Saturday, May 23, 2009

Anne Coulter’s Slyly Dishonorable Mention

A friend recently forwarded me a link to Anne Coulter's latest column with the following comment:

"Anne's Coulter's latest column is entitled: "Notre Dame Holds First Alan Keyes Fundraiser"

Here is a multiple choice test:

Anne Coulter uses Alan Keyes' name to

a. piggyback off of Dr. Keyes' fame and courage in order to get people to read her column (Dr. Keyes is never even mentioned in the body of the article)

b. give herself credibility by creating the appearance of being on the same side of the abortion issue as Dr. Keyes

c. to distract readers from realizing that she explains (in two consecutive sentences) that Roe v. Wade is both "lawless" and "the law of the land"

d. promote her latest "pro-life" idea of allowing the people the right to vote on whether or not babies can be killed."


Naturally I took a look at the column. My friend was right. Except for the shrewdly deceptive title, my name did not figure in the article at all. As I reflected on this oddity, one possibility occurred to me in addition to the choices listed. The title leaves the impression that somehow or another I benefited financially from what I did and endured at Notre Dame.


In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Not long after I received the forwarded link, I got a phone call from the lady who helps me keep my schedule. She reported that the controversial nature of my efforts at Notre Dame is already adversely affecting requests for speaking engagements, which is my main source of income for my family. It wouldn't be the first time that my commitment to the pro-life cause has had this effect. Some time ago, as a result of my efforts to promote better understanding of the importance of US support for Israel's existence, I was often invited to speak at fundraising events for Jewish organizations. But in my political efforts I gave unstinting priority to the defense of innocent life. Thanks to strong support for so-called abortion rights from some quarters in the Jewish community, as this priority became known it virtually eliminated such requests for speaking engagements. (Ironically, in the political realm my firm commitment to the defense of the US-Israel relationship contributed greatly to the failure of efforts to join forces with the Constitution Party last year.)


The same sense of priority led to my departure from the Republican Party. Again, die hard Republicans unwilling to admit and act on the betrayal of moral principle by the Party's leadership, have assured that I am now unwelcome at political events where once I was a sought after voice.


Combined with the general impact of the current economic crisis, all this has resulted in a situation that is just about as far from a "fundraiser" as it's possible to get. My involvement in the events at Notre Dame even interfered with my ability to devote enough time and effort to this blog site over the last two weeks, and it has suffered as a result. Meanwhile a well remunerated pundit like Anne Coulter slyly implies some mercenary motive behind the work I do for the sake of the moral principles without which our liberty cannot survive in any form. Perhaps that's because, judging others by what they see in themselves, it's the only motive some people can understand.


By email and other means good people have communicated their support for the efforts made by the courageous people who joined in the effort to counter the Notre Dame Scandal. Many of them have concluded by saying that they hope I won't "disappear" again, but will keep working for the cause of life and liberty. Apparently, despite their good hearts, they still rely on the lying and sly propagandists of the so-called mainstream media for their perceptions. I have never "disappeared" and never ceased to do what I can toward the restoration of American liberty. God has blessed me with the heart to persevere in the effort to revive America's allegiance to His will. The spirit therefore is willing, but the material means are weaker than ever. It appears that, like the contestants on the game show, I have used my last material lifeline in this latest effort to fulfill my Catholic and Christian duty to the integrity of my faith. Still, it is better to lose all here trying to do what's right than to lose all in eternity.


It's a sign of the times. People lament the disappearance of rights they will not defend; of faith for which they fear to witness; and of leadership they will neither provide themselves nor materially support. I thank God that there is still a faithful remnant that understands how self-defeating this is, including those among my readers here who have helped to keep my efforts going, on this web site and in general.



33 comments:

Unknown said...

Dr. Keyes thank you for doing what you doing. God always provides a way. I have great admiration and respect for the sacrifices you are making! May God give you the grace of holy perserverance.

Ana

Angelopeter said...

As a canadian, I sadly watch the mass confusion and lawlesness that is destroying your nation as well as mine. Mr. Keyes, If Abraham were to ask God as he did concerning Sodom and Gomorrah, "Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least 10 men there?" you are one of those 10 that is saving your country from a most horrific judgement. Sackloth and ashes is the only hope. not only America but the entire world! The blessed Virgin cannot hold back the righteouss anger of her son much longer, the time is now upon us, "the great and terrible day of the Lord." The final antichrist is now at work, as it says in Daniel chap:8, "he shall destroy many by peace," by peace?? why I wonder who is spreading a message of peace across the world?with hidden diabolical intentions. peace without the foundation of justice? A kingdom of God with no God? God bless you Mr. Keyes, a true catholic! forgive me for not commenting on the the origional subject, Ann Coulter's nonesensical rhetoric. kyrie eleison.

The Fairness Doc said...

Dr. Keyes: Do not despair. Your voice will not be silenced. When i first found yoru site and watched your speech at the Pittsburgh tea party, I wept. What a beautiful speech. WHAT TRUTH. Not just eloquence. Not just rhetoric. But truth. I looked on your site here to see how one goes about hiring you to speak. I wanted to share that experience with others. You need to put that information front and center here.

Your voice is needed more than ever.

Damery World said...

It is good to see you walk out your faith in the face of this corrupt world. We must stand for truth even at the cost of livelyhood, as it is unpopular at churches to preach devotion these days but Jesus said you cannot serve both God and money!
I pray that you are able to serve God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry that so many conservatives fail to understand. What you did took courage. I appreciate you.

Paul said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
WingletDriver said...

Dr. Keyes,

What occurred at Notre Dame was despicable - providing a forum for the most anti-Christian president in US history while arresting those who would stand with the Church for truth.

"A prophet is not without honor save in his own country." Sadly, this maxim has been extended so that the prophet is no longer welcome in the heart of the Church (as the university is referred to in Ex Corde Ecclesiae). In the war against modernism, we have too many Quislings such as Fr. Jenkins but there is still hope as is evidenced by EWTN's success.

Why didn't Bishop D'Arcy evict Fr. Jenkins from his diocese? That would have shown leadership and ensured everyone knows that the Church is on the side of life.

pbunyon said...

Dr. Keyes,

Isn't this the story of your life? I am close to Huntsville, AL. I remember well the time you were at Alabama A&M. Standing up for what is right is never popular. As lonely as it may feel to be left out in the wilderness dealing with the animalistic mentality of sinful people, even in the church, you are just one of the many. Our day is coming either here or the hereafter. You will likely never in this life realize what an inspiration you have been. Just as well you should not seek it. Please let Anne Coulter and all the other pundits and politicizers run their courses. Do what you do for the Glory of The Lord and all else will fall in place. You are in our prayers as you have been for nearly 20 years. You will also continue to have our votes.

Shelly said...

Thank you for all you do, Dr. Keyes!
Jesus Mary & Joseph, pray for us!

Justin said...

Anne Coulter, unfortunately, is another example of the Hannity/Limbaugh branch of the Republican party who are in it for the same reason the Dems are, profit. Mr Keyes, you are a true example of true conservatism, thank you for standing up for what is right and true in this world.

Terry Morris said...

Anne Coulter? What a ridiculous figure, no pun intended. Wait, wait!, yes, pun intended.

She's not only alarmingly thin in physicality, but thin in political principle too.

As for her profiting from her 'conservatism,' well, you know, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. I don't really have a problem with it, except that 'conservatives' buy her brand of 'conservatism.'

Rumpelstiltskin Jones said...

I don't necessarily interpret Coulter's headline in the same negative and personal way you seem to be interpreting it in, Dr. Keyes. I think it's perfectly plausible that she's simply saying that a high-profile "anti-abortion event" is likely to rev up social conservatives' engines and get them donating to their candidates again, of which you are the poster boy, so to speak.

Ann Coulter is one of the good guys (gals). Her understanding is limited in some ways, but her heart is in the right place. I think it's true that she, like most who are absorbed with politics, tends to put too much emphasis on the pragmatic, horse-race side of things and consequently doesn't always give principle its proper due. This is what's behind her support of people like Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. But in the end she's on our side. I can't believe she meant to gratuitously insult you.

In any case, keep up the good work. My prayers are with you, as always.

Rumpelstiltskin Jones said...

Aargh! Is there a way to add an Edit function for our posts to this site? I hate not being able to fix my grammatical errors :)

seekyetruth said...

I agree with James the Least! I don't think Ann Coulter meant ill toward Dr. Keyes. In her odd sense of humor, she was making the point that by Notre Dame's going above and beyond and out of its way to honor the most pro-abortion president ever, it in fact, benefited the pro-life side! It brought attention straight to the pro-life issue! Sometimes when liberals are at their most despicable, it actually hurts them and helps the opposing view by highlighting just how despicable they can be! And the foremost Catholic university taking such a horrid pro-abortion stand by honoring someone who takes abortion to an all-new level by his repeated stands against saving babies born alive, was something that rose to that level and highlighted the conservative pro-life argument! She was just saying in her odd way, "Atta boy, Notre Dame! You're helping us!!" She really is one of the good gals; you sometimes cringe at how she words things, but generally she is all about the right things.

But more importantly, thank you Dr. Keyes, for your courageous stand. You were the one who highlighted the life issue and made everyone take notice. So when they start talking about you; it's a good thing!! This administration does a good job of ignoring what's important to the people, and the media goes out of its way to accommodate. So when you do things they can't ignore and people start talking - that's a wonderful thing!! You did just that and I thank you!

Anonymous said...

Dr. Keyes, I stand with you in your witness for life...seemingly against all odds. I have spoken with a group of parishioners at my Church as suggested that we all write a quick note to Pastor and local Bishop explaining why we will no longer support financially a Church that remains silent and complicit when such scandal arises. Instead, we will be sending our money to Alan Keyes, Judie Brown, and Fr. Tom Euteneuer, and others who stand for the Truth no matter what the odds. A check is in the mail!

Stogie said...

Sorry Dr. Keyes, but you're all wet this time. Ann Coulter's name is more well known than yours and she doesn't need to piggyback off of you. Further, she's very much on your side of this issue; her column was one of ridicule against the Dems stand on abortion. She's an ally and you should treat her as such; anything else and you are just shooting yourself in the foot.

Why are you criticizing her words "lawless" and "Law of the Land?" The Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision was "lawless" as it was not based on the Constitution but was legislating from the bench; it is "the Law of the Land" nevertheless because the states are now legally obligated to abide by it whether they want to or not. That's not too hard to understand, now is it?

Conservatives should be forming alliances for the common fight and not denigrating or belittling each other, and I think you are guilty of this in this post.

Anonymous said...

"Conservatives should be forming alliances for the common fight and not denigrating or belittling each other"

I have to agree with Stogie on this. Our conviction for life should come first, not politics. I don't agree with all Republicans myself, but I will not leave the party because our strength is in numbers, not division. There is much great history in the Republican party to be proud of that is consistent with the ideals of the Founding Forefathers which the opposition was never about and has strayed from in this election drastically.

It is my hope that Dr. Keyes will return to the Republican front and help rebuild the convictions it stands for.

A friend of mine made this video clip. It's a compelling statement made by Mark Levin. I was quite taken with it myself and hope Dr. Keyes and others will take the time to review it. It makes the simple point that in unity, we can bring back this country. I think many of us have more in common than we do not. I honestly do not think the people wanted what they are now getting and it's only going to get worse, must worse, unless we do something about it, together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T0eud1jjQI

PS: This is not a plug for Mark Levin. I simply think he has the same conviction and sincerely tries to make the point that together we can avoid the tyrannical huge government that's bent on controlling everything we do and say. My hope in posting this is that we can reflect on that and focus on what needs to be done, for all of our sakes.

Norman DeArmond said...

Thank you for posting your defense from Anne Coulter. I have been hunting for news of you. I was concerned you were still languishing in Obama's jail. Now I am fairly sure you aren't. No media word came out on you so I kept asking about whether you were free or not? Now that you have done what no other public figure will do I'm throwing my support behind you. I entered this only this Sunday morning about you on my site, heypcs.com: as "sorry alan 5/23"
Glad to discover you are out of jail.

Jenny said...

I love you Dr. Keyes. You just keep on keeping on. I am listening. It doesn't matter to me what others say or think. I know you speak the truth and I thank you for it.

Evolver said...

Dear Dr. Keyes, for several years I have studied the progressions you have taken regarding the stance of your ideological principles. As a recent college graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I have witnessed first hand the oppression imposed upon those who simply desire to adhere to the US Constitution by the far left. My alma mater is the same school which banned Christmas trees in the student libraries and held John Edwards as part of the paid faculty although he never formally taught anybody. I fear that perhaps the era in which I am growing up in will not afford me the opportunities to be heard and that the ideals which I hold is of a dying breed on generations past. I hope that someone like yourself proves me wrong; that morality is not dead, that justice and virtue is not rhetoric but rather a way of life. While I am sure that you have not the time to read these comments personally, I hope that someday I am afforded the opportunity to meet you in person Dr. Keyes. You serve as a role model of perseverance, who calls a spade a spade in a country fooled into voting for an administration reminiscent of the old fable 'the emperor's clothes'.

pfinley said...

Anne is definately one of the people that causes the issues we have with the republican party. Yes, she stands her ground, and I admire her for that. But I have quit reading Anne Coulter for the same reason I push my memory button on my car radio as quickly as I can when Hannity starts coming on. Its NOTHING constructive anymore, just a two hour rant.

Perhaps she should go back and look at the story. I fail to see how anyone profits by getting arrested, but I dunno, football players do it all the time. Dr. Keyes, perhaps you are in the wrong line of work :)

Christinewjc said...

I haven't read the article yet. However, my first reaction to that title was that all the controversy over Obama's horrid death-to-unborn-babies mindset is being ignored by the Notre Dame "elites." What's more, is that those who watched these events unfold can see the stark contrast between the pro-life students who stood up for the innocent babies who are being murdered in the womb vs. the indoctrinated, brain-dead and mentally-dirtied students (on this particular subject) who believe "it's not a child - it's a choice." Such a contrast just might push even more Americans towards the current pro-life majority belief category (thus, the "Alan Keyes fundraiser" meaning) into the forefront of the political atmosphere in decisions about supporting (with both their votes and donations) candidates running for office who also hold to the Constitutional Right to Life for unborn babies.

Now I will go and read the article to see if my analysis is correct.

Christinewjc said...

Now that I have read the article and the comments here in this thread, I agree with what "seekyetruth" and some others wrote. She is on your side, was highlighting and disparaging the despicable pro-abortion murder views of liberals, indicated that abortion is a lawless and tragic form of murder for convenience, and such contrast tells Notre Dame that the backlash will help the pro-life side. Ann paid you a wonderful compliment by indicating that you are in the forefront and a leader in the pro-life cause.

VERNON BALMER JR. said...

VERNON BALMER JR. - BLOGSPOT.COM

Anonymous said...

I have said before that I am uneasy with the idea that Ann Coulter is somehow a leader among conservatives.

She is a humorist. She is a very talented humorist, with a lot of wit. She is a boon to the community she serves because everyone needs to laugh. But she is a humorist, not a leader.

Coulter is on the right side of the issues, but that doesn't change the fact that she's a comedian who makes her trade in laughs, not thought. Looking to her for political leadership is like learning astrophysics from George Lucas. Or perhaps climatology from Al Gore.

I have always felt that Ann Coulter was dangerous. But I have come to understand that the danger is not in who she is or what she does, but in the portrayal of her (and other entertainers) as the "voice" of freedom loving Americans. I love having the freedom to enjoy her wit, but I shudder at the thought that she should be considered as speaking on my behalf.

In this instance, I think she was just being funny (maybe without effort, I really don't know how the natively funny are funny all the time if they really have to try at it, but then I wouldn't know). Sadly, for her and everyone else, the country has been fed on the notion she ought to be taken seriously.

For the record, I was a little peeved that she left her only reference to Dr. Keyes as a sort of ambiguous inside joke. That's not a very brave thing for anyone to do, even a comedian. And I would prefer Coulter to stick with being a humorist. But at the end of the day there are considerations much more important than whether an entertainer is a humorist or a comedian.

groovsmyth said...

"Looking to her for political leadership is like learning astrophysics from George Lucas. Or perhaps climatology from Al Gore."

LOL!!!!

It appears that chiu_chunling is too modest a humorist as well.

I also believe Coulter's "ambiguous inside joke" was the antithesis of bravery. In fact, she's not much different from Bill Maher when you come right down to it.

Christinewjc said...

chiu chunling and groovsmyth,

Who has ever claimed that Ann Coulter is "somehow" a "leader among conservatives?" I don't agree with everything that she states or writes, but a LOT of what she shares, in humor or not, tells the truth about what is going on in the political spectrum. She has a LOT more guts than many Conservative Republicans, Conservative Democrats, and/or Libertarians who often try to stay in the "neutral zone" so as not to offend anyone.

People - it is time to start (or continue) offending!! We can do so without cursing or using the awful tactics of the far left loons. Just sharing the truth about each matter is "offensive" enough to get the left riled up. They EXPECT us to keep silent on such issues - (like telling the truth about this Hispanic Supreme Court judge nominee and her anti-white male racist comments) so as not to "offend" the Hispanic community and thus, lose their votes.

Even though most Hispanics in California voted for ObamaFRAUD (ugh!), they also voted FOR THE PASSAGE OF PROP. 8. On social issues, they vote Conservative. If the Republicans were smart, they would make this known to the general public. Plus, there are a LOT OF PEOPLE who voted for Obama who now regret it!!

I disagree with you, groovsmyth - Ann Coulter's bravery shows every time she appears on T.V. She's not afraid to speak her mind and share her opinion - even though the liberal left loons continue to disparage her. We need more people like her (and Alan Keyes, for that matter!) who are willing to take the negative response drivel of the far left loons; yet continue to speak up for the majority of Americans whose views are either ignored, disparaged, or mocked by the Lamestream Media of Mass Deception.

I applaud her.

I applaud Alan Keyes.

And, if you will re-read my comment, I think that including Alan Keyes name in the title of her article was a compliment to him.

You know what they say about perceptions. You can read the following in two completely opposite ways:

GODISNOWHERE

You can choose to think it means "God is no where." Or, you can choose to think it means "God is now here."That's my take on it.

Call Me Mom said...

"And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."~DOI

Too few people grasp the context and extent of meaning in those words today.

Anonymous said...

I didn't mean to say that Coulter isn't brave, just that she is an entertainer. And as for who has labeled her a "leader of conservatives" that would be the liberal media, not me.

The essential problem is that the kinds of opinions which could form the core of a truly conservative political movement are excluded to the fringes. Dr. Keyes is a primary example of a man who is well qualified to truly lead, but is prevented from doing so effectively by a gross conspiracy of entrenched interests which seek to marginalize the "extreme" political positions he champions. While entertainers like Limbaugh and Coulter can build a popular audience as long as they can stay in the public eye, notoriety is very damaging to the cause of rational, considered political discourse.

Nobody calls various Hollywood liberals progressive leaders, because they aren't. They are essentially followers. And so is Ann Coulter. While she is a talented writer and clever self-publicist, she does not generate original policy ideas (at least not without tongue firmly in cheek) and does not claim to be qualified to do so.

The recent controversy over Miss California's answer to a question about homosexual marriage is illustrative. Miss California is probably quite intelligent as well as beautiful, but let's face it, she was there because she's the latter rather than the former. Her answer was courageous, but it was far from being a rallying cry for the defense of marriage. In fact, the main point of the story is how utterly intolerant homosexuals were in taking offense at such a mild answer.

A revival of the principles of individual liberty and limited government requires more than pointing out the faults of the opposition. As many conservatives are finally starting to notice, this only leads to a "who can implement socialism better" contest between the parties. Conservatism is inadequate to protect the ideals of the American founding because those ideals are no longer part of American government, they don't exist in a form that can be conserved.

America has been driven from the hilltop, and that ground must be regained. This time, in the face of even greater obstacles. That objective requires thoughtful leadership and penetrating analysis. Wit, poise, and even courage are simply not enough. They are good things, and even necessary. But they will not by themselves avail.

groovsmyth said...

In the specific reference to Ann's cheap shot at Alan Keyes I never meant to question her bravery at telling the Truth - SOME of the time. If one never heard previous slanderous accusations against Alan Keyes's motives which the headline alludes to, one could be forgiven a pollyanna take on her reference. However, taken cumulatively with other things she's said or hasn't said, the message becomes more clear.

http://aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=3643&posts=1#M11155

Anonymous said...

Alan Keyes,



I have included you in a recent work of art:
www.JackLarson.tk

Jack Larson

Jason said...

Thank you Dr. Keyes. Thank you for the decades of hard work to enlighten your mind and perfect your communication skills. Thank you for having the courage to reinject God and morality back into public discourse. Thank you for following your conscience and inspiring the weak to stand a little stronger, a little longer. Thank you for your tireless effort for the cause of righteousness. Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice your reputation to champion truth. But most importantly, thank God for Alan Keyes.
I recently watched your speech at the tea party. I have never been so moved by a speech in my life. You have caused me to champion our cause to return to our principles of this great nation that was ordained by God. You will forever hold my allegence and gratitude.

Shmuel HaTalmid said...

You missed the point, Mr. Keyes. You have to understand where Ann Coulter is coming from and who she is talking to. She speaks to liberals as much as to conservatives, and she likes to make the claim that attacks on her, Rush, and other conservatives, simply end up increasing their popularity, book sales, or whatever. She likes to tell liberals that they are getting nowhere in demonizing her, because the frenzy of vilification ends up promoting her in the end.
She was shooting at liberals who follow her columns, implying that attacks on you for Notre Dame really help you. I would say that in the long term, she is right; it did raise your profile, and will come back.
Christians often fall for a fallacy that it is noble and pure to scorn material wealth and base to benefit from their own work. This is flat out wrong. God spends pages telling Abraham and his descendants how he will bless him and all those blessings are transferred to those who follow Christ, as enumerated in the New Testament. If material wealth was inherently evil and benefiting from your labor wrong, God surely would not have promised all this type of blessing both in this world and the next.
The "love of money" is not the same as getting paid for trying to do God's will in the world. He explicitly says he will do well by his laborers.
Your moralizing pose that you do not benefit from Notre Dame may be true, but it misses the point. You are not better because you scorn money. Coulter is right in the long term, that what you do that is in line with what God wants us to be doing will benefit you, and she is rubbing the inevitable result of that spiritual truth in the faces of liberals, because that is what she does.
If money were evil, God would not have showered it on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and told Jesus' followers that the same blessings applied to them.

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