Rob Ford loses it again

[mentalfloss]

The media blackout begins.

“I’ve got places to go, people to see,” Ford told reporters as he left the event hosted by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada.

Ford ignores the media at World Press Freedom event

[jacee]

So the woman punching him in the face was justifiable? He was in Dundas Square for Jebus' sake!

Ya, acting like a dumbass idiot in front of his kid, taking pics of people who asked him to stop. Was he taking pictures of women in burkas because he knew it would bug them? Probably. That's the kind of social moron he is.

I think the cops made the right call.

[Boges]

Ya, acting like a dumbass idiot in front of his kid, taking pics of people who asked him to stop. Was he taking pictures of women in burkas because he knew it would bug them? Probably. That's the kind of social moron he is.

I think the cops made the right call.

You can see the irony in that statement when people here seem to think Rob Ford had no right to tell Daniel Dale to stop taking photos of his house.

[Spiderfish]

Ya, acting like a dumbass idiot in front of his kid, taking pics of people who asked him to stop. Was he taking pictures of women in burkas because he knew it would bug them? Probably. That's the kind of social moron he is.

I think the cops made the right call.

Can you not see the hypocrisy in your position? You claim Menzies is a "social moron" and a bad role model to his son for invading privacy and taking pictures in the presence of women in burkas in a public place, yet Dale taking pictures of Ford's yard against his wishes and invading his privacy is perfectly acceptable because he has the right to take pictures in a public place. Menzies was assaulted by this woman which is perfectly acceptable to you, but Ford chasing this guy away from his yard with a fist in the air is over the top.

[Spiderfish]

So ... Menzies got a request not to take pictures of certain people and then - in front of his 9 year old son - refused, raised his camera and took more pictures of them.

Isn't that just special. What a role model!

And when Ford demands someone stop taking pics on public property, he's right?

Do these dumbasses even try to have a defensible position?

The same thing could be said about the position you are taking.

[Black Dog]

Can you not see the hypocrisy in your position? You claim Menzies is a "social moron" and a bad role model to his son for invading privacy and taking pictures in the presence of women in burkas in a public place, yet Dale taking pictures of Ford's yard against his wishes and invading his privacy is perfectly acceptable because he has the right to take pictures in a public place. Menzies was assaulted by this woman which is perfectly acceptable to you, but Ford chasing this guy away from his yard with a fist in the air is over the top.

Correction: Menzies claims he was assaulted by this woman. There's no actual evidence of the alleged assault.

[Spiderfish]

Correction: Menzies claims he was assaulted by this woman. There's no actual evidence of the alleged assault.

There were 2 eyewitnesses who confirmed the allegation was true. Whether he was assaulted or not is irrelevant to the point; Menzies claimed to be struck by a woman who felt her privacy was being invaded, and Ford raised his fist and chased off a reporter who he felt was invading his privacy. One cannot say that one action is justified, but the other is not.

[Rick]

The media blackout begins.

“I’ve got places to go, people to see,” Ford told reporters as he left the event hosted by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada.

Ford ignores the media at World Press Freedom event

Let's hope those places are far from city hall, have padded rooms...and those people are psychiatrists...

[Boges]

Correction: Menzies claims he was assaulted by this woman. There's no actual evidence of the alleged assault.

The column cites witnesses. Of course if you think he's lying about the incident you'd believe he's lying about having witnesses too.

Menzies was highlighting the obvious double standard that exists with the way the police treat people.

Same as he was highlighting the double standard of people questioning Ford's ability to be mayor because of his weight but it's taboo to question George Smitherman's ability to be mayor because of his history of drug use.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Boges

[mentalfloss]

CBC is reporting Ford snubbed reporters at his weigh-in as well. He really is losing it.

"Yeah, gained four pounds. That's really good isn't it?" Ford said as he stepped off the scale and hurried away.

Rob Ford refuses to talk to reporters at weigh-in

Edited May 8, 2012 by mentalfloss

[Black Dog]

The column cites witnesses. Of course if you think he's lying about the incident you'd believe he's lying about having witnesses too.

Insp. Howie Page said the report indicates the woman, whose name wasn’t released, objected to photographs being taken of her and her family.

She told him to stop but the photographer continued taking pictures, he said.

“So she pushed the camera away,” Page said. “His version is that she assaulted him, struck him in the mouth and she adamantly denies that happened.”

He said there was no physical evidence of an injury to (Menzies')mouth.

The basic facts (Menzies taking photos, woman pushing his camera) are not in question: there's no evidence of an assault, though. Seems to me there's two narratives here: one in which Menzies got punched out by a woman (and here I thought Dale was the pussy) and the cops decided not to press charges because of the Islamo-police conspiracy. Or you know, Menzies, a guy with am apparent history of seeking out confrontation, was not deemed credible.

Menzies was highlighting the obvious double standard that exists with the way the police treat people.

What double standard is that?

Same as he was highlighting the double standard of people questioning Ford's ability to be mayor because of his weight but it's taboo to question George Smitherman's ability to be mayor because of his history of drug use.

No one is questioning Ford's ability to be mayor because of his weight. They're making fun of him because of his weight. Different things.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Black Dog

[Black Dog]

There were 2 eyewitnesses who confirmed the allegation was true. Whether he was assaulted or not is irrelevant to the point; Menzies claimed to be struck by a woman who felt her privacy was being invaded, and Ford raised his fist and chased off a reporter who he felt was invading his privacy. One cannot say that one action is justified, but the other is not.

But you're doing just that.

[Spiderfish]

The basic facts (Menzies taking photos, woman pushing his camera) are not in question: there's no evidence of an assault, though.

The basic facts (Dale taking photos, Ford chasing him off) are not in question; there's no evidence of assault.

What double standard is that?

As I pointed out:

Menzies claimed to be struck by a woman who felt her privacy was being invaded, and Ford raised his fist and chased off a reporter who he felt was invading his privacy. One cannot say that one action is justified, but the other is not.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Spiderfish

[Boges]

No one is questioning Ford's ability to be mayor because of his weight. They're making fun of him because of his weight. Different things.

Well when Ford was on the campaign trail someone did just that. A doctor asked if it's a good idea for someone that's 300+ lbs to run for mayor because they could die of a Heart Attack or something.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Boges

[Spiderfish]

But you're doing just that.

I’m willing to concede that while Menzies had every right to take pictures on the street, when he was asked (actually told) to stop, the courteous thing to do would have been to put the camera away. Just as I am saying that although news reporters have the right to poke around behind someones house and take pictures of their property, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the owner of that property likely would not appreciate the intrusion, and if the reporter had any discretion at all, should respect that.

The similarity with Menzies and Dale, is that they are both exploiting the limits of their legal rights in order to make a point. Everyone has these rights, and you can’t just pick and choose who is protected under those rights and who isn't.

The police officer involved in Menzies incident made the judgment that the assault on him was justifiable. By this measure, Ford would have been justified in giving the reporter a slap upside the head for taking pictures of his home against his wishes.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Spiderfish

[Boges]

The Menzoid is a known Bleep Disturber. That's his MO.

He once went at camped out at Toronto's former Tent City so he could report the type of people that were stay there.

[Black Dog]

The basic facts (Dale taking photos, Ford chasing him off) are not in question; there's no evidence of assault.

And I never said there was, so I'm not sure why you're taking this tack with me.

I’m willing to concede that while Menzies had every right to take pictures on the street, when he was asked (actually told) to stop, the courteous thing to do would have been to put the camera away. Just as I am saying that although news reporters have the right to poke around behind someones house and take pictures of their property, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the owner of that property likely would not appreciate the intrusion, and if the reporter had any discretion at all, should respect that.

Except Dale, when confronted, left. Menzies kept snapping away.

The similarity with Menzies and Dale, is that they are both exploiting the limits of their legal rights in order to make a point. Everyone has these rights, and you can’t just pick and choose who can use them and who can’t.

You're really just making my point about Menzies being a hypocrite for me.

The police officer involved in Menzies incident made the judgement that the assault on him was justifiable.

Cite? The quote I provided indicates the officer believes no assault occurred.

By this measure, Ford would have been justified in giving the reporter a slap upside the head for taking pictures of his home against his wishes.

Still nope.

[Boges]

Cite? The quote I provided indicates the officer believes no assault occurred.

The witnesses not good enough for you?

You saying Menzoid just wrote a column making something up and wrote a column about it just cuz? It's possible, but there's no evidence to support it.

According to the column Menzies just informed the lady he had a right to shoot anywhere he wanted. You make it sound like he just started shooting her to spite her.

Again no evidence to support that he did that.

All we have is his testimony from a column he wrote. And the only reason we're talking about this is to highlight that he's a hypocrite.

From what I've heard of his appearance on Ford's radio show, he neither condoned nor disapproved of Ford's handling of the situation. He just opined that The Star likely sent a reporter to snoop hoping that Ford would lose his temper and assault Dale.

No one is really talking about that though. The big fall-out of the radio appearance is the Smitherman remarks. Remarks that the Fords have since distanced themselves from.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Boges

[Black Dog]

The witnesses not good enough for you?

We haven't heard from them. Only Menzies' sole-sourced narrative.

You saying Menzoid just wrote a column making something up and wrote a column about it just cuz? It's possible, but there's no evidence to support it.

No, I'm saying there was a confrontation, the severity of which has likely been embellished by Menzies to fit his "jihadis are taking over!" narrative.

According to the column Menzies just informed the lady he had a right to shoot anywhere he wanted. You make it sound like he just started shooting her to spite her.

He was taking pictures of a family eating, minding their own business. So yeah, i think he was trying to start something.

Again no evidence to support that he did that.

Except, uh, the photos. What possible reason is there to take photos of a family and their small children?

All we have is his testimony from a column he wrote. And the only reason we're talking about this is to highlight that he's a hypocrite.

From what I've heard of his appearance on Ford's radio show, he neither condoned nor disapproved of Ford's handling of the situation. He just opined that The Star likely sent a reporter to snoop hoping that Ford would lose his temper and assault Dale.

And he called it disgusting gutter journalism. Which makes me wonder what it is when you take pictures of someone in hopes of provoking a confrontation as fodder for your column.

No one is really talking about that though. The big fall-out of the radio appearance is the Smitherman remarks. Remarks that the Fords have since distanced themselves from.

Well, fair enough. But like I said: it's not being fat that makes Ford unfit to be mayor.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Black Dog

[Spiderfish]

And I never said there was, so I'm not sure why you're taking this tack with me.

The relevance of the two statements are equally minimal. I agree with you on this point, saying Dale was assaulted is ridiculous.

Except Dale, when confronted, left. Menzies kept snapping away.

I'm no fan of Menzies, but it appears he was just trying to expose the obvious double standard that exists. Not saying it was tactful, but an assault is an assault. What would we be talking about right now if Ford had tried to slap the phone out of Dales hands and instead connected with his head...likely Ford's bail hearing.

You're really just making my point about Menzies being a hypocrite for me.

How so? I think even Menzies would have no problem following the rules if there were only one set of rules for everyone and they were clearly defined.

Cite? The quote I provided indicates the officer believes no assault occurred.

From the article:

The officer interrogated the woman. She was still hysterical. Good. The constable would encounter firsthand what I had been forced to deal with earlier.

The cop walked back to me. No charges would be laid, he said, because he believed the woman’s story — namely, she was merely trying to knock the camera out of my hands.

Still nope.

I agree, the call by the officer in Menzies' case was the wrong one.

[Black Dog]

I'm no fan of Menzies, but it appears he was just trying to expose the obvious double standard that exists.

In which case?

Not saying it was tactful, but an assault is an assault.

Assault is an assault unless no assault takes place.

What would we be talking about right now if Ford had tried to slap the phone out of Dales hands and instead connected with his head...likely Ford's bail hearing.

And would you have an issue with that?

How so? I think even Menzies would have no problem following the rules if there were only one set of rules for everyone and they were clearly defined.

Here's the double standard: Menzies claimed the Star sent Dale to deliberately provoke a confrontation with Ford and called it "disgusting gutter journalism". Menzies himself deliberately provoked a confrontation with the people in the square, but apparently, to him, he's just exercising his rights as a free citizen.

From the article:

The officer interrogated the woman. She was still hysterical. Good. The constable would encounter firsthand what I had been forced to deal with earlier.

The cop walked back to me. No charges would be laid, he said, because he believed the woman’s story — namely, she was merely trying to knock the camera out of my hands.

And?

I agree, the call by the officer in Menzies' case was the wrong one.

You think it's the wrong call despite knowing only one side of the story? Awesome.

[Spiderfish]

In which case?

Given the fact his altercation occurred in August 2011 before Rob Ford's incident, I would imagine it would be in his case, don't ya' think?

Assault is an assault unless no assault takes place.

According to him and two eyewitnesses, an assault DID take place. According to the story, the fact that she struck Menzies is not in question, her motivation for doing so is (ie. she meant to hit the camera instead of him.)

And would you have an issue with that?

If Ford had physically assaulted Dale, I would expect charges would rightfully be laid and pursued, just as I believe should have happened to the woman in Menzies case, but wasn't.

Here's the double standard: Menzies claimed the Star sent Dale to deliberately provoke a confrontation with Ford and called it "disgusting gutter journalism". Menzies himself deliberately provoked a confrontation with the people in the square, but apparently, to him, he's just exercising his rights as a free citizen.

As I have already said, I don't approve of Menzies tact in the situation and I'm not defending it. I also don't know the motivations of Dale or the Star, so I can't comment on that either.

There are two separate issues here, whether someone has the right to take pictures of whatever they want in public places and invade someones right to privacy, and whether that invasion of privacy excuses assaulting someone. My opinion on the first point as I have stated is whether Menzies had the right or not, he should have put the camera away if it did bother the woman as much as it apparently did (and likewise for Dale, who should have known that what he was doing was an obvious breach of privacy). Also, a factor that is not insignificant, is that Menzies didn't know what he was doing was offensive until after he was approached by the woman. Dale on the other hand, unless he's a moron, had to know that going over to Ford's house was quite likely to spur an altercation if he got caught, which he did... and it did.

On the second point, physical assault laws are pretty clear, or at least I thought they were.

And?

And nothing, you wanted citation of where it was said an assault had occurred, which I provided.

You think it's the wrong call despite knowing only one side of the story? Awesome.

We only know one side of the story because the officer couldn't be bothered to investigate the matter further, so that's as far as it went.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Spiderfish

[guyser]

As I have already said, I don't approve of Menzies tact in the situation and I'm not defending it. I also don't know the motivations of Dale or the Star, so I can't comment on that either.

There are two separate issues here, whether someone has the right to take pictures of whatever they want in public places and invade someones right to privacy, and whether that invasion of privacy excuses assaulting someone. My opinion on the first point as I have stated is whether Menzies had the right or not, he should have put the camera away if it did bother the woman as much as it apparently did (and likewise for Dale, who should have known that what he was doing was an obvious breach of privacy). Also, a factor that is not insignificant, is that Menzies didn't know what he was doing was offensive until after he was approached by the woman. Dale on the other hand, unless he's a moron, had to know that going over to Ford's house was quite likely to spur an altercation if he got caught, which he did... and it did.

On the second point, physical assault laws are pretty clear, or at least I thought they were.

We only know one side of the story because the officer couldn't be bothered to investigate the matter further, so that's as far as it went.

Your bias is showing,,,plain and clear.

Ford never had his privacy breached. End of story. But according to you, the Dale the Moron did. Sorry, not true.

Dale did not get caught, he was in plain sight.

Never mind, I shall let black dog shred this one.

[Spiderfish]

Your bias is showing,,,plain and clear.

Ford never had his privacy breached. End of story. But according to you, the Dale the Moron did. Sorry, not true.

Dale did not get caught, he was in plain sight.

Never mind, I shall let black dog shred this one.

Bias? I said I don't condone what either one of them did. How can that possibly be considered biased? Where did I say Dale had his privacy breached?? And I never said he was a moron, I said he would have to be a moron not to know his actions would likely spur an altercation.

I don't know how I could make my position more clear. The only conclusion I can come to is that it's not the message, but the comprehension.

Edited May 9, 2012 by Spiderfish

[Black Dog]

Given the fact his altercation occurred in August 2011 before Rob Ford's incident, I would imagine it would be in his case, don't ya' think?

Are you suggesting his intention was to expose a double standard in policing?

According to him and two eyewitnesses, an assault DID take place. According to the story, the fact that she struck Menzies is not in question, her motivation for doing so is (ie. she meant to hit the camera instead of him.)

Actually it is. He claimed he was punched, she claimed to have only pushed his camera.

If Ford had physically assaulted Dale, I would expect charges would rightfully be laid and pursued, just as I believe should have happened to the woman in Menzies case, but wasn't.

If Dale was claiming Ford punched him but didn't have a mark on him and had the mayor claiming no assault took place, what them?

There are two separate issues here, whether someone has the right to take pictures of whatever they want in public places and invade someones right to privacy, and whether that invasion of privacy excuses assaulting someone. My opinion on the first point as I have stated is whether Menzies had the right or not, he should have put the camera away if it did bother the woman as much as it apparently did (and likewise for Dale, who should have known that what he was doing was an obvious breach of privacy).

The difference is there was no obvious breach of privacy in the Dale case. There's no evidence supporting the Ford's version of events that he was taking pictures of the Ford residence.

Also, a factor that is not insignificant, is that Menzies didn't know what he was doing was offensive until after he was approached by the woman.

Bullshit. Why else take photos of a family and children?

Dale on the other hand, unless he's a moron, had to know that going over to Ford's house was quite likely to spur an altercation if he got caught, which he did... and it did.

So you're suggesting it's Dale's problem the mayor had anger management issues?

On the second point, physical assault laws are pretty clear, or at least I thought they were.

And nothing, you wanted citation of where it was said an assault had occurred, which I provided.

Yes you quoted the story I originally posted in which Menzies claims he was assaulted. But there's no evidence beyond that. It's his word.

We only know one side of the story because the officer couldn't be bothered to investigate the matter further, so that's as far as it went.

No: we only know one side because only one side has a platform for broadcasting his side of things.