Enough Of This Madness: Let Freedom Of Speech Reign Or Get Out

I do think it's about time people stand up for one another in the interest of free speech. The voices of those who would censure need to be shunned and done away with - especially on College and University campuses where all too often extremism prevails over freedom of speech. All too often, presidents or deans of such schools lead the this ghastly parade.

The latest figure to be

Too often, people pass opinions around with second hand information. Here in Canada, I can't tell you how many times I hear people say "Rush Limbaugh has a mental illness" and when I ask if they listen to him, every single time the answer is "No." Same with Fox News. They don't even get Fox News here and still find it appropriate to judge it. Never body of work and opinions, we get our information from sources we "trust!" It's a "I know the type" logic.

I picked off this piece from College News. I found it interesting because it makes my point. On the surface you may dislike something but once you actually see, read or hear it, maybe your opinion can shift and maybe perhaps even learn something. Why would you deny yourself that right?

As many of you know, if there's one thing that absolutely sends me into a hissy fit it's so-called protectors of our institutions of higher learning acting like dictatorial creeps.

The latest one being Francois Houle of the University of Ottawa asking American shock polemicist Ann Coulter to "watch her mouth."

I ask, would Houle send the same letter to, say, Noam Chomsky or Michael Moore - the latter being obscenely boorish himself? How about Naomi Klein? What's the difference between them and Coulter and Rush Limbaugh. Does anyone for one second believe the leftists mentioned earlier would ever be censored?

In the 1960s, many leftist musicians were often unfairly boycotted or prevented from performing at certain events. Their colleagues often reacted by standing by them and not performing themselves. I think it's time people in the political realm do the same. This nonsense of censoring people under the bogus guise of "public safety" should not be tolerated.

Here's part of the letter. My comments in red:

We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada, as well as on our campus, and view it as a fundamental freedom, as recognized by our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Red flag, red flag. I smell a but coming....

Now! I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or "free speech") in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. Read: We have more restrictions because we're not as free.

I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here.Ok...entering 1984 zone here.

You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. There it is folks: Limits. You can't put limits on freedom of speech. You either have it or you don't. For example, promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate (you know, if you say "retard" that can be "considered inappropriate." We're not sure. We'll know it when we see it. But we're watching you because....), but could in fact lead to criminal charges. Outside of the criminal realm, Canadian defamation laws also limit freedom of expression and may differ somewhat from those to which you are accustomed. I therefore ask you, while you are a guest on our campus, to weigh your words with respect and civility in mind. I never consented to this as a citizen so if you don't mind I want to hear Ms. Coulter without the fear of the government bitch slapping her around, thank you very much. We all know how far the unelected Human Rights Commission can take this rhetoric. Just ask Mark Steyn. Notice the tone. It's civil but it's paternalistic and just plain scary.

There is a strong tradition in Canada, including at this university, of restraint, respect and consideration in expressing even provocative and controversial opinions and urge you to respect that Canadian tradition while on our campus. Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.  Just follow our rules and how we see things and we'll all get along.

Ugh. 

Thank you Mr. Houle for exposing Canada for what it is: A free country some of the time and within the acceptable limits of a few people who anointed themselves protectors of free speech without my consent.

Ms. Coulter. Bite like a pit bull. Let Canadian students decide for themselves if they accept or reject you.