Free Press Columnist Gordon Sinclair Jr: Are his stories fact or fiction?

I've noticed more and more Free Press posters calling out Gordon Sinclair Jr., for inconsistencies in his opinion pieces for the Winnipeg Free Press. I never like to accuse anyone of fabricating a story, but after reading the comments in response to this article, I could not help doubt his version of events:

"And then, about three years ago, he got a call from Animal Services.

They had found a cat with an identification chip that led them to his phone number. John recalled how Curious George reacted when he saw him at the shelter. It was as if the cat was holding out his paws, asking John to take him into his arms.

Begging for John to take him back.

And that's how the two best friends were reunited."

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"Then, he thanked me for listening.

And I stood up to leave.

But before I left, I told John to stand up, too. And then I reached out my arms, the way Curious George once seemed to do with his paws. And I held him -- the way I sensed no one had for years.

Not even his best friend, Curious George."

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Seems like a touching story. Except for the fact that one Free Press commentator called him out.  It raises some questions about the article:

"Let me make something clear. Animal services cannot, nor has ever, housed cats. They simply do not have the appropriate kenneling space or facilities. Animal services and the Winnipeg Humane Society have always gotten along very well, so whenever cat space was needed, the Humane Society was called and things were arranged there."

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So, did this actually happen? Is Sinclair exaggerating? Or is it completely fabricated?

Gail Asper: Is she losing touch with reality?

Yesterday, I was reading the Winnipeg Free Press online version, when I came across "letters to the editor."  It seems Gail Asper, herself took the time to write about the situation involving the Canadian Museum for Human Rights,  and to take a shot at her numerous detractors:

"I'm sure my father, Israel Asper, would have found the continuing discussions for and against the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to be fascinating.

For my part, all I can say is, hey, at least it's given the detractors something to complain about beside our weather."

GAIL ASPER

Winnipeg


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Now I never knew Izzy Asper personally, but I think it's a safe bet that he would not have found the discussions regarding the CMHR "fascinating."  In fact, if Izzy were alive, I am positive he would be describing the current state of the museum with many adjectives.  However, I am pretty sure "fascinating" would not be among them. 

Perhaps the current state of affairs, in regards to the Asper empire, and the museum in general was described most accurate by a Free Press forum member with the handle "Gack":

"Sorry Gail. Izzy would be too busy shaking his head over the demise of his empire at the hands of his children.

The Israel Asper I knew always undertook well planned and well organized ventures. Yes, he would take risks, but well calculated risks. He would build buildings and invest in Winnipeg, but all the financing would be in place before the venture was started and completed. This can be evidenced by the many places in Winnipeg where you can find the Asper name.

Unfortunately, the legacy that he left will not be the legacy his children leave.

HIs children will leave the legacy of a collapsed business, a poorly planned attempt and owning a football team and new stadium, and last but not least, a museum that never should have been built.

It is ugly, it is underfunded, and it never should have been started.

Please dismantle the monstrosity at the Forks while we can still save some green space."


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As for Asper's comment directed at her "detractors", Free Press reader "harmony2" had this to say:

"There are clearly strong feelings about the Human Rights Museum. I feel sad, disappointed and concerned that Gail's response is light and sarcastic when emotions are so real. I'm afraid she is becoming more and more out of touch. Perhaps if they didn't send out thousands of dollars of glossy print material with pictures of her and everyone....or they didn't need to fly in marble and other things of an unreachable high end quality - we could have afforded the tribute that Izzy wanted. Sadly, his daughter got in the way."

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I highly doubt I am alone when I think it would be in Gail Asper's best interests to admit that she is in way over her head, and step down from her position on the Board of Trustees, and walk away from the project all together.  Perhaps there is still time to salvage the building, and turn it into the Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (my personal dream).  

Free Press columnist Dan Lett and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Winnipeg Free Press columnist Dan Lett recently penned two columns about the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.  Lett, a CMHR proponent from day one, proves that his pro-Asper bias knows no shame.  He unbelievably tries to pass the buck from Gail Asper on to the Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and the Conservative party.

Besides the fact that Lett's first column is about 57 paragraphs too long, he tries in vain to make the Aspers out to be some kind of community heroes.  I only read it once, and will not give Lett the satisfaction of letting him waste my time by reading it again.  Upon completion of the article, I felt so dirty that I immediately took a long hot shower.  

Congratulations, Dan.  You have my vote for "Homer of the Year"  in 2011.

Free Press editorial way off base

For those of you who had the pleasure of reading the Winnipeg Free Press today, there was another editorial about the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  I'm fully aware that the Free Press has been one of the CMHR biggest cheerleader, but this editorial is way over the top.  Despite a recent Free Press poll showing that the vast majority  (75%) of Winnipeggers want the museum to be impartial, and include one exhibit which includes all genocides on an equal footing, the editorial goes to great lengths to state the Jewish Holocaust was "unique" and should be the main focus of the museum.

The editorial has to be one of the most condescending articles I have read in quite some time.  It not only attacks the Ukrainian community of Winnipeg, but dismisses the poll stating that "It was one question in a series of unrelated queries that could have asked about favorite breakfast cereals, pizza preferences, and travel plans."  What is even more perplexing is it concludes by saying " Why does the Holocaust get a place in the front seat?  Only the uninformed ask questions like that."  

I have no issues with the Holocaust being included in the CMHR.  The persecution of the Jews in World War II was one of the great human tragedies of all time.  However, how does that make it more important than say..the Rwandan, Bosnian, Armenian, and Cambodian genocides just to name a few off the top of my head.  This is Canada, and no ethnic group should have a monopoly on human suffering.  It's a shame that the Winnipeg Free Press editorial division does not share this view.