In the first paragraph she states a quote from Christina Blizzard from the Toronto Sun. If you read closely, Rhonda isn’t using that quote to back up her claims or points of view, she is giving the audience an informed “backgrounder” for subsequent ‘critique’ blog post. She’s simply setting the stage for what she’s about to address. That’s what writers do. We state the position, or the issue, and then discuss the situation amidst the quote, address way the quote was outlined, or make observations about the post.

If you look closely at paragraph six Phil, you’ll see that she states, “One’s ability to perform a task should not be judged by external factors completely unrelated to the task itself.” Did you not see this part? She goes on to state the impact of Public Relations practices in this scenario, and then states further in paragraph six Phil, “unfortunately for Caplan, that meant that his suitability for the job was judged by factors other than just his good record.” Here she’s outlining the reality of the situation, not what ought to be. There’s a BIG difference.

There’s a difference in the use of quotations when Rhonda quotes Marshall McLuhan. She’s not stating a “backgrounder” as she did in the first paragraph, but she’s referring to a well-known phrase coined by McLuhan, illustrating the importance/relevance of understanding your role pertaining to how publics consume messages via the media (McLuhan’s “Understanding Media” is also a significant book on this issue).

Later in paragraph eight, she states that, ‘…yes Caplan may not conform to [society's] image of health,’ but then offers a very reasonable and diplomatic counter argument to the claim stating, “…by showing that he understands the challenges of the healthy lifestyle but that he is committed to making sure every Ontarian has access to quality health care?” A brilliant personal observation, that most people wouldn’t always think about.

In my opinion, I think the post is very well argued, and she points out all sides of the story in a refreshing way. I enjoy Rhonda’s conversational style of writing and the manner in which she states her case. It’s a productive critique of a relevant societal issue, shows an educated opinion and addresses it with diplomacy.

How’s that for a waste of space?

Good work Rhonda! Keep it up.
Staffeen

However, your blatant admitted attack on his physical appearance is disgraceful and disgusting. It’s no wonder you needed to quote the Toronto Sun. Crap feeds on Crap and you’ve done an excellent job of reproducing it.

One of America’s most famous women, Oprah Winfrey, looks quite thinner and younger on most of the covers of her magazine then she does on her television show. I think she’s been taken to task for this; but, as you point out: what ad, magazine shot, etc. hasn’t been retouched in some way?

As a middle-aged women, I wouldn’t want a photographer to make me look thinner, but, I always like my hair to look great, so, that can be retouched any time!