An Open Letter to CPAC Sponsors and Organizers Regarding Ann Coulter
Conservatism treats humans as they are, as moral creatures possessing rational minds and capable of discerning right from wrong. There comes a time when we must speak out in the defense of the conservative movement, and make a stand for political civility. This is one of those times.
Ann Coulter used to serve the movement well. She was telegenic, intelligent, and witty. She was also fearless: saying provocative things to inspire deeper thought and cutting through the haze of competing information has its uses. But Coulter’s fearlessness has become an addiction to shock value. She draws attention to herself, rather than placing the spotlight on conservative ideas.
At the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2006, Coulter referred to Iranians as “ragheads.” She is one of the most prominent women in the conservative movement; for her to employ such reckless language reinforces the stereotype that conservatives are racists.
At CPAC 2007 Coulter decided to turn up the volume by referring to John Edwards, a former U.S. Senator and current Presidential candidate, as a “faggot.” Such offensive language–and the cavalier attitude that lies behind it–is intolerable to us. It may be tolerated on liberal websites but not at the nation’s premier conservative gathering.
The legendary conservative thinker Richard Weaver wrote a book entitled Ideas Have Consequences. Rush Limbaugh has said again and again that “words mean things.” Both phrases apply to Coulter’s awful remarks.
Coulter’s vicious word choice tells the world she care little about the feelings of a large group that often feels marginalized and despised. Her word choice forces conservatives to waste time defending themselves against charges of homophobia rather than advancing conservative ideas.
Within a day of Coulter’s remark John Edwards sent out a fundraising email that used Coulter’s words to raise money for his faltering campaign. She is helping those she claims to oppose. How does that advance any of the causes we hold dear?
Denouncing Coulter is not enough. After her “raghead” remark in 2006 she took some heat. Yet she did not grow and learn. We should have been more forceful. This year she used a gay slur. What is next? If Senator Barack Obama is the de facto Democratic Presidential nominee next year will Coulter feel free to use a racial slur? How does that help conservatism?
One of the points of CPAC is the opportunity it gives college students to meet other young conservatives and learn from our leaders. Unlike on their campuses—where they often feel alone—at CPAC they know they are part of a vibrant political movement. What example is set when one highlight of the conference is finding out what shocking phrase will emerge from Ann Coulter’s mouth? How can we teach young conservatives to fight for their principles with civility and respect when Ann Coulter is allowed to address the conference? Coulter’s invective is a sign of weak thinking and unprincipled politicking.
CPAC sponsors, the Age of Ann has passed. We, the undersigned, request that CPAC speaking invitations no longer be extended to Ann Coulter. Her words and attitude simply do too much damage.
Sincerely,
Sean Hackbarth
The American Mind
Marshall Manson
On Tap
James Joyner
Outside the Beltway
And many others…
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 11:48 am
[…] The post just below is, as it says, an open letter from a variety of folks to CPAC organizers and sponsors, about the unpleasantness of Ann Coulter. […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 12:00 pm
An Open Letter to CPAC Sponsors and Organizers Regarding Ann Coulter
Conservatism treats humans as they are, as moral creatures possessing rational minds and capable of discerning right from wrong. There comes a time when we must speak out in the defense of the conservative movement, and make a stand for political civil…
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 12:13 pm
[…] Owen Robinson, Boots and Sabres N.Z. Bear, The Truth Laid Bear Michael Demmons, Gay Orbit Mark Coffey, Decision ‘08 Russell Newquist, The Philosopher’s Stone Marshall Manson, On Tap […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 12:19 pm
[…] But Steve also ignores another response from conservatives regarding Coulter’s comments. They’ve been widely condemned by other conservatives. […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 1:21 pm
[…] More: Captain’s Quarters, The American Mind, Public Secrets, Gay Patriot, On Tap, The Moderate Voice, Say Anything, Outside the Beltway […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 1:51 pm
[…] CPAC sponsors, the Age of Ann has passed. We, the undersigned, request that CPAC speaking invitations no longer be extended to Ann Coulter. Her words and attitude simply do too much damage. Credentialed CPAC 2007 BloggersSean Hackbarth, The American Mind James Joyner, Outside the Beltway BoiFromTroy, Boi From Troy Joy McCann, Little Miss Attila Kevin McCullough, Musclehead Revolution Fausta Werz, Fausta’s blog Patrick Hynes, Ankle Biting Pundits Ed Morrissey, Captain’s Quarters Jane Stewart, See Jane Mom Alexander Brunk, Save the GOPOther Right-of-Center Bloggers Owen Robinson, Boots and Sabres N.Z. Bear, The Truth Laid Bear Michael Demmons, Gay Orbit Mark Coffey, Decision ‘08 Russell Newquist, The Philosopher’s Stone Marshall Manson, On Tap Rob Port, Say Anything Matthew Johnston, Going to the Mat Timmer, The Daily Brief Rick Moran, Right Wing Nuthouse Rob Port - Say Anything […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 2:28 pm
[…] Marshall Manson, On Tap […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 6:06 pm
An Open Letter to CPAC Sponsors and Organizers Regarding Ann Coulter
Conservatism treats humans as they are, as moral creatures possessing rational minds and capable of discerning right from wrong. There comes a time when we must speak out in the defense of the conservative movement, and make a stand for…
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 6:32 pm
[…] Marshall Manson, On Tap […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 7:18 pm
I must say I find it pretty hilarious that there was none of this uproar over her comment that we should invade Muslim countries, “kill their leaders, and convert them to Christianity.” Or any of the thousands of other hateful, just plain idiotic things she’s said. If having Ann speak at your conference is tarnishing your reputation, you certainly deserve it!
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 7:29 pm
[…] Marshall Manson, On Tap […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 10:06 pm
[…] Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL. « Late primaries going to getcanceled? […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 10:21 pm
[…] Marshall Manson, On Tap […]
March 5th, 2007 at March 5, 2007 - 10:48 pm
[…] Owen Robinson, Boots and Sabres N.Z. Bear, The Truth Laid Bear Michael Demmons, Gay Orbit Mark Coffey, Decision ‘08 Russell Newquist, The Philosopher’s Stone Marshall Manson, On Tap Rob Port, Say Anything Matthew Johnston, Going to the Mat Timmer, The Daily Brief Rick Moran, Right Wing Nuthouse Dustin Gawrylow, Free Republicans Dan, North Dallas Thirty Brennan Monaco, The American Pundit Nate Nelson, Reality Mugged Me Christopher Fotos, PostWatch Joe Carter, Evangelical Outpost Amy Ridenour, National Center Blog […]
March 6th, 2007 at March 6, 2007 - 8:32 am
An Open Letter to CPAC Sponsors and Organizers Regarding Ann Coulter
Please sign on—via comments, and cross-posting—and spread the word. Enough is enough. Conservatism treats humans as they are, as moral creatures possessing rational minds and capable of discerning right from wrong. There comes a time when w…
March 6th, 2007 at March 6, 2007 - 9:25 am
An Open Letter to CPAC Sponsors and Organizers Regarding Ann Coulter
I'm joining with Sean and my other conservative brethren in circulating this letter. Signatures will be added as time permits. Conservatism treats humans as they are, as moral creatures possessing rational minds and capable of discerning right fro…
March 6th, 2007 at March 6, 2007 - 10:43 am
[…] Other Right-of-Center Bloggers N.Z. Bear, The Truth Laid BearInstaPundit Joe Carter, Evangelical Outpost Amy Ridenour, National Center Blog Owen Robinson, Boots and Sabres Michael Demmons, Gay Orbit Mark Coffey, Decision ‘08 Russell Newquist, The Philosopher’s Stone Marshall Manson, On Tap Rob Port, Say Anything Matthew Johnston, Going to the Mat Timmer, The Daily Brief Rick Moran, Right Wing Nuthouse Dustin Gawrylow, Free Republicans Dan, North Dallas Thirty Brennan Monaco, The American Pundit Nate Nelson, Reality Mugged Me Christopher Fotos, PostWatch Soren Dayton, EyeOn08 Greg, Rhymes with Right Jimmie, The Sundries Shack John Tabin, JohnTabin.com Dave Burris, First State Politics Dan McLaughlin, Baseball Crank Peter DiGaudio, Texas Hold ‘Em Blogger […]
March 6th, 2007 at March 6, 2007 - 6:45 pm
[…] Marshall Manson, On Tap […]