what an a##

2 points to mayor miller for shuttin'er DOWN. can't have city councillors spewing ignorant stereotypes. my favourite line is the one at the end where, when given a chance to apologize/explain himself, ford says he only meant to say ANOTHER backhand compliment. oops!

Ford rebuked for Asian comments

ANDREW WALLACE/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO
Councillor Rob Ford, pictured in July 2007.
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Mar 06, 2008 12:09 PM
Vanessa Lu
CITY HALL BUREAU
Mayor David Miller sharply criticized Councillor Rob Ford today for “outrageous and absolutely unacceptable” comments about Asians during a council debate.

Speaking last night during a debate over expanding business openings on holidays, Ford said, “Oriental people are slowly taking over.”

Ford went on to describe people from the Far East as workaholics. “Those Oriental people work like dogs … they sleep beside their machines.” he said. “They’re hard, hard workers.”

Miller denounced the comments, calling on Ford to make a public apology on the floor of council.

“We’re one of the most diverse cities in the world. We don’t stereotype people by the racial or ethnic background in this city,” Miller told reporters this morning after announcing plans for Nuit Blanche, the city’s all-night arts bash in October.

“It’s wrong,” he added. “An elected official should know better.”

When asked what sanctions Ford should face, Miller said he did not have the authority to punish councillors, and he had not had a chance to consider what would be appropriate.

“He has to start by profusely apologizing, Miller said. “It’s unacceptable in this city and unimaginable that you would have an elected official making these kind of comments.”

Asked Wednesday night about his comments, Ford said he meant Asians are further advanced in business than they were a century ago.

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/310088