James C. MacMillan: Bee’s reporting contributed to hysteria around Coulter’s Modesto visit

Re “$68,461 Coulter ‘bill’ given to GOP leader” (Page 3A, June 14): While I agree that The Bee had a duty to report on Ann Coulter’s recent speaking event in Modesto, I found the coverage to be very biased, especially that of columnist Jeff Jardine. Much was made of her controversial “bomb throwing” reputation, which is the product of the liberal left’s intolerance of a point of view which does not fit their worldview. I doubt if any of these writers have actually read any of her books. They are humorous, sarcastic and make many excellent arguments, all of which are meticulously documented. She is very good at pointing out the hypocrisy of liberals in countless cases.

If anyone should be responsible for the $68,461 bill for police services, it should be those who threatened violence and rioting. They are the ones creating the need for the police. And yes, I agree with Supervisor’s Jim DeMartini’s assessment that The Bee contributed to the hysteria. What has happened to free speech? And what gives rioters the “right” to create mayhem at someone else’s expense?

This story was originally published June 16, 2017 at 4:14 PM with the headline "James C. MacMillan: Bee’s reporting contributed to hysteria around Coulter’s Modesto visit."