Everyone's favourite ultra-conservative boderline hatemonger, Ann Coulter, has
cancelled her appearance at the University of Ottawa after
receiving a less-than-warm welcome from locals and a stern warning regarding "freedom of speech" from the university's provost. Apparently, her views are so controversial that her statements could fall within the realm of hate speech, a criminal offence in Canada. It should be noted, however, that Coulter's organizers, not the university, are responsible for cancelling her Ottawa appearance, due to "security concerns", AKA getting her head blasted off. Coulter's statements in response to the controversy are included
here, by the way.
Personally, I'm simultaneously relieved and peeved to know that Coulter won't be speaking on Ottawa. For the former, she's a crazy ***** who poses an embarrassment to conservatives and Christians alike. However, it's aggravating to know that a
liberal nutjob with equally extreme views would undoubtedly be lauded here, and, additionally, several of her comments following the cancellation were quite poignant, albeit outrageous.
So, does such a controversial figure need a muzzle for society's sake? Were Coulter's protesters justified, or are they just as guilty of intolerance as the woman herself? Do her viewpoints hold any credibility whatsoever?