Ann Coulter and the "Just 'Cause You're Right, Doesn't Mean You Should Say It" Rule

So, I'm an Ann Coulter fan. I think she's cute, very funny and generally a nice counterpart to the Al Franken's of the world. I don't go to her for my news, but if I'm looking for a snide comeback to one of my liberal friends (yes, I have some) I know just where to look.

It seems that everyone's favorite conservative smack talker has gotten herself into a bit of trouble. In her latest book, "Godless: the Church of Liberalism" Ann paints an unflattering portrait of a group of 9/11 widows. "Godless" includes such statements as "I've never seen people enjoying their husbands' deaths so much," and that the women were "reveling in their status as celebrities." So, what is a "compassionate conservative" supposed to think about Ann's assignation?

These ladies have suffered a terrible tragedy. We as a nation have mourned for their losses. They have a special perspective on the effect of the 9/11 tragedy on our nation, and have every right to let their voices be heard. On the other hand, these ladies have done nothing to shy away from the spotlight or protect themselves from scrutiny. Of course, what Ms. Coulter said was insensitive, rude, and mostly to stir the pot and pump book sales anyway. However, that doesn't make her wrong. This is another example of the Cindy Sheehan syndrome.

Ever since 9/11 and especially after 2004's election, the Democrats have been looking for a way to appeal to "values voters." They tried talking about God, they've tried appealing to Evangelicals new-found interest in the plight of global warming. They've tried a lot of things, but their favorite tactic is trotting out victims and pointing out how don't like Republicans. That worked so well with Sheehan, they have made it their new slogan for the 2006 Election, "Democrats: People Who are Mad at Bush." Catchy, isn't it?

As a conservative, I generally have no problem with this approach from the other side. It mostly means Republicans stay in power, as any agenda trumps no agenda. However, Ann has been drug into this and well I gotta back up my girl. This is why I'm going to explain the JCYRDMYSSI rule for Ann's sake and any of the rest of you that have to be acquainted with this important political tool.

The JCYRDMYSSI or "Just Cause You're Right Doesn't Mean You Should Say It" rule is a simple one. It holds that the truth of a statement is not, in and of itself, justification for making the statement. Here's a practical application. "My goodness, Grandma! You're turkey neck is particularly dangly today." Now, it is possible, nay, probable that Grandma's turkey neck is particularly dangly, however it gains no one anything by stating that. In fact you may find your portion under the tree at Christmas to include more socks and ill fitting underwear after such an exchange. The point is that we as special creations of God (or highly evolved monkeys as the Godless liberals would have us believe) should know better than to say anything that comes to our minds, even if it's true. *Note to self: remove the wisecrack about Godless liberals as per JCYRDMYSSI rule*

Where Ms. Coulter should have pointed her wit and wrath is at the Democratic party which, in the absence of a clue, has decided to continue to use personal pain and grief to extol the inadequacies of the current administration. You know a lot has happened on W's watch and a more able-bodied opponent could have long since put him away. The Democrats are not, by anyone's estimation, an able-bodied opponent. So Bush's numbers are down, alright they're bottomed out. We don't believe in one man, we believe in a set of ideas, conservatism, and Conservatism is doing quite well. To poke fun of the opponent when he is failing so miserably is just a fancy way of saying "NaNaNa Na BooBoo!" Uncalled for and definitely not classy.

Now that we all know the proper use and application of the JCYRDMYSSI rule we can return to our regularly scheduled polite debates about the issues. Oh, I'm sorry those have been cancelled.