Rather than equating the word “faggot” to the “N-word,” perhaps a more accurate correlation lies between the word “faggot” and other behaviorally derived derogatory terms such as “slut” or “whore.” In referencing an adulterer as a “slut” or a “whore” for that person’s lifestyle choices, one voices disagreement with certain behaviors (infidelity or promiscuity) historically frowned upon by society.

But in either case, use of such disparaging words is coarse, unnecessary and counterproductive. One can express legitimate disagreement with lifestyle choices, which run counter to traditional norms and mores of society, without reverting to the use of such nasty language.

As for Coulter’s specific comments, she apparently intended a dual connotation. She seemed to either suggest that Edwards is in fact a homosexual (not likely) or that he is somewhat effeminate and/or “wimpy” in terms of his positions on public policy issues – that he politically embodies certain stereotypes associated with homosexuality (probably more likely).

Additionally, Coulter was making a clear reference to the recent uproar which ultimately resulted in Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington giving into PC pressure to check into “homophobia rehab” after calling his homosexual co-star T.R. Knight a “faggot.”

But to hear the left talk about it, you’d think Coulter had gone so far as to pine for the assassination of the Vice President of United States or something (and, of course, that’s exactly what liberal activist Bill Maher actually did on the same day Coulter made her unfortunate comments. And it should come as little surprise that we’ve heard only the deafening and ever-so-telling clamor of silence from the left on that one. Gotta love that double standard!)

So, while making her inflammatory comments, perhaps Coulter – in her own less than glorious way – intended not only to question John Edwards’ political machismo but to suggest that America’s self-appointed thought police stop trying to force those who dare to violate their politically correct word-code into Orwellian, re-education “rehab” camps. When Coulter spoke last Friday, everyone heard the word “faggot.” But if you take her words – abrasive as they were – in their full context, she was apparently just telling the left to back off and “bag it.”