Letter to the Gazette
March 15, 2006
To the Editor: Since its founding in 1993, the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County has made serious and persistent efforts to promote understanding, honesty and respect among the great variety of faith communities in this area. As the governing board of that organization, we are proud that the twenty-one faith communities that are members of the Inter-Religious Council include Baha'is, Buddhists, Christians, Jews. Muslims and Unitarians.

We are therefore outraged that the Gazette chooses to continue publishing Ann Coulter's column each week. We are especially offended by Coulter's scurrilous insults of Muslims. While we deplore the killing of innocent people in the name of Islam, or of any other religion, it is terribly unfair for Coulter to suggest that such behavior is typical of Muslims, or that it expresses an authentic understanding of the Islamic faith. Here are two recent examples of Coulter's simplistic and vituperative opinions: "Muslims immediately engage in acts of mob violence when things don't go their way" (Feb. 19); and "Making the rash assumption that Islam is a religion and not a car-burning cult, even a real religion can't go bossing around other people like this" (Feb. 12).

This is not an issue of free speech or "censorship"; no religious faith should be immune from criticism. But Coulter's venom serves no positive purpose. It neither illuminates nor informs, nor does it stimulate serious thought and discussion. It only abuses and degrades. For the Gazette to subsidize and propagate this kind of invective is contemptible and irresponsible. Please stop carrying Coulter's column. Sincerely, Larry McGuire President Inter-Religious Council of Linn County.

Signed by all members present at March Board Meeting.