19 December 2008
Spin Doctors Turn Things Around
Langley British Columbia - Dear Editor,
Some politicians and political parties are very good at "spin doctoring" events in order to turn negative situations into
positives. This helps to create the needed public image.
I recently ran across a case where a "correct" response was very imaginative. Note: names are changed to protect those
involved and not embarrass anyone.
A professional genealogical researcher discovered a senior politician in Ottawa had a great great uncle, Trebor Noid, who was hanged
for horse-stealing and train robbery in Quebec in 1889.
The only known photograph of Noid shows him standing on the gallows. On the back of the picture is written, "Trebor Noid; horse
thief, sent to Quebec Provincial Prison in 1883, escaped in 1887, robbed the Canadian Pacific Railway six times. Caught by Superior
detectives, convicted in a court, and hanged in 1889."
The researcher emailed the senior politician for comments and receive back the following biographical report:
"Trebor Noid was a famous horseman in Quebec. His business empire grew to include the acquisition of valuable equestrian assets
and intimate dealings with the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Beginning in 1883 he devoted several years of his life to service at a
government facility, finally taking leave in 1887 to resume his dealings with the railroad. Subsequently, he was a key player in a
vital investigation by the Superior Detective Agency. In 1989 Noid passed away during an important civic function held in his honour,
when the platform on which he was standing collapsed."
Now that is a great reply.
Eric J. Bysouth
|
