“Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Rob Ford has got to go.” This was the chant heard on November 13th, outside of Toronto City Hall, as hundreds of Toronto residents called for Mayor Rob Ford’s resignation. More than a week ago, Ford admitted to smoking crack, after a compromising video was found by police. Surprisingly, Ford refused to step down, and while he believes he can still be an effective mayor, many citizens have had enough. The rally (the second held this month) was organized by SaveToronto.ca, a non-partisan group that believes that after months of scandal, and broken campaign promises, it is in Toronto’s best interest for Ford to leave office. In their words, “Ford has compromised the authority of his position” and made Toronto an international laughing stock. The protesters agree wholeheartedly.
The protesters touched on every aspect of the Ford scandal from his crack smoking admission (highlighted by a sing-a-long to Amy Winehouse’s hit, Rehab) to his football team, anti-bicycle views, Toronto’s economics, and even his brother. Drums kept time as the crowd chanted “You’re fired.” One protester made a coffin to symbolize the end of “Ford Nation”. Even people from Ford’s hometown showed up to protest.
Even Otis wants his say
Ford in South Park Style
Lee-Anne’s sign is to the point
“We were both born and raised in Etobicoke,” said Samantha Simpson and Ali Parrott as they raised their signs. Ford’s scandal has effected all of the GTA. Ali’s dog, Otis, showed his support by wearing his own protest message.
Protesters were also given chalk and encouraged to write their thoughts all over Nathan Phillips Square. The negativity and anger expressed was a far cry from the Jack Layton chalk memorial that covered those walls two years ago. (What would Jack think?)
By two o’clock, the crowd began to thin, but their messages will be visible for days to come (or until the next heavy rain). Ford’s troubles continue to pile up as new documents are unearthed, allegedly citing instancing of racism, drunken misconduct and sexual harassment. It seems like everyday there is a new story coming out of City Hall. The Santa Claus Parade has asked Ford to reconsider his involvement in fear of his presence overshadowing the festivities. Whether or not you believe in Ford’s policies or his conduct, the circus that this scandal has created holds the attention of not just the city, but the world. Night after night, talk show hosts like Jon Stewart and Stephan Colbert mock Ford and in turn, Toronto. Ford assures the city that he can do his job, but shouldn’t part of that job be setting a good example?
