Rob Ford, mayor of Toronto UPDATES

[Black Dog]

Krista was looking niiiiiice on Friday behind DoFo when he was making his announcement.

Seriously? She looks like a young Doug in drag.

I'm anticipating hearing people say Rob shouldn't be able to run for council if he has cancer.

It's a legitimate POV. He couldn't handle the job of mayor while healthy, how is he supposed to represent his ward when he's sick?

It's not like Jack Layton knew his days were numbered when he ran for PM.

Well that wasn't right either.

[WestCoastRunner]

OK I'll be the dick......I call stunt. I got $50 says he's known for weeks its benign and is pulling out all the stops to stay in the media.....all press is good press.

You owe me $50.

[PIK]

You owe me $50.

Yes he does.

[cybercoma]

This is a great article that I think everyone should take the time to read.

I think I was clear before when I showed concern for Rob Ford's mental health issues. This article underscores our poor social handling of health and wellness society. People are pouring out sympathy for Rob Ford in a very different way now that they've heard he has liposarcoma which his doctor remains optimistic about. Meanwhile, this kind of sympathy was not given to Rob Ford when we knew about his very serious and also life-threatening mental health problems including addiction. I urge everyone to give this article a read and really think about how we, as a society, understand and perceive illnesses. Why do we pick some life-threatening problems to throw our sympathy behind, while others we do not? I said it many posts ago and I'll say it again. Rob Ford needed to step away from politics and take care of his health a long time ago, particularly his mental health and now even more so because he'll be going through cancer treatments. He cannot possibly devote his time and energy to the community. Now is the time for him to care for himself and his family first.

Here is the article to which I was referring. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/christian-cotroneo/rob-ford-cancer_b_5849878.html?utm_hp_ref=canada

There's just the one thing about the message his treatment conveys to others suffering from addiction. Overwhelmingly, Rob Ford is seen as a criminal, rather than a very ill man.

It's simple. As a society, we lack sympathy for addiction.

So it's acceptable to profit from someone suffering a mental health issue. But cancer? That's real.

Tragically, Rob Ford is dealing with both.

Ironically, it's the latter -- cancer -- that has finally granted him the reprieve he so desperately needed.

So-called progressives who had not a care in the world for Rob Ford's health when he was outed as having serious addiction problems ought to be ashamed of themselves for perpetuating the social stigma around addiction that they would otherwise say they're combating. Rob Ford needed our sympathy and help a long time ago, despite how difficult it is to be sympathetic for someone suffering the effects of a serious mental health issue. Rob Ford is a bully who has done awful things. Make no mistake about it, though, he was very seriously ill a long time before he was diagnosed with cancer. Some of us just haven't had our consciousness raised enough to see addiction as an illness yet. We still act as though it's a criminal justice problem. Those progressives need to take a step back and really reflect on Rob Ford as a case where progressivism was blinded by partisanship when a man's life hangs in the balance.

Edited September 21, 2014 by cybercoma

[Mighty AC]

This is a great article that I think everyone should take the time to read.

What an excellent post and an article definitely worth reading. I am pleased by the momentum building for the acceptance of mental illnesses simply as problems requiring treatment. People need not be embarrassed by depression, addictions, compulsions, learning disorders, ASD, etc. they should just seek treatment like they would for an infection or broken bone.

I admit that I do feel a little shame for my reaction to Ford's actions. Instinctively I responded to his bullying ways by wanting revenge. I wanted the guy to go down and suffer for the problems he caused. I wanted conservative enablers to pay as well. However, we all knew the man was a suffering addict so my reaction was no better than that of the conservative apologists.

In the end, both Rob Ford and Toronto will benefit from his return to private life. He's sick in multiple ways and in serious need of time to devote to his personal health issues.

[jacee]

So-called progressives who had not a care in the world for Rob Ford's health when he was outed as having serious addiction problems ought to be ashamed of themselves for perpetuating the social stigma around addiction that they would otherwise say they're combating. Rob Ford needed our sympathy and help a long time ago, despite how difficult it is to be sympathetic for someone suffering the effects of a serious mental health issue. Rob Ford is a bully who has done awful things. Make no mistake about it, though, he was very seriously ill a long time before he was diagnosed with cancer. Some of us just haven't had our consciousness raised enough to see addiction as an illness yet. We still act as though it's a criminal justice problem. Those progressives need to take a step back and really reflect on Rob Ford as a case where progressivism was blinded by partisanship when a man's life hangs in the balance.

Sympathy helps?

Being laughed at, ridiculed, shunned, demoted, etc, is perhaps an unavoidable part of the recovery process, since addicts act like idiots, often destroy their lives and are in total denial about their illness.

How else does an addict wake up and smell the coffee?

.

Edited September 22, 2014 by jacee

[Big Guy]

Rob Ford and his brother are arrogant clowns who should never have been allowed into the public eye. If it was not for their $millions, they never would have.

So Rofo is diagnosed with cancer – big deal – there were probably another 523 Canadians who were diagnosed with cancer the same day;

“It is estimated that in 2014:

• 97,700 Canadian men will be diagnosed with cancer and 40,000 men will die from cancer.

• 93,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer and 36,600 women will die from cancer.

• On average, 524 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer every day.

• On average, 210 Canadians will die from cancer every day.”

http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/cancer-statistics-at-a-glance/?region=on

I really do not know the other 523 but already I have more sympathy for them than for RoFo.

[WestCoastRunner]

I said it many posts ago and I'll say it again. Rob Ford needed to step away from politics and take care of his health a long time ago, particularly his mental health and now even more so because he'll be going through cancer treatments. He cannot possibly devote his time and energy to the community. Now is the time for him to care for himself and his family first.

I agree and I also believe that Rob Ford does not need our sympathy. He just needs to grow up.

[Black Dog]

This is a great article that I think everyone should take the time to read.

I think I was clear before when I showed concern for Rob Ford's mental health issues. This article underscores our poor social handling of health and wellness society. People are pouring out sympathy for Rob Ford in a very different way now that they've heard he has liposarcoma which his doctor remains optimistic about. Meanwhile, this kind of sympathy was not given to Rob Ford when we knew about his very serious and also life-threatening mental health problems including addiction.

What mental health problems were those exactly?

So-called progressives who had not a care in the world for Rob Ford's health when he was outed as having serious addiction problems ought to be ashamed of themselves for perpetuating the social stigma around addiction that they would otherwise say they're combating. Rob Ford needed our sympathy and help a long time ago, despite how difficult it is to be sympathetic for someone suffering the effects of a serious mental health issue. Rob Ford is a bully who has done awful things. Make no mistake about it, though, he was very seriously ill a long time before he was diagnosed with cancer.

The lack of sympathy towards Rob Ford has nothing to do with the social stigma around mental health and everything to do with the fact that Ford is, as you say, a bully who has never shown a scintilla of compassion or care for anyone else. A privileged, pampered slug who never worked a day in his life and yet who still had the audacity to pretend he understood the plight of the "little guy" even as he used the office of mayor to grease the wheels for his family businesses and personal aggrandizement. Screw him.

Some of us just haven't had our consciousness raised enough to see addiction as an illness yet. We still act as though it's a criminal justice problem. Those progressives need to take a step back and really reflect on Rob Ford as a case where progressivism was blinded by partisanship when a man's life hangs in the balance.

Not enough in the world.

[cybercoma]

Sympathy helps?

Being laughed at, ridiculed, shunned, demoted, etc, is perhaps an unavoidable part of the recovery process, since addicts act like idiots, often destroy their lives and are in total denial about their illness.

How else does an addict wake up and smell the coffee?

.

There's a difference between sympathy and enabling someone. Treating an addict like shit will only fuel their mental health issues and drive them further towards destruction. It needs to be treated with firm resolve, but patience and sympathy. Rob Ford needs and has needed help for a long time. That's why I've been saying for a long time now that I feel bad for him and wish that he would step away and recover.

[cybercoma]

I really do not know the other 523 but already I have more sympathy for them than for RoFo.

Which is sad because regardless of their arrogant bullying, they deserve compassion. I will never agree with the things Ford did, but he certainly deserves all the sympathy you would give anyone else with cancer. The thing is he deserved the kind of sympathy you would give someone with cancer when it was clear he was suffering from addiction and mental illness. The disparity in the way we view these kinds of sicknesses is glaring.

[overthere]

This is a great article that I think everyone should take the time to read.

I think I was clear before when I showed concern for Rob Ford's mental health issues. This article underscores our poor social handling of health and wellness society. People are pouring out sympathy for Rob Ford in a very different way now that they've heard he has liposarcoma which his doctor remains optimistic about. Meanwhile, this kind of sympathy was not given to Rob Ford when we knew about his very serious and also life-threatening mental health problems including addiction. I urge everyone to give this article a read and really think about how we, as a society, understand and perceive illnesses. Why do we pick some life-threatening problems to throw our sympathy behind, while others we do not? I said it many posts ago and I'll say it again. Rob Ford needed to step away from politics and take care of his health a long time ago, particularly his mental health and now even more so because he'll be going through cancer treatments. He cannot possibly devote his time and energy to the community. Now is the time for him to care for himself and his family first.

Here is the article to which I was referring. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/christian-cotroneo/rob-ford-cancer_b_5849878.html?utm_hp_ref=canada

So-called progressives who had not a care in the world for Rob Ford's health when he was outed as having serious addiction problems ought to be ashamed of themselves for perpetuating the social stigma around addiction that they would otherwise say they're combating. Rob Ford needed our sympathy and help a long time ago, despite how difficult it is to be sympathetic for someone suffering the effects of a serious mental health issue. Rob Ford is a bully who has done awful things. Make no mistake about it, though, he was very seriously ill a long time before he was diagnosed with cancer. Some of us just haven't had our consciousness raised enough to see addiction as an illness yet. We still act as though it's a criminal justice problem. Those progressives need to take a step back and really reflect on Rob Ford as a case where progressivism was blinded by partisanship when a man's life hangs in the balance.

Excellent post, thanks for sharing it with us.

[cybercoma]

The lack of sympathy towards Rob Ford has nothing to do with the social stigma around mental health and everything to do with the fact that Ford is, as you say, a bully who has never shown a scintilla of compassion or care for anyone else.

This disparity is not limited to Rob Ford. It's just more pronounced in Ford because he's 1) a public figure, 2) a terrible politician, and 3) a bully.

[Boges]

DoFo is doing his first debate tonight.

I hear a rumour on the radio that Rob might show up to "show support". That'll be interesting.

[PIK]

This disparity is not limited to Rob Ford. It's just more pronounced in Ford because he's 1) a public figure, 2) a terrible politician, and 3) a bully.

But yet very popular.

[Black Dog]

But yet very popular.

Not really, no.

[Boges]

Not the mayor anymore but he's still in people's domes.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/02/11/rob-ford-asked-to-leave-toronto-council-meeting.html

http://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2015/02/12/privacy-of-rob-fords-medical-records-breached-by-third-hospital.html

[guyser]

HIs largeness actually thinks (and said today) that he would have beaten Tory in the race.

Chubby be back drinkin' and crackin' Yo.

[Shady]

And the Rob Ford obsession continues....

[WestCoastRunner]

And the Rob Ford obsession continues....

Kinda like a certain member's obsession with Obama.

[Shady]

Kinda like a certain member's obsession with Obama.

You mean a sitting president and leader of the free world, who's policies effect many countries, especially Canada as it's number one trading partner. Yeah, just like Rob Ford. *rolls eyes*

[WestCoastRunner]

You mean a sitting president and leader of the free world, who's policies effect many countries, especially Canada as it's number one trading partner. Yeah, just like Rob Ford. *rolls eyes*

Nice try of excusing yourself from obsessions.

I forgot, *rolls eyes*

Edited February 14, 2015 by WestCoastRunner

[BubberMiley]

I'd still be bitter too if I put "suck it" in all caps after Ford won and then tried desperately to deny the existence of the crack video. Such humiliation can be hard to overcome. It's only fair to concede that any mention of Rob Ford ever again must be a crazed obsession.

Thanks Obama!

[WWWTT]

Well well well, looky looky here!

It would appear, that Rob Ford, while everyone thought he was politically dead and 6 feet under forever, ran for council after he withdrew his challenge for re election as mayor of Toronto!

Rob Ford, who remains in hospital with an abdominal tumour, withdrew from the Toronto mayoral race shortly before 1 p.m.

In a statement, he said, “My heart is heavy when I tell you that I’m unable to continue my campaign for re-election as your Mayor.

“Now I could be facing a battle of my lifetime, and I want the people of Toronto to know that I intend to face this challenge head on, and win.”

But he said that while he was unable to commit to the heavy schedule required of a mayoral candidate he would still run for councillor in Toronto’s Ward 2 while focusing on getting better.

from here

http://Rob Ford, who remains in hospital with an abdominal tumour, withdrew from the Toronto mayoral race shortly before 1 p.m. In a statement, he said, “My heart is heavy when I tell you that I’m unable to continue my campaign for re-election as your Mayor. “Now I could be facing a battle of my lifetime, and I want the people of Toronto to know that I intend to face this challenge head on, and win.” But he said that while he was unable to commit to the heavy schedule required of a mayoral candidate he would still run for councillor in Toronto’s Ward 2 while focusing on getting better.

Wow how could this guy freekin fly under the radar and get re-elected for council?!?!?!?!?

The political satire gods are smiling and singing as they chant and dance around their cauldron!

Ever heard the saying that it ain't over until the fat lady sings? So who's the fat lady?

WWWTT

[On Guard for Thee]

Well well well, looky looky here!

It would appear, that Rob Ford, while everyone thought he was politically dead and 6 feet under forever, ran for council after he withdrew his challenge for re election as mayor of Toronto!

Rob Ford, who remains in hospital with an abdominal tumour, withdrew from the Toronto mayoral race shortly before 1 p.m.

In a statement, he said, “My heart is heavy when I tell you that I’m unable to continue my campaign for re-election as your Mayor.

“Now I could be facing a battle of my lifetime, and I want the people of Toronto to know that I intend to face this challenge head on, and win.”

But he said that while he was unable to commit to the heavy schedule required of a mayoral candidate he would still run for councillor in Toronto’s Ward 2 while focusing on getting better.

from here

http://Rob Ford, who remains in hospital with an abdominal tumour, withdrew from the Toronto mayoral race shortly before 1 p.m. In a statement, he said, “My heart is heavy when I tell you that I’m unable to continue my campaign for re-election as your Mayor. “Now I could be facing a battle of my lifetime, and I want the people of Toronto to know that I intend to face this challenge head on, and win.” But he said that while he was unable to commit to the heavy schedule required of a mayoral candidate he would still run for councillor in Toronto’s Ward 2 while focusing on getting better.

Wow how could this guy freekin fly under the radar and get re-elected for council?!?!?!?!?

The political satire gods are smiling and singing as they chant and dance around their cauldron!

Ever heard the saying that it ain't over until the fat lady sings? So who's the fat lady?

WWWTT

Theres your difference between China and Canada. Here people can vote for whoever they want to, even one as goofy as Ford.