Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Coulter in Ottawa

University of Ottawa provost François Houle's letter warning Ann Coulter to be cautious in what she says was patronising but not legally wrong. Canada's laws protecting freedom of expression are much narrower than those of the United States. The real concern is not that Coulter was warned -- one could argue that was prudent since the University was providing the venue and could have liability -- but rather the broader question as to whether all political speakers are warned. Is there a double standard in play? I don't like Coulter's politics (or her theatrics) but I support her right to have them and to express them.

7 comments:

Laya said...

I really doubt their Israel Apartheid Week speakers get the same warning.

JF said...

Well... I don't think ALL political speakers should get the same cautionary message.

I mean let's face it there isn't the same risks (For both Speaker & Venue)involved if you were to compare Coultier's ramblings with (Hypothetically) say the Finance Minister discussing the political implications of progressive v. flat tax rates.

Rotterdam said...

Is there a double standard in play?

Not sure if your question is rhetorical, but the answer is obvious.

Her whole speech last night focused on double standards, especially on the issue of race. It irritated the l/3 or so left wingers who got in to no end.

Anonymous said...

"could have liability"


What "liability" would the university have had for allowing Coulter to speak.

I don't get this behavior from you loons at all.

You people tolerate terrorists a lot more than you do Americans or Conservatives.

James C Morton said...

If the University provided a place for an event and Coulter defamed someone, argueable the Univerisyrt could be liable. By warning her, they created a defence of due diligence. My point is that they should warn everyone, if they warn anyone.

Craig said...

She's an obvious extremist. She needs to be cautioned.

Anonymous said...

But Michael Moore never needed to be warned or how about Fidel Castro going to Trudeau's funeral?

This Castro clown has killed untold numbers of his own people and continues to hold political prisoners.

Nothing but silence at the time from Castro loving Canadians.

Ann Coulter has done nothing to nobody other than hurt their feelings.

Nothing compared to all the leftists in the current world who are slaughtering people without a care in the world from leftist Canadians.

You people are morally bankrupt and its all because of rabid anti-Americanism and a little anti-Semitism.

The fact Morton is a part of this leftist crowd is confusing to say the least.

Coutler was silenced which has Alinsky smiling right now.