? H-e-e-e-y is he a pinko? Seems strange to me!!!!!"

2:45 Ford Councillor "Lil' Gino" Mammoliti skitters about the reporters looking like he needs to take a pee. Can somebody find the poor pooch a newspaper?!? He is resigning from the executive council. His "constituents" have told him to do so and they are his "boss". Reporters accuse him of jumping ship. He has done this before. Depends on whoever is winning. Even if they call  him "Little Gino." He claims no, no, no. He wants to work with "everyone now." Shameful. Icky. A complete denial of reality! Oh get this, he claims he is a "scrapper". He is only a "puppet to his constituents". Get this guy off the news. Now! Sheesh! I'm going to yell at the t.v. set! For a highly sanitized account of Giorgi's glib shifty eyed speech see: http://m.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1293190--mayor-rob-ford-guilty-kicked-from-office-but-can-run-again

3:10 Premier McGuinty is scheduled to comment. The provincial angle? The premier is surprised by the decision but won't get involved. It's a municipal matter. See the video at: http://www.newstalk1010.com/News/localnews/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10471024

11:30 Toronto Argonauts Parade to Nathan Phillips Square: Yup. The Argos Grey Cup parade begins at 11:30 today, marching north along Bay St. to Toronto City Hall.  If we could go, which few of us can, you could expect fire trucks, marching high school football teams, and players in open top cars, followed by a speech from the [ex] Mayor. Can you tell I am not a football fan? How much coverage have I given the big football win? Politics is my sport. For parade details see: http://www.argonauts.ca/article/argos-announce-parade-details

 "
What really happened: "Tell one more lie Rob and I'll bite off your ear!!!

Tuesday Nov 27 1:00 It's a bitter cold and damp Toronto day in late November. Rob Ford delights in bellowing the 2 symbol "Aaaar-gooooes" moose call from the stage at Nathan Phillips Square out front Toronto city hall. The throng of excited Torontonians bellow back and cheer. Again and again Ford engages the crowd. A huge muscular football player grabs Robs head practically raising him off the stage as he plants a big wet kiss on his fat cheek. Reporter notes its unclear if he grabbed Fords butt. Ford is in his element figuratively riding atop the back of the winning teams crowd adultation as it rises and falls in a mad orgiastic frenzy. It's Rob Ford style football fascism. He is having the time of his life working the crowd. He has shouted himself coarse but does not stop. Its a little train that could themed speech. Everyone can understand that. A 139 year old Toronto Team. Winners of the 100th Canadian Grey Cup. [first win since 1952]. Ford shouts that today is Toronto Argonauts Day at the top of his voice. More cheering. He tells everybody to buy tickets for next year. Ditto. Gary Glitters Rock + Roll Pt 2 blasts from the speakers as everybody on stage performs an incongruent funky dance, the crazed crowd pumping their fists in the air. A very Toronto moment. Wait to see the photo of Rob getting a big kiss on stage before the cheering football mob in tomorrows Toronto Sun. All is forgiven? Forgotten? Give him credit. It's a brilliant media spin for Rob Ford -what he does best. All form, no content. For a moment in time at least the media is the message.

1:50 Rob Ford has addressed the citizens of Toronto about the court ruling requiring him to vacate the mayoral seat. All his tweets and other announcements have been football, football, and more football instead. A real crowd pleaser. Ford played the emotional card explaining how he just wanted "to help under privileged kids play football". Had a very hard time pronouncing "underprivileged", a definite cringe moment for me anyway. Of course he didn't mention how he had been accepting donations from lobbyists to do so, in exchange for what we don't know. Or how he voted on a motion against himself. Instead he only focused on how he had stayed in council to defend himself during the debate, which doesn't sound unreasonable. Poor Rob! Boo hoo hoo!  For a video of his scripted "I'm sorry" speech, see: http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/27/rob-ford-says-hes-sorry-but-vows-to-fight-to-remain-torontos-mayor/#1

A day in the life of Rob Ford! An excellent National Post hour by hour account of Rob' s capers on Tuesday November 27. See: http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/28/from-agony-to-ecstasy-to-more-agony-a-day-in-the-life-of-rob-ford/

The judge has given the city council 14 days to get it's business in order! Rob will be staying in office at least until then! He will be appealing the court decision on December 5th. He could then ask for a stay in executing the sentence that he be removed from office pending the outcome of the appeal, which as we know can drag on and on and on!


Rob Ford?!? No. He's not mayor anymore but I can help! I am Santa Claus! Yup. Ho ho ho ....

 If Rob Ford can't pull this off? City Council met today to hear their options, either to call a by-election or they will need to choose somebody else on council to sit in the mayors seat until 2014. That's a rather long time not to have a duly elected mayor! The counterargument will be that a by election is very expensive. The city lawyer interpreted the judges verdict to mean Ford can't run in a by-election. He an only run again when the current 4 year term is up.  See: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/27/rob-ford-byelection_n_2196061.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008

Wednesday November 28

 I was wrong! The Toronto Sun didn't publish Rob Ford's "big kiss" on it's front page today. Instead we did get this of ultra venomous expose of a supposed left wing plot against poor Rob. Incredible. Wait til they turn their attention to us as teachers. it's coming. See: http://m.torontosun.com/2012/11/27/vindictive-leftists-show-their-pettiness-going-after-rob-ford

The big buzz at city hall today is a Ford brothers switherooni: Doug for Rob with the Ford Nations support to maintain his "taxpayers" agenda should there be an by-election in which Rob can't run. Read and weep. Doug Ford is the smarter of the two, he's got half a brain. The Toronto Sun will benignly suffer Rob as a lovable bimbo because he's a right winger but they absolutely grovel while licking Doug's boots. See: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1294164--plan-c-a-ford-switcheroo

By the way: If you are an out of towner who's wondering what the big kerfuffle over Rob Ford is all about feast your eyes on "the best" [worst!] of his Youtube videos.  If you live in Toronto and know him only too well, you still might want to watch this. It runs the full spectrum from ludicrous to downright scary. See: http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/09/the_best_of_rob_ford_on_youtube/


"City of Toronto business?!? Ahhh look I'm busy at a um .......... private meeting!" ;-)

November 29 2012:

Councillor Adam Vaughan critizes "part time mayor" Rob Ford. Fords itineraries show private times regularly scheduled during council meetings. These coincide very closely with when he goes to football practice. I know I have seen him out in the football field behind one of our schools when he was supposed to be at council. Teacher friends tell me he's a real pain in the butt over at St.Basil's CSS too. Wanting to extend the football change room into the music class area, cutting it in half. Recruiting players. Strutting about like the king. Now all the bad press has given their school an unwarranted black eye. See: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1294567--mayor-rob-ford-took-afternoons-off-all-through-football-season-itineraries-suggest

November 30 2012

The ongoing story of who's got a ticket to ride: Toronto Star reports 2 city buses were redirected to pick up Ford's football team after an altercation between the coaches at a high school game. Regular passengers unceremoniously dumped to  make room for Ford and his team. Even driver questioned what she was being asked to do. Incredible! Ford of course claims he's not to blame. Seehttp://m.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1295556--ttc-driver-s-protest-at-being-diverted-for-ford-s-team-do-you-want-these-people-to-lynch-me


Rob Ford the Peoples Mayor? "Get off my city bus! I want it!"

December 5th: The court hear Fords request for a stay of execution until an appeal is heard. Oh oh.

January 5th: The court will announce it's decision on an appeal.



The Donald + Ford: Can you judge a man by the company he keeps? Yes. Here you can judge two!

Commentary: I try to be as unbiased as possible in reporting a news story on my blogspot. It would be ludicrous to do so here now. Toronto [ex] Mayor Rob Ford has been caught red handed in today's court decision on his conflict of interest charges. He has clearly and blatantly violated the city councils integrity laws. The news story is going viral around the world. Rather than show any integrity whatsoever Ford blames the court's legal decision on "left wing politics". Is Rob Ford above the law? What a major embarrassment and a black eye our for our city!!!

The Judge has ruled "willfull blindless" and a "stubborn sense of entitlement" along with a "dismissive and  confrontational" response to the City of Toronto's Integrity Commisssion in misusing his position in office to raise money for his "football foundation", more specifically the Don Dosco CSS football team. Rob Ford is a populist neo con politician well known for his strong anti union stance and seemingly unwavering and overwhelming public support. He has stripped the Toronto city workers contracts and privatized garbage collection in the cities west end. It will be of great interest if our teflon football mayor can still pull off an end run with the appeal process and also get re-elected in the next Toronto Municipal election. Don't forget to vote in todays poll testing his ongoing public support: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1293190--mayor-rob-ford-guilty--kicked-from-office-but-can-run-again


Rob Ford: Is his song + dance routine finally over?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

When can we put Kevin O'Dwyer on trial for his crimes?

Anonymous said...

Ford's (former) job is the one I would like to see Gerard Kennedy in rather than leader of the OLP.

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