Jerry Falwell dead.

There were some quotes from other people commenting on Falwell's passing. Either Newt is being politically and correctly nice, or perhaps Falwell was a clever negotiator. So at least everybody knew where he stood, eh? Notice how diplomatic politicians can be? Not one of these people have had openly spiteful anger for Falwell. The closest one was this one: Even Jesus said to pray for our enemies!Perhaps the most forthright quote and condolence came from Hustler Magazine publisher Larry Flynt: Now for my comment:I never watched Jerry Falwell much on TV. I disagreed with his aggressive and hateful preaching style concerning homosexuals. I really didn't see him as being influential-- to me at least.I don't know why the religious right stirs up so much anger in this country. Of course they have beliefs and values that others disagree with....but I think that what angers people the most about them is the fact that they use religion to push a political agenda.Of course, Falwell would claim that his ideological opponents used humanism to push the competitive position.Edited by Phat, : fixed spellingEdited by Phat, : No reason given.

Whats that supposed to mean? Who is my team? Who are you people? We are only running one race...the human race! I wouldn't spew hatred for Madelyn Murray O'Hare, who caused a lot of damage herself in her day.

Here is a letter by a book author who quotes Rushdie. (My Bad

Dear Reverend Falwell,

​

I am writing this letter to you because I believe that you have misread the message of Jesus Christ.

​

Please accept my apology for the letter being so long, but the subject is a very serious one and can not be covered in just a few sound bites or faith based statements.

​

I know we are both in agreement that all Americans are entitled to their opinion on matters of religion. That, after all, is the American way. Our founding fathers made that very clear. I do believe, however, that when religious beliefs such as yours influence governmental decisions that in turn directly influence both national and geopolitical events, as they have, these beliefs call for rigorous and critical examination.

​

Your fundamentalist form of Christian religious belief has had a direct impact on the entire world stage from the smallest villages to the largest cities, and we are seeing consequences that often adversely affect human lives. People are suffering. Lives are being destroyed. Families are being torn apart. Many are dying.

​

We Americans of all beliefs have traditionally assumed that it is the manifest destiny of our country is to be a shining light to the world. We have seen ourselves as the sole possessors of the moral high ground. In the last century this grew out of the country’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars and their aftermath and also the resistance to and ultimate victory over international communism. Now, since the collapse of international communism, this assumption is being called more and more into question. The culture within as well as the culture we export abroad is being viewed throughout the world in negative terms. Some, like you, say it is solely the result of secular forces destroying traditional American values. I agree, but I say it is more than that. It is also the result of the influence of your own Christian fundamentalist religious belief.

​

The fundamentalist Christianity that you preach has shut down the American mind. You and your fellow evangelical Christians are responsible for what Salmon Rushdie speaks of when, as I quote him on the first pages of this book, he says:

​

"It has perhaps never been more important for the world's voices to be heard in America, never more important for the world's ideas and dreams to be known and thought about and discussed, never more important for a global dialogue to be fostered. Yet one has the sense of things shutting down, of barriers being erected, of that dialogue being stifled precisely when we should be doing our best to amplify it. The cold war is over, but a stranger war has begun. Alienation has perhaps never been so widespread . .”Edited by Phat, : correctomundo

My Bad! The letter was written by a book author whose name I cannot find...and who quoted Rushdie....out of context, as Percy adds! I did change the background for you though, Taz! I am not totally heartless.