It's Starting to Smell a Whole Lot Like Gravy in Toronto
I am sure you have already heard the latest (not really news) Rob Ford story that has the city buzzing: the Mayor flipped the bird to a mother and her young child.
... while driving
... and talking on his cell phone.
Just in case you are reading this and not a resident of the fine province of Ontario: texting or talking on your cell phone while operating a vehicle is illegal in Ontario.
Let's get serious, the fact that Mayor Ford told someone to go “f*** off” is not really a big deal.
Rude? Yes.
Unbecoming of a Mayor? Yes.
Worthy of national headlines? No.
In fact, this attention probably is turning out to be a big political win for Mr. Ford because it reinforces in the minds of his supporters that this unpolished, simple, and unapologetic man was the right choice for Mayor.
On a side-note, this is kind of like his brother, Doug, and telling the media this week that he does not know who Margaret Atwood is. This is political paradise for these folks! Seriously, I dare someone to find me a FORD voter who has read even just one of Atwood's books or poems.
Here is my beef with all this, and it really is quite simple.
Mr. Ford won the previous municipal election promising “respect for the taxpayers.”
There was to be “no more gravy.” None.
So, this week we learn that not only has Mr. Ford called the flipping the bird incident a “big misunderstanding”, but he appears to be above the law as well.
It does not end there.
Several days ago, we learned that city officials are quietly waving a $13,362.65 fine for 483 election infractions.
Oh come on, that is pennies, you say!
But so is wanting to scrap the five-cent bag tax. (That is five pennies)
Or the $60 vehicle registration tax. (That is 600 pennies)
All of this is so trivial, I admit, but it is the principle behind this that concerns me.
If a man can win an election on a pledge to “clean up the financial mess at City Hall”, the least he can do is pay his own fines.
My friends, Mr. Ford did not just give a mother and her child the middle finger. That one-finger salute was directed to every single tax payer in Toronto -- or at least to those who did not vote for him.
Well, Mr. Mayor, a "big misunderstanding" right back to you too!
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(photo source)