Don't show your ignorance Ann

My British dad used to use that phrase: "Don't show your ignorance."

And in the context of Ann Coulter (who tweeted the above Monday during the final debate in the U.S. presidential election) it fits like a glove.

I'm so glad I don't live in a country where ignorance and hatred are accepted as "free speech."

The media describe Ann as a Conservative pundit.

However, a pundit -- "a learned person" who "makes comments or judgments in an authoritative manner" hardly describes someone whose best criticism of the United States President is to call him "the retard."

There isn't anything learned or authoritative about tweeting a schoolyard taunt that has been used to dehumanize people like my son for decades -- a word that isn't even used in medical circles anymore.

I took a quick look at Ann's website, and it spews hatred for marginalized groups, so I guess it's not surprising that she'd add a slur against people with intellectual disabilities to her arsenal.

What does surprise me is that Mitt Romney, the Republican contender for the U.S. presidency, would not publicly call her on it.

With friends like Ann Coulter in your camp -- who needs enemies?

There were a couple of news outlets that did report on just how offensive, infantile and "unfunny" she is.

Ann Coulter's 'retard' tweet says more about her than her politics (Leave it to Canada's national newspaper to bring some sense to the topic).

CNN has this excellent piece: Ann Coulter's backward use of the r-word

My friend Ellen Seidman, at Love That Max, who has already done so much to call for respect for our children was forced to devote a blog post to Ann's antics.

At this poll in the British Guardian newspaper, 84 per cent say the comment is offensive. And in response to "Is Ann Coulter's comment appropriate?" in this Toronto Sun poll 68 per cent said "no way."

So yes, I do call on Mitt Romney to weigh in on Ann Coulter's use of the word "retard" to describe President Obama.

Mr. Romney: Is this the kind of language and theatrics you encourage in your own five children?