Toronto mayor Rob Ford is quickly earning a reputation worldwide for being a bit of a trouble maker. In the past two weeks the politician has been under constant fire from the media with accusations of alcohol and substance abuse, as well as his poor ethics in handling the matter. Rob Ford’s lack of filter around the press and public has become a news sensation, leaving many of us at the edge of our seats waiting to hear of his next big blunder. But love him or hate him, it has to be said he is not your conventional politician.
Ever since the story exploded onto the news a fortnight ago, Rob Ford has relied heavily upon tactics of avoiding blame in order to portray an honest and innocent persona. The mayor claims he had no recollection of his actions as he was in a “drunken stupor” at the time. As if being extremely drunk as well as taking drugs, somehow makes things better. Surely if anything that makes matters worse…
Throughout the scandal his ethics and behaviour in handling the situation have been questionable at best. It is immediately apparent that there is an element of dishonesty surrounding Rob Ford’s scandal. Less than a year ago the mayor profusely denied any allegations of smoking crack cocaine. However, he quickly changed his tune when video evidence was discovered by the Police Department, leaving him with no choice but to confess. His defence to the press about previously denying the accusations? "I wasn't lying. You didn't ask the correct questions." Sneaky tactics indeed Mr Ford.
On the other hand, Rob Ford behaved admirably by not only making a full public apology, but also calling for the video to be made public, allowing citizens to witness for themselves the full truth behind the story. The mayor stated in an interview "I want everyone in the city to see this tape. I don't even recall there being a tape or video. I want to see the state that I was in." Although personally, I’m not convinced this is a genuine request for everyone to see the truth, or just another tactic in order to appear innocent.
Allegations have been made that Rob Ford’s actions have not only damaged his own reputation, but that of his conservative political party and of the city of Toronto as a whole. So much so, that a group of “concerned citizens” is filing a class action lawsuit against Mayor Rob Ford, “seeking millions of dollars in damages for refusing to step down amid a crack cocaine scandal“. In a legal document by StopRob.com, it was claimed that the mayor has tarnished the “Toronto brand” and seeks damages of over five million dollars for “bad faith breach of the City of Toronto Act“. (StopRob.com, 2013)
However in an attempt by his party to regain control of the situation, Mr Ford’s role has been reduced to largely a figurehead. He now effectively has no legislative power, but keeps his title. At least this demonstrates an attempt by politicians to reduce any harm in reputation, therefore working to meet the second pillar of ethics.
The severe illegality of Rob Ford’s actions, coupled with his growing reputation for impulsive behaviour, demonstrates an obvious disregard for doing any good. His actions directly oppose his political party and their strong objectives to clean the streets of drugs and increase punishments for dealers. Not exactly the ideal message to impose from a crack smoking mayor.
It should also be argued that the media's behaviour and regard for confidentiality, is as questionable in this scandal as that of Rob Ford himself. Although the mayor’s erratic behaviour and lack of filter around the press has only furthered their interest, the media is arguably responsible for sensationalising the story and dragging out Rob’s dirty laundry for all to see in order to boost readership. But is it justified?
To the defence of the media, Qualified Privilege can be applied to their behaviour in handling their story, as “freedom of speech is considered more important than the protection of reputation” (Quinn, 2011). It should only be fair that matters of public interest to be made available in order for them to make informed choices within society, especially when the person in question is such a high political figure. Not only that, but since Rob Ford’s behaviour is both illegal and goes against what he stands for as mayor, we can’t really expect the media not to take an interest.
In terms of fairness, there is evidence in long stream of news stories and videos since he came into power, that Rob Ford arguably fails outstandingly at demonstrating rational, socially responsible behaviour. As a mayor, it is even more essential that he represent the core values of the city by portraying an honest, hard-working, law abiding citizen. However throughout this scandal Rob Ford has demonstrated his criminal activity, defiance of his fellow politicians, delinquent behaviour and evasion from the truth.
This is the same man who, having abandoned his pledge to lose weight as part of a diet campaign, slipped off the scales and twisted his ankle during a public weigh-in. The same mayor who earlier this year stated that “at the end of the day it is the fault of the cyclist” for taking the risk if they are killed. The same man who while attempting to evade reporters at city hall, he walked face first into a camera, screaming expletives at anyone within earshot. And most recently, the mayor who ‘went down fighting’ by knocking over a female councillor in City Hall during a heated debate.
Some credit has to be given to Rob Ford for standing firm in having no reason to resign, and making public his intention to run for Mayor in the next election as well as one day become Prime Minister. That’s a brave move for someone in the centre of such controversy. However reasonable it may be, and however much we believe it, Rob Ford is confident that he can do some good for the city of Toronto.
Shockingly however, his recent bad boy image seems to be having a positive effect on the support of his constituents. A new Forum Research public opinion poll finds that 44 per cent of Toronto voters approve of Ford. The results of the poll which were released on Friday show his rating have actually climbed five per cent from a similar Forum poll released two weeks ago. Friday's poll also found that one-third of Toronto voters say they will cast their votes for Ford in next year's mayoral election.
So despite his un-mayor like behaviour, the public is rallying around their bad-boy mayor. Which begs the question, how does he do it?
It seems strange that a politician, whose behaviour is befitting of a teenage delinquent, should enjoy the power and privileges of remaining in such an influential role. Yet somehow he has earned strong support from voters and attention across the globe.
I guess nowadays if you want to be a mayor, or anyone in power, then it’s good to be bad…
Thanks for reading, over and out.
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