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In defence of Simms

Published on March 6, 2013; Published on March 6, 2013

In defence of Randy Simms: Randy has been a longtime commentator and on-air host.

He has been diligent and trustworthy.

Randy made a big mistake by calling Simeon Tshakapesh “stupid.”

The media often applies this label to prime ministers, premiers and other public officials.

It is a harsh term, but a fair term, when referring to policy mistakes or decisions made.

The media response was strong and negative, yet Randy was expressing a real concern for the future of the caribou herd.

You have to stretch reality to interpret his comments as a racial slur.

If Randy could revise his response, he might have tailored his comment to characterize Tshakapesh’s position or policy ideas, rather than as a personal comment.

Comments valid

Randy’s comments regarding our hopes for the future of the caribou herd are very valid.

This question is still in limbo, and is of concern to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Randolph Crocker

St. John’s

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Comments

Ron Tizzard

- March 14, 2013 at 11:12:19

'The truth be told', Randy Simms was 'walking a fine line' in his last months with OPEN LINE. I listened fairly regularly to OPEN LINE and I had predicted a month or so before Randy's firing that he would soon be fired. There comes a time with most 'call-in' moderators that they should 'step-out' for a while to 're-group'. It's about 'burnout'. Burnout, has to do with boredom, inpatience, and 'kingdom building'. Unless, Ryan cleans up his (foul) language, I predict that he will be dismissed very soon, as well. He has been showing signs of burnout, himself!

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W Bagg

- March 6, 2013 at 12:55:03

maybe it's because he called the guy up, tore a strip off him, called him stupid, then called him an arsehole and then hung up, over a few caribou. Most employers wouldn't even let you save face like Randy did and get to come back one last time to say he "retired"

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- david
  
  - March 10, 2013 at 12:22:35
  
  "...over a few caribou....."
Wondering

- March 6, 2013 at 11:58:19

Based on the comments posted in the Telegram, the comments were not negative but positive in that about 2 to 1 supported Randy's comment. So there was a lot of anti aboriginal feelings there. It doesn't look good in the sense that Randy may be said to promote this attitude with his remarks.

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