My British dad used to use that phrase: "Don't show your ignorance."
And in the context of Ann Coulter (who tweeted the above Monday during the final debate in the U.S. presidential election) it fits like a glove.
I'm so glad I don't live in a country where ignorance and hatred are accepted as "free speech."
The media describe Ann as a Conservative pundit.
However, a pundit -- "a learned person" who "makes comments or judgments in an authoritative manner" hardly describes someone whose best criticism of the United States President is to call him "the retard."
There isn't anything learned or authoritative about tweeting a schoolyard taunt that has been used to dehumanize people like my son for decades -- a word that isn't even used in medical circles anymore.
I took a quick look at Ann's website, and it spews hatred for marginalized groups, so I guess it's not surprising that she'd add a slur against people with intellectual disabilities to her arsenal.
What does surprise me is that Mitt Romney, the Republican contender for the U.S. presidency, would not publicly call her on it.
With friends like Ann Coulter in your camp -- who needs enemies?
There were a couple of news outlets that did report on just how offensive, infantile and "unfunny" she is.
Ann Coulter's 'retard' tweet says more about her than her politics (Leave it to Canada's national newspaper to bring some sense to the topic).
CNN has this excellent piece: Ann Coulter's backward use of the r-word
My friend Ellen Seidman, at Love That Max, who has already done so much to call for respect for our children was forced to devote a blog post to Ann's antics.
At this poll in the British Guardian newspaper, 84 per cent say the comment is offensive. And in response to "Is Ann Coulter's comment appropriate?" in this Toronto Sun poll 68 per cent said "no way."
So yes, I do call on Mitt Romney to weigh in on Ann Coulter's use of the word "retard" to describe President Obama.
Mr. Romney: Is this the kind of language and theatrics you encourage in your own five children?
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5 comments:
Well said, Louise. Sadly, I have no expectations that Romney would ever call her on it.
I'm really glad you chose to address this. Ms Coulter's comment was definitely inappropriate and completely disrespectful. It absolutely irks me that this word is still is use today, especially by members of the media who are presumably looked up to as examples. Thanks for bringing it up with such tact, Louise.
I agree with Ellen -- there's no way that there will be any redress for the likes of Ann Coulter.
Thank you for adding your voice to the many --
Apparently I am one of lucky few who had no idea who this woman is but after linking to a blog which very nicely described what a reprehensible person this is using her popularity to spew hatred and (the blog) making the civilized argument for not lowering yourself to the level even of those you despise, a friend commented that the best reaction is not to mention her since obviously she uses her notoriety to make more money for herself.
But we can't be quiet in the face of such arrogance and am glad to know my enemy.
I cringe when even contemplating this woman. She is hideously vile.
This is not unexpected from her, as you point out, but sad for Romney
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