Rhetoric of disrespect is hardly 'freedom of Speech'

Ottawa Protestors shut down Ann Coulter's speech


Ottawa provost François Houle invited Coulter to "educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada."

He noted, by example, that "promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges."


Liberal MP Scott Brison told Coulter's political opponents to "vote with your feet."

"If you don't agree with what she has to say, then ignore her."

While I am happy to ignore Ann Coulter, her tour has raised a fair amount of debate around "Freedom of Speech". As a result of the Zundel and Keegstra cases, Canadians have crafted hate laws which couple "freedom of expression" with "responsibility".

In an Academic Environment, freedom of speech requires a respectful and civil discourse between people of opposing views with the intent of promoting understanding rather than agreement. University of Ottawa is hardly the blogosphere where vituperative commentary is common.

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Poor young celebrity

According to reports, young Miley Cyrus is reported to have said this, to Teen Vogue magazine, about herself and her boyfriend:

"I think we're both deeper than normal people - what they think and how they feel. He's very grateful for what he has, but he doesn't let it go to his head. I'm like that, too."

Do you remember anything you said during your teen years that you wish you had never said, but can't take back? Those things that make you look shallow and full of yourself? I know I do, but fortunately, the things I said never got reported to the world via the media. Perhaps that's the sort of thing this is. She can't really mean that she's 'deeper' than everyone else, can she? I'll chalk it up to youthful enthusiasm, and a just plain stupid comment. Sadly, though, she might really believe it.

Oh, the risks and headaches of celebrity, eh?

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And how, then,

would one label pies?


Pie hit should earn PETA 'terrorist' label: MP

Weapons of mass destruction? Would bakeries then be forced to stop making pies? Would certain bakeries be licensed and able to bid on contracts to supply pies to the military? Crossing borders with pies would cost one dearly - long jail terms due to smuggling illegal weapons. Tarts would net you a slightly lower sentence, but then there's the risk of a concealed weapons charge due to their small size? Would Grandma have to be licensed and only bake pies for use at approved country fairs and fowl suppers? My goodness, but the very fabric of society is at risk, and no one even knew! All these years!

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It is

Comparing Abortionist’s Murder to MLK's Assassination ‘Offensive Beyond Belief,’ Dr. King’s Niece Says

Next they'll be comparing him to John F. Kennedy. It's not the same thing at all...

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