Another Canwest scribe whacks Mable Elmore for using word Zionist

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      A month ago, I went on a rant after seeing how the press gallery covered NDP Leader Carole James's  troubling condemnation of Vancouver-Kensington NDP candidate Mable Elmore for using the word Zionist five years ago.

      I said at the time that it made me embarrassed to be a working journalist in B.C. In fact, I'm possibly even more embarrassed by the fact that some of my colleages in the media accept large speaking fees from business organizations that seek legislative changes. But that's another story.

      So why revisit the Elmore situation again today (April 21)? It's because Province political columnist Mike Smyth claimed in today's column  that Elmore was a "wingnut" for using the term Zionist five years ago.

      Perhaps Smyth is right in this respect:  any political candidate is a wingnut for using the term Zionist in a province with so many Canwest media outlets. But I'm more apt to believe that in the real world—as opposed to Canwest's world—a columnist who thinks someone is  a wingnut for uttering the word Zionist is probably a wingnut himself.

      Elmore is a solid candidate. She could be the first person of Philippine descent elected to the B.C. legislature. The press gallery's coverage of her candidacy could delay her political rise if she becomes an MLA in an NDP government.

      As a result of the press gallery's coverage, the NDP's timid leader will  probably  be less inclined to appoint Elmore to cabinet in the future, which would deprive  Elmore of an opportunity to have greater influence to improve the lives of her constituents.

      In the past several years in Vancouver, few people have been as willing as Elmore to stand up for the poor and promote peace and justice. She has worked tirelessly to create a better society.

      She's not a wingnut. And anyone who suggests otherwise ought to be ashamed of himself.

      Comments

      3 Comments

      Really?

      Apr 21, 2009 at 11:43am

      Well said. Mike Smyth is a ridiculous man.

      Colleenc

      Apr 28, 2009 at 8:45pm

      Whats that old saying be careful what you call people as you may turn into one yourself as "wingnuts" has no balls to call its own. As it was a sad piece of fiction I thought only because its not worthy of any reporter especially when its like creating a war when there already is one and a very, very sad one indeed.

      Colleenc

      Apr 28, 2009 at 8:54pm

      Sorry about the lemon stuff a little harsh as reporters from Can West also do a fine job so if you want to delete my first comment, great work and delete away. Thanks.