The Thought Vox

Conservative political commentator, Ann Coulter’s University of Ottawa appearance was canceled for “safety reasons” after 2000 gathered to protest her presence.

Coulter is no stranger to controversy. She is infamous for using inflammatory language to make political points, or perhaps, to garner attention/sales for her anti-Liberal books.

Coulter’s London Ontario speaking engagement fueled the latest public backlash. During that appearance a 17 year-old Muslim girl asked Coulter if she should be “converted to Christianity” and what mode of transportation she should use for travel, as she didn’t “own a magic carpet.” These questions, inspired by previous statements Coulter made in an interview with, The Guardian:

“We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity…”

“I think airlines ought to start advertising: ‘We have the most civil rights lawsuits brought against us by Arabs.’ ” As to how Muslims would travel, Coulter said, “They could use flying carpets.”

When prompted by the crowd to answer the 17 year-old student/Canadian Citizen’s question Coulter said,

“Take a camel. Next question…”

Prior to Coulters trek into Canada she was sent the following letter from the University of Ottawa:

Dear Ms. Coulter,
I understand that you have been invited by University of Ottawa Campus Conservatives to speak at the University of Ottawa this coming Tuesday.

I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or “free speech”) in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here.

You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. For example, promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges. Outside of the criminal realm, Canadian defamation laws also limit freedom of expression and may differ somewhat from those to which you are accustomed. I therefore ask you, while you are a guest on our campus, to weigh your words with respect and civility in mind.

Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful country, city and campus.

Sincerely,

Francois Houle,
Vice-President Academic and Provost, University of Ottawa

The letter was “mysteriously” leaked to Conservative US news factions and Coulter, who abhors “Liberal victims,” claimed to be the victim of a “Hate Crime.” The letter has stirred up questions/arguments about freedom of speech. There are those who say we don’t have to agree with what Coulter says, but she has a right to say it. Coulter, it seems, is not in agreement with this notion:

“[Democrats are] always accusing us of repressing their speech. I say let’s do it. Let’s repress them. Frankly, I’m not a big fan of the First Amendment.” ~ Coulter on free speech, 10/20/05

I believe people are entitled to their opinions, and should have the right to express those opinions: to a point. We have laws in this country (Canada) about hate speak. Those laws were made for reasons of safety and human rights/equality. Anyone who advocates hatred towards another group of people should be held accountable in a just society.

Stated in the Hate Provisions section of the Criminal Code of Canada:

Section 319(1): Public Incitement of Hatred
The crime of “publicly inciting hatred” has four main elements. To contravene the Code, a person must:
. communicate statements,
. in a public place,
. incite hatred against an identifiable group,
. in such a way that there will likely be a breach of the peace.
Under section 319, “communicating” includes communicating by telephone, broadcasting or other audible or visible means; a “public place” is one to which the public has access by right or invitation, express or implied; and “statements” means words (spoken, written or recorded), gestures, and signs or other visible representations.

All the above elements must be proven for a court to find an accused guilty of either:
. an indictable offence, for which the punishment is imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
. an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Section 319(2) defines the additional offence of communicating statements, other than in private conversation, that wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group.

Section 319(3) identifies acceptable defences. Indicates that no person shall be convicted of an offence if the statements in question:
. are established to be true
. were relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds it was believed to be true
. were expressed in good faith, it was attempted to establish by argument and opinion on a religious subject
. were expressed in good faith, it was intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters tending to produce feelings of hatred toward an identifiable group in Canada

It could be argued that Coulter communicates statements, “in a public place, that incite hatred against an identifiable groups, in such a way that there will likely be a breach of the peace.” There was a definitely a breach of peace in Ottawa on March 23rd.

Describing herself Coulter once quipped,

“I’m a Christian first and a mean-spirited, bigoted conservative second, and don’t you ever forget it.”

She’s infamous for her mean spirited blurting against others who are not just like her. Here are a few more of Coulter’s thoughts on Muslims:

“I believe our motto should be after 9/11: Jihad monkey talks tough; jihad monkey takes the consequences. Sorry, I realize that’s offensive. How about ‘camel jockey’? What? Now what’d I say? Boy, you tent merchants sure are touchy. Grow up, would you?”

“They’re never very high in anyone’s caste system, are they? Poor little Pakis.” (8/16/04)

“Bumper sticker idea for liberals: ‘News magazines don’t kill people, Muslims do.’” (5/18/05)

“I think our motto should be, post-9-11, ‘raghead talks tough, raghead faces consequences.’” (2/10/06)

“Six imams removed from a US Airways flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix are calling on Muslims to boycott the airline. If only we could get Muslims to boycott all airlines, we could dispense with airport security altogether.” (11/22/06)

In addition to her outlandish behavior, Coulter is often criticized for misquoting people to serve her own agenda. As well as making blanket generalizations that are not based on fact. Case in point:

“Not all Muslims may be terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims.” (9/28/01)

The notion that “all terrorists are Muslims,” is absurd! Here’s a list of just a few terrorists/acts of terrorism in recent history, having ZERO Muslim connection:

Ku Klux Klan – (KKK)- used violence, arson, and murder to further its white supremacist, anti-Communist, anti-semitic and anti-Catholic agenda.

Neo-Nazis/ White Power Skinheads – Domestic terrorists with agendas similar to the KKK

Unabomber – American Math Professor, Theodore “Ted” Kaczynski (from 1978-1995) sent letter bombs to academics and individuals associated with modern technology.

Oklahoma City bombing – right-wing extremists Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols killed 168 people (truck bomb) – the deadliest domestic-based terrorist attack in US history.

Centennial Olympic Park bombing – July 27, 1996 Atlanta, Georgia, Eric Robert Rudolph, former explosives expert for the United States Army, sets of bomb. Two people died, and 111 were injured.

2001 anthrax attacks – 2001 Letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to several news media offices and two Democratic U.S. Senators, killing five people and infecting 17 others. FBI narrowed its focus to Bruce Edwards Ivins, a scientist who worked at the government’s biodefense labs at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. Ivins was told of the impending prosecution and on July 27 committed suicide.

Holocaust Memorial Museum shooting – 2009 James W. Von Brunn, 88, from Maryland, believed to have ties to neo-Nazi groups, opened fire in the Washington museum, killing one guard.

“My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times building.” ~ Coulter on McVeigh (8/26/02)

To assume that Coulter only takes issue with Muslims would be incorrect. She seems to take umbrage with all those who are not just like her. Some more of her scandalous quotes have been aimed at gays, immigrants, single mothers, mixed race celebrities, Canadians, and Jews.

“If Gore had been elected president, right now he would just be finding that last lesbian quadriplegic for the Special Forces team.” (10/14/04)

“I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word “faggot,” so I – so kind of an impasse, can’t really talk about Edwards.” (3/2/07)

“And why is it “homophobic” for Senate Republicans to look askance at sex in public bathrooms? Is the Times claiming that sodomy in public bathrooms is the essence of being gay? I thought gays just wanted to get married to one another and settle down in the suburbs so they could visit each other in the hospital.” (9/5/07)

“I’d build a wall. In fact, I’d hire illegal immigrants to build the wall. And throw out the illegals who are here. It’s cheap labor.” (4/14/06)

[Canadians] better hope the United States does not roll over one night and crush them. They are lucky we allow them to exist on the same continent.” (11/30/04)

Coulter is often questioned as to whether she is serious, or just attempting to shock people. Regarding her comment about Jews needing to be “perfected,” she was serious. When shit hit the fan, Coulter did what she often does: Accused the Liberal Media of taking her out of context. A lawyer, Coulter is gifted where “double-speak” is concerned.

“No, we just want Jews to be perfected, as they say…. that’s what Christianity is. We believe the Old Testament, but ours is more like Federal Express. You have to obey laws. That is what Christians consider themselves: perfected Jews. We believe the Old Testament. As you know from the Old Testament, God was constantly getting fed up with humans for not being able to live up to all the laws. What Christians believe — this is just a statement of what the New Testament is — is that that’s why Christ came and died for our sins. Christians believe the Old Testament. You don’t believe our testament.” (10/8/07)

There was another fellow, in history, who thought Jews should be “cleansed.” “perfecting Jews,” may be less violent/less an act of madness, yet, it is no less offensive! Coulter should just cram all of her bullshit into one condensed volume and title it “Mein Kampf: The Sequel ~ If You Aren’t A WASP, Get Off My Planet!”

“I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord.” ~ Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf

OPEN LETTER TO A SELF PROCLAIMED BIGOT:

Dearest Ms. Coulter,

You have the right to hate who you want, but don’t expect to come to Canada and feel entitled to a forum to spread that hatred.

In the end we all face the Divine Creator. We all answer for our behavior during our earthly visit. You may want to consider dialing down the “wrath” side of Christianity and try embracing the “compassion” side for a wee while. You are an educated, woman; yet when you go off on one of your tangents, I find that the only difference between you and that nutter, Shirley Phelps-Roper, is that you have better lighting and a more expensive wardrobe. This is not something to aspire to.

Sure, you’ve made millions off your books, but you seem to be angry all of the time. I can’t imagine this makes for a good quality of life. Nevertheless, I wish you well. I also wish you off Canadian soil.

It’s closing time ~ you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here…

Warmest Regards,
Pamela

ANN COULTER ~ IN HER OWN WORDS:

Canada is the true Land of the Free – Home of the Gay

This is a sad day for the state of California. It is a setback in the quest for equality in a country that prides itself on being free. I have friends in California, some straight; some gay: all in favor of equal rights for everyone.

I’ve been watching the news and following the explosion of thoughts on twitter. There was a PRO 8 minister on CNN. He went straight to the argument about marriage being between a man and a woman. Then he went to the natural progression: People will want to marry animals and children. This is the leap that always astounds me. I’ve never met a queer who said they wanted to marry a goat or a child. This concept seems to be in the minds of good upstanding heterosexual Christians. I have to say: it’s a LOT warped the way some people think.

The “sanctity of marriage” has not been well respected by heterosexuals. Divorce rates are what? 50%? Men and women mess around all the time. Some cultures encourage concubines. Seriously! What is it that two women or two men can POSSIBLY do to besmirch the sanctity of marriage?

This minister also said that it is proven that “The strongest families in America have a man and a women” at the helm. Again, SERIOUSLY? This guy has to check his statistics. There are rehabs filled with kids from “Normal” homes. There is NO recipe for a solid family with stable kids. We do the best we can and hope the lessons are learned.

I am from a broken home. My mother had the sense to leave my alcoholic father and give my sister and I the chance for a good life. My sister and I have done well. She, with her “Natural :Opposite Marriage,” and me with my queer life.

Sonia Sotomayor, a woman from Bronx, raised in poverty by her single mother (her father died when she was nine) is the next appointee to the Supreme Court. We are who we are and we become what we can be regardless of who our parents are. The best is IN US – it is up to us to unleash it.

I believe today’s upholding of Proposition Hate is a setback. It may take years more to right this wrong, but it will happen. There are those who would happily still own blacks as slaves of they could. But they cant! That hideous practice, once condoned buy the governing bodies, is dead and gone. One day the hideous practice of hindering equal rights, condoned by the government, will also be a thing of the past.

Stonewall. June 28, 1969. It has taken us 40 years to come this far. Momentum is gaining. There will be equality for all: it will not take another 40 years. My prediction: 10 years tops.

I’m with you in spirit, California!

I watched the US election results along with the world, hoping and praying for an Obama Presidential win. My friends and I welled up as president-elect Barack Obama spoke about renewed hope for the future. To see people celebrating the world over was uplifting. The thought that estranged leaders might extend an olive branch and begin peace talks seems possible. Something monumental happened at 11pm November 4th, 2008. Something not seen since 1961 when an Irish Catholic named John F, Kennedy won the Whitehouse. Though I am Canadian, watching Obama, I felt like I won – like hope won!

In a bittersweet turn, just hours after Obama spoke the words,

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,”

Proposition 8 has passed in California; this, on the heels of Florida and Arizona supporting a gay marriage ban, and Arkansas banning fostering or adoption by gay couples. Throw- away kids, it seems, are better off as orphans who feel unwanted as opposed to being taken in by people who want to love and nurture them.

‘CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA.’ This was the basis of Mr. Obama’s victory speech. He spoke of slavery and freedom. He spoke of blacks and women getting the right to vote. He spoke of the change that is to come and equality for Americans. I was moved by his words, yet disheartened by the numbers filtering in on the Prop 8 initiative in California; which I don’t believe should have been on the ballot. When the Supreme Court passes a human right it is passed and should never be overturned. The abolition of slavery was a human rights issue – what if the religious rite wanted to challenge it today?

Until 1954 the Supreme Court upheld the “Separate But Equal” notion that blacks were no longer slaves and were to be treated equal, but not completely equal in that segregation was legal. This argument was held up because the bible stated that blacks were not completely human and they were to be owned and beaten within an inch of life if they didn’t behave. (Some verses used to enslave: Acts 17:26, Leviticus 25:44, and I Timothy 6:1)

Things started to change when Brown vs. the Board of Education forced the boundaries of Segregation. Yet as recent as 1965 Religious fundamentalist Rev. Jerry Falwell was speaking pro-segregation. He gave a sermon at Thomas Road Baptist Church criticizing Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, which he often called the Civil Wrongs Movement, as it was against God. Thankfully the Civil Rights Movement was successful and blacks began to see the rights and respect that was deserved.

There was also a time when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. In 1869 The Georgia Supreme Court based its interracial marriage ban on natural law, stating that,

“the God of nature made it otherwise, and no human law can produce it, and no human tribunal can enforce it.”

Maryland was the first state to lift the ban on interracial marriage in 1964. South Carolina didn’t remove the ban on interracial marriage until Nov 3rd, 1998. Only 10 years ago. When Barak Obama was born in 1961 his white mother and black father were breaking the law in many states (by being married). Ironically, a biracial man is now slated to be leader of the United States.

At this time many of the religious rite state that gays should be “tolerated” as sinners who are ill – and the bible says so. The powers that be in religious circles want gays to have limited human rights. Just as they demanded blacks have limited human rights because it was Gods will. The hatred makes me tired. Lesbian and gay rights groups have started filing lawsuits challenging the validity of Proposition 8.

It is times like this that I wonder, “Who’s Next?” It seems that when one people is liberated religious leaders and governing bodies have a need to find someone else to oppress. Many of these leaders are men of “freedom.” It is my sincere wish that these people in power take a look backward and realize that the same arguments that held them down are now being turned on the LBGT community.

The world needs change that respects the dignity of all human beings.

Tim McLeanwas a young man of twenty-two who was brutally stabbed and beheaded on a Greyhound bus. (July 30th)
I was saddened when a friend forwarded me CTV.ca’s news story about hate-Christians who plan to cross the border to protest his funeral because he was gay. 

Shirley Phelps-Roper, the infamous queen of God-Loving- Queer-Haters is looking upon this brutal murder as: “God handed us a gift,” Phelps-roper went on to say:” You got God shaking in rage. There is no emotional component … He was a rebel against God. He was taught to be a rebel by his parents. He came from a rebel country … They brought this wrath upon his head. And it sucks to be him and it sucks to be them,”

CTV.ca also report that Phelps-Roper repeatedly describes Canada as a “Fag” nation. I for one would like to clarify that we are also a lesbian, transgender, bisexual, strait, black, white, brown, yellow, red, tall, short, fat, skinny, male, female, Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Indigenous, baha’i, Sikh, and the list goes on NATION! We are NOT a nation that welcomes toxic waste, such as Phelps-Roper and her merry band of sociopaths.

At this point in time the cult known as “Westboro Baptist Church” is approximately 70 parishioners weak. In my opinion they should ALL be jailed for numerous acts of inciting hatred towards others. If they are allowed to cross the border I hope they are arrested before they have a chance to disturb the ceremony where McLean’s family/friends can honor his brief life and say goodbye to one who is gone to soon.

For the in-depth article with more of Phelps-Ropers demented comments please go to CTV.ca
 

 

On December 1st, 2006 The United Church of Canada kicked off a controversial ad campaign in order to recruit new members. The ads include Jesus sitting in Santa’s village (complete with a child in his lap), the caption: Will you still come? Two grooms atop a wedding cake with the caption: Would you object?” Another features a can of whipped cream, which questions: when is sex a sin? The crowning glory of this $10.5 million campaign is Bobble-head Jesus. Which bears the question: “Funny – or ticket to hell?” The ads can be viewed and commented on at www.wondercafe.ca.

The United Church is Canada’s second largest church (Roman Catholic being the largest). Since it’s inception in 1925 the Church has maintained a liberal position. The organization has been a champion of women’s and minority rights, including homosexuals.

I’ve studied the ads myself and I’m unsure where I stand on the campaign. My indecision has prompted me to query a few of my fellow homosexuals. I posed two questions: Are you onside with the new campaign? Do you feel the campaign will lead gays to join the United Church’s congregation?

“I’m excited about the campaign. The ads are creative, engaging, and inclusive. The number one job of advertising is to get people talking.” Says L. Fornier, lesbian Copywriter and practicing member of The United Church. “This is a successful campaign in the sense that it’s already generating conversation,” Fornier added.

My inquiries have resulted in conflicting points of view. “When religion has to rely on advertising in order to gain followers that religion should be out of business and only read about in the history books.” Says Joey Wargachuk, gay marketing student, non-denominational (former Roman Catholic).

If the campaign seems familiar: in some ways it is. The satirical Kevin Smith film “Dogma”(1999) mocked the Catholic Church’s “Renew 2000″; a campaign that kicked off in October 1998 in effort to attract more parishioners (It was not considered a successful campaign). The film featured George Carlin as Cardinal Ignatius Glick. His main concern was marketing his “Buddy Christ” statue in order to make religion hip.

So is the notion of Bobble-head Jesus a joke that makes the church a laughing stock? Or is this a hip way to reach the public? “I like the ads, especially the two grooms on the wedding cake. I think Bobble-head Jesus is funny.” Says gay counter attendant Nicholas Detlor (former member of The United church). I like that the church is including everyone. You know… not saying I’m going to hell for being a fag.”

The notion that “God hates queers” has been a motivating factor prompting gays to leave religious organizations. Inclusion is an attractive feature of the campaign.

The ads pose questions that are important to some and offensive to others. Aside from the ads there’s a video titled “EZ Answer Squirrel”; wherein a squirrel runs back and forth in a box, answering “yes” or “no” religious questions by pulling a nut, which is attached to string. One nut lights the yes bulb the other lights up the no bulb. The video is ridiculous. I did laugh, wondering if this was the response the video was supposed to generate.

Regarding whether or not the ads will bring up the church’s dwindling attendance, opinion is also split. “I think the ads will get people in the door. Where they go from there is up to them.” Says Fornier. When questioned if the ad’s might inspire him to return to the church Detlor replied, “Yeah, totally. I’d feel welcome. I’m kind of interested in checking into going back.”

“It’s going to raise eyebrows and generate water cooler conversation. This doesn’t mean it will draw people into the church.” Says Wargachuk. “Most people in their 20’s – 40’s have already made up their minds where spirituality is concerned. This campaign will get some buzz and then fade away.” Mr. Wargachuk makes a valid observation. Most controversies are flavour of the day until upstaged by the next issue.

Whether or not the United Church’s ads will attract new parishioners remains to be seen. My final verdict: It’s important that people have beliefs that empower their lives. Be those beliefs spiritual, pagan, or religious. I have doubts that the campaign will bring up attendance numbers but anything that generates communication of substance is positive.

Perhaps the congregations won’t come in droves, filling the churches coffers. However, I predict many windshields just may feature the holy hipster, Bobble-head Jesus.

Who holds the royalties to Jesus merchandising anyway?