Our City has been much in the news lately with the tragic personal situation involving our Mayor, Rob Ford.
First and foremost, this is a personal tragedy for him and his family. I've met Rob Ford. I've had him respond numerous times to concerns as a Councillor and as Mayor. I've seen Rob Ford in action with disadvantaged youth and heard the testimony of those who know the good this man has done. For five years, he has been slandered, attacked, insulted, mocked, besmirched, ridiculed and bullied. He has fallen victim to his own demons and it was those people who did the above who drove him to it. Yes, he opened the bottle. Yes, he put the pipe in his mouth; but these wretched demons handed him the bottle and lit the match.
I voted for Rob Ford the last time. If he is able to get the help he needs and runs again, I will vote for him again.
Toronto Catholic Witness has written the most accurate and pointed summation of all that has been going on that can be summed up with this:
"Rob Ford is essentially a poke in the eye of Toronto's elites on the part of middle class suburbanites who feel disenfranchised and taken advantage of. Indeed, it is hard to imagine a greater insult to the powers that be than to foist an overweight, football loving, beer swilling mayor on them".
On this Sunday, my fellow Torontonian Catholics, let us say a prayer for Rob, first and foremost for his health of mind, body and soul and for his family. I have and will continue to do so.
It would to well for us all to remember the maxim of St. Philip Neri when considering whether to mock him or not, "There, but for the grace of God, go I."