As a “provincial” politician he was expelled from the legislature five times - not just for the day but for good - until the voters sent him back.
Mackenzie was a nasty man, at least when it came to calling political opponents names.
And yet it was Mackenzie's strong belief that information should be available to the people. He put considerable effort into this by publishing written documents and transcripts of debates in the Colonial Advocate and at public gatherings so that people could discuss and form their own opinions on issues.
I wonder what he would have made of today’s eight second sound bites and twitter politics.
This thought ran through my head as I mused about the current provincial election in Ontario. Like Mackenzie, Conservative Leader Doug Ford is railing against the elites although arguably not the same elites who Mackenzie attacked in 1837. Perhaps if Mackenzie was still around he would adapt to the modern person’s idea of communicating by twitter. We thought we would try out this idea by putting out Doug Ford’s ideas in limerick form so they could fit into tweets.
Here they are with sources and but a few words of introduction.
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Doug Ford’s favourite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Dale Carnegie
Just read How to Win Friends and Influence People
It is a book that has certainly no equal
I’ve read it from back to front
and folks just let me be blunt
Genuine sincerity is the key to it all.
(Source John Filion -The Only Average Guy, p 33)
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Ford engaged in a public debate with famous author Margaret Atwood when, as a City of Toronto Councillor, he was pushing to close libraries.
I wouldn’t have the slightest clue
If she walked by me, would you?
well good luck to @MargaretAtwood
I don’t know her, think I should?
I fight 4 the people, what’s she do?
(Source: John Filion -The Only Average Guy, p 177)
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Doug Ford talks about the political platform of Ford Nation.Subways, Subways, Subways
Folks we just represent the people & that’s it
We’re as grassroots as they come & you’ll have 2 admit
#FordNation stands up 2 the political elite
Gives quality service, finds ways 2 unseat
Unreachable leaders & build underground transit.
(Source: Ford Nation p 7, 271)
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Some have compared Ford to American President Donald Trump.
We Were First
Lots of signs and big rallies for our base
Trump did it too but just in case
You thought it was his idea
Cause you read the lefty media
We put that winning formula in place
(Source: Doug Ford - Ford Nation: Two Brothers: One Vision p 110)
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Like many populists Doug Ford differentiates himself from regular politicians.
The Average Politician
He is blowing the smoke where the sun don’t shine
The average politician does it all the time.
In front of the people
They are always agreeable
People aren’t stupid they see this fake line.
(Source: City News October 13, 2016)
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