| Sunny Side Up Jan. 12, 2005 � 2005, Kathleen Gibson Onward Christian soldiers - or not A few weeks ago hundreds of people and I received a mass-mailed computer forward stating that CTV was taking a "YES" or "NO" vote by telephone regarding the issue of same-sex marriage. The letter included the phone number for the "NO" vote, and encouraged all who feel strongly against the impending legislation to call, and to pass the message along without delay. Having previously 'come out' against this legislation in a national CBC Commentary, I leapt at the opportunity. 'Onward Christian Soldiers,' right? I called the number and heard an automated voice say, "Thank you for calling CTV. Your no vote has been recorded." Click. Satisfied, I did something I almost never do - forwarded the same email to dozens of friends, who in turn�yeah, you get the picture. One of those friends emailed me back. I respect Linda a lot. She's both wise and smart. (Plus, she likes chocolate and rides a motorbike - I respect that a lot too, especially the chocolate part, though I may ride a motorbike myself, one day.) Linda had discussed the email with a few co-workers. They had questions about its authenticity and effectiveness, which she passed on to me. As a writer and faith columnist, it's my job to get facts straight. Usually I ask those questions. But so eager was I to stand for my belief, I'd jumped on the bandwagon without one critical thought. Embarrassed, I did some FAST research. Other than the vague reference to CTV, the email had provided no contact number, and no indication of who originated that poll. Nor did any CTV website advertise it. Stymied, I remembered that when I'd called I'd noticed that the voice on the other end had stumbled while saying 'CTV'. I called again. Listening more closely, I heard, "Thank you for calling CityTV." A few merry-go-rounds later, I spoke with someone at CityTV in Toronto. She told me that they'd indeed sponsored a phone survey on the issue of same-sex marriage - the previous week. She went on to explain that CityTV daily asks Toronto residents to call in their answers to a different question. The question on that particular day? "Would you like to see smoking banned in Toronto bars?" (To which hundreds of non-smoking churchgoers answered, most emphatically�. 'No'!) The sudden spike in the volume of responses twigged the station that something had gone amiss. They ignored the results which, even had we answered the right question on the right day, had utterly no clout with any political machinery - another thing I should have questioned before acting. Red-faced, I emailed apologies to my friends. Bottom line? Undiscerning fervor - religious or otherwise - is always a mistake. While standing up for truth, let's make sure we're not falling for a lie. Furthermore, there is no easy anonymous, and effective way to stand up for what you believe in. As one who's received hate mail for my vocal stand I tell you: say it straight, complain to the right people, and sign your name. You can respond to this column at [email protected] Return Home |
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