If we're going to pretend like this will be a rationale and civil thread (lol).. obviously free speech is important and journalists should be able to criticize any news outlet. The problem lies, then, in how that message is delivered.
To be fair, I cannot speak for the CBC's security measures and whether or not they were actually reasonable or even lawful in this instance.
That said, there is clearly a stark difference between the interaction of Levant and security and say, for example, the interaction between G20 protestors in Toronto vs. the de facto military that was set up to kettle people in there. I hope Levant would be just as vociferous in defending their freedom of speech and not simply his his own, privileged version.
It would be pretty near sighted, in my opinion, to prance around untouched and armed with cameras; being able to edit out clips to your liking and denouncing this oppression of free speach -- and then, in the same fell swoop, apologize for the militant oppression of every day people (like you and me) when our right to a peaceful protest is removed.
That said, Levant makes a good case for freedom of speech and the press, but just as Glenn Beck has shown.. If you're going to be a complete douchebag about it, expect some natural resistance. Also, he used this little dog and pony show as an anchor for the partisan banter that took place between himself and Ottawa Guy in order to push the privatization agenda (big surprise).
That hardly qualifies as fair and balanced journalism, but it also depends on whether you consider this clip as a news piece or simply entertainment.
Levant is a real defender of free speech, as he has proven repeatedly.......by standing up and publishing the Mohammed cartoons in the Western Standard when no one else in this country, and very few others in the world would. His reaction to the Alberta HRC, which you can find on Youtube, is a classic example of speaking truth to power. He has spoken to committee on Parliament Hill on the subject. That he is not only defending free speech himself or those that agree with him has been aptly demonstrated by his defense of neo-Nazi websites, put up by people that would see him gassed. (He is a Jew)
Ezra is a grandstander, fond of over-the-top theatrics......but his credentials in the battle for free speech are beyond reproach.
Ezra is a grandstander, fond of over-the-top theatrics......but his credentials in the battle for free speech are beyond reproach.
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As for the CBC, well.......they have 1.2 billion dollars a year of our money......which they use to broadcast a particular world view and political philosophy.
Yep, two sides of the same coin.
It's funny to watch them interact.
Meh.
It's sensationalism. The guy knew he could make a few bucks by pulling some strings. It's not a "win" for freedom of speech unless you really care about that strain that allows you to be a douchebag.
It's pretty hilarious though.
People like you actually believe he's enhanced their own freedoms because he insulted some Muslims.
Keep in mind the whole funding thing has already been shown to be farcical because the CBC actually provides a considerable profit.
And YES freedom of speech means the freedom to be a "douchebag".....or it means nothing at all.
Now, all that said, and having watched the video, Ezra needs to do some research.
Got a link????
It would seem to me that all CBC had to do is just talk to Levant just as he requested. I fail to see what the CBC has to hide. If they are doing things correctly there should be no problem with CBC defending their position. CBC does a lot of interviews using similar tactics.
The fact that CBC refused to talk to Ezra makes me suspicious of what CBC is trying to hide???
Of course they should have talked to Levant.....they should have accepted his invitation to appear on his show.
That said, he should have been tossed out of the CBC building on his ear, literally.
Why, is the CBC above approach by other reporters??That said, he should have been tossed out of the CBC building on his ear, literally.
Most people are proud of those who seek transparency of those spending our tax money. Of course, then there are those losers!!!!!Michael Moore would be proud of Levant.
It is transparent. Read the ****ing audits.