A warning for this post: It’s not
for the faint of heart. I’m giving it all I’ve got!
CBC News of January 30, 2017,
featured an “opinion column”—that’s how it was classified by CBC—on the January
Quebec mosque shooting, an event that generated a lot of news for CBC, “news’
meaning money. The writer is Neil Macdonald, who is an “opinion columnist” for
CBC. If you watch CBC news at all, I am sure you’re familiar with him. I got to
know him mostly from his Washington DC news—or is his work there more opinion
oriented as well? As I read his piece, I was reminded of my friend (somewhat)
Ezra Lavant, whom Neil actually sarcastically mentions in his article. Why did
he remind me of Ezra? That was before I came across reference to him in the
article. Neil reminded me of him because the two are equally sarcastic. But
because Ezra directs his blunt sarcasm against the CBC and its cohorts, he is
berated by some of his colleagues as a trash journalist. Since Neil uses his
sarcasm in the service of the leftist media establishment, his is acceptable.
The title of Neil’s column is “Simple
truth is Canada's mass shooters are usually white and Canadian-born.” It is
interesting that the title falls short of the full statement, probably because
Neil’s editor wanted to play down Neil’s offensive remark somewhat, by leaving it in the text but omitting it from the title.
Probably no one would take offence at this title, but the complete charge is
something else. I quote a couple of sentences:
The
suspected shooter is Bissonnette. Not an immigrant. Not a Muslim. Probably a Christian, judging from his name. And, reportedly, a big admirer of
Trump.
Just about every single one in our modern
history has been a Canadian-born, Canadian citizen, and usually white and Christian.
Judging from his name, Bissonnette is probably a Christian? Welcome, Macdonald, into the Church, the Body
of Christ! Well, judging from your name,
right? I am glad to learn you are a Christian!
We can use some more Christian journalists, but it seems you still have
a few things to learn before your faith and profession are integrated. Or are
you like so many secularized Christians who separate their faith from their
occupation? I offer to become your
mentor!
But Neil, on what basis do you suggest Bissonnette is a Trump
admirer? “Reportedly”—does that mean
more than rumour? Perhaps I don’t know
the difference between rumour and opinion. Are they the same? Can you write an
opinion in the national news agency, paid for by my dollars, on basis of “reportedly”
and nothing more factual? Hmmm. I learn
new things every day. I have yet to meet a Canadian Christian who admires or
even just likes Trump. Please introduce me to one…. Of course, I live in Vancouver, which could
be different from the rest of the country. Since you’re a Christian, at least
by name, you should have easy access to them and ask.
But then that second quote—“usually white and Christian.” Wow!
What is your definition of a Christian? His name? His great uncle a
pastor? In the centuries-old line of the Scottish reformer John Knox? You saw him once in church attending a
wedding or funeral? Perhaps attending
the memorial service for the victims of this Quebec killing? Well, no, now I’m getting downright silly.
You, my readers, can access the entire article of Neil at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/canadian-mass-murders-1.3958772
and read it yourself. The next post will deal further with my “Christian brother’s”
(?) “reportedly” allegations.
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