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Mayor Rob Ford Declares 'Bob Marley Day' In Toronto

Rob Ford Declares 'Bob Marley Day' In Toronto
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By 

National Reporter, HuffPost

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One love, one heart, let's get together and dance to Bob Marley with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.

Ford has declared Feb. 6 "Bob Marley Day" in the City of Toronto, issuing a proclamation Thursday in honor of one "Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley," whom he declares "an influential musician, advocate for human rights and international ambassador of peace."

The proclamation seems fitting, considering Ford and members of Toronto's City Council were caught dancing enthusiastically to Marley's "One Love" in December.

We have to say, given the mayor's past transgressions -- which include smoking crack and allegedly ordering a hit on a man in jail -- perhaps a better music selection would have been Marley's "Redemption Song."

Read the full text of the proclamation, below:

WHEREAS each year on February 6, we honour the legacy of Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley, an influential musician, advocate for human rights and international ambassador of peace.

His early career began with friends, the legendary Wailers, "Bob Marley and the Wailers." His music captivated people of all cultures, broke music barriers and helped introduce reggae music to the world.

Bob Marley became one of the greatest ambassadors of peace the world has seen. He used music to tear down the walls of apartheid and promoted African unity, culture and world peace both at home and internationally, with songs like One Love and Africa Unite. Today, his music continues to be loved by many and is instantly recognized around the world.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2014 as "Bob Marley Day" in the City of Toronto.

The proclamation overlaps with Bob Marley's birthday, which is also Feb. 6.

Watch Ford's colorful dance to Marley in the video above.

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Before You Go

Rob Ford's Greatest Gaffes
"Assgate"(01 of11)
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In March, former mayoral candidate Sarah Thomson accused Rob Ford of grabbing her behind while at an event. She later suggested the mayor was so out of it that she wondered if he was on cocaine. Ford has denied the accusations. (credit:Sarah Thomson/Facebook)
Goodbye, Hello (02 of11)
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In November of 2012, an Ontario Superior Court Judge ordered Rob Ford to be removed from office for violating Toronto's Conflict-of-Interest Act. The ruling stemmed from Ford's participation in a council vote to recommend he repay donations that he solicited for his private football foundation using official city letterhead. After weeks of uncertainty about who would replace Ford, the mayor won his appeal, allowing him to remain in power. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
Football Follies(03 of11)
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Ford's role as coach of a high school football team has repeatedly landed him in hot water. From a city bus used to ferry the team home after a reported brawl, to missed council meetings and court appearances, Ford's gridiron exploits have made headlines again and again. Despite the controversy, Ford has maintained that he's not giving up his other job to focus on running the city. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Drost)
Winnipeg, Windsor, What's The Difference?(04 of11)
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On a trade mission to Chicago, Ford infamously confused Winnipeg and Windsor, a verbal stumble that prompted chuckles on both sides of the border. (credit:AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Falling Down (05 of11)
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A video clip of Ford falling while attempting to throw a football at a Grey Cup event was quickly turned into GIF image that went viral.
Driving Mr. Ford(06 of11)
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In October of 2012, a photo hit the web of Ford reading while driving. The mayor admitted to doing it, but refused to hire a driver, despite pleas from the police and political allies. The incident was far from the first Fordian fail on the road. The mayor has also been accused of giving a motorist the finger while driving and has admitted that he pleaded guilty to refusing to provide a breath sample after driving under the influence of alcohol in Florida. (credit:(<a href="https://twitter.com/RyanGHaughton/status/235385825439916032" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Twitter/RyanGHaughton" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5cc12fbce4b0328602b8afbd" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="https://twitter.com/RyanGHaughton/status/235385825439916032" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="16">Twitter/RyanGHaughton</a>))
Unfortunate Photo(07 of11)
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A photo hit the web in September of 2012 of Ford posing with a neo-Nazi dressed in a foreign military uniform. Ford explained that he was unaware of the man's political beliefs. At least one major Jewish group said it was satisfied the mayor meant no harm. (credit:Facebook)
Cut The Waist (08 of11)
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For several months in 2012, Ford took part in a very public weight-loss campaign. Weigh-ins staged before the press meant the mayor had nowhere to hide, and after some initial success, he actually started putting on pounds. Ford admitted to giving up soon after. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)
Confrontation With Reporter(09 of11)
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Ford called the police in May of 2012 and alleged that Toronto Star reporter Daniel Dale trespassed on his property. Dale denied the allegations and said Ford approached him with a raised fist. Ford would subsequently refuse to speak with reporters from the Star or to co-operate with the paper in any way. (credit:CP)
No Pride(10 of11)
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Ford has twice bucked tradition and refused to attend Toronto's Pride parade, prompting widespread criticism. (credit:CP)
Calling The Cops On Marg(11 of11)
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Late in 2011, Ford called the police after Marg Delahunty (Mary Walsh) and the crew of CBC's satirical show "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" showed up at his home. While other politicians have reacted with laughter when approached by Delahunty, Ford said the "ambush" at his family home crossed the line. (credit:CBC Screengrab)
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