Ann Coulter

Because I know right wing extremist rhetoric is calculated to antagonize folks like me, I resist my impulse to counter their arguments.  Any kind of publicity is lucrative for them, so they choose words based on profit potential rather than conviction.  I prefer to not contribute to their cause.  I also know they could care less what I think. Yet to even mention this is to contradict myself, so let me explain. The fire is burning too close to home.  The fury caused by Ann Coulter’s invitation to speak at my alma mater makes me realize how insidious the current political maneuvering has become.  Propaganda has been allowed to reach way past our sense of civil duty directly to our view of eternal salvation. We have been convinced to bypass earnest reasoned debate, and jump right in to self-righteous condemnation.  The saddest part is that this is no longer just an unfortunate communication gap between Christians and non-believers; the nastiness is creeping into our own churches, homes, and, yes, our alma maters.  
I have considered joining the fray and writing to Dr. Burks asking him reconsider his invitation to Ann Coulter.  Strangely enough, I am heartened to see how many of my fellow alumni of many political persuasions are distressed by our school having any association with Ms. Coulter.  I have this vague hope that Harding could take the debacle and turn it into a victory of some kind.  But would uninviting Ms. Coulter unify us? Or divide us even more? It will take more than a schedule change to bring about peace.  It will take a Mighty Work. Instead of attempting to wield our influence (of which I have none), perhaps we should use this approach to appeal to Dr. Burks:
Dear Dr. Burks,
I am writing to ask you to reconsider your decision to invite Ann Coulter to Harding’s campus. I come to you with no real credentials from my time as a student.  I was the French Club president for a semester and I made the Dean’s List a few times. Well, once. I did get some higher education and am now myself an educator albeit not a French teacher (the Drs. Wright would breath a sigh of relief to know this, but they will probably never read my blog.) I have not published a book (yet.) I will never have the salary to be an impressive donor.  I do have two children at or near college age, but I don’t think I would really not let them attend Harding if they wanted to go there.  
In short, I have no power or influence to use to persuade you to cancel Ms Coulter’s visit.  Even if I did, I would prefer you would make that decision based on principle instead of coercion.  Consider what a powerful statement Harding could make at a time when a Christian is stereotyped as vicious and narrow-minded.  Speak for the many who are trying their best to live at peace with all men, who are prepared to defend their hope in a gentle loving manner. Make a stand for us.
Thank you,
Kimberly Choate Thames
Class of 1978