Christie Blatchford is unimpressed with the media’s reaction to Layton’s death; frankly, we’re rather unimpressed with her reaction
Apparently, National Post columnist Christie Blatchford is ticked that Jack Layton’s death has become a “thoroughly public spectacle” (which we find a little rich considering she’s something of a thoroughly public spectacle herself). In an article that went online roughly 10 hours after Layton’s death was announced, Blatchford blasted television anchors for appearing sombre and reminded readers that the reaction to Layton’s death was anything but unique: remember, people mourned Princess Diana’s death with spontaneous memorials, too (thanks for the timely and sensitive remarks, Christie). Mostly, though, Blatchford was shocked that a dying politician might use his final farewell to rally the troops. Of course, we can’t say that we’re surprised: not only because Blatchford wasn’t exactly Layton’s biggest fan, but also because pissing people off is what Blatchford is paid to do. She’s certainly succeeded here. Many observers on Twitter are refusing to link to her piece, but it’s online at the Post’s website. Read the entire story [The National Post] »
Are you seriously comparing Layton to Princess Di?
CB should stick to what she knows best…
Who’s Christie Blatchford, and what’s a “Canada Post”?
Finally, somebody speaking the truth.
“Finally, somebody speaking the truth.”
What? That Christie Blatchford is a fat miserable miscreant?
Her piece is odious, given that Blatchford offers not a whiff of sympathy and shows no respect for those who do. May her readership fall off sharply.
Sorry, but even though I feel sadness and sympathy for the great loss to the Layton family, I think that Blatchford is on target. Jack fought the good fight for the little guy, but he was also a shameless self-promoter. Some of his political stunts he did while at city hall were dubeous at best. His homeless camp stunt at the water front stands out for me. And Jack loved the camera, Boy, did he love the camera. Remember him and his wife at Gretskey’s during the Gold Metal hockey game? Just had to get his mug on camera at every opertunity. Even trying to move the other people around him out of the way. Sorry but she’s right.
Yes, Jack Layton fighting for a permanent shelter for the homeless was just a stunt to mug for the camera. Devilscabanaboy, your moniker says it, you have no soul.
How awful that Layton fought for the homeless! Why couldn’t he fight for corporations and billionaires like Christie Blatchford and the conservatives???
CB is a heartless, venomous hack. Her take on the death of Mr. Layton is not surprising… People will grieve how they want too, she should keep her nose out of it.
She loves the attention she gets from writing articles just like this one.
She is pathetic.
So much for the hope that politics in Canada will change. MWhat amazes me most is the suport Miss Blatchford’s mean and petty column seems to be getting from the true believers.
Are we surprised something like this ran in the Post? Not me.
Calling her names now? That’s exactly how Jack would like you to react, wouldn’t he? Calling her a fat, miserable miscreant. If you were truly inspired by him and knew who he was, why would you act in this manner?
Blatchford’s comments are well reasoned and thought out, whether you agree with them or not. I don’t think she had a mean column, in regards to Jack Layton. She more talking about how his death is being misused. Her column was against the grain and nearly everyone is blasting her for saying what she believes to be true. If this reaction to a free speech opinion is so angry and agitated, it’s quite possible she may have found a ray of truth there.
In the end, while I didn’t agree with too many of his policies, at least he stood his ground for what he believed in and that’s what I respected the most about the man, his tenacity and honesty. I think Jack Layton would have respected her for speaking her mind.
Christie Blatchford, at the moment of her death.I’m sure she’ll respect what will be going through her mind at that time.Perhaps she would have attempted to gain the historical triumph that Jack Layton has attained .I’m sure that goal will help quelch her case of political sour grapes.Shame on you woman ! ! ! May god guide you through the heartless cobwebs of your mind. I hope you respect this note as well .You’re certainly getting your publicity the cheap way.
Blatchford epitomizes the worst in humanity.
Hate, venomous gossip, malice.
Jack Layton epitomized the best.
Love, hope, optimism.
Which is more worthy of your attention?
“They” aren’t comparing Layton’s death to Lady Di…Blatchford did. Did you read the article? http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/08/22/christie-blatchford-laytons-death-turns-into-a-thoroughly-public-spectacle/
Sorry, people, but I have to concur with Christie Blatchford re the late Jack Layton. Her comments were spot on, and she was merely illuminating an honest portrait of the man.
Blatchford epitomizes the worst in humanity.
Hate, venomous gossip, malice.
Jack Layton epitomized the best.
Love, hope, optimism.
Which is more worthy of your attention?
Too true Korrado well said!
Blatchford’s readership just went through the roof because she created the audience with her comments. Eventually, she’ll go away and the spotlight will turn towards more noteworthy wordsmiths.
So sad to read such an unfeeling article by C.B. Respect should be shown whether you like or dislike a person. She has no class. Shame on C.B.
Will never read/buy the Post again. Shame….better not say anything if you have nothing to decent to say….
The initial column was so nasty they had to edit it down after people complained. Everyone knows the Post is doing bad business. Blatchford has paid moist panty tribute for fallen officers with full blown parade state funerals and now says to show perspective and scale back grief? Way to expose you and your shitty paper as a bunch of opportunistic partisan hacks.
I just scanned the comment section of the Post article and a lot the Blatchford supporters are a select few psychos and their sock puppet accounts tirelessly rebutting every critical comment (which are a lot). Which actually is pretty scary.
CB’s questionable article betrays how opportunistic and desperate she is. While Layton’s writing has inspired and uplifted many Canadians with a message of hope, Blatchford can only inspire anger with her “writing”. Controversy is no substitute for good writing and ideas. She is It is evident that she is an extremely bitter and cynical individual. If she wasn’t so despicable and tasteless, I’d almost feel sorry for her. Almost.
I believe that journalists (I use this term liberally in the case of CB), can’t merely spew whatever nonsense and hatred that pops into their head and then hide behind the claim that they are merely fulfilling their duty to be “objective”. Human decency should always prevail.
I, for one, will never by the National Post again. Too trashy for me.
I first wondered if I should dignify Christie Blatchford’s hateful nonsense with a response. I finally agreed that I should get it off my chest. A little sympathy and kind words would have gone a long way to assist the family in transitioning to life without a loved one. Instead CB chose to be her mean spirited self. What a shame! We do not know how our own deaths will come or how we will react to them if they are not sudden. If we have time to be advised of death beforehand will we be afraid, will we be in pain, who knows? And, what if we want to write a letter to our team or to our loved ones? So many others have written letters of inspiration before passing. Perhaps we may feel that there is some unfinished business and we choose to write about it. Or, maybe writing a letter helps to comfort us. What is so vainglorious about that? I love the right to free speech but I also love plain old-fashioned decency. CB appears to be devoid of some things which I love and believe in.
Mr Layton in the end did stick up for the little guy.
However I am reminded that during his early working for the city years – he helped force through interest free COOP mortages and then purchased two himself.
I am sorry he had to go at this time. I am sorry that his party won’t have chance without him. We do need someone who will stiuck up for the little guy. But Layton may he rest in peace, was no saint.
Christy took advantage of the heavy media coverage of those who wanted to pay their respects to man they thought they knew, to push her agenda forward – why are we surprised? We keep buying newspapers and that’s her job.
CB hope you have a few friends, although I cannot understand how that is possible – you are NOT a nice person!