A Public Enemy

"We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity." This opinion was expressed by Ann Coulter, an American social and political commentator. Not only is this statement offensive but it is ironic toward Christianity's beliefs that Ann claims she follows. In North America, freedom of speech is greatly appreciated, but does this right have limitations? Ann Coulter has addressed this concern.
Ann Coulter is known for her snappy, sarcastic and often inaccurate arguments and remarks towards topics on war, the democrates or specific races. She is one of the leading political writers of our age and is a syndicated columnist, best-selling author and regularly appears on the media. Her first appearance on MSNBC as a legal correspondent lost her the job after expressing that "[p]eople like you caused us to lose the war". This insult was told to a disabled Vietnam war veteran. She displayed her hatred toward the Democrats when she stated that "the backbone to the democratic party is a typical fat, implacable welfare recipient". Many times she has voiced her hatred towards Arabs. For example Coulter expressed, "Jihad monkey talks tough; jihad monkey takes the consequences". During her University tour in Canada at the University of Western Ontario, Coulter told a Muslim student to "take a camel". This was in response to the student's question on Coulter's opinion that Muslims should not be allowed to use airports.
Before her speech in Canada, Coulter was warned in a letter from the University of Ottawa that there are laws that limit Canadian freedom of speech and charges can be made against her. Section 1 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that "the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society". Therefore, Ann can legally express her opinions in Canada but possibly can be charged.
Should she be charged? Ann knows how to make a point and address a concern but has achieved her spotlight by going to the extremes. There is a difference between voicing an opinion and discriminating or demonstrating hate. Ann should be put in her place by restricting her public presence. She should also be forced to apologize and publicly state her incorrect opinions under the force of the criminal court.