Cheers to the CBC Vancouver and the Vancouver Police Department and Jeers to CKNW, Global News and VPD Chief Chu: The Vancouver Police ‘Porngate’ Being Played Down and Media Theft…and My New Job Working for Christy
Last night when I broke the story on the Vancouver Police Department’s ‘Porngate’, I knew it would be huge. I worked it for awhile and finally when it was confirmed to me by yesterday afternoon by multiple officers of the VPD, I wrote it.
I usually make three calls when it’s that big. One, to my lawyer, because I always do unless it’s a simple story, a second to a long-time friend who is an independent and the third to someone at CKNW (no, not Simi and please don’t ask who). Parenthetically, if it’s a Christy/BC Rail story, I always get the calls from everybody.
Last night, I should’ve also called my pals at Global, but after they spiked a homerun story on caucus dissension (including BC Rail/Basi-Virk court documents linking Christy Clark to the scandal–AGAIN) just three days before the leadership vote, I’m a little reluctant to share everything with them first, like I used to.
So, I awaken this morning to the news that the VPD have hastily called an essentially impromptu press conference for 10:30am this morning–specifically to reply to my story. I was advised accordingly by another long-time pal at Global.
During the press conference, another Global reporter asks if the presser was announced so last-minute as a response to my breaking news piece from last night.
The response: “Yes, as soon as we saw it, we thought we should respond and explain immediately.”
TRANSLATION: Alex nailed us again. For months we’ve known about 15 members trading hardcore porn and we hid it, particularly with rampant accusations of sexism against us and the missing women’s inquiry as backdrop. If Alex hadn’t broken the news, we would have just sat here, hoping against hope that no one would pick it up. Unfortunately, Alex knows EVERYBODY, including many of our current and former members who are his friends and so now we have to tell the truth.
Let me repeat my calls for Jim Chu’s resignation; he’s a total disgrace. I’ve seen copies of some of the porn being exchanged. That wasn’t, as he put it, “what you might find in ‘Sports Illustrated’” unless Gisele Bundchen confuses her mouth with her nether region when she’s at the ice cream parlour. Gimme a break, Chief, cut the crap.
The point here was that they were content to hide this information. As Chief he had not one iota of integrity to do what is right and report this matter to the real shareholders who pay his salary–YOU! Instead, he and his administration hid it. He’s a viral liar. He’s not a chief–he’s a PR whore. We saw this during the riots and previously when I outed him on his lucrative contract extension–courtesy of Penny Ballem and Gregor Robertson, that included hefty bonuses for coming in under budget. No wonder he didn’t push when the police asked for more resources during the playoffs. And the result was? A nightmare, because he wouldn’t do his job. Coward.
But huge cheers to the Vancouver Police Department for actually having the decency to address the story properly, notwithstanding the Chief’s lies, as they confirmed every single bit of what I ran yesterday. I’m glad they’re moving quicker when they get caught, but the Chief’s BS was uncontainable. The reviews of his performance, by several reporters afterwards, were most unfavorable.
Huge jeers to both Global and CKNW, who have been running my story all day without one stitch of attribution. Considering how I GAVE IT to a CKNW reporter FIRST–right after I wrote it, and basically gift-wrapped it for them, very low budget, very cheap, very disappointing. The only class in that story was the reporter I gave it to and Simi Sara who apologized for not stepping in and providing full attribution when she covered it during her show. Interesting all the NW reporters covering the story were present at the VPD press conference when it was confirmed why the police responded, but ran the story as their own anyway. This includes their sister station, Global, who actually had part of the story wrong until I called and helped them out late this afternoon: until five today they were reporting that there was “surfing” involved. This is incorrect. Individual porn files were being traded–but no surfing or porn, as the VPD computers generally do not allow for that kind of access to the internet.
Huge cheers to CBC Vancouver. Not only did they provide me credit, both on TV and radio, but sent out two first class guys to interview me at the police station off Cambie. Think about it: I caused them immense grief over my breaking the Stephen Smart conflict story (and they know they’re wrong) but they still had the journalistic integrity to interview and acknowledge my work on the scoop. So, don’t think because Smart is conflicted that the CBC are without integrity. They could have done what Global and CKNW did, and didn’t. Big marks in my book and my heartfelt appreciation. Most honorable mention to CBC reporter Kirk Williams. One the most first class people I’ve ever had the privilege to be interviewed by.
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And finally, in an unrelated matter, an hour ago, my pal Gary Mason at the Globe tweeted that I was the new Press Secretary to the Premier.
I know, you’re all laughing, but prepare to bust a gut: Some people have been emailing and calling Gary asking him if it’s true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT’S GONE VIRAL!!!
LOL! As if Christy would want me anywhere around and as if I’d want to work for corrupt people or leave my perch, which I love. Honestly, it’s NOT TRUE and Gary was obviously kidding. I cannot believe anyone would take that seriously, however…..look, Christy is a great mother and a good friend to have, we know lots of the same people and even share some good friends, but ME work for HER?!?!?!?! I don’t think so…
Geezus Murphy! Although I have to say, I laughed so hard my sides are hurting. Thanks Mason. I’ll have to think of something to get you back! LOL!
Now, all of you go tune in to the five o’clock news–for the teaser (and again at six or the full story) on CBC Vancouver, Channel 3. You might see someone you’ll recognize.
Maybe….
I sent an email to Simi Sara earlier today, before this post. I’m extremely disappointed with her response.
I asked her if she believed in giving credit where credit was due.
Her response was that she was told that CKNW reporters,received the scoop…and yes she believed in giving credit.
I pointed out that she specifically stated blogesphere broke the story..her reply was that she would call you and clarify.
She has not gotten back to me so I don’t know if she called you or not Alex…but after reading this post I’m so disappointed.. has Simi Sara been forced to drink the NW kool aid..
So very disappointed, you see I’ve always loved Simi’s work, she is a strong female voice…
CKNW should be ashamed, and Simi if you are reading this…find your voice, that was your strongest feature..
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I haven’t heard from her since this afternoon’s apology, which wasn’t necessary because I love her to death, she’s great people.
Low point, for sure. Let’s see if it happens again. As another reporter at CKNW put it, I’m the breaking news and tip machine.
It’s not complicated, if they do that again, I’ll simply start calling WX.
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Oh I didn’t hear the apology…did they apologize on air?
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No, Simi and I are friends, let’s not make more of this than it is. She had family commitments this afternoon. Simply put, we texted each other several times and she apologized without reservation–but again, this was unnecessary. She wasn’t told the whole story by some of the CKNW reporters that were at the press conference. It happens.
Remember, she is the same Simi Sara that gave me huge kudos on air recently for the work I’ve done on the BC Rail file. Tieleman, who was her guest agreed and emailed me about it afterwards.
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I am bowing at my computer screen again Alex! Well done.
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Thanks, very kind.
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CKNW reports that Chris Olsen got the axe by the Premier’s office/
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Yes, it’s been circulating since last night but that’s not a big story. He was totally out of his depth and should’ve never been hired to begin with.
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What was Chris Olsen thinking when he took the job? How many people working for Christy are from former local news agencies in some capacity? Seems to me she is up to something. Na could not be, manipulate the news. Na.
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Congrads on the new gig. I’m sure under the careful tutor-age of Christy you will spin the Libs to a new mandate LMOA
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Thank you for another informative piece reported with integrity. For those of you that missed Alex on CBC.
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Canada/BC/1258521056/ID=2198069464
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great post alex.
what our police chief refuses to acknoledge that good or bad news he has an obligation to tell the public the truth.
you can not say trust us we have changed and then pull this crap.
you can go on to the seattle polic web site and view complaints and outcomes no names just the facts
mr chu this is transparency from a police department that has had its own p r issues
and perhaps then we can believe you the next time you speak you are truthfull and not full of spin
as sgt joe friday used to say just the facts sir
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First – Good work on VPD Alex – maybe someone, sometime will see Jim Chu for what he really is and do the right thing.
Second – congrats on your new job. I’m sure Snooki will just love having you around!!!!!
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Thanks Alex…Once again shining light where it needs shined.
Give BC something to hope for and tell us that you will one day
run for office.
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Definitely.
Won’t.
Well, maybe…
Not…
Eight now…
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Congrats on the story.
Working for Christy……”Say it ain’t so Joe”
I almost had a heart attack.
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Although Alex is right about Chu (and a lot of VPD Members agree) it is Unfortunate that Alex lacks fundamental integrity – because he’s spoon fed and in the pocket of those cops among tothers.
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I didn’t know the were handing out laptops as well as crack pipes by Insite…
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Or handing out the iPads that the BC gov was caught passing out like needles at the Exchange
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Some of George Garrett’s colleagues used to say the same thing about him usually out of jealousy because they couldn’t stand in his shadow. Wear it like a badge of honor.
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Well, thank you. I was very close to George when toiling away for Bill in the eighties. One of BC’s best reporters, without question.
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Christy would only want you on her staff so she could get your “loyalty”. She actually thinks big pay checks can do that. LOL. At least you could teach her how to put a complete sentence together.
The only time lately that she speaks fluently is when she is reading from a promp page.
She needs a good writer, You could write for her.
Imaging her getting to paragraph three, where the script says…
“Because of the record I have explained to you , and the response of the taxpayers I am tendering my resignation as of today.”
She would probably finish before realising what was said.
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First: Congrats once again, Alex. It’s why we all come to this blog.
Second: Massive LOLLOLLOL for the Press Sec. fib. Were some really fooled??
Third: Gotta say, G. Mason’s Twitter page is hilarious. Good on ya GM for introducing some levity into the crazy arena that is the news in B.C.
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My sides still hurt.
Thanks!
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HI Alex,
the stations not crediting you with breaking the story creates many issues for them. They don’t like to admit the bolgosphere and you in particular have the goods again with them nowhere to be seen until after the fact or looking the other way on yet another important issue.
To do so would be another reinforcement that those two stations in particular are losing relevancy, however, by not giving credit where it is due they still manage to achieve just that. Either way they look bad.
NIce one.
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maybee this is why chrispy keeps taking credit for things her and her govt have not done.
she must still think she is working with some stafff at cknw
alex one of the things i love about your reporting
you give credit where credit is due you may not always agree with the person or their politics you still give them credit when due
you declare any coflict of interest rather real or percieved
alex this is called journalistic integrity and this is why sources trust you.
unlike others in msm and the blogsher
keep up the great work giving us news and views
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You are always way too kind to me. But I’ll take it! LOL!
Yes, I DEMAND that I be held to the same rigorous, yet principled, standards with which I hold the rest of the media. Giving credit is a basic courtesy.
Global obviously felt differently yesterday. And after a discussion with Simi this morning, I think one of her colleagues misled her on where the story originally came from. Whether it was intentional or not, is irrelevant.
I don’t take guff from anyone. It does say a great deal about CBC’s journalistic integrity though, as they could have cowered like the rest, but didn’t. They actually made the right moves. And I say this not because they ran with my story and gave attribution. I’m not about to leave me perch, so it’s not like I won’t break more stories int he future.
Not unless Christy calls and begs me to join her team! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Bloody hell, Mason the trickster. I’ll get him back…
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Hi Alex,
Not only is your blog colourful, lively, humorous, and insightful . .. but it’s bafflingly and refreshingly inconsistent and contradictory! Now, before you take that the wrong way, let me say with admiration that this is because of your honesty and your ethics as a journalist covering the ironic facts of life and also offering your considered opinion and analysis. You give credit where you feel it’s due and you aren’t bound by ideology or corporate or political backers who compel you to spin. People recognize and respond to truth in a way that’s been missing for some time. Kudos again!
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Thank you. Very kind!
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Nice work Alex. And thanks for the heads up this morning. Between this and Galliford’s statement, the police in the MWCI don’t have much credibility when they assert that rampant sexism within their departments didn’t contribute to the failed missing women investigations. Most disgraceful thing about this whole story? The cover-up.
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Totally. I think you and Cameron Ward are first class.
I agree and so do many cops. They dropped the ball in those days. “Chug girls” weren’t worth the time. Disgusting.
Although, there are most honorable past and present members of the VPD that are appalled with that same conclusion. It’s very painful for everybody.
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Evan Duggan, at the Vancouver Sun, has an article up.
http://www.vancouversun.com/Vancouver+police+investigating+staff+accused+circulating+porn+online/6163946/story.html
Credit where credit is due? Nope.
“The officer said the force went public with the discovery out of respect for transparency, but when pressed by reporters he conceded that the information had recently leaked to the media before the decision to go public. ‘I understand there was information out there,’ he said.”
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That was right before he was asked about my blog piece by John Daly of Global.
Their messaging is ridiculous on some aspects of this.
Particularly where the Chief is concerned.
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http://www.cbc.ca/bc/
Look under featured video @ 9:30 mark of video
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I see Olsen isn’t on Chrusty’s side anymore.
That bus just ran over another not so innocent victim.
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Innocent? I don’t think so…
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I had a huge smile on my face when it was announced that Olsen got the hook.
As for Chief Chu, one wonders if this poster boy for Politically Correct appointments is being set up as the eventual “fall guy” for all the ridiculous foolishness occurring at the VPD.
Circulating porn on work computers in this day and age is unbelievably stupid. Grounds for dismissal at ANY company.
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Absolutely. It should be. That’s a very personal thing to do. I have a great neighbor who I’ll often kid with: “Hey, no more porn?” And he’ll laugh. What people do with their PRIVATE time is one thing, but on company time? And COPS?!?!?!?! No way. I wholeheartedly agree with you.
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a adjudicator at a dismissal hearing regarding several vancouver school board employees upheld the firings as termination for cause
these employees used work computers on company for the looking at porn
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You have an excellent memory….
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/05/01/vancouver-maintenance-workers-protest-porn-punishment/
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Should of used quotes, as in “not so innocent”.
As in “Pure as New York snow.”.
Now Olson’s problem is the same as any other media hack that crosses the line and becomes a mouthpiece for any politician. Virtually impossible to get a job again in their former vocation, as they have lost all credibility, not that there’s much sympathy there.
The part that gets me, is they are talking about severance…….he had a job for what, 6 months? Severance? How about 2 weeks pay, if you’re lucky!
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Complete agreement.
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Unless Olsoen knew what a vindictive whack job Ms Clark is and signed a 1 year contract….but i highly doubt it
I have a friend that went through 3 jobs in 1 year.(2 mergers =lay-offs and 1 firing). He had signed 1 year contracts in each company.
3 years pay for 1 years work. Not a bad gig if you can get it……..
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He was not on a year contract. I checked.
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Kudos to CBC hope you don’t mind if I post this Alex, if you go to 9:29 mark, you just might recognize someone…
http://www.cbc.ca/video/watch/News/Canada/BC/CBC News Vancouver at 6/ID=2198071372
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See … this is what happens if you don’t issue EVERY taxpayer funded employee with an iPad2 (iPad3 coming soon).
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AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! HILARIOUS COMMENT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Well done…
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Doesn’t it make you feel safe that that putz, that walking oxymoron, Vic Toews is on the porno trail with his “Lawful Access Law” – Bill C-51? What a misnomer!
Consider that it may well be one of these “trustworthy” VPD porno swapping clowns that’s responsible for deciding who gets a warrantless IP invasion under this new bullsh*t law.
Do you think if AGT didn’t expose VPD porno swappers in his blog, that they or Chief Chu would be investigating themselves now… or would they be investigating you instead, because they didn’t like your comments or your politics?
If this bill is about catching pedophiles, then how come, when caught, even if they’re charged, do they get such short sentences? Something stinks!
How exactly is this bill going to catch child pornographers when anonymous encrypted browsing technologies like Tor already exist?
Sure sure, the original intent of this bill is to stop kiddie porn. But how long will it take for function creep to set in?
Toews actually said to us citizens, “You can either stand with us or with the child pornographers.”
Any government that calls its citizens paedophiles because they oppose a broad and rights removing bill and then renames that bill so it fits in with that view HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE!
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If the Conservatives really want me to feel like they care about locking up kiddie pornsters, then they should change the laws and give them minimum ten year sentences.
Kiddie porn asshole should be locked up for a very long time. Sick bastards.
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Vic Toews comment, “ You can either stand with us or with the child pornographers” reminds me of G Dubya Jr.’s “Yer either with us ‘r agin us.”
Both are equally excessive, impetuous and inane.
Just as “a Guinness” took preference to Bush’s dangerous rhetoric, objecting to Bill 30, which so clearly contravenes our right to privacy, is not – by any stretch of the imagination – condoning child pornography.
If this is any indication of the “omniscient vision” Harper has for Canada, perhaps his pre-majority critics and detractors were onto something.
Having said that, I agree with AGT. Amend the laws around child pornography and lock anyone involved in child porn up for a very long and very hard time. And as for anyone who violates a child – life wouldn’t be enough!
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Complete agreement!
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Nice scoop Alex. You are looking quite slim on the tube these days.
Oh and by the way…..when you are finished with your police chief (over in the big smoke) please don’t send him over here to the island like you did with Jamie Graham.
We don’t need any more of your “hand me downs” thank you very much.
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LOL! Yes, I’m slimming down, but I still have a long way to go. I’m down 36lbs and want to lose another 20-30 so I can be in the best shape of my life. I started this effort in June of last year, right before my birthday, and while it’s frustrating at times, I have made an effort to drop the weight slowly and purposefully. It’s healthier that way. In fact, the reason I was hurried for the interviews I did, was because they ran right into my workout time! LOL!
Thanks for the encouraging words. I have a whole new wardrobe of old clothes!!!
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500 mg of egcg green tea extract a day
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Really? I’ve always taken Apple Cider Vinegar but more for stomach issues than anything else.
Won’t the green tea extract cause long term problems?
And what is EGCG? I enjoy being able to run and lift for an hour, three or four times per week. On alternate days I run and stretch. I don’t want short cuts.
But I appreciate this and will look into it. Any additional info you might provide would be helpful. Thanks.
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http://www.naturalnews.com/034153_green_tea_weight_loss.html
Egcg
Also get a vitamin d blood test. be in 100 to 150 range.4000 iu a day to get there
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Thank you SO much for this. I really appreciate it. I’ll look into it. Remind me to respond in a future post. I’m not sure if the caffeine carries in the pill form as well, but I’m a decaf espresso guy about twice per week. Otherwise, I find more than the caffeine found in light teas, really bothers me–so I avoid caffeinated beverages.
Much appreciation, again.
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Dont forget that muscle weighs more than fat.
So when you have initially dropped a large amount of weight through exercise and diet your reducing the fat molecules. Especially if this is years of accumulation.
If you have hit a “walll” where you dont seem to lose weight and or seem to be gaining a bit even though your still working out and dieting.
Plus as your body gets stronger and more used to the exercise regime the excercises need to be ramped up.
I’m 5′ 9 and my fighting weight at 30 years of age was 155lbs. Over the years I ballooned up to as much as 185lbs (beer gut).
Now i’m back down to 165lbs at 50 and when i work out hard that weight jumps to about 170lbs .
Dont forget that your body isnt producing the same levels of testosterone as it used to ,so your genetically wired to lose muscle mass after 40 years of age matter how hard you work out
Keep it up! Your wife is probably enjoying the “new” you more than you are….
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Funny. When I started I was pushing 275lbs and I’m 5’11″
I’ve dropped 35lbs and have shed 14% body fat. My waist size went from 44 when I started to 38 today. I can powerwalk to the gym for a half hour, workout for a full hour, often over, and then I powerwalk home for a half hour.
It’s funny, I have had no issue gaining muscle. That’s never been a problem. When I was younger I hit the gym five days a week and was a monster. Then I took up running and went from about 225lbs to 175lbs which I found too thin for me.
I prefer hovering around the 200-210 mark. I’ll get there. But I’m concentrating on cardio more than the bench–although I’m gaining in strength with each workout.
So far, so good. I feel so much better. I encourage EVERYONE to do it. Don’t take 14 years off like I did. Bad move. My vitamin regimen and great genetics saved me, otherwise, I’d have been in big trouble.
Thank God.
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Excellent ! Glad your enjoying it!
Nothing better than a early moring workout in the spring, summer, fall when the sun is out, no clouds and the city is still asleep…
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I actually prefer running in the mornings or swimming. But if I’m going to lift, I’ll do that only after noon.
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Alex, great scoop. My least favourite moment of Chu’s response was when he downplayed the situation of female officers in this environment. Sorry, not acceptable.
And when I saw Mason’s tweet last night I just about burst from laughing so hard.
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Yeah, I know. Hysterically funny. I STILL cannot believe someone would take that seriously.
As for the Great Choo, he has once more demonstrated that he should be fired. I haven’t the first clue with Gregor would tolerate such lies.
And conspicuous by their absence yesterday, were all the female members of the VPD PR set–particularly Jana McGuiness, who lives to hate me, as I don’t think they wanted to deal with reporters asking them how they might feel about their colleagues using taxpayer resources and company time to get their jollies.
Good to hear from you. I pray you’re getting better. The run of stories related to BC Rail you’ve been doing are superb. I’ve had some challenges of my own getting some incendiary documents cleared for release, but I will soon. Take care of yourself my friend.
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It’s too bad that Marisa Thomas wasn’t assigned this story… She’s the only one that credits you… IT should be HER reporting stories relating to YOU!
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In fairness, Ted Chernecki, John Daly and Catherine Uruqhart have all credited me with stories as well. I’ve worked more with Marisa, that’s true. But it just happened to work out that way.
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And just how long are these demotions for? If they are short term then it’s nothing more than spin as usual.
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Yeah, I tried to get this info after the press conference but was thwarted. They aren’t very forthcoming in announcing the real measures.
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Great Job again!!! I just about tinkled tears when I read about You working for Christy, ha ha , but hey you know the line keep your friends close and your enemies closer. She needs a replacement for Chris Olson.
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I know, it was too funny.
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Maybe one factor in Olsen’s departure was when he tried to prevent a reporter from asking an off-topic question in Christy’s news conference and she said “it’s okay Chris, I can handle this”. ?
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Um, I think that’s obvious, is it not?
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chris olsen can always talk to the vpd chief chu for a job
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That’s funny!
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Re: Pornogate – GREAT WORK ALEX!
Re: Press Secretary – Well Alex the rumor is that Sara MacIntyre, the ace who is a big pain in the we-know-where BCTF, is going to save Premier Christy Clark’s be-hind and be her spokesperson. I’m sure that somehow reconciles with Sara’s glorious Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation & PMSH past.
Bridgette Anderson nor Alise Mills would accept the job if offered. Nor should they as one will be Premier one day.
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Really? Bridgette will be Premier will she?
Honestly buddy, some days you really give it the ol’ heave ho…
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I meant ALISE, obviously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ya I know….
If I shake my head any more, it’ll fall off.
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The old saying about having your enemies in the tent urinating out rather than the other way around. But a bit of a stretch for anyone with any creds actually working for the woman would be awful hard to believe. She is a train wreck about to happen heading down the mountain with no brakes
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In slow motion…don’t forget the slow motion…I’m going to slow it right down for everybody…so no one misses a beat…
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The Police Chief that trained Jim Chu runs the Victoria police department now.
It would appear that this department has lost some of their riot gear including weapons.
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Victoria+police+riot+gear+missing/6171120/story.html
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Alex Tsakumis appointed Press Secretary to B.C. Premier Christy Clark? Well, stranger things have happened, but not many. It is said that when Abraham Lincoln was told that General U. S. Grant was an alcoholic (which may have been true), Lincoln apparently told his advisers to find out what kind of whiskey he drank and send a barrel of it to his other generals because, “This man fights!”. If Christy Clark had Alex as a press secretary, when she became Premier, she just might not be in the deep doo-doo she’s now in. However, Alex would have to be one of those who truly believe that journalism should be helpful, even at he expense of being truthful.
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Very clever! As usual. Even if it was just a rumour, you have no idea the number of people who actually believed it might be true! Hysterically funny.
The issue isn’t really best staffers. It’s that Christy herself can’t cut it.
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There was another media whore involved in this story, one who was so desperate to get in front of the camera it appears he forgot what he was there for!
David Eby, who first criticised you for breaking the story on Twitter, then went to the media and gave a good finger wagging about the porn. I believe this alone speaks volumes…
What he forgot to discuss was the civil liberties implications of an employer conducting surveillance on an employee’s computer. Now, I don’t see any issue with the VPD doing this- particularly at a police department. That said, David seems much more focussed on wearing his political hat these days than his civil libertarian one.
And, doesn’t it seem it was unnecessary for him to say what he did. It just appears to me to be another case of cop baiting- what appears to be his favourite sport. If his job (in his vision) is to protect people from the police, wouldn’t you imagine he would stop unnecessarily rattling their cages? Sooner or later, someone is going to get hurt.
Personally, I’m beginning to believe that it is reckless of the BCCLA to have a politician sitting in his chair. We need someone independent who takes actions for the right reasons, not to get more camera time.
I’ve written a story on this, thought I’d share.
http://genuinewitty.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/david-eby-politician-or-civil-libertarian-and-why-he-needs-to-resign/
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My old pal David was criticizing me on twitter for breaking this story???
Why?! Because he didn’t get at it first?
Pathetic. But he’s always been like that.
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David is your old pal? Let’s hope the word ‘old’ explains your friendship- because, the more I look into this guy, the more I feel he is not the @motherTheresaBC that everyone believes he is.
This is not the only example of where he uses his seat at the BCCLA to get free publicity. In this article where he discusses a mural at a fire station he also does some grandstanding. Also notice that he, once again, misses all of the civil liberties questions that could be raised by the issue.
http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/42265–bccla-downtown-eastside-mural-paints-offensive-picture
I’ve been told that it is forbidden to use a not-for-profit for political means. So, real question about this story would be if David is breaking the rules of the Societies Act. If there is anyone out there who could help me with this question, I’d greatly appreciate it…
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That’s true. The argument you would get from him, though, would be on the definition of “political means.”
Good luck with that. Let me know how it turns out.
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Greg,
I read the Tweet and didn’t get the impression that Eby was critical of Alex but rather wondering if the VPD would have announced the investigation had they not been forced into it by the story that Alex broke.
I totally agree that he is using the BCCLA to boost his political profile and they are stupid enough to go along with it.
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Ah, thanks Bob. I didn’t think that David would do that.
But the point he makes is the one I led with when interviewed by the CBC: Chief Chu would have never announced the affair if I hadn’t found out about it and reported the whole sordid matter.
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