QUOTED: Irate Toronto father reacts to the news that Rob Ford will march in the Santa Claus Parade
I am the father of a 5 year old and 7 year old and feel that the message of having Mayor Rob Ford participate in a CHILDREN’S Santa Claus Parade is one of “Drink Excessively, Do Drugs, Commit Crime & TELL POLICE TO F… OFF. Is that the kind of message we really want to send to our kids?
—Brian Connolly—father, Twitter user, caps lock lover and no fan of the mayor—reacts to Rob Ford’s decision to walk in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade this weekend. In an open letter, Connolly states that he refuses “to bring my children ANYWHERE near Mayor Ford” or even “allow my children to watch it on TV.” The letter is addressed “to whom it may concern,” which, judging by the tone of user comments on the Toronto Sun story about Ford’s ho-ho-hopeful intentions, is quite a large swath of people.
For all his venom, this father is right. Let the Deputy Mayor handle this … Ford should not attend the parade while this international gong show swirls around him. Srsly – has the man NO self awareness?!
I can’t say I blame the man. Rob Ford has proven himself to be of extremely poor character.
Enough about Rob Ford…cleanse him with fire!!
Yup, this guy is right. The only thing I take issue with is the part about refusing to cooperate with police. It’s always a bad move – we all have the right to freedom from self-incrimination. Section 11 of the charter: ”
11. Any person charged with an offense has the right … c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of the offense…
I agree with the father. He should step aside and let the deputy mayor walk the parade. I would hate to see the parade ruined for the children because someone in the crowd decides to make a spectacle of themselves as well as the mayor because of everything that is going on.
Yawn. Everyone is always outraged about everything these days. Sorry, but you don’t have a right not to be offended. BTW, what was the purpose of expressing your outrage? You’re just piling on with all the others. It’s unseemly.
i hope that parent doesn’t let his kids miss out on what is a great tradition for most of us here in Toronto due to his view of our MAYOR. They are little kids who I’m pretty sure will have a great memory of his parents bringing him to the parade. I’m pretty sure they will be surrounded by people at the parade who have LIED, SMOKED (something in their lives) and have committed some sort of crime in their life. We are human. we are people. people are not perfect. Sorry but I don’t recall political events when I was 5 or 7 years old, but I do remember going to the parade.
it is a no brainer…keep Rob Ford out of the Santa Clause parade. Drunks and people who smoke crack and hang out with gangsters, need to stay away from wholesome, innocent family events.
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they.
Father, you are definitely right, it’s a no brainer, but I think our Mayor’s brain may be a little fried as I don’t think he understands this is not a good move on his part to walk in this years Santa Claus Parade. Undoubtedly someone in the crowd is going to start booing, or throwing things at him and honestly with everything that has been going on around. It is sad that some children won’t be going for this reason, but here’s to hoping that by next weekend he will step away and let the Deputy-Mayor attend. We can only hope!
He is absolutely correct – the mayor is a disgrace to the city and should not be allowed anywhere near children.
“you don’t have a right not to be offended”? A double negative makes a positive.
If your actions have put your personal interests so dramatically at odds with the interests of the city, that’s a really clear indication that you can’t hold your office anymore.
He needs to talk to the police or he needs to resign.
The only one who needs to learn some respect for the position of mayor is Rob Ford.
iiiiiiiiiiinteresting point about the clowns…. where do you draw the line?
I bet his kids would remember NOT being allowed to see it more than they would remember that the mayor is a dirtbag.
Morally the guy is right but you raise a good point Flaggman.
Is there something about that phrase that you are unable to comprehend?
There’s a nut cracker joke in there somewhere….
I actually do not agree with the dad because I personally do not believe in kicking someone when he is down. If Rob Ford was his brother, he would not un-invite him from his Christmas dinner, would he? Maybe he would, but it is not teaching the kids the RIGHT lesson. Rob Ford does need to get help, and he and only he can do that. Uninviting him from events is not helping him get better; it may just push him over the cliff while he is at his weakest moments. By not agreeing with this particular letter, I am in no way supporting or excusing Rob Ford’s actions. I am just not agreeing or supporting with addicts being stoned (no pun intended).
My daughter knows the entire story of Ford’s sordid life. It’s plastered on every newspaper and TV screen in town, how can she not?
Not only is he a poor example to children, but also can you imagine the backlash that will happen from spectators of the parade. This might be a cause for lots of Boo-ing, negative comments and things being thrown. I hope there isn’t a riot.
Rob Ford is not Toronto’s drunken uncle. He is the Mayor. Should he be allowed to march in the parade as a private citizen? Of course. Should he be allowed to represent the city? Of course not.
Yeah Kevin that’s the difference between your right to not cooperate and your image of someone who is supposed to be running the city.
It would be great if everyone booed him and threw the candy back at him.
That’s the stock cut ‘n paste line for mere opinions one doesn’t agree with. Snap out of it. This isn’t some mere opinion the father disagrees with this – this is about an adult male civil servant engaging in hard drugs and cavorting with an extremely sordid cabal while lying pathologically. This is about criminals actions – repeated.
Who cares if he hasn’t been charged with anything? It’s OK to commit serious criminal offenses because the official paperwork wasn’t completed? And it only matters if one commits serious offenses while on work time?………………Bizarre.
Ya, Agreed. I really don’t want to have to have the “crack discussion” with my kids on a day that’s meant to be PG rated and festive.
Agreed. But my kids don’t … I’d like to keep it that way – at least for one day.
How do you answer that? Daddy, why does everyone hate that man?
The difference is that the clowns aren’t in the highest position of electoral power in the city, and they’re actually supposed to make fools of themselves in public. The Mayor, on the other hand, is and was a clown before all this started. He just didn’t intend it that way.
Rob Ford is a human being, he made mistakes, has owned up to them, and is mending his ways. If you can’t forgive a man for his personal private sins, that’s on you. In the meantime, if he has always been a clown in your opinion, then he should be welcomed by you in the parade, as indeed high officials always are, along with the clowns, you win both ways.
People keep treating Ford like he is Joe Schmo, deserves a second chance, hasn’t been charged with a crime, unfairly followed by the mayor, can’t go to the cottage on Canada Day…
Wake up. Ford wanted the job of Mayor. Ford got the job of Mayor. Ford failed spectacularly, both professionally and personally, in the role of Mayor. He should be hounded until out of office. At that point he can take all the personal time he wants to pretend to go to rehab or coach football or hang out in the woods. But he should not be allowed to carry on as Mayor with no consequences for his outrageous actions.
RESIGN.
American comics and Taiwanese animators would have a field day.
He’s the Mayor, not a private citizen. Mayors cooperate with police or resign.
What you say is true, but it doesn’t change the fact that Ford should not attend.
Wanting a complete failure of a mayor who has violated every form of trust with the citizens is not an anti-democracy movement. It is, in fact, the respect for the office that Ford so solely lacks.
Criminal charges are not the litmus test for holding office. Wake up.
Rob has not owned up to his mistakes – running away from the media, refusing to talk to police, hiding and cowering in his office is not exactly explaining your actions. There is no proof of his mending his aways any more than since his last drunken incident. (He was in the woods drinking vodka with Lisi AFTER the crack tape story broke in May? Not really one for reform, it seems).
Quit enabling and find a new populist-right champion.
He’s not some poor working stiff, for god’s sake. HE IS THE MAYOR. It’s not “kicking him when he is down”, it’s trying to get the clown to resign because he is too stupid, arrogant or deceitful not to on his own.
He should be uninvited from all events, stripped of his powers and hounded into the ground until he resigns. Then he can have all the privacy and freedom-from-kicking he desires.
No one thinks addicts should be stoned. But lying, deceitful, destructive mayors should be.
It’s not unseemly. It’s appropriate. Any other human being would have resigned in disgrace rather than arrogantly ignored his failings and carried on. Ooops, I ran over a kid yesterday. Sorry about that, now that I’ve apologized let’s just move on.
Actions have consequences. Ford’s have cost him his mayoralty.
Curious — how is Rob Ford mending his ways? Feel free to be as specific as possible.
Exactly!
Booing, jeering, and/ throwing things will only draw attention away from the parade. Don’t want to have to answer questions from your kids? Don’t make a spectacle.
I pray for the day when people learn to forgive, be compassionate and understanding because people are not perfect and they NEVERRRRRRRR EVERRRRRR will be.
Mercifully, the Santa Claus Parade organizers are asking Ford NOT to march in the parade. Well done!
I just wonder if this man has actually sat his children down to discuss the Mayor and his bad choices. That may be more harmful that him giving out candy at a parade!!!
He has not been charged with any crime and the way the media and police are trying so hard to get him. If they had any evidence to charge the man they would have done it instead of releasing videos ! Ford has done a lot for the city of Toronto. Not saying this man is a good role model for anyone, but honestly addiction and denial are clearly misunderstood by so many.
I agree Christine, none of us are perfect !
This father is willing to face facts. Face it. He is one of the worst mayors we have had- if Deco Labels were run like our City, it would have been bankrupt years ago.
This guy is supposed to set an example as the chief magistrate. What a poor excuse for leadership, can’t believe he has the nerve to think that he can be an effective mayor. Rob Ford is for mature audiences only, not a Santa Claus parade.
Fact check; police have nothing to do with releasing videos. Any evidence gathered by the police is turned over to the crown, and may be used in court during a trial. Lawyers petitioned the crown to release the evidence, and a judge released the information that he thought would be in the public interest. The media has to report newsworthy occurrences, so it’s Mr. Ford that put himself on the front page. Addiction is misunderstood by so many, including addicts and their families. Unfortunately the Fords are a prime example, and I sincerely hope that someone can help them. Rob Ford has been on the radio saying how much he has done for Toronto, and I have to thank him for the sixty dollar cheque. But he has cost the city much more that we could ever get back in a generation. Criminal behavior does not always result in a charge, or even a conviction once charged. Please let the children enjoy the parade without ugly spectacle!
After you are arrested you do not have to speak to the police until you have obtained legal advice. The mayor has not been charged with any crime, so there is no reason for him not cooperating with the police; unless, of course, there is something to hide.
He knows that parents will be really hesitant to do that. It’s why he wants to do it. We’ll be forced to hold back. Same with Remembrance Day – we held back for the sake of the fallen and their families. The “plan” (if anything that organized ever crosses Ford’s mind) is to keep inserting himself until we give up and just let him carry on without consequences. So… instead of booing and throwing candy, quietly turn your back until he passes. He deserves to be treated as if he is invisible.
The kids won’t miss out on Santa. He’s taking his kids to see other cities, like Ajax.
I can honestly say i have heard it all. Both the FBI and CSIS has named Santa Claus parades as a place where pedofile gays lurk and prey on unnocent children. How can we point fingers and bully our Mayor a husband a loving father not to attend the parade, our Mayor has a problem and deserves better than to be bullied.
Guys how many billions did mel Lastman waste? 87Billion,$ Rob Ford 0$
Guys are you aware that the RCMP and police raided the Premieres offices looking for documents she defrauded the city of Toronto to the tune of 80-100 million dollars. Come onn, dont let them blind us from the real issues destroying the city of Toronto. My family and i relocated to Calgary this year and we can assure you all, its not Rob Ford. There is only one tax here, low crime, lots of 40$/hr Jobs and lots of SYMPATHY FOR ROB FORD from both white and black people.
I wish there were more educated people like you Jackiesha.. RCMP raided our unelected Premiere today looking for fraud documents and it didn’t even make the news.
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they.
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they.ok
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they.k
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they. Go Rob Ford
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they. Rob Ford is the man
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they. Ford Nation
Get over yourself, dude. You don’t have to tell your kids the sordid details of the Mayor’s personal life. Respect democracy, respect the position, and just let him walk by if you don’t like it. You don’t think some of the clowns walking by have actual criminal records? Ford hasn’t been charged with anything. Really man. I have two young boys as well and they have no interest in what the Mayor does in his private life, nor should they. Ford s Nation
Andrew / Neil – stop it now. You’re just embarrassing yourself.
Andrew/Neil – Really? Spamming. Are the minions on your FB page diying like fruit flies or what? You poor thing.
Heavens! Flaggman you are prolific today. I know – there is much to apologize for as your Mayor of the P- train dies a slow death as fodder for the late night comedy crew.
Much like failed school board trustees – one hopes.
PoppyCock! It was all over the news. I read about it – as did many I know. You do realize that people are capable of thinking about more than 1 thing at a time, don’t you? No, of course you don’t – because you’re off the deep end. Your own community has even shunned your radicalism. Face it. You live and breathe Rob Ford. Not these 2 sons you speak of, but Rob Ford.
No one can help it that Rob Ford’s oafish stupidity has made him international fodder … And he seems to actually relish in this role, as a matter of fact. But know that there are people – many many people who are more dimensional than you – that don’t define themselves by the follies and calamity that is, Rob Ford.
Quit deflecting, Neil. The Mayor said, himself, yesterday and today that he’s brought most of this on himself. & Stop it. He CAN attend, as a private citizen. He’s a Mayor now, in NAME only – striped of all decision making powers – for the good of the city. Thankfully.
Seriously – he’s shunned the *extraordinary* good will of the people of this great City long enough. If you want to go down with the ship – way you go. But lay your lame sympathy act on someone else. You take me and the citizens of Toronto as fools? Please – go back to your facebook group and troll amongst what’s left of your own kind.
LMAO! … *sigh*…
When Ford attempted to represent the citizens of Toronto at the Remembrance Day Ceremonies, a veteran refused to shake his hand and he was quietly booed by some in the crowd. This unfortunately brought some attention to the embarrassing Rob Ford Saga instead of it being solely focused on the ceremony. Same sort of thing or worse will happen if defiantly marches in this parade. For selfish and nasty entertainment purposes I kind of hope he marches, but for the sake of the parade and the kids in attendance I hope he does not.
then Rob Ford should move to Calgary and he can be your mayor. We’ll gladly hand him over to you!
While most Pedophiles are outwardly straight to society, they are not, in reality, attracted to adults of either sex…..they are sexually attracted to children and sometimes it doesn’t matter whether that child is a boy or a girl. So leave your anti gay bigotry out of this one.
Rob Ford has had a habit of bullying everyone who gets in his way. He definitely does have a problem and any normal person would have resigned and got help by now. That he continues to subject the city of Toronto and it’s citizens to this behavior speaks volume about his character. Even the most shameful of US politicians would be gone by now.
Great role model you must be to your kids if you support this kind of behavior.
Bash Fags not Rob.
Bash Fags not Ford.
Very rich, coming from a known “queen” such as yourself.
Great Job Mayor For. Wake up people. 90% of the santas putting kids on their laps to hear their wishes, are doing community service hours at the parade as part of their probation. Check with the parole board or the Elizabeth Fry Society, but i guess you have your fax straight as usual, so carry on with your bully lynching of a father, a husband and a great Mayor. Ford Nation.
T’is better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt.