What We Want from Jian Ghomeshi

Jian Ghomeshi made the first step in trying to reclaim his life by publishing an essay in The New York Review of Books titled "Reflections from a Hash Tag".  In this "essay", he talks about his suffering and asks the question, "what more do you want from me?"  

Well, the short answer is nothing.  We want nothing from you, in fact, we wish you would just go away.  

It has been since almost four years since he slithered away.  I guess it was inevitable that he would try to mount a comeback of sorts.  

Initially, I was surprised and saddened that he went outside of Canada for his first attempt at redemption.  It was Canadians that he harmed, why would he go south of the border?  Then, I realized the reason.  No reputable Canadian publication would accept his essay.  Not reputable Canadian publication would not fact check his essay nor would any Canadian publication publish without comment from his victims or atleast allowing them the courtesy of a heads up.  A Canadian publication would realize that essay would re-traumatize his victims.  

It also turns out that no reputable US publication would publish this essay either.  I mean, really, had anyone ever heard of "The New York Review of Books"?  I hadn't but I would assume from their name that they would review books as their primary mission not publish essays from irrelevant jerks.  I guess they must be really struggling as an institution so hoping this might help sell a few copies.  

The person who commissioned and edited the article was interviewed and failed to know even basic facts about Ghomeshi\s legal "troubles".  So, it is obvious that both parties were using each other.  

From reading the essay, it is obvious that Ghomeshi has changed - in one aspect.  He obviously no longer has an entourage or a publicity team or a lawyer or anyone giving him advice.  He is on his own now - him and his giant ego.  

If had anyone who actually cared about him, and didn't pretend to care in order to earn a buck, they would have advised him that the only path to redemption is acceptance, treatment, and atonement.  Anyone who cared for him would have advised him to seek treatment because he had problems, and not just legal problems.  He doesn't mention anything about counseling.  

He is only sorry for himself.  He indicates that he has had his name tarnished and has suffered financial calamity.  He is sorry that he has lost his career.  

He also indicated that he still has opportunities for sex.  Yes, because I'm sure that was what we were wondering.  Opportunities for sex?  Yes, any John has opportunities for sex if they want to pay for it.  

The whole article is repugnant and wrong on many levels.  He makes it seem like it was just an ex with an axe to grind that was his accuser.  In reality, it was 24 alleged victims.  23 women and 1 man. 

He ends by asking what more we want from him?  Absolutely nothing.  Other than to slither back to wherever he has been for the last four years.  He has not been missed.