Blamblog - Brett Lamb's Blog

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Mystery History

Former newscaster, Ben Chin (pictured left, sober), is running in an east-end byelection. I was in that neighbourhood last weekend and saw this ad [ rabble forum thread here ], which states:

I moved to East York as a 13 year old. I left my parents behind in Korea, where they faced political persecution. I didn't know if I'd ever see them again."

At the time, Mariela said that she thought the story sounded a little light on the details ... and no wonder, compare it to this interview:

Q: As the son of a South Korean diplomat, you travelled the world. Did you notice the different cars in each place you lived?

A: I have always loved cars. I had toy cars and pedal cars as a kid. I used to have a steering wheel with a suction cup. You'd slap it on the dash, sit by the driver and pretend to drive. Because of my dad's position we always had a chauffeur. The first job I wanted growing up was to be a chauffeur. It's freaky in retrospect. Everybody's father had a driver.

Q: Your Dad retired from government service when you were 16 ...

A: Yes. We moved to Canada. In Europe the diplomat's car was the Mercedes. In North America it was the Cadillac. The first car we bought when we moved to Canada was a Chevette and then an Oldsmobile Delta 88. After a life of limos all I saw on the road were cars like these. I was shocked. I didn't know that such things existed. I was seven years old when I realized my Dad could drive. I gained a whole new respect for him. I thought the car belonged to the guy in the uniform.

Is the ad trying to make it sound like he grew up 'poor' by leaving out the details?

7:35 AM , # ,