We didn't think twice about adding nationally syndicated columnist Ann Coulter to our editorial page lineup.

We had to think long and hard about whether to keep her there.

In the end, we've reluctantly decided Ms. Coulter's incisive writing, laser-like perceptiveness, quick wit and devastating logic have been overshadowed, and that she has lost her effectiveness as a conservative standard-bearer.

As of today, we're opting to go with Michelle Malkin, one of the most articulate and exciting young conservative voices out there today.

Ann Coulter has long been known for her acid tongue. But much of the hand-wringing by her critics has been, and still is, the result of the fact that she is ruthless in pointing out their hypocrisy and flawed thinking.

But biting commentary is one thing. A personal attack is another - such as when she slammed several 9-11 widows for backing Democrats and allegedly milking the tragedy for political purposes. That charge alone isn't necessarily unfair, but to suggest they were "enjoying" their husbands' deaths and calling them "witches" - well, that's where stridency crosses a line.

Moreover, in the weeks since, Coulter herself had become the issue, rather than the topics she was writing about, which is an unhealthy circumstance for a journalist, even a columnist.

This editorial page stands for many things, and we make no bones about it. But one of the things we stand for is civility. Pulling Ann Coulter's column hurts; she's one of the clearest thinkers around. But you've got to stand by your principles, even - especially - when it's painful.

We think you'll like Michelle Malkin. The daughter of Filipino immigrants, Malkin has burned a meteoric trail since her start as an editorial writer/columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News in 1992. She also was on the editorial board of the Seattle Times, and was a Warren Brookes Fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

Her column appears in over 100 newspapers.

Now including this one.