Free Speech in Canada? Yeah Right.

What is the difference of hatred and opinion? Under the criminal code of Canada it is illegal to incite hatred against people based on their colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, and sexual orientation, except when statements made are true or are made in good faith. By the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, one has the right to the "freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication". But who is to say which statements are true when some are just a matter of opinion. By the means of Ann Coulter, it seems hatred and opinion could be awfully alike.

Ann Coulter is an American conservative, social and political commentator,author and syndicated columnist. She speaks on television, radio, and at private and public events. Coulter has taken freedom of speech to a new level, shocking Canada with her racist views and controversial statements.

On her Canadian University Tour, she was warned before her speech at the University of Western Ontario that "promoting hatred against any identifiable would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges." Still, she went on to state that Muslims should not be allowed on airplanes, and told a Muslim student to "take a camel", after she already insisted that Muslims should take a magic carpet. On March 22, thousands of protesters in Ottawa forced Coulter's speech to the University of Ottawa to be cancelled.

Is it right for Canadians to kick Coulter out of the country even though they invited her in? She has definitely put a spin on Canada's right to free speech, but Canada needs to see the other side. Maybe she has inspired other speakers to jump aboard the roller coaster of racism. Who knows who will take the ride next.