Why Ann Coulter Was Right

Much has been made of the passage in Ann Coulter's new book, Godless, because she took a swipe at one of the left's most sacred cows: the victims they hide behind in order to prevent a counterargument. The liberals are in a huff that Coulter expressed amazement that, of the thousands of people who lost family members because of the attacks of 9/11, the four "Jersey Girls" who cut commercials for John Kerry seem to be enjoying the celebrity they gained as a result of their husbands' deaths. When they get into a huff, they prove Ann's point, but more disappointing is the outrage being expressed by the right that Ann "went too far" because Ann pointed out that they were "enjoying" the deaths of their husbands.

It isn't that they disagree with Ann's bigger point that the left uses some tragedy to foster the ideas they couldn't sell to us through reason. Liberals have to make us feel sorry for their messengers, and by virtue of just being polite, we have to cede all of their points or risk being called "heartless."

The talk show hosts and commentators who are complaining about Ann's method have been making the same point for awhile. I have heard them make such points. However, they always preface their remarks with phrases like, "No one can understand how much they are suffering as a result of losing their husbands/children/limbs..." which has the effect of blunting a dull blade. Consequently, their points went ignored while the media willingly shielded the Democrats from criticism with the victims of some tragedy.

Ann cut through all of that with a short paragraph in her book. It's about time someone said what is manifestly true about the victim mongers without resorting to apology for having to make the point. Capitulating makes the conservative case weaker, and it ultimately makes this nation weaker.

It's a shame we had to learn how to be tough from a 110-pound woman. Not that I think women are weak. In fact, I believe just the opposite is true (evidence: childbirth). But just once, I would like to see the people in power be unafraid to speak the truth instead of this completely ineffectual mealy mouthed tripe.