7.27.2011

torontoist: will the anger against ford be a tipping point? ten things to know

Excellent analysis from Torontoist:
It is far too soon to tell whether the long, dense sequence of anger-inspiring comments, falsehoods, and dubious policy decisions Rob and Doug Ford have been responsible for this month will represent, in retrospect, some sort of tipping point in this administration. What is certain is that across Toronto, a rapid-fire sequence of decisions and proclamations is causing an upsurge of anger among many residents.

Like all mayoralties, Ford's is complex. There are many entry points to analysis and a great many questions to which we do not yet know the answers. (Does Ford think that a raft of budget cuts will genuinely make Toronto a better city, for instance, or does he not care about greatness so long as things cost less?) But as the torrent of articles, quotable quotes, and op/eds builds, one theme has been emerging more clearly of late: anger is all well and good, but will it change anything? The Brothers Ford may offend our sensibilities, but collective outrage is a reaction, not a remedy.

A great many substantial criticisms have been levied against our mayor, by a great many people. And just about every time he or Brother Doug say something eyebrow-raising (or worse), these criticism are revisited far and wide. Let us summarize them and stipulate them for the record—
Collective outrage is a reaction, not a remedy. I agree. Collective outrage is, however, a necessary precursor. No remedy will be found without it.

Read: Ten Things About Rob Ford

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