Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Anne Coulter...Denied

Up until yesterday, I don't think I have ever heard of Anne Coulter, and from what I have learned thus far, I don't think that I am particularly interested in following her. She seems sensationalist through and through (no press is bad press?!), but like I said, I know very little of her and my judgement of her is strictly first impression.  Mind you, the first thing that I heard of her was how she suggested Muslims not be allowed on any airplanes and fly "their flying carpets" instead...or as she told one Muslim woman who challenged her by saying that she didn't own a flying carpet, 'ride a camel instead.'

 You can perhaps see why I am a little put off by Ms. Coulter and have little respect for her (I'll say) public persona.

Ms. Coulter was suppose to speak at the University of Ottawa recently, but before she arrived, she received a letter from Francois Houle, vice-president academic and University of Ottawa’s provost, warning her to curtail her usual presentation by reminding her of Canada's political correctness protocols. "After mentioning the Charter of Rights and Canada’s free speech laws, Houle invited Coulter to “educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada” and noted, by example, that “promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges.”"

Apparently, the letter wasn't necessary. Protesters caused so much rukus that the much anticipated appearance was cancelled for safety reasons.


Now, some might say this is good because Ms. Coulter is a hate-filled sensationalist. Some might say that not allowing her speak is denying the right to freedom of speech. I am all for dialogue; however, to belittle people such as Ms. Coulter has by suggesting flying carpets and camels is unacceptable.

What do you think?