Dear Editor:
I find it appalling to read the Op/Ed page of the Daily Egyptian and find so much criticism for the "liberal attitude" on campus following the debacle of the Ann Coulter speech. Ann Coulter is not the first conservative speaker here in two years, as one letter claimed, and certainly not all conservative guests are treated in the manner that Miss Coulter was.
In November, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney spoke at the Lesar Law Building, and was met with a large audience who treated him with the utmost of respect. This was not because his ideas were consistent with the average SIU student, but because he handled himself with a modicum of dignity. He behaved like a well-educated gentleman, and received the respect he deserved. Similarly, John Anderson was well-received when he spoke on campus later that month.
Ann Coulter came to the Lesar Law Auditorium and acted like a screeching, squealing idiot. She proceeded to attack anyone who asked a reasonable and intelligent question as a "liberal," as if that were something to be ashamed of. She was loud, argumentative and disrespectful to much of the audience. In retaliation, we were loud, argumentative and disrespectful of her.
Ann Coulter knew or should have known of the liberal attitude on campus when she came here. If she or her followers are shocked or appalled by her reception here, perhaps they could take the initiative next time to invite a dignified conservative leader, not a brash, obnoxious, Rush Limbaugh wannabe.
Eric Wolfe
freshman, journalism
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
