Reparations for [Ann]Coulter

Townhall ^ | March 7, 2007 | Jon Sanders

[2ndDivisionVet]

Howard Dean wants Republican presidential candidates to apologize for Ann Coulter's insinuation that Edwards is a "faggot." Granted, it is popular among Democrats to have third parties apologize for someone else's actions, but in this case, "reparations for Coulter" shouldn't stop at GOP presidential wannabe's.

Conservatives at large should consider apologizing, too. There was wisdom in Edwards' reaction to Coulter's comment: "I think it's important that we not reward hateful, selfish, childish behavior with attention. I also believe that is important for all of us to speak out against language of this kind; it is the place where hatred gets its foothold, and we can't stand silently by and allow this kind of language to be used." (For the record, there's no truth to the rumor that Edwards has offered to hire Coulter as campaign blogger.)

As Aristotle observed ages ago, a satirical jest that lacks foundation in truth is false wit. And Coulter's crack was false wit. To paraphrase Billy Bob Thornton's character in Slingblade, Edwards is funny ha-ha, not funny queer.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Notice this is a two page article.

[marsh_of_mists]

Just as soon as every liberal apologizes for all the hateful comments Howard Dean has made.

[Dallas59]

But it's ok to burn the American flag...spit on troops....call Americans evil and stupid...

[Graybeard58]

First time I had heard about this one:

His union-pandering has led him into numerous, risible moments involving Wal-Mart. Remember the time he promoted his book at the Manchester, N.H., Barnes & Noble instead of the Wal-Mart next door, because he says Wal-Mart doesn't pay employees enough? The Manchester Union Leader pointed out that at $7.50 an hour, the Wal-Mart paid employees more than the Barnes & Noble, which paid at $7 an hour. And guess who said that the minimum wage should be at $7.50 an hour (i.e., Wal-Mart wages)? John Edwards!

[blondee123]

Ok, we apologize, he's not a faggot, he's THE BRECK GIRL! LOL

[xtinct]

Still waiting for Howard Dean's, John Edward's, general Democrats' response to

- Hillary's plantation remark; Hillary's ability (abeit badly) to revert to Southern drawl when speaking to mostly Black Southern audience (insulting at best)

- Joe Biden's Pakistani and Barack Obama remarks

- Howard Dean's and guests' (including Whoopi Goldberg), campaign fundraiser, where it was seemingly 'OK' to slur Jews, Catholics, Blacks, gays, etc.

Definitely see a double standard when the 'infrequent' remark is made by a conservative.

Why do Democrat's get a pass on their hateful remarks?

[Tzimisce]

Right on the head. :)

[Jeff Chandler]

The candidates should all reply, "Why are you asking me to apologize? I didn't day it." and that's that.

They're such cowards.

[TAdams8591]

I think she shouldn't have said it for many reasons not the least of which is this whole thing has been blown way, way out of proportion. Enough already.

[TAdams8591]

"In short, Coulter's remark was ugly, gratuitous, and worthless. She could have leveled far more substantial -- and entertaining -- hits on John Edwards than what she said."

Much agreed.

[Roy Tucker]

Maybe we Republicans could do that head-tilt 'I'm sorry" montage the Left loves so much.

[NurdlyPeon]

I like to watch politics because of the occasional surprise, but this "they should all apologize" shtick is so painfully, pathetically predicable that it take all the fun out of things (yawn).

[DalcoTX]

"...And you knooowwwwhh what I'm talkin' about."

[DakotaRed]

What happened to the left's appreciation for a "botched joke?"

Oh, that's right. Ann Coulter is a single, educated and successful female, not a Massachussetts self proclaimed war hero who dumped all over every single person who served honorably in Viet Nam.

[Herakles]

I saw Dean in person once, and the real secret, that is covered up by the MSM, is that he really is crazy. From my point of view, this guy should be walking around in a white jacket with attendants.

[TheThinker]

Republicans are really more individualistic than Democrats contrary to what the Dems might say. They think of us as group thinkers when the posts and debate on Free Republic refutes that. I don't see Democrats apologizing for Bob Byrd. Who cares what Howard Dean wants anyway. Ann Coulter's a big girl who can apologize if she wants. She has courage and intellect but her problem is that she uses their tactics and sinks to their level sometimes with her attacks.

[MikeHu]

I don't know, John --

Being President means not having anybody to sue when things go wrong.

[Irish Rose]

Agreed. It doesn't even matter whether or not Ann Coulter is at fault. The candidates bear no responsibility whatsoever.

[Screamname]

Ann should give an apology. Say she didn`t mean to call him a faggot but a fudgeminer.

[Screamname]

He reminds me of that movie the Dead Zone with Martin Sheen who plays candidate Stillson..."You will put your hand there or I will cut it off and put it there myself! YEEEARAGH!"