The Gazette’s Elizabeth Thompson on Sandra Buckler being hospitalized for thyroid cancer (H/T National Newswatch) :
…The press gallery is sending flowers – although a flowering cactus might be more appropriate given Ms. Buckler’s prickly relations with most members of the fourth estate on the Hill …
Get well, Ms. Buckler. And do your best to ignore the tasteless comments from the peanut gallery.
* * * *
Update : Some of the earlier nastiness was captured by Reid and Jack , before Ms. Thompson had a chance to hit the edit and delete buttons.
Upperdate : Thompson’s blog keeps changing as she desperately attempts to dig herself out of this hole, but just ends up getting in deeper. Via Jack’s Newswatch , we see that Warren is not impressed. Jack has been doing an excellent job keeping up with this fast-changing story.
* * * *
Reid has the latest . Elizabeth Thompson has sent a personal apology and a bouquet of non-prickly flowers to Sandra Buckler (see Update 2 ).
Personally, I hope this incident has raised awareness between the PPG and the PMO about what really matters in life – which is life . When you come right down to it, we’re all on the same side.
Thursday update : Liz’s editor returned Dr. Roy’s phone call on the matter. Read all about it here – Elizabeth Thompson’s editor called .
Fagstein – Over the top . Just not sure if he’s referring to Thompson’s comments there, or the reaction from the blogosphere…
I called Elizabeth Thompson’s editor at 514-987-2508 about five minutes before she substantially rewrote the article, and I would suggest others call to bring this to the attention of the editor.
Good for you for noticing and posting this Joanne.
I am shocked and disgusted with these kinds of comments – apparently she said worse, but has edited it (according to Jacks NW).
So all you lefties who laugh off the calls of we Tories about Bias in the Media.
Elizabeth should apologize loudly and publicly!!! The rest of the media should call her out on this.
Even this has some sarcastic undertones when you think about it:
…That said, we wish her well and urge her to take a long, long time off to get better.
[...] Update: Media snark jumps the shark [...]
I’ve added your entry to mine, Joanne. We need teamwork on an issue like this.
I’ve linked to you both as well.
Ditto. Something tells me Ms. Thompson may have to issue a press release saying she ‘misspoke’.
Hard to keep up with Ms. Thompson today. Her fingers are a blur on the keyboard as her mind goes into “total flameout”. As you noted on my blog…”She changed it again”.
I expect “Mikie” (he who eats everything) may bring this matter up tonight at five. We’ll see.
viewercontact@globaltv.com
This is the only contact email address I could find for CanWest for those who wish to contact them with their disapproval
I sent Duff an email to his beloved crackberry.
Duff@ctv.ca
think she’s changed it again?
She did. She took out the “communicatrix” again. I have screen shots saved this time of the last post and this most current incarnation.
i don’t understand people like that…she’s just asking for bad karma…
WTF this is the most disgusting thing I have seen.
E. Thompson has no class. I am speechless. One of my family members had this cancer, and for this person to be making jokes about it. Well this just get my blood going.
The comment about mrs buckler taking a long time to recover, is just disgusting.
No bias in the MSM, making fun of people with cancer is ok now. what a joke.
Get well Mrs. Buckler.
E. Thompson – Air Bandit and Liberal Hack. Garbage. No wonder she’s a journalist, with a writing style like that she would not have graduated in any other field.
Time for a move to have Ms. Thompson transferred to Iqualat Daily News. Let’s get that underway – letters, emails, phone calls.
Actually our daily newspaper is looking for a reporter – I am sure that she would be qualified for that level of reporters job.
It’s clear from the comments that some readers objected to my use of the term communicatrix in the original posting.
Uh, sorry Liz, that would be all readers objected.
What a truly classless hack.
–
Ms. Thompson has zero class and zero credibility, and deserves zero respect. I hope Mrs. Buckler is better soon. As for Ms. Thompson, I hope she is never on the receiving end of such disgusting treatment – she should be ashamed and embarrassed.
Elizabeth Thompson’s apology about her “communicatrix” comment includes her statement:
“While I suspect Sandra Buckler is very proud of the message discipline she has brought to the Conservative government, I acknowledge that it was probably not the right time or place for the reference.”
Even when apologizing, Ms. Thompson can’t seem to lose she snarkiness.
Why shouldn’t a communications director deliver disciplined messaging to the media? The MSM parses every word and often spins the message to reflect their own biases, so “discipline” is important when communicating with them. Isn’t it Ms. Buckler’s job to control and manage communications in an orderly fashion to ensure the message gets out, while minimizing the risk of overzealous spin-meisters twisting it?
Possibly, Ms. Thompson carries the same inferiority complex that Richard Brennan, president of the press gallery, seems to have when he whined in the April 28th, 2008 edition of The Hill Times:
“I think they [the government] will continue their hard feelings with the gallery and I think this just cements some of that. We still have to do our job and do it as objectively as possible, but the fact is we’re all human beings and we don’t want to be treated like dirt, and that seems to be what the bottom line is in many of the relationships with this government. It’s that you’re treated as something less than human, quite frankly,” said Mr. Brennan.”
He forgot to add:
“Stroke us, cuddle us, praise us, pander to us, we’re special!”
If anything, the National Press Gallery has conditioned the PMO to exercise “discipline” and Ms. Buckler should be commended for doing her job well.
Best wishes on a full and speedy recover, Ms. Buckler!
She said it, she took it back, then she said she was sorry for saying it. I dont know whats in her heart nor does anyone else. Seems to me that should be the end of it. If it was the wrong thing to say and the wrong time to say it then, its also the wrong time to talk about media bias. I’ve commented before about Conservative supporters rising above all of this and taking the high road.
billg – in her position it rising above taking cheap political shots at a sick woman, transends party politics for pete’s sake.
If a conservative would have done the same, man, the lemmings would be swarming all media with the story and filling the culprits basket with outrage.
This is just one more reason why more and more folks are tuning the media off and tuning out!
In fact Sol – I have a hazy memory of someone with really vague conservative ties making a less than sympathetic remark about Ms. Stronach when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and as I recall the media was all over it for days ‘n days…. front page, screaming headlines.. etc
Neither is right, both are appalling – but it does certainly highlight the hypocrisy of (some of) the press.
“If it was the wrong thing to say and the wrong time to say it then, its also the wrong time to talk about media bias”
I totally disagree – this is absolutely the time to talk about bias. This is a prime example of it and the PPG, the MSM and the left in this country are always saying there is no bias – it is all in our heads.
Time to pull out all stops and prove that it really does exist.
I read it when she first posted it and really didnt think it was a political shot…maybe I’m wrong. Maybe its because I find her to be very fair in her reporting. Take her comments anyway you like, she’s retracted them and appologized for them, and that does transend party politics. Remember Sol..one day a Conservative will say something dumb and appologize for it..how can we ask for a little respect when we dont give it??
billg
Ya, she just made fun of someone with cancer it’s all good she took it back.
Now what would happen if the press and the conservatives made fun of the last liberal president who had a stroke?
I bet you would be singing a different tune.
It’ll be interesting to see if Mike Duffy mentions Sandra Buckler’s illness, Elizabeth Thompson’s nasty remarks and her subsequent “apology” on his show today.
I’m sure he’s well aware of it.
Duff@ctv.ca
Good god BM…who ever said that just because she said sorry “everything is good”?? Its not all good..I thought that was pretty self evident with her apology. And, why would I sing a different tune if the press or a Con said something about the outgoing Lib president…oh…I get it…I’m a Lib??…ya…I’ll remember that little nugget when I’m making’ phone calls on Cheryl Gallants behalf asking my friends if I can put her signs on they’re lawns. I like to attack the media when they are bias and dumb, but, its kinda hard to attack one of them when they admit they were bias and dumb. Thats all I’m sayin.
I help treat people with thyroid cancer (I’m an endocrinologist). This is a very curable cancer. Removal of the thyroid and a dose of radioactive thyroid is usually curative. She i very very likely to live many , many years and I hoep she comes back to kick grit and media butt!
billg said:
“its kinda hard to attack one of them when they admit they were bias and dumb”
I wish she had been that forthcoming.
Her comment that sending a cactus would have been more appropriate than flowers still stands, as does her double meaning statement:
“That said, we wish her well and urge her to take a long, long time off to get completely better.”
The only third party she refers to is the “fourth estate on the Hill”, so is she authorized to speak for all of them?
Susan Delacourt and the RedStar now has a blogpost on it. And she mentions the “debate” going on in the blogosphere. But like all media hacks afraid of the new realities of communications she doesn’t provide any links to our “debate.” My post is updated accordingly.
Thank you Dr. Roy for informing us it’s beatable. I hope she doesn’t presently know about this comment til way after surgery and she’s better. The enemy has shown its true colours today. Excellent coverage, Joanne, Reid, Jack.
According to Susan Delacourt’s blog, Sandra Buckler has already had surgery:
“Yes, it seems to be true – the Prime Minister’s communications director, Sandra Buckler, has undergone surgery this week associated with thyroid cancer.
The Star would just like to say at this point that we wish Ms. Buckler the speediest of recoveries and all the best for a happy, healthy return to work.”
http://thestar.blogs.com/politics/
If any journalist needs coaching on how to express a get-well wish with sincerity, they might want to check with Ms. Delacourt speaking on behalf of herself, as a member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, and The Star.
I come from a family of nine kids that were between the ages of 3-19 when our mother was diagnosed with a vary curable tyroid cancer. We buried her within 6 months of the diagnosis as it had spread.
Even when my ex-wife (who I have no use for) was diagnosed with a type of breast cancer that the survival rate was low, I dropped everything to help support her. Just because I don’t care much for her does not mean that my boys should be without a Mother, or hear me say ignorant things about her! I am still happy to say that it has been 6 years for her cancer free and yes she is still a &*%#@ !
I guess Liz was feeling the heat today. She put an update on her blog saying she sent a personal appology and bouquet of flowers to Sandra Buckler. Better late than never.
Thanks for the update, Reid. Safe to say, Liz learned something today. At least she’s owned up to it all, instead of deleting the whole post.
“which is life . When you come right down to it, we’re all on the same side.”
while beautifully said, I just finished America Alone by Steyn. Maybe we aren’t all on the same side! Yikes!
Chucker, great to hear from you!
Maybe we aren’t all on the same side! Yikes! Yeah, well I meant most of us in Canada are on the side of valuing life. Of course, there are definitely some in the world who don’t see things that way – they see human life as simply a means to an end.
Her editor called me early this evening
What Ms. Thompson wrote was totally inappropriate. I’m glad Roy that the editor is taking this matter seriously.
When someone is suffering with a disease like cancer it should be the time to leave partisanship at the door.
I hope no one wants to see anyone have to go through an illness like that no matter who that person may be.
I only wish Sandra the best and pray for the healing power of God to come over her and restore her back to optimum health.
[...] are also other (Conservative) blogs that have picked up on the issue and gone so far as to call the paper’s managing editor to express their outrage [...]
Fagstein – I read your little ditty at your blog and the first sentence struck me as the pot calling the kettle black.
“They’ll take something you say as evidence of a personal bias against them, and start taking a fine-toothed comb to everything you write, pointing out every mistake and interpreting everything you say in the most negative way possible.”
Gee sounds JUST like the PPG. What Ms Thompson did is prove the depth of the hatred the press has for the PMO and that they cannot step outside their partisan colored world even to wish sincere well wishes to someone fighting cancer. I wonder what Ms. Thompson thought the reaction would be to that kind of a story?
Sorry Fagstein – there is no way that you can spin this to be anything but despicable. To somehow turn it back on bloggers for calling her out and telling her how insensitive and outright wrong she is; shows that you do not see how the MSM in this country can no longer provide balanced reporting on what goes on in Ottawa.
Bias in the press – you bet – and this is just one glaring example.
The press in this country need to step back and take a good look at themselves and realize that they have put themselves into government as another opposition party; albeit a totally unelected one.
Well said, Alberta Girl!
I think this comment from Thompson’s blog mirrors your thoughts:
DgBeaulne said:
I have never been one to believe the hype spewed by the Conservatives in regards to the PPG, until today. In one fell swoop you have proven yourself to be as vindictive as the Cons have put the PPG out to be.
And then you wonder why no one in the PPG is given any regard for stories.
And then you wonder why the Cons go somewhere else for their information dissemination.
My father died of cancer and you thinly veiled Liberal mouthpieces make me sick.
May 7, 2008 8:16 PM
Remember when we had to write lines on the blackboard to atone for some wrong, in class or the schoolyard.
How about this woman has to write 100 stories listing all the good things this govt has done, (use the list)without one snide remark.
Best time to write these would be during an election campaign.
Who was it a few weeks ago in an Ottawa paper I believe who said:
“…Assassin’s eyes…” referring to Stephen Harper
No there’s no bias in the MSM. *puke*
so what do you think of the Globe and Mail’s tabloid crap today digging up dirt on MP Bernier’s ex-biker-chick girlfriend.
Just when I thought the Globe couldn’t get trashier..they trump themselves with this pap.
Who the hell cares?????
Does the Globe think Canadians are idiots? (don’t answer that..I think I know)
Re: Bernier and his girlfriend.
When Margaret Trudeau was cavorting with known drug-users, the media thought it was cool.
When Trudeau fathered a child out of wedlock (yes, I know I’m dating myself), that was considered cool.
When Chretien’s son was accused of rape/molestation, it was not given too much media play.
When Belinda Stronach apparently helped break up a marriage, and she said it was a private matter, “journalists” were cool with that. They ceased and desisted.
I guess Trudeau’s dictum of “the nation has no business in the bedrooms of the nation” apply only if Liberals are involved.
Also, I would like to know what kind of company some of those self-righteous journalists keep.
Read “applies” instead of “apply”
How about this woman has to write 100 stories listing all the good things this govt has done, (use the list)without one snide remark.
Best time to write these would be during an election campaign.
In fact, Sandy’s done all the work. All Liz has to do is post this.
I am pretty much fed up with the media and politics. Now today they are dragging Bernier’s ex girlfriend through the mud to smear Harper.
What’s the point the press are scum and they will get away with this. Wait till the election, it will get worse.
One day making fun of Cancer the next day smearing some private citizen. Lets face it the PPG does not care, they will trample anyone to smear Harper.
I think I am going to zone out of this crap, I wish I could read the paper to get info on politics, instead it is just the next day smear on Harper. All b/c Harper will not bend over to talk to them.
The PPG are the lowest forms of people there is.
PS: Your blog looks good. Need a post on Bernier.
PS: Your blog looks good. Need a post on Bernier.
Thanks.
Bernier… Yes. I’m trying to decide if doing a post will be enabling MSM and their misplaced priorities.
I can’t believe MDL led with the biker-chick story.
What a boob!
Join the rest of the lemming busy-bodies and find a real issue to discuss why doesn’t he?
Oh, and good on Harper for keeping cool and reminding us all that it’s no one’s business who anyone dates, or marrys or sleeps with.
THE OPPOSITION HAVE NOTHING ELSE.
Sol, it looks like they’re desperate to create a scandal and hope that it sticks.
That’s what you do when you’re an opposition party that has no realistic policy.
Guess this is the weekly made up scandal along with the Access to information so called scandal.
Smear, smear, smear. When are the MSM and the opposition going to stop making up and embellishing this garbage and talk about real issues that affect real people?
This Bernier ex-girlfriend relationship is nobody’s business. Anyway it’s his EX-girlfriend. Case closed.
Just shows how morally bankrupt the opposition and their friends in the MSM are. Pathetic!
This Bernier ex-girlfriend relationship is nobody’s business. Anyway it’s his EX-girlfriend. Case closed.
I agree. That’s why I’ve decided not to do a separate post on this. Gabby nailed it when she showed how all this is fine when it’s the Liberals, but if it’s the Conservatives, oh then it’s a scandal.
I was watching both Newman and Duffy. The woman didn’t commit a crime. This is a non-issue.