Thursday, June 08, 2006

Ann Coulter is Representative of America

Today, Ann Coulter was greeted by a throng of cheering supporters at a bookstore in New York—there to sign copies of her latest book-length diatribe. Even if you accept the notion that Coulter makes completely outrageous statements just to get attention and sell books, the fact that she gets a humongous amount of mainstream media exposure (and can attract a crowd of rabid fans at a book signing) says a lot about American society in 2006. Ten or fifteen years ago Coulter would have been considered a part of the lunatic fringe; today she represents the views of a huge percentage of the Republican base.

Of course, her statements regarding the 9-11 widows have attracted the most attention. If you find your opinions aligned with Coulter think about this: Imagine one or more of your family members was killed in the next terrorist attack. How would you feel if a Coulter (or another talking head) garnered fame and fortune by claiming that you were “enjoying” the loss of your loved one(s) a bit too much, and that you had no right to speak your mind. Still feel the same way?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Sure Ann is out on the edges of the right-wing population and says some strange things, but to me she is just Micheal Moore in drag. Those folks who say the outrageous things (on both sides of the political spectrum) get the press.

Regarding your comment about the 9-11 widows - her statement is shocking and probably innaccurate ( I say probably because I do not know the widows) but you have to admit that they are treated with "kid gloves" by the media simply because of thier loss. Anyone who dares to disagree with thier commnets is labeled insensitive to thier loss, so no one challenges thier opinions.