Two examples of America and tolerance:

1) The alleged anti-gay attacks at the corner of Monroe Avenue and South Goodman Street, still under investigation by police. Some of the victims say they were struck with a metal pipe. When police arrived, the victims allege they were mistreated by police who, like their attackers, they say, used homophobic slurs. And, they charge, police let the suspects go.

2) Media commentator Ann Coulter, who, at a conservative rally, referred to Democratic presidential candidate and former US Senator John Edwards as a "fag."

Since then, Coulter has said she doesn't think the term is offensive. Appearing on CNN's Glenn Beck and NBC's Hardball with Chris Mathews, she defended her remark (and used the full word, "faggot"), saying it means "wimp."

Furthermore, she said, the word doesn't offend the crowds of people who turn out to see her or buy her books. Offensive language has to offend someone, she argued.

When talk-radio veteran Don Imus was caught using a racial slur, NBC and CBS showed him the door. But Coulter has been ushered in the same door again and again.

At a time of year when many communities across the country celebrate gay pride, where is the outrage?

Freedom of speech is different from responsible speech. Racial and homophobic slurs have long been used to isolate and marginalize their targets. When used, particularly by influential people, they help to legitimize actions like the one on Monroe and Goodman.

If Coulter can defend calling someone a faggot, it's not a big leap for some of her fans to think attacking a gay man is acceptable. After all, who would it offend?