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:

Having been born without a single athletic bone in my body, I am in awe of the skill of these competitors.

The loss of luge racer, Nodar Kumaritshvili is heartbreaking. In 21 years of life he made his way to stand with the best in the world. This is to be honored. My heart aches for his family, friends, and countrymen.

I have been glued to the games since the magnificent opening ceremonies. I’ve also been watching the, self proclaimed, “anarchists” claiming to be protesters. News flash: Smashing the property of others and running wild through the streets is not anarchy – it’s stupidity: You have earned the GOLD MEDAL for Group Stupidity, congratulations, IDIOTS!

Where those true protestors are concerned, those who demonstrate against the games peacefully: I may not agree with your logic, but I respect your right to gather. I’m sure there are plenty of deals made by the “money people” to get a piece of the Olympic action. I know there is great financial debt that becomes the burden of taxpayers. Yet: for me the games are not about corporate greed or government spending. They are about the athletes who have given most of their years on earth striving for personal excellence. It is about national pride and worldwide solidarity. Homelessness is a global epidemic. So much more has to be done everywhere (especially by the elect). However, attempting to diminish something positive will never repair something negative.

I am Canadian. I don’t have much competitive edge in me. I’m proud of every Olympian, whether I know them by name or not. I want Canada to take home as many medals as possible. Yet, every time an athlete goes down during their event, I hold my breath. Their home country is irrelevant. They’ve all worked hard to be there and it is over in an instant. As viewers I think we can all feel their pain.

Image By Steve Russell/Toronto Star
During the women’s moguls many athletes went down. Yet all got back up and finished the race. There were heavy sighs and headshakes, then all smiled and waved to the crowd, while awaiting scores that would have them in the bottom of the pack. When Kristi Richards of team Canada went down hard, she got up, paused a moment, put her ski back on, faced the crowd, and raised her arms as if to ask, “Do you want it?” The crowd cheered wildly and Richards continued down the run to complete her back flip/full rotation, in the air. She executed the trick perfectly and glided through the finish. I was so proud to be Canadian. Richards takes the gold in sportsmanship. It is far easier to win with grace than to lose with it.

I can’t speak for the athletes, but, truly, I have yet to see anything but winners. In a world rife with struggle and disillusionment it is an honor to witness such determination. The best of the best have come to triumph in sport. They inspire children to strive for dreams and believe in possibility; to me, this is worth more than money spent.

Thank you, Olympians, trainers, coaches, judges, organizers, volunteers, media, et. All! Keep up the great work!

To pull out a gun and shoot an unarmed man is the act of a coward. To beat a man to the ground and then run him over is the act of a savage.

A candle light vigil/march was held in Toronto tonight, October 25, 2009, to honor the memory of Christopher Skinner, who was brutally murdered October 18th, while walking home from his sisters birthday party.

Police have been withholding details while the ongoing investigation is under way. Though Christopher was an openly gay man, authorities are not calling the attack a “Hate Crime.” It s believed the attack was unprovoked. Many in the gay community, including those close to Christopher, believe his sexuality was a motivating factor in his killers targeting him.

Police have released surveillance video footage of Christopher moments before the attack, as well as footage of what they believe is the black SUV involved in the murder. They have also said Christopher was beaten to the ground by 2 to 4 attackers and then driven over by both front and rear tires of their SUV. Christopher succumbed to fatal injuries in hospital.

The vigil began in the Gay Village at Church and Wellesley, where thousands marched to Adelaide and Victoria Streets, where Christopher was murdered.

“We will hold our candles high, with eyes pointed towards the sky to let Chris know that he is not there alone.”
“With this public showing of emotion, we hope to make known that hatred must no longer prevail, that in the dark, we will march in numbers, with candles lit in the memory of Christopher.” ~ Organizers posted on the vigil’s Facebook group.

The driver of the SUV is described as:

• Light-skinned
• Under 30 years old
• Short, military-style hair
• Last seen wearing a tight, black tank top
• There were as many as three other people in the SUV

If you can help, call police at 416-808-7410 or 416-808-7406.
You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

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!

What does one focus on when the world has become a whirling dervish?

I have no less than ten pieces of disjointed writing on the go. It’s not that I can’t focus on anything but more that I am focused on too much.

CNN, HNN, CNBC, BBC, NBC, ABC, CBC: all of these stations and countless others are cranking out the news, by the minute, by the hour, by the day, re-cap, re-cap, re-cap, and very little of the news is good. Sometimes I overdose on reality. Sometimes I shut off my TV for a week at a time for the solace of “not knowing.” How much can we stomach while understanding that damn near all of it is out of our hands?

There are bright spots on the horizon. In six short days George Walker Bush will leave the Whitehouse, forever! I am delighted. I don’t claim to know that President Elect Barack Obama will fix the planet; it’s a tall order. I do know it will be pretty hard to fuck things up more than Bush has. Maybe Carrot Top or Ann Coulter could make matters worse, other than that I think the world is in a better place. I certainly hope I’m right.

I Wonder What Lies Ahead?

Maybe Proposition 8 (prop-hate) will get overturned; there’s still hope.

Maybe “Focus On The Family” will stop teaching gay and transgender kids that they are ill. Maybe they will stop their “Programs” to convert queers and do away with the “Homosexual Agenda.”

Maybe there is one gay Osmond that will have the courage to come out of the closet and be tolerated by Donny – as he tolerates all of his “gay best friends”. That’s Heartwarming – REALLY, it is! From my big gay heart to you and your purple (the gay colour) socks, I say, “THANK YOU, DONNIE OSMOND! Thank you for tolerating myself and all other subhuman against-God queers! You’re a prince among men!”

Maybe Elizabeth Hasselbeck will leave “The View” and stop educating those of us who have been on the planet LONGER and are secure in the knowledge that she’s full of shit.

Maybe crap manufactured music will come to an end and I won’t have to stomach one more 16-year-old, going on 30, pop diva, butcher the art of song. Maybe then “Celebrity Rehab” will be canceled, as there will be no more cracked-out, 18-year-old, pop divas to cast.

Maybe JUST maybe these things will come to pass and “the world will live as one”.

Or maybe… I’ll just cancel my cable and the world will seem like a better place.

Still – I remain hopeful.