Vision Vancouver’s Propagandist: A Racist?!
In the ongoing saga of failed political worker, PR bluffer and Vision Vancouver millstone, Jonathan Ross, we discover yet another disturbing trend: The race card. Mr. Ross went to great lengths after the last Vancouver municipal election to pretend that his candidate, Kashmir Dhaliwal, lost because he is Indo-Canadian. This is a pattern for some, who are incompetent organizers and need to excuse that incompetence with any deflection that might stick. At the time, Vision Vancouver hierarchs were not happy about Mr. Dhaliwal losing, but did not hesitate to confirm to me and other columnists exactly where, or more accurately who, the problem was: Jonathan Ross. But those organizers are not inside the inner select of the radical team that took over Vision Vancouver’s machine post-election. So, thanks to Vision Vancouver’s policy mindlessness, initiative flagellation and breathtaking disregard for public safety (and political thuggery by hand-picked city staff) their fortunes seem to have plummeted.
Against the wishes of senior Vision campaigners from November 2008, Vision’s less moderate faction installed the (feeble) services of Jonathan Ross with a purely venomous propaganda site called civicscene.ca. There, Mr. Ross has played the role of sitting-room poodle (with similar but not quite as ‘fierce’ a yelp)–essentially lapdog to Mayor Gregor Robertson and any host of Vision stumblers, including ‘Teflon’ Geoff Meggs, Andrea Reimer, Connie Barnes, Raj Hundal and Aaron Jasper. Mr. Ross’ job, primarily, has been to bloviate about how wonderful Vision is (and conversely how woeful any NPA contenders are), ensuring that the Vision speaking notes get play in the blogosphere to all the few dozen of his website visitors, courageous enough to endure the kind of manic drivel and incomprehensible bromide from any such low-level pretender.
It’s no secret that he has attacked this writer with notorious smears (and even sent me “anonymous” screeds, from his own IP address no less, with absolutely disgusting comments about my parents, sisters and family)–only to somehow locate his meds at the end of last year and send along Christmas greetings.
Astounding.
But Mr. Ross, who has never met a story he hasn’t fumbled, recently decided that the growing rumours of VANOC CEO John Furlong’s possible jump to running for Vancouver Mayor in 2011, is now worthy of the similarly ridiculous and ineffective Ross muggings of possible contenders NPA Councillor Suzanne Anton and NPA Parks Board Commissioner Ian Robertson. A recent post by Mr. Ross pillories Mr. Furlong for (mythological) administrative crimes as VANOC chief. Then again, this is the same ‘Little Johnny’ as he’s affectionately referred to by former co-workers, who systematically refers to Mayor Robertson’s floundering as “character building”
Well, it appears he’s stepped in it, very deeply, once again. Below, you will find a screenshot from Mr. Ross’ website. He posted a story which includes the derogatory and racist term “Limey” to refer to British reporters critical of the 2010 Games. Stunning, isn’t even a word that begins to cover it. Here is a child, my darlings, who immediately following his viral mismanagement of an Indo-Canadian candidate’s campaign in 2008, spilled barrels of ink on various websites complaining that the undercurrent driving Kash Dhaliwal’s loss was, instead, racism. (He forgot to mention former TEAM alderman Setty Pendakur’s election decades ago, or that Michael Geller, a former President of the Jewish Community Center lost in 2008–both classic examples of great candidates, the former who was part of a movement that featured his incomparable skills and NOT his ethnicity–as it should be–and the latter, a fantastic candidate, who the NPA could have better showcased in 2008. So, are Vancouverites anti-Semitic as well as against Indo-Canadians? Absurdities abound at civicscene.ca) Mr. Ross’ is also infamous for telling anyone who will listen that he is a “mixed” product (boy, did he get that right!): He is of Jewish and Indo-Canadian extraction.
Regardless, if Vision Vancouver think that the cracks aren’t showing: Ross’ insane, incoherent commentaries (he’s been threatened with legal action twice), race-baiting and racism (the ethnic slur appears in the same Wikipedia link as ‘Kyke’ and ‘Nigger’); the Mayor’s pandering for attention after a pitiful performance through the 2010 Games and Vision representatives personally attacking critics, to name a few…are all telling signs that they are worried about their prospects in the fall of 2011–they need a reality check–badly.
Question: Since Jonathan Ross is a sanctioned mouth-piece for these dimbells running the Vision bailiwick and the Mayor’s office (Kevin Quinlan, Mayor Robertson’s deputy, assistant fly swatter has confirmed same), is Mr. Ross’ callous, obscene, racist comment indicative of how Vision feels or treats people when backs are turned? ‘Little Johnny’ owes the very fine British people an apology forthwith.
And if Vision hierarchs haven’t smoked away their last brain cells, they’ll drop the vicious, irrelevant propagandist rube in their midst, like a bad habit.
No?
Alright, let me help.
This loss by Mr. Dhaliwal may well be because of racism, but up until now we do not have to state our reasons for voting or not voting for a certain person. We may vote against a person because we think he/she is stupid or Catholic or Jewish, that is the beauty or ugly of democracy. Could it be that Mr.Dhaliwal’s name was put forward in order to influence the east Indian vote? Could that not be called racist too? Did Svend Robinson, after his sticky-finger incident, run in the West End because of the gay vote. When they rejected him, was it a bias against his homosexuality or the fact he was a thief?
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Kash Dhaliwal is a very nice man whose work with Khalsa Diwan speaks for itself…and the Vaisakhi parades are totally enjoyable–a wonderful celebration of a very rich and vibrant culture. But his English was barely passable (sorry, but for most, that’s got to matter–being able to understand someone) and his efforts outside his own community and a few other (not-so-strategic) spots does not a good campaign make. But Ross is the same guy who the late Art Cowie, rested be his soul, once described to me as (with a wry smile like only Art could deliver), “a little bit challenging as a campaigner”… Story is the same with people who worked with Ross when he was a baby storm-trooper for the Martinite crowd–well, at least he tried… The lad switches political teams faster than the snap of a trollop’s garters… And this tells us what???
As for Svender, I have maintained, from the beginning of his thieving ways, that if anyone else tried to blame it on their “bi-polar syndrome” (previously unheard of) they’d be rightly condemned. I know at least two people who are bi-polar, neither are thieves (they’re actually wonderful folks), but Robinson’s implication was clear. And did the painfully politically correct press cover it? Of course not. Why bother. That would require some work.
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It would also be politically incorrect. Terrific reply, always so balanced, though I was unaware that John Furlong has political aspirations, and … what do you know about the snap of a trollop’s garters?
I once told a couple of gals who used to have a cigarette and a coffee at the end of their graveyard shift, that it was a whore’s
breakfast, and was immediately put to task for knowing such an intimate detail.
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I was once a young, naive rugby player on tour, in France..it was quite late, and I still had $24.00 (USD) in my pocket that I hadn’t drank away…all in all, a rather unsettling experience. I went back to my hotel and had coffee and a cigarette…
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“Virgin Airlines” oh, I can’t resist “Sir Richard” are you listening, this is how we talk about your people when your back is turned… but we still want to do business with you…
What is this young man thinking… or dare I ask, what is Vision thinking.
We need to attract business to pay for this elitist party, so lets not offend the people we are inviting to invest here.
If Portland Hotel and Insite can hand out 600 free tickets, complimentary tickets for select heroes from past glories, should be a no brainer.
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Right on! You know, I have been researching a piece on Insite for almost five months (Very complicated), and the more I dig, the more the Portland Hotel Society starts to smell like the alley behind Insite.
As for Ross, I have no idea what he was thinking. Thinking was likely not involved. When I read it I immediately thought, “What a loon!”. HE rails against racism when it’s convenient and then goes out and commits to it himself! Extraordinary stupidity.
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Love it! I worked on Vision’s campaign and I will never go near them again. I hope the NPA or someone else comes along because vision have shown to be as mean as Sam Sullivan. My neighborhood is mostly cope and Vision but that has changed. Vision delivered the same things we feared from COpe. Keep them honest Mr. Tsakumis.
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You’re not the first person to chime in like this, Janice. There are a number of Vision supporters who will look elsewhere. The problem is that the NPA are dormant; very deeply so and I’m not sure with the lightweights currently choking their progress that they will come out of it much better than the last election. They need a leader and they need to drop this idiocy of a Suzanne Anton mayoralty. nine years of useless mayors of Vancouver will be more than enough. IF they get going now, I can assure you: at least four Vision councillors are toast and possibly the Mayor if David Chudnovsky runs for COPE. Thx for stopping by. Appreciate your thoughts. Hang in there.
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Just when you think Vision has hit bottom, they manage to find a new low.
How many people have been insulted now?
1) I believe they insulted Rich Coleman.
2) They have called you names and insulted you personally and your family.
3) Now they call the British press RACIST names.
4) The people of Vancouver by using the race card
You’re right, they don’t care who they insult.
I’m sure I’m missing some. Can anyone add to the list?
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Hi Glen. Yeah, the insults about my weight or my glasses, hair etc., I couldn’t care less about–that’s par for the course with them. But for Ross to be out there talking about my family is just really nutty. And he does this consistently. I don’t care if he scribbles that my writings are idiotic or that he thinks I’m a right wing nutjob. He’s done THAT before, too. The point here is that the lad is off his rocker. Robust discussion I’ll entertain any time: Drop the gloves, sure–anywhere. But to be lying about people’s families and going so viciously against people because he lacks the intelligence to compete, is rather bizarre. The greater point is that now, he is revealed to be a racist. Does he use ‘Limeys’ in his daily life? IS this what Vision thinks about the British? Are they pandering to the ethnic vote by race-baiting? Naturally, all sorts of questions arise from such a shocking post. he really needs to apologize or this will come back to haunt them in the election–not necessarily on it’s own, but as part of a clear pattern of unkindness that voters will surely reject. Thx for stopping by. Take care.
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Hi Alex, what is interesting is that those who usually insult others with racism, are actually the real racists, using the race factor to achive whatever they want to obtain or excuse.
Another wide misconception is that racism is a prerogative of the white race, unfortunately it is a world wide sickness and of all skin colours.
Well done, keep on unmasking the truth.
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Thx Pedro. It is a scourge, to be sure, and has no place in the lexicon of anyone representing the party of the Mayor of Vancouver. Deplorable behavior.
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While we’re discussing Jonathon Ross, I thought this quote was applicable:
“There are similarities between hot air and excrement, incidentally, which make hot air seem an especially suitable equivalent for bullshit. Just as hot air is speech that has been emptied of all informative content, so excrement is matter from which everything nutritive has been removed.” Harry Frankfurt in his essay “On Bullshit”
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There is a type of political operative in this city and province that I would describe thusly: youngish, male, poli-sci or communications major who, regardless of party, all operate pretty much in the following manner:
1) Overblow any and event, real or perceived, in order to apear “to be in control”. Go into panic mode, 24/7. Who amongst your fellow staffers actually needs a two-day weekend?
2) Belch much paper/e-mail/cell call flow out to staffers and associates in other organizations. On nothing of particular consequence to anyone. This practice is mostly generated to massage your own sense of self-importance, as well as to try to establish “street cred” with your employer.
3) Try to show your “betters” (usually other, older white men) just how darn clever and how totally, maniacally, dedicated you are to “The Cause”. How no task is too far below you, no lie to the electorate to big to tell. Because, you, too, may one day be petted on the head,—much as one would pet a poodle—and eventually graduate to that big reward that comes with a vaunted title like “Director of This” or “Chief of Staff” or “ADM of That”. Do you ALL have Daddy Complexes!??
4) Pretend that you are a the kind of guy that Hollywood (or even Bollywood) could model as a top tier staffer in a vehicle like “the West Wing”. Stand in front of a mirror–a lot–and practice your toughest look. Practice that look even you as shave the bum fluff off your youngish chinny-chin-chin.
5)Talk continuously into your cell phone at a high volume, striding manfully down a long hallway, while some poor (usually harried female) schlep staffer trails after you with a dossier of the days events (wow! another ode to the salmonberry!) just to convey to others how important you really are.
6) Generate a clutch of directives, spam media releases, and “For Info Only” briefing papers, written in terse, urgent communications jargon (see #2). This is guaranteed to earn you the scorn of your lessers, as well as a yawn from any self respecting media person.
7) Talk to your equals in faux soothing tones, so as not to raise their suspicions about your true motivations (manipulation/character assasination/innuendo about them) or their ire about your unctious approach in general—or about yourself in particular.
9) Remember the tried and true slogan, shared amongst the Brotherhood of Fart-Catchers:
” I didn’t say you did it. I just said I was going to blame you for it”.
You all know who you are…
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You are wise one BTST… very wise indeed.
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As a British / Canadian dual citizen I’d have to say that I never think of Limey as racist in the sense of the other words you mention. Probably, however, that is the result of the deeply ingrained national attitude of indifference to being disliked, which can be interpreted as either common sense or arrogance according to choice. Whichever, refusing to be a victim is an attitude I’d recommend. In fact the only way to upset a Brit with a racial slur is to call a Scotsman English!
The reaction to the British news articles was extraordinary, however. Yes the stories about the Olympic problems were harsh and hyperbolic but several were written by Canadians and they were directed at the organisation of the games. The response, even from some comparatively serious journalists, was to roll out the tired cliches of dodgy teeth and toilets, along with comments on the performance of British men in bed (I’ve never had any complaints!), the size of British women’s bums and standards of national cleanliness.
Fortunately the general response seems to have been astonished amusement. It’s certainly unlikely that dentists, Jenny Craig and washing machine manufacturers will be getting any extra business.
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Racism is a slippery slope and the incredible hypocrisy here is glaring: The chap in question shovels the bull about how proud he is of his rich, “mixed” cultural heritage; bellyaches publicly about an undercurrent of racism in the last election and then turns around and uses racial slurs to express his anger. It’s totally offside. What stops people from attacking other ethnic groups too? Appreciate your perspective and am pleased for your thick skin. Must be all that steak and kidney pie…
Lucky man!
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Alex, I do not agree with your comments regarding Vision but rest assured many of us are in complete agreement with you about Jonathan. He is problem for many of us believe me. In a response to your entertaining post he has decided to poke fun of your weight again. Proving that what you wrote about him was accurate but you didn’t need to do that. Why don’t you leave him alone? In an analogy that I think you might understand, watching you pound Jonathan Ross is like watching early video of Mike Tyson’s one round fights. It is bad enough that many of the people around the mayor will even listen to anything he says. I worked with him on the campaign trail and can attest firsthand that he is a disaster. He is like a gossipy old woman and being lazy does not help the cause. My only hope is that people like you with legitimate voices will ignore him.
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Funny that you should be sending me this. I am finishing a major piece, that I’ll be releasing tomorrow, on the incompetence of your party. Ross is your belly-lint, we get that, but his insanity and incoherence is going to only get more problematic for you unless you cap his activities. Think about this: The mere suggestion that John Furlong might run for Mayor (the rumour has been around for months, but Ross is always late) had ‘Little Johnny’ off his rocker again, taunting the CEO of VANOC! A nut with a keyboard is taunting a man who can write his own ticket–if he runs against Robertson, it’s over. And might I suggest that it’s rather galling of you to think that you will get through to Gregor or his people. They are collecting photos for the you tube channel they’ll set up during the election. They are no less shameless than Sam and considerably more embarrassing since you promised to do better, and in many cases, have done much worse. Please spare me the advice. Jonathan Ross is your problem. The rest of us are just glad to be anywhere else. Good luck with that…
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Not likin the attackseh Alex. Welcome to the club.
Challenge these guys and see what happens.
Stay with it Alex
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It’s not that I’m not “likein’” the attacks. I just think there is a fair limit rule that anybody in public life understands. If they don’t, you must call them on it.
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You are so right Mr. Tsakumis. Jonathan Ross is totally off who knows very little if anything in politics. J. Ross thinks I am a FBI agent when in fact he and many others know that I work in security as a security officer/guard. What a mistake to add him on Facebook as friends. Lucky that I banished from my friend list using the rules and regulations of Facebook.
I have known Ross since we went to Champlain Heights Elementary. I am a bit older and he SEEMS to have no marbles like then as he is now.
I really wonder why Sukh Dhaliwal keeps Ross on his team when many voters who are very dedicated to the Liberal Party did not vote for Dhaliwal since of Ross. How I know? Lets say even a person one active braincell would know why (Hint: look into Jenny Sims victory speech and read in between the lines) . In my job, I have alot of time to think over things.
I do not admit to be the worlds smartest or even make attempt to be (but I do how to get from point to another without the dirty tactics) nor do I say I know many political figures either Jonathan Ross so shut up Jon.
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