This Ford is no Lincoln

There is a huge distinction between leaders and those who happen to occupy leadership positions. True leaders are a rare and precious wonder. Toronto Mayor Rob Ford just happens to be occupying a leadership position, and doing a pretty poor job of it. He’s been accused of smoking crack. He’s been embroiled in myriad real and imagined scandals. Key staff members are jumping ship. He was asked to leave a fundraiser for wounded soldiers because he was so drunk. He was escorted from a Maple Leaf’s game for drunkenly abusing fans. And, amidst all the turmoil, he’s labeled journalists calling him to account “a bunch of maggots.”  Shrewd, huh?

Some are asking to give Ford a chance, until the crack allegations are settled. Yes, of course, except the good people of Toronto knew what they were getting with this guy before his 2010 election as Mayor. He was a disturbed bloviator throughout his City Council years. He vigorously denied a 1999 pot bust in Florida until, of course, he was forced to admit it was true. He had also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence at that time. You can bet on the fact that more skeletons will be tumbling out of this closet soon. Everyone makes mistakes, but Ford’s track record transcends that level of forgiveness. Mayor Ford may need help, and he should get it. What the people of Toronto need, however, is a leader and not a troubled, angry man who is seriously damaging that great city’s brand.

Twitter @jessicamcwade