Both friends and foes of Ford find fault with The Fixer

I must be hitting the mark when I manage to anger just about everyone on both sides of the city hall circus that is Mayor Rob Ford.

After widespread criticism by Ford supporters of my Sept. 7 column on 10 reasons why I like the mayor, I wrote a blog entry last week explaining that while my reasons may be humorous, they are legitimate.

It further enflamed Ford Nation - even though many who posted angry critiques of the blog denied that they are members of the tribe – and resulted in accusations of sarcasm, condescension and bad writing.

Ford’s detractors were no less critical, leveling charges of favoritism and questioning my objectivity, since I admitted to knowing him for 12 years and have always been friendly with him.

“Okay Jack, it’s clear you are too close to the buffoon to understand he’s unqualified…” said Boris Moris.

“That’s okay, because you’re only human and as a city hall reporter, you’re not expected to have a clue about the required minimum competence for holding the office of mayor.”

“You came off as disingenuous, rude and a jerk,” said Dittomuch. “They were underhanded compliments and I lost respect for you for falling to the lowest common denominator.

“I think it showed a complete and total lack of class and put you on a par with (Star city hall columnist) Royson James.”

“Since when is writing an article in praise of the mayor, who happens to be a personal friend of yours for many years, not considered to be biased journalism?” asked LaryOly.

“When you posted that column/blog, it was a cowardice method of doing so,” wrote Ara, who went on to prove himself a polished wordsmith.

Hiding behind your words to voice your opinion (huh?) doesn’t send any other message across besides your negative nature.”

Of all the people who commented, only one guy – Tabber – seemed to get it.

“You buffoons! He admits he likes the guy, and yet you jump all over him. So I have to conclude there’s no pleasing you. Legitimate criticism isn’t allowed, apparently, and neither is pointing out Ford’s good points.”

Amen.