Dear MST Members and Supporters, We trust this message finds you well, and we thank you for your continuous dedication to the pursuit of truth and informed discourse. Today, we find ourselves addressing a concerning matter – the spread of malinformation, often fuelled by a lack actual facts, the complete and often purposeful lack of critical thought, and the ramifications it has on our society including the promotion of hatred of certain identifiable groups of Canadians.
"Malinformation" refers to false or misleading information that is spread with the intention of harming or deceiving others. It is a term often used to describe disinformation or misinformation that is shared with malicious intent, such as spreading rumours, false accusations, or intentionally misleading narratives to manipulate public opinion or damage someone's reputation.
Malinformation can be distributed through various means, including social media, news outlets, or other communication channels, and its primary purpose is to mislead or harm individuals or groups.
Preface
Confronting Ignorance and Hatred - A Call to Action
Writing about ignorance and hatred is never an easy task.
It's a disheartening endeavour to shine a light on falsehoods, bigotry, and malice, especially when it comes from individuals who hold themselves in high esteem as "thought leaders" or journalists.
The recent article in the Winnipeg Free Press, (January 15, 2024) authored by Patricia Dawn Robertson, falls squarely into this category. It's filled with egregious falsehoods, hatred, and malinformation, all directed at a particular identifiable group of people.
Those of us who questioned the government narrative on COVID-19, including the false "Safe and Effective ' propaganda that so damaged the world and likely cost hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide have been the subject of discrimination, hatred, and in some cases violence, due to the malinformation propagated largely by the government and their main stream media propagandists / puppets.
I had thought that in 2024, when many if not all of the claims propagated by the governments and the main stream media had been and are continually being exposed as false, we would no longer be subjected to the pure insanity of inflammatory public statements such as the ones included in Ms. Robinson's article.
My initial reaction to this article was trepidation, and I questioned whether it was worth my time and energy to address such ignorance and hatred.
Why give attention to someone so steeped in malice and so far removed from factual information?
It's a valid concern, as shedding light on this kind of content can inadvertently grant it a platform it doesn't deserve.
However, history has shown us that sometimes we must confront ignorance and bigotry head-on.
Almost four years into the "plandemic", it's astounding that some individuals continue to propagate hatred and malinformation with impunity.
We must ask ourselves how a major Canadian newspaper could allow the publication of such idiocy and why advertisers would support it.
The answer is simple: those of us who are aware, who have been awake during these tumultuous times, have often remained silent.
Historically, silence in the face of hatred and ignorance has had dire consequences. In the early 1930s, the so-called intelligentsia of the time propagated similar hatred, ultimately leading to the loss of tens of millions of lives.
We cannot allow history to repeat itself. We cannot remain silent when confronted with a wave of ignorance and hatred as exemplified by Ms. Robertson's article.
It is incumbent upon us to not only speak out against the author but also to hold the publisher and advertisers who support such content accountable.
We must remember the despicable article published in the Toronto Star, which advocated for the death of those who dared to question government propaganda. The author of this piece may genuinely believe in their words, but history teaches us that similar beliefs have led to atrocities in the past.
In conclusion, I have chosen not to remain silent in the face of ignorance and hatred. I cannot stand idly by while such falsehoods are spread, especially when they come from individuals who claim to be purveyors of knowledge.
I urge you all to join me in this endeavor. Stand with me, for if we do not confront this new wave of ignorance and hatred, we risk being overwhelmed by it.
What is This All About?
Recently, the Winnipeg Free Press published an article entitled "The unwelcome unvaxxed," penned by Patricia Dawn Robertson. While we value diversity of opinion, we cannot ignore the concerning degree of malinformation present within the article.
Robertson's piece is riddled with inaccuracies, outdated claims, and an apparent disregard for the multitude of evidence that contradicts her assertions. In today's age, when information is readily accessible, it's disheartening to see such a blatant misrepresentation of facts.
While reading Ms. Robinson's article, I could not help but think of all those "informed" folks in Salem who yelled witch!
One striking aspect is the article's reliance on information that was proven false over a year and a half ago. I mean actually admitted false by the very institutions that started these lies in the first place. Not the BS "Fact Checkers" that were being paid off by various government agencies, or nondescript NGO's.
It's incredible that in January 2024, anyone could remain so misinformed. We believe it's crucial to challenge such narratives that not only mislead but also contribute to divisiveness within our society.
The article is provided in the link above, but here are some of the highlights:
"The unvaccinated citizen is a pesky creature, found in public landscapes, especially discount grocery outlets and anti-government rallies"
"If you hear the noxious spreaders distinctive lower respiratory rasping in the frozen foods section, head straight to the safety of the produce section or quit the store for the closest Liberal Party fundraiser."
"Didn't nightly graphic images back in 2020 on CBCs' The National of unvaccinated people on respirators resonate?"
"After almost four years on the pandemic front lines, medical staff are burnt out. Yet many yahoos can't be bothered to get a vaccine booster. Unboosted is unvaccinated."
"A belligerent branch of my extended family remains unvaccinated. The rationale? The concerned mother of three needs to know: Whats' in the vaccines?"
"The thirty-something urbanite is a rebellious millennial who demands full disclosure. But this isn't a cereal box on the breakfast table. It's a vaccine. The ingredients are patented, tested and approved by Health Canada."
"Why did grandma catch COVID? She didn't mask or keep up her boosters. "
"But it's not just about you. The complete lack of concern for others is repugnant. We don't just vaccinate for self-protection but to protect the vulnerable. The refusal to vax is selfish. It's reckless. And it's burdening our overtaxed health-care system."
"I'm here to call out the unvaccinated. It's been four years. Im' tired of nodding my head patiently while they spout misinformation and ignorant rationales. The unvaxxed are about as welcome here at my house as COVID or Pierre Poilievre. I now equate the two. Unvaccinated =COVID carrier."
"When you elect to comply with health advice and vaccinate, it's not a personal sacrifice like fighting overseas to protect democracy."
"Vaccine aversion carries a shameful legacy. Let's summarize the talking points of an anti- vaxxer's forthcoming obituary:
Ignored the desperate pleas of exhausted health professionals and dedicated scientists instead taking a Master Class online from vacuous celebrities.
Recklessly infected others then minimized the impact of the illness. Went out in public while infectious and refused to mask. “It’s just COVID!”
Ignored travel advisories then bragged about exotic trips via Facebook to the obedient housebound.
Obnoxiously spread rumours and misinformation about vaccine safety.
Gathered in Ottawa to intimidate public officials and demand freedom. Bank account frozen. Mandatory court appearance.
Died of complications from COVID.
"In our infantilized Skip the Dishes culture, we’ve lost sight of the big picture. Citizenship and democratic freedom carry responsibility. It’s not unencumbered. Vaccination is our moral imperative."
I could write volumes to refute and critique each one of Ms. Robinson's inflammatory, false, foolish and hateful statements, but I suspect if you are reading this article you already know all of these facts, and you are as shocked as I am to see these kinds of poisonous statements being once again made in a major Canadian Newspaper.
If anything, the last several years has clearly shown that the statements made by various government agencies concerning both the "plandemic" and the so called "vaccines" were false from the very outset. In many cases government officials knew the statements were false or misleading, while in others the officials simply played "follow the leader" without critical thought or question.
In many instances these government officials are now admitting that many of the statements and mandates, in fact, had no basis in science as demonstrated in the recent US senate subcommittee testimony of the disgraced self appointed demigod Dr. Fauci.
And what about our own queen of malinformation Ms. Theresa Tam? Mrs. Santa Claus herself, who terrorized children with her ridiculous Christmas propaganda ads targeted at the most vulnerable.
It is important to realize that people died as a result of these mandates, people lost their jobs, seniors were isolated and died in loneliness, people were denied life saving medical treatments and transplants, our children have been severely effected, and our country has incurred an almost 50% increase in the national debt. The list of harms goes on and on, and one of the leading causes of death in Canada is now is "unkown". The term "Doctors are Baffled" appears to be the catch phrase for 2024.
People were even willfully executed and martyred, by an arrogant, and ignorant system, which no longer considers the patient's well being. Sheila Lewis and Garnet Harper come to mind.
Ms. Robinson may wish to consult the National Citizens Inquiry final report. She may quite enjoy reading that document while enjoying another glass of the oh so delicious purple Kool-Aid.
Or perhaps she could actually consult Health Canada or the CDC and find out what they are now saying, and actually been saying for over a year.
Who is the Author
Patricia Dawn Robertson describes herself as an independent journalist with a "Winnipeg-born" background. Her online profile on CBC states, "Patricia Dawn Robertson is an independent Saskatchewan journalist with an axe to grind." This label may provide some context for the tone of her articles.
Additionally, Robertson's credentials include being a writer, editor, memoir workshop teacher, and creativity coach for artists. While these accomplishments are commendable, they do not necessarily guarantee a deep understanding of complex scientific or medical topics, as so clearly displayed by her opinion piece.
By the way, Ms. Robinson's LinkedIn page shows her "Interests" as Justin Trudeau.
According to her profile she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language, literature and Women's Studies.
Questions to be Asked
So I ask the following questions:
How did the Winnipeg Free Press decide that this person was qualified to write such a foolish and inflammatory article?
Who at the Winnipeg Free Press actually reviewed and checked the article?
Who at the Winnipeg Free Press believes that it is okay to target an identifiable group of people for ridicule and promote hatred and fear against them, including an obvious death wish.
What advertisers of the Winnipeg Free Press supported this hate speech by running advertising in the Winnipeg Free Press?
Has any Police Agency investigated the article for promoting hatred and fear against an identifiable group of Canadians.
It is paramount that we differentiate between informed, evidence-based journalism and pieces that may serve as platforms for personal opinions rather than objective reporting. In the age of malinformation, it is our collective responsibility to promote a culture of critical thinking, fact-checking, and civil discourse.
Malinformation
Malinformation can be incredibly destructive, as it can lead to misguided decisions and actions. In the face of such challenges, MST remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accurate, evidence-based information to our members and the wider community.
We encourage all readers to approach information with a discerning eye, question sources, and seek evidence-based knowledge. It is through collective effort that we can combat the spread of misinformation and continue working toward a more informed, enlightened, and united society.
Thank you for your unwavering support of MST. Together, we can navigate the challenging landscape of information and emerge stronger and better informed.
What To Do?
To address the publication of hateful and inflammatory articles like the one authored by Ms. Robinson in the Winnipeg Free Press, it's crucial for concerned citizens and organizations like Manitoba Stronger Together to take action. Here are some steps that members can consider:
Write a Letter to the Editor:
Write respectful but firm letters to the editor of the Winnipeg Free Press. Express concerns about the content and the impact of such articles on the community. Highlight the importance of responsible journalism and ask for better editorial oversight. A sample letter is provided at the end of this Blog.
Contact Advertisers:
Identify the advertisers supporting the Winnipeg Free Press and contact them to express concerns about their association with content that promotes hatred and malinformation. Encourage advertisers to reconsider their support if the newspaper continues to publish such articles. A sample letter is provided at the end of this Blog.
Boycott Campaign:
Consider launching a public awareness campaign urging readers and community members to boycott the Winnipeg Free Press until they commit to higher journalistic standards and responsible reporting.
Online Petition:
Create an online petition, requesting that the Winnipeg Free Press apologize for publishing the offensive article and commit to responsible journalism in the future. Encourage members to sign and share the petition widely.
Community Forum:
Organize a community forum or town hall meeting to discuss the impact of such articles on the community and brainstorm strategies for holding media outlets accountable for their content.
Legal Actions:
Consult with legal experts to determine if the article qualifies as hate speech or violates any laws. If so, consider filing a formal complaint with relevant authorities, such as human rights commissions or law enforcement agencies.
Media Literacy Workshops:
Host media literacy workshops to educate members and the community on how to critically evaluate news sources, identify bias, and distinguish between reliable and unreliable information.
Community Awareness Campaign:
Create a public awareness campaign that highlights the dangers of hate speech and malinformation in the media. Use social media, local newspapers, and community events to spread the message.
Engage with Elected Officials:
Contact local and provincial elected officials to express concerns about the impact of such articles on the community. Encourage them to address the issue and promote responsible journalism.
Support Responsible Journalism:
Promote and support media outlets and journalists who adhere to high journalistic standards and ethical reporting. Highlight and celebrate responsible journalism within the community.
Promote Independent Media:
Encourage members to explore and support independent, community-based media outlets that prioritize accurate and unbiased reporting.
Dialogue with the Newspaper:
If possible, request a meeting with the editorial board or management of the Winnipeg Free Press to discuss concerns, expectations, and potential measures to prevent the publication of similar articles in the future.
Send a Copy of This Blog Post to Your Elected Representative:
Make sure your elected representatives are aware of this hate filled article and send a copy of this blog post and your letter of protest to their office. Let your representative know that you are expecting them to stand with us in protest of these types of dangerous and inflammatory articles. The only intent of these types of article is to ridicule and promote hatred and scorn against an identifiable group of Canadians.
Remember that peaceful and respectful advocacy is the most effective way to drive change. Encourage members to focus on constructive actions that promote responsible journalism and discourage harmful content in the media.
Contact Information:
Winnipeg Free Press
1355 Mountain Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2X 3B6
Main Switchboard: (204) 697-7000
Darren Murphy
CEO
204-697-7547
Paul Samyn
Editor
204-697-7295
Scott Gibbons
Associate Editor Enterprise
204-697-7280
Stacey Thidrickson
Associate editor, news
204-697-7292
Erin Lebar
Manager of audience engagement for news
204-391-1950
The Winnipeg Free Press is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, an independent organization established to determine acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.
If you have concerns about editorial content, please send them to: editorialconcerns@freepress.mb.ca.
If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at www.mediacouncil.ca and fill out the form or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
Suggested Protest Letter to Winnipeg Free Press
You are encouraged to consider the following letter to the Winnipeg Free Press. I provide this letter to you as a guideline to what you may include in your letter to the Winnipeg Free Press. You can of course revise the letter as you see fit or make your own custom letter.
You can select the letter and simpy paste it into your word processor.
I also encourage you to address and send the letter to the entire list of Winnipeg Free Press staff listed above.
Text shown in RED is to be revised and updated for each letter sent.
Consider sending your letter by email and snail mail.
Winnipeg Free Press
Editor-in-Chief
1355 Mountain Avenue,
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2X 3B6
Subject: Protest and Demand for Apology and Retraction Regarding "The Unwelcome Unvaxxed" Article
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Dear Editor-in-Chief,
I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent article titled "The Unwelcome Unvaxxed," authored by Ms. Patricia Dawn Robinson and published in the Winnipeg Free Press on January 15, 2024.
This article not only contains offensive and hateful content, but it also promotes stereotypes, encourages discrimination, and targets an identifiable group of Canadians. Such rhetoric is unacceptable and has no place in responsible journalism.
While I value freedom of speech and diverse opinions, there is a clear line between the exercise of free speech and promoting hate speech.
"The Unwelcome Unvaxxed" crossed that line by ridiculing, shaming, and promoting hatred towards a specific group of Canadians, further perpetuating divisions within our society.
I respectfully demand the following actions be taken:
Immediate Apology and Retraction: I urge the Winnipeg Free Press to issue an immediate and public apology for publishing this highly inflammatory and offensive article. A formal retraction of the article should also be published to correct the record.
Disciplinary Action: I believe it is necessary for the Winnipeg Free Press to take appropriate disciplinary action against Ms. Patricia Dawn Robinson, as her article violated journalistic standards of responsible reporting and promoted hatred.
Editorial Review and Sensitivity Training: The Winnipeg Free Press should conduct a comprehensive editorial review to prevent the publication of similar hate-filled content in the future. This should include sensitivity training for editorial staff to raise awareness about the impact of their words on marginalized communities.
Community Engagement: The Winnipeg Free Press should actively engage with community leaders and organizations to understand the concerns and experiences of the group targeted by this article and work toward reconciliation.
I want to emphasize that freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it comes with responsibilities. Publishing content that promotes hatred and discrimination goes against the principles of ethical journalism and jeopardizes the well-being of our society.
Failure to take appropriate action in response to this request may lead to civil actions of protest against the Winnipeg Free Press and its advertisers. Our group, Manitoba Stronger Together, is committed to upholding values of unity, tolerance, and respect, and we will take the necessary steps to ensure that these values are upheld by the media we support.
I look forward to your prompt response to this important matter. We hope that the Winnipeg Free Press will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation and reaffirm its commitment to responsible and ethical journalism.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Suggested Protest Letter to Advertisers in the Winnipeg Free Press
You are encouraged to consider the following letter to those businesses that advertise in the Winnipeg Free Press. I provide this letter to you as a guideline to what you may include in your letter to these companies. You can of course revise the letter as you see fit or make your own custom letter.
You can select the letter and simpy paste it into your word processor.
Text shown in RED is to be revised and updated for each letter sent.
Consider sending your letter by email and snail mail.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Advertiser's Name]
[Advertiser's Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Advertisements in the Winnipeg Free Press
Dear [Advertiser's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concerns and disappointment regarding the recent publication of an article in the Winnipeg Free Press.
The article, titled "The Unwelcome Unvaxxed," authored by Patricia Dawn Robinson on January 15, 2024, has raised significant alarm within our community due to its inflammatory and hateful content.
The article in question targets an identifiable group of Canadians and is laden with derogatory language, ridicule, and promotes hatred towards them. Such content has no place in responsible journalism and should not be tolerated in a once reputable newspaper like the Winnipeg Free Press.
This article not only goes against journalistic standards but also poses a significant risk of inciting hatred and potentially leading to violence against this particular group of people. A portion of the article actually anticipates and appears to welcome the death of anyone who chose not to get the COVID-19 vaccines!
Our community, represented by Manitoba Stronger Together, firmly believes in the values of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or vaccination status. We consider it our moral obligation to speak out against such hate-filled rhetoric that divides and harms our society.
We kindly request that you take this matter seriously and consider the implications of your association with a newspaper that would publish such content.
As advertisers in the Winnipeg Free Press, your brand is closely linked to the content it publishes. We believe that businesses like yours have a responsibility to ensure their advertising dollars do not support or condone hate speech.
In light of this, we respectfully request that your company issue a formal statement condemning the article by Ms. Robinson, affirming your commitment to ethical journalism and community harmony.
We also encourage you to reconsider your advertising partnership with the Winnipeg Free Press until appropriate action is taken.
Please know that our organization, along with many concerned citizens, will closely monitor developments regarding this matter. We believe that responsible businesses can play a significant role in fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.
We look forward to your response and sincerely hope that you will stand with us in condemning hate speech and promoting unity within our community.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We are hopeful that your actions will reflect the values of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity that we all cherish.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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