Letting Rob Ford rest in peace
One of the most controversial and internationally recognized figures in Canadian politics, Rob Ford, passed away on March 22, 2016, at the Mount Sinai Hospital at the age of 46. In his tumultuous four year career, he made a name for himself as the centre of many well-documented scandals, both personal and political. The married father of two young children died after 18 months of treatment for pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer first diagnosed in the midst of his 2014 bid to be re-elected as mayor of Toronto. Official word of his death came in a statement from his office: “With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband and father, Councillor Rob Ford earlier today.” John Tory was among other politicians and celebrities who professed their condolences for Ford’s family. In a release regarding Ford, Tory said,“I have known Rob Ford for many years. He was a man who spoke his mind and who ran for office because of the deeply felt convictions that he had.”
Ford underwent surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in May 2015, which had been considered his last chance to survive. After several rounds of chemotherapy had shrunk the original tumor to allow surgery, Ford was elated and thankful for the support saying, “I’m just lucky to be alive today, and I’m just lucky to get another chance at life… At least I have a chance.”
Ford became mayor following a strong campaign which saw him as the underdog. He became seemingly invincible after unilaterally declaring former mayor David Miller’s Transit City light rail plan dead and convincing council to quickly axe the vehicle registration tax. Ford also declared the TTC an essential service and reduced councillor office budgets. His control of city council slipped as he lost battles on the Port Lands and 2012 budget plan, and amid seemingly unending controversy, his popularity floundered. In 2013, it was revealed that Ford had attended a military ball intoxicated, then a cellphone video was leaked of him smoking crack. The controversy spiraled out of control causing to admit to substance abuse, which resulted in the council stripping him of his power and he was removed from office.
TMZ reported on Ford’s death with the title “ROB FORD ‘CRACK MAYOR’ DEAD AT 46.” The language of the title is insensitive, irresponsible, and shows a complete lack of professionalism. Rob Ford’s life and his family do not deserve to be reminded of the embarrassing points of his life that he admitted to and even sought professional help for. TMZ’s complete disregard is not unusual for the type of ‘news’ (a term used lightly) that it fabricates. Ford might not have been a saintly figure, and his career as mayor was not without its question marks, but that does not matter when discussing his death. He should be treated in death with the same respect as any valued member of the community and as a respected politician. By reducing his life to a series of mistakes and blunders the reporting of his death reflects the loss of moral integrity and how the media values clickbait opposed to an unbiased respectful reporting of Ford’s death.