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Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 8:56 AM
Subject: Re: Last Night
Hi Craig...there was some confusion on our end that
you were one of the organizers bringing Ann Coulter to Calgary...but that was
our error...which you immediately rectified in before you spoke about anything
else. If this has caused any confusion or concern, I apologize for that, and
thank you for speaking to us about your support for Ms. Coulter's right to free
speech in this country. It was an enlightening, and timely
interview.
Thanks Craig,
Mark Kelley
Host- Connect with Mark
Kelley
CBC News Network
If Ann Coulter "disinvited" me to the private
reception because of the mislabelling of me as an organizer, all of this was
clarified almost immediately. My explanation and the email from Mark Kelley was
forwarded to Ezra Levant (the actual organizer). I am sure Ezra Levant who is a
friend of mine shared this information with Ms. Coulter.
Personally, I really do not think that is the real
reason that I have been "disinvited". In her statements to Colby Cosh she was
also very upset that I was apparently "denouncing" her. When you watch the CBC
video at http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/ID=1450395721 (Under Victim or Villan on the right side) I do make some
statements that I think are the real reason that I will not be at the private
reception this evening.
In the 6 minute and 31 second interview I defend
Ann Coulter in every way imagineable, however, I do say 2 comments that I
sincerely feel she did not like and they are as follows: "She says some
things that are stupid...so be it" and "There are things she says that
I disagree with...for example I have Muslim friends, we all know about the
Muslim comments as you have said and I do not think they are worth repeating
myself...I do not neccessarily think those comments were good, but, they were
her opinions and she is allowed to have them" For almost 6 minutes I
defended her comments and conducted over 22 interviews in her
defence.
I have forgiven Ann Coulter, but, she is being a
hypocrite.
Ann has no problem talking about free speech and
whining that she could not be heard etc. I completely agree with Ann that she
had the right to be heard and the protestors at the University of Ottawa were
like brown shirts in trying to silence her. However, I do find it very
hypocritical that I say something that she disagrees with and I am all of a
sudden disinvited to the private reception. It is acceptable for people to
disagree and I do find some of her comments extreme, but, I have been consistent
in defending her right to say them.
My father's response when I told him I was bringing
Ann Coulter to Calgary seems to be the correct one when he said "One thing
is for certain son, if you bring up Ann Coulter you will look moderate compared
to her". Also, my wife who is more conservative than I am was also very
uncomfortable with Ann Coulter after hearing her books on CD.
After this experience, I do find Ann Coulter
extreme. She claims to be an advocate of free speech, but, her actions have
proven she only tolerates what she likes to hear. Free speech means you need to
tolerate the voices of even those you disagree with.
Ann Coulter is a fraud, she does not believe in
free speech at all, she just loves hearing the sound of her own voice and
demands complete loyalty. Thank God for America that this women is not running
for office because the real test of her values were clearly displayed in Canada
and that is she will do anything to shut down anyone who has an independent
thought.
One thing we can be thankful for as a result of
Ann Coulter's trip to Canada is that her visit has put free speech on the map
again and ignited debate about Human Rights Commissions, hate crimes and
independent thought.
Ezra Levant deserves praise for bringing Ann
Coulter up. The only problem in this situation is that Anne Coulter really does
not believe what she preaches, she is just trying to sell books.
As Mike Havery an Executive member of the
Progressive Group for Independent Business (PGIB) said to me this morning
"It is good we found out what a fraud Ann Coulter was now and that we did
not end up paying $50,000 to bring her up".
If being a moderate means I believe in treating
everyone equally regardless of their race, language, culture or gender then I am
as guilty as charged. I believe in free speech and I will continue to fight for
everyone to have their say, even if I disagree with them and that means Ann
Coulter as well.
Craig B. Chandler
Direct: 403-726-2371
