Thursday, June 08, 2006
The "Mean-Spirited" Moniker
In my previous post I heaped adulation upon the first chapter of Ann Coulter's new book which I had read on line. Already, the "mean-spirited" defense of the left is in full swing, Coulter's most controversial comments being those made against an organized group of 9/11 widows. Out of context, this does indeed appear to be over the top. In context, her point was that the left has been using and milking the tragic position of themselves (when it applies) and others to advance their views while making such views off limits for debate. The group she insulted (true enough, she's loaded with pointed sarcasm) was indeed a group that had a specific political view and agenda -- going so far as to do Kerry campaign ads. Coulter's point is on the mark. I'm personally sick of the left's style of "debate" where their attacks are immediately followed by the construction of phony morality shields.
"Cindy Sheehan lost a son in Iraq, she's off limits."
"Sheehan is a far leftist friend of Hugo Chavez and has a public political agenda that the media adores. She'll do just fine for our use as a Jacobin PR idol...but don't even counter her view. She's off limits...as are the '9/11 widows' [there are lots of 9/11 widows who don't agree with the "9/11 widows"] and a host of other people who happen to have experienced tragedy and possess a passionate support for our view of the world. If they can milk their own tragedy to push our shared agenda, all the better." (these are my sarcastic quotes parodying these people's thinking).
Coulter's sarcasm and wit may be justly resented (although some context would be nice), but the issue she raises is a valid one. "We're victims, don't dare disagree with us" has gotten a bit old I'm afraid.