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American and Latin American Politics, Society, and Culture

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Coulter at CPAC

Crooks and Liars is half-right: Coulter is not one of the official speakers at CPAC.

However, she will be the guest of the Young Americans Foundation on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 3:30PM at the Omni Shoreham Hotel where CPAC is being held this year.

But then, I already mentioned this three days ago.

I bet you $5 that the media is going to focus entirely on what ridiculous statement(s) Coulter makes at CPAC and ignored whatever else takes place. They did exactly that last year, and Moe Lane, James Joyner and I knew it the moment she called Edwards a faggot.

I’ll let you know how it goes – I’ll be there!
(I’ve reconsidered my hairdo and hair color since last year.)

In other news, Hillary’s crying again.

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Did I mention I despise La Coulter?

Coulter: I Will Vote for Hillary Over McCain.

Here’s a question, Coulter hates McCain because he sounds like a Democrat, and she hates Democrats so much she’d rather campaign for one?

Last year the bloggers attending CPAC signed a letter requesting that CPAC do not invite Coulter this year. I was one of the signators. They’re having her through the back door.

The Anchoress asks, Are Our Ideologies Our Idols?

UPDATE
Ann Coulter and Hillary Clinton, Sitting in a Tree

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A round-up to warm you up this cold morning

I was reading this, and wondering, is carbon offsets the new Florida real estate scams? Because, as The Political Economy of Alternative Energy points out, good Energy Deserves No Subsidy.

Sunday The Anchoress had a great post and round-up on global warming, 17,000 scientists dissent; no consensus on global warming. I had two posts last year on the subject, which got me a fair amount of unfriendly emails from those who want to achieve consensus through coercion.

Al Gore: “Warm up the escape pod, Tipper!” (h/t Larwyn) – just don’t head to Mars, which is getting warmer.

The globalarmist propaganda’s reaching the schools, like these: Gore global warming ‘Truth’ reaching DODDS classrooms

Maria sent me An Inconvenient Truth About Al Gore. Rap Star In Gore Climate Concert Lineup Flies Dinner Across The Atlantic. Yet another reason I don’t join the global hysteria is that I won’t buy into wearing a hair shirt when the preacher’s wearing an ermine coat. And then, there’s a chance that Global Warming will make you healthy and sexy, something we all can use.

More likely, hyping global warming can possibly make you rich and powerful – Dan says that Gore Funding Plan For “A New World Order”. Some don’t see anything wrong with the idea of “global governance” – I see a lot wrong with the idea of “global governance”, and globalarmism is just one of the means to sell us on the idea.

Meanwhile in the EU, Richard asks Who is to lead?

Unfortunately, Merkel has bought into the anthropomorphic global warming scam and says she believes that “Europe” will not be taken seriously unless it agrees a binding target of 20 percent renewables by 2020 – enforceable in the European court.

She is determined to get agreement to act at the informal European Council – to be held on Thursday and Friday – saying that she wants the Council to demonstrate that “Europe” is willing to provide a global lead in tackling climate change.

But, given the leading role Germany is taking on this issue, one has to wonder whether it really is “Europe” that Merkel wants to be in the lead, or whether this is another way of giving Germany that position.

While the UN chief warns on climate change and claims that “climate change poses as much of a danger to the world as war”, An analysis of the United Nations widely-touted 2007 IPCC Global Warming Summary for Policymakers by UK Lord Viscount Monckton has found 31 errors and exaggerations. Here’s the Lord’s report (pdf file).

Allegre’s second thoughts

Fifteen years ago, Dr. Allegre was among the 1500 prominent scientists who signed “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity,” a highly publicized letter stressing that global warming’s “potential risks are very great” and demanding a new caring ethic that recognizes the globe’s fragility in order to stave off “spirals of environmental decline, poverty, and unrest, leading to social, economic and environmental collapse.”
…
With a wealth of data now in, Dr. Allegre has recanted his views. To his surprise, the many climate models and studies failed dismally in establishing a man-made cause of catastrophic global warming. Meanwhile, increasing evidence indicates that most of the warming comes of natural phenomena. Dr. Allegre now sees global warming as over-hyped and an environmental concern of second rank.

The French scientist is not alone: here’s an article in Spanish from a Chilean newspaper, sent by Maria Blanco who lives in Spain, about the Economista de Harvard que desmiente a Al Gore, Harvard economist Xavier Sala-i-Martin, who takes the opportunity to call Gore an actor and a hypocrite.

If you think you’re beyond the globalarmists’ reach after you die, think again: Towards a carbon neutral death

Even death offers no escape from the global warming debate. But as with most things these days, there are eco-friendly alternatives. Woodland burials and wicker coffins are the among the greenest ways to a carbon neutral end.

At least marriage lasts only “til death do us part” – but globalarmism lasts forever. My first question is, what will the effect of burials in wicker coffins be on the water supply? Will we all turn greener from it? Or just die in a carbon-neutral way?

Why do a global warming post this morning?

Because it’s 15F outside and Carnegie Lake is still frozen, even after the very warm weekend we just had. February was the coldest in record since 1979. I’m glad the Beeb’s not reporting from here – we’ve had practically no snow while having this record-cold temperatures, but the Beeb’s tied its knickers in a knot because Tokyo didn’t get snow this year. I say, go to Buffalo if you want snow.

One of the more amusing presentations at CPAC was the one by the author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming:

I hope someone plays this documentary here so I can watch. Here’s their press release and broadcast information.

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In case any of you want to know, I’m done discussing Ann Coulter. I’ve discussed the subject ad nauseam with other bloggers while in DC, through emails, at other blogs, during yesterday’s podcast, on the phone with friends, and at home. Enough. You’ll have to go elsewhere for that.

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Late afternoon blogging: warming, lard and Coulter

We’ve all heard The Girl from Ipanema,

Well, Mark Steyn’s singing about the boy with carbon offsets,
Tall and tan and young and lovely, the boy with carbon offsets goes walking and when he passes each one he passes goes aaaiiieeeeeeeee!

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Today’s podcast is now archived. Go listen to Steve Graham of Hog on Ice, Layla and I discuss lard and Ann Coulter.
blog radio

Everybody might be talking about Coulter but we’re the only ones to inject lard into the conversation.
PS, I laughed so hard one of Steve’s commenters asked,

Does she have a speech impediment?

Yes.

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An Open Letter to CPAC Sponsors and Organizers Regarding Ann Coulter

Conservatism treats humans as they are, as moral creatures possessing rational minds and capable of discerning right from wrong. There comes a time when we must speak out in the defense of the conservative movement, and make a stand for political civility. This is one of those times.

Ann Coulter used to serve the movement well. She was telegenic, intelligent, and witty. She was also fearless: saying provocative things to inspire deeper thought and cutting through the haze of competing information has its uses. But Coulter’s fearlessness has become an addiction to shock value. She draws attention to herself, rather than placing the spotlight on conservative ideas.

At the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2006, Coulter referred to Iranians as “ragheads.” She is one of the most prominent women in the conservative movement; for her to employ such reckless language reinforces the stereotype that conservatives are racists.

At CPAC 2007 Coulter decided to turn up the volume by referring to John Edwards, a former U.S. Senator and current Presidential candidate, as a “faggot.” Such offensive language – and the cavalier attitude that lies behind it – is intolerable to us. It may be tolerated on liberal websites but not at the nation’s premier conservative gathering.

The legendary conservative thinker Richard Weaver wrote a book entitled Ideas Have Consequences. Rush Limbaugh has said again and again that “words mean things.” Both phrases apply to Coulter’s awful remarks.

Coulter’s vicious word choice tells the world she care little about the feelings of a large group that often feels marginalized and despised. Her word choice forces conservatives to waste time defending themselves against charges of homophobia rather than advancing conservative ideas.

Within a day of Coulter’s remark John Edwards sent out a fundraising email that used Coulter’s words to raise money for his faltering campaign. She is helping those she claims to oppose. How does that advance any of the causes we hold dear?

Denouncing Coulter is not enough. After her “raghead” remark in 2006 she took some heat. Yet she did not grow and learn. We should have been more forceful. This year she used a gay slur. What is next? If Senator Barack Obama is the de facto Democratic Presidential nominee next year will Coulter feel free to use a racial slur? How does that help conservatism?

One of the points of CPAC is the opportunity it gives college students to meet other young conservatives and learn from our leaders. Unlike on their campuses – where they often feel alone – at CPAC they know they are part of a vibrant political movement. What example is set when one highlight of the conference is finding out what shocking phrase will emerge from Ann Coulter’s mouth? How can we teach young conservatives to fight for their principles with civility and respect when Ann Coulter is allowed to address the conference? Coulter’s invective is a sign of weak thinking and unprincipled politicking.

CPAC sponsors, the Age of Ann has passed. We, the undersigned, request that CPAC speaking invitations no longer be extended to Ann Coulter. Her words and attitude simply do too much damage.

Other Right-of-Center Bloggers
Owen Robinson, Boots and Sabres
N.Z. Bear, The Truth Laid Bear
Michael Demmons, Gay Orbit
Mark Coffey, Decision ’08
Russell Newquist, The Philosopher’s Stone
Marshall Manson, On Tap
Rob Port, Say Anything
Matthew Johnston, Going to the Mat
Timmer, The Daily Brief
Rick Moran, Right Wing Nuthouse
Obi’s Sister
Dustin Gawrylow, Free Republicans
Dan, North Dallas Thirty
Brennan Monaco, The American Pundit
Nate Nelson, Reality Mugged Me
Christopher Fotos, PostWatch
Joe Carter, Evangelical Outpost
Amy Ridenour, National Center Blog
Soren Dayton, EyeOn08
Greg, Rhymes with Right
Jimmie, The Sundries Shack
John Tabin, JohnTabin.com

Kevin McCullough has a video:

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Debate, or invective?

The big news around the blogs (and I include Drudge) is Ann Coulter.

I’ve never liked Ann Coulter because for as long as I’ve been aware of her existence she’s been one of the people lowering the bar of political discourse. She’s a very intelligent woman, and, while some think she’s crazy, I believe that not only she’s not crazy and she knows exactly what she’s doing, she’s cashing in on it. The picture I took of the people standing in line for an autographed copy of her book at CPAC doesn’t start to show how many were in line to buy her book:

To give you an idea, the exhibit room had been converted from the indoor parking area and was approx. 100′ x 200′. The line at the point where I took the picture had started 300′ away, and extended another 100′ behind the last person on the left in the picture. Now, I know for a fact because the line formed right in front from where I was sitting that the people in line got in line BEFORE Coulter even started her speech on Friday. But this is not the first time Coulter’s done her schitck at a CPAC.

I am sure Edwards’s campaign people are getting donations because of Coulter’s “careless” remark.

The way I see it, you either do invective and vituperation, or you don’t.

As Mama said, while talking about other matters,

weak thinking is contagious

and name calling and invective are symptoms of weak thinking.

Now, Coulter was not debating anyone. She was just giving a speech to a very friendly audience. It wasn’t as if she got carried away in the heat of a debate. This was not the first time she’s addressed a large audience, so it’s not as if her nerves got the best of her. As I said, she knew what she was doing – weak thinking can be very profitable when the royalty checks arrive, too.

Weak thinking is contagious because it’s easy. It’s a heck of a lot easier than looking at the world and trying to find out what is going on, and what the issues are.

The day before I attended a real debate: Dinesh D’Souza and Robert Spencer debated “Terrorism: Is Religious Extremism or Secular Extremism the Problem?”

You can listen to the debate at the CSPAN website (click on Conservative Political Action Conference). The debate was brief but substantive and lively.

Even in the circus atmosphere of CPAC, there was real debate. There was an exchange of ideas. And lo and behold, no one insulted anyone. The audience was much smaller than for Coulter, and the lines for Dinesh’s or Dr Spencer’s books were much shorter. Lively as the debate was, both men remained civilized to each other. After the debate I had an opportunity and complimented each of them on their debate.

A few hours before Coulter spoke I attended Giuliani’s speech. This main theme was that America is a country of ideas. The ideas that Giuliani espouses are personal responsibility, strength as a nation, and America’s role in the world. Giuliani, who took on the Mafia and prosecuted terrorists before he was mayor of New York City, is a man of clear, strong thinking.

And he was sensational.

He didn’t have a single solitary volunteer handing out Rudy posters, stickers, or buttons, but the ballroom was packed to the rafters and the people who coudln’t get in would have filled another ballroom that size. He didn’t schmooze with the bloggers, even when I wish he had. He didn’t give a stump speech like the other candidates, he came to explain what he’s about.

He came, gave his speech, and left.

But by clearly explaining his ideas, he gave people something to take home and think about. One of the things people like me will think about is that Giuliani’s message will appeal to a large number of Americans, consevatives or not conservatives.

So here’s the situation:
– The conservatives can continue having Coulter as a CPAC guest and have a jolly good time as they amuse themselves with her insults and attacks. By doing so, as Steve put it,

This woman is doing things for the Democrats they could never begin to do for themselves.

If they choose that option, they lose all right to complain when Dean, Hillary, et al, sling the basests insults at them. All the while, they’ll drive the Republican party to sure extinction. Look at McCain: he stayed away, and rumor has it that he might do a third-party run. That will be disastrous. The Elephant will become as extinct as its genetic relative, the mamooth.

– Or the conservatives can bring more clear thinkers who can raise the level of the political discourse, and actually win elections.

It’s up to them.

Update: The American Mind

One aspect of CPAC is all the college kids running around. Many idolize Coulter. Her lack of intellectual substance sets a poor example for those people to take back to their schools.

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Meanwhile at blogger’s row,

Ann Coulter is carrying on (in the plasma screen)about stuff in her usual way, but at least managed to say something nice about Margaret Thatcher.

Over at our table, the conversation between Moe (M) and I (F) went like this:
F: When I grow up I want to be Margaret Thatcher.
M: When I grow up I want Margaret Thatcher to get me out of a dark alley.
F: That’s right – Jack Bauer wears Margaret Thatcher pajamas.

Yes, we are extremely dorky.

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Coulter gaver Romney her seal of approval.
Now there’s a huge line waiting for her to sign books

Rob and Michelle have more.

Congratulations to NZ Bear!

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Brownback’s people chant “Brownback! BROWNBACK!” everywhere he goes.
It’s beginning to grate.

Oh, goody – a “Let’s go Mitt/Brownback” shouting match.

When is the bloggers’ haapy hour?

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