Schakowsky Condemns Ann Coulter's Remarks

SCHAKOWSKY CONDEMNS ANN COULTER'S REMARKS

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement in response to Ann Coulter's anti-Semitic remarks on Donny Deutsch's CNBC show "The Big Idea....

"Last night, columnist Ann Coulter stooped to yet another low when she made anti-Semitic remarks on Donny Deutsch's CNBC show "The Big Idea.... Coulter's remarks are an insult to anyone who respects religious freedom and diversity.

Ann Coulter said that it would be better if we were all Christian. Later in the program, she went on to say that "Christians consider themselves: perfected Jews.... Ms. Coulter's remarks demonstrate her lack of understanding and respect for other religions (see transcript below).

While this may be just another stunt by Ann Coulter to promote her new book, I believe her anti-Semitic remarks are hurtful and damaging. This is not the first time that Coulter has made insensitive and ignorant remarks concerning other religions. It is pathetic that the only way Coulter can sell books is to create controversy by make outrageous and offensive remarks about non-Christians.

While Coulter may say that she did not mean to offend Mr. Deutsch or people of Jewish faith, her remarks fuel the same type of hatred and anti-Semitism that Jews have been battling for thousands of years. Along with Donny Deutsch, I am deeply offended....

EXCERPTS FROM TRANSCRIPT:

COULTER: Well, OK, take the Republican National Convention. People were happy. They're Christian. They're tolerant. They defend America, they –
DEUTSCH: Christian – so we should be Christian? It would be better if we were all Christian?
COULTER: Yes.
DEUTSCH: We should all be Christian?
COULTER: Yes. Would you like to come to church with me, Donny?

COULTER: No, we think – we just want Jews to be perfected, as they say.
DEUTSCH: Wow, you didn't really say that, did you?
COULTER: Yes. That is what Christianity is. We believe the Old Testament, but ours is more like Federal Express. You have to obey laws. We know we're all sinners

DEUTSCH: Welcome back to "The Big Idea." During the break, Ann said she wanted to explain her last comment. So I'm going to give her a chance. So you don't think that was offensive?
COULTER: No. I'm sorry. It is not intended to be. I don't think you should take it that way, but that is what Christians consider themselves: perfected Jews.