Corruption and Maclean’s

Martin Patriquin is one of the biggest scumbags in Canadian journalism. This week, we’re going to be hearing all about Patriquin, because he has written Maclean’s cover story, which looks like this:

If that seems familiar to you, that’s because it is.  Here’s another Maclean’s cover story, also written by Patriquin:

So, not only is he scumbag, he’s not very original.  He’s also a phony, turns out.

Here’s what Patriquin wrote in the National Post on January 5, 2007: “Sorry, I’m not going to blog. Life, any life, is just far too mundane a spectacle. With any luck, the journalist blog trend will follow the faux-hawk into the giant dumpster of bad ideas and everyone, journalists included, will figure out the advantage of knowing when to shut up.”

Uh-huh. You guessed it: here’s Patriquin’s blog, in Maclean’s. You know, the one he said he’d never do, because it’s a “bad idea.”

My personal experience with Patriquin is not dissimilar.  He reprints Conservative Party talking points, is regarded as a cynical no-talent by his more-accomplished colleagues, and sends over-refreshed emails to people in the middle of the night.  He thinks he’s clever, but he isn’t.  He’s a loser.

So how is it that he’s employed at Maclean’s? Beats me.  But the magazine also retains the services of Mark Steyn, so that might have something to do with it.  Steyn, as you know, is a former disc jockey who calls the Chinese “chinks” and “gooks,” the Japanese “japs;”  Indians “wogs;” natives “Injuns;” Muslims “monkeys” and rapists, and so on. He also suggests the disabled more or less got what they deserved in 9/11. Birds of a feather publish together, I guess.

Anyway.  As Norman Spector has pointed out, Patriquin’s “story” declines to provide the reader with a study – any study – that proves that Quebec is “the most corrupt province in Canada.”

They won’t, either, because no such study exists.  Patriquin just made it up, and someone at the magazine went along with it because they thought they’d dazzle a few more dentist waiting rooms with their wit. Personally, I hope every person in Canadian public life – and every person – kicks the living shit of Matrin Patriquin and his magazine this week.  They richly deserve it.

Oh, and corruption?  Corruption is defined as “a lack of honesty or integrity.”

By that definition, the rest of us know who is really corrupt, don’t we, Martin?


Against Me! Joy

Shot by me whilst my daughter and I were lucky enough to be backstage, two Saturdays ago.  At the encore, Tom walks out alone, acoustic guitar in hand, and this is what happens.

All’s quiet, except for this song.
So maybe while I’m not together, I can feel like I’m not alone.
And somewhere off in the distance, rapidly advancing, is an onslaught of sorts.
Young sirens wail in a skewed sense of glory.
And the lions in the cages roar at the memory of fight.

And there’s a joy, a joy in all I can see.
A joy, in every possibility.

And all around us is a great, great failing.
American rockets red-glare in a most
disgusting triumph.
And in passing I am asked “Do you believe in a God?”
I shrug off the answer, continue to get high.
In this terror of no explanation,
I am looking for a faith.
My panic is an only reason.

There’s a joy, a joy in all I can see.
A joy, in every possibility.


Toronto race: your morning’s quotable quotes

“Jodi Shanoff, an Angus Reid senior vice-president, said the poll’s 36 per cent of undecided respondents shows “this race isn’t over yet” despite Ford’s “significant” lead. “I believe many voters and observers continue to believe some kind of an implosion is coming.”” (Toronto Star, David Rider, Sept. 23)

“As is always the case with the politics of anger, those who support Ford are also those who will suffer by him. You get what you pay for, but lower taxes mean fewer services; and it’s the poor who need them most.” (Toronto Star, Christopher Hume, Sept. 23)

“But no one’s listening…As long as he and the electorate remain focused on the anger — and the fear that underlines it — the debate need go no further.” (Toronto Star, Christopher Hume, Sept. 23)

“On the other hand, unlike the majority of his supporters, Ford doesn’t lose sleep over money. “I don’t need this job,” he assured Galloway. “I have been very fortunate in life.” He was referring to the fact that he is a rich man thanks to Daddy (Douglas Ford)” (Toronto Star, Christopher Hume, Sept. 23)

“Smitherman still hasn’t given voters a clear idea of why he wants to be mayor — other than the job of premier wasn’t available.” (Toronto Sun, Editorial, Sept. 23)


Sandra Bussin Watch

Part of a continuing series:

Ms. Bussin has come under fire this term for using tax dollars to sue a constituent, for calling John Tory a “three-time loser” on his radio show without identifying herself and for supporting a sole-sourced, 20-year contract for the Boardwalk Pub.

When she tried to defend Tuggs Inc., owner of the pub, as a “star operator,” the audience yelled “Baloney!” and “Sit down! Sit down!”

Her opponents also tore into her for voting against city staff’s advice to put operation of the pub out to competitive tender back in 2006.

Sandra Bussin is one of the worst elected represntatives I have ever encountered.  Ever.

If you live in the Beach, as I do, the two candidates who most deserve your vote are Martin Gladstone or Mary-Margaret McMahon.

Vote!