Good Riddance to Jerry Falwell

Jerry Falwell’s death is an inescapable headline today. It’s even on several of the blogs I read, few of which comment on mainstream news. I don’t much care how he died or why, to be honest, but I felt compelled to weigh in on it nonetheless.

As I mentioned to Simon Owens over on Bloggasm, my feelings on Jerry Falwell’s death can be summed up in two words: Good Riddance. I strongly doubt that I’m alone in this stance, either. Heck, my sister-in-law actually composed a prayer reflecting on how the news had brightened her day:

“I thought to myself about how this world was rid of one more intolerant, racist, homophobic sad little man.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself. As much as this man tried to do in his life, his greatest accomplishment was proving that ignorance and charisma are a dangerous combination. I trust the blogosphere will resound with this in the coming days, but I’m sure the world is better without him in it. It’s just a shame that some other wacko is bound to take his place.

Well said my dear Son!

Although I will add the benefit of the doubt, that he probably did some good along the way, he was a bit too “right” for even me. Reading your entry, I found it ironic that my thoughts somewhat paralleled yours…in fact, I made the comment to your Dad last night about how I’ve thought for sometime that Falwell used his charisma in an excessive, purposeful manner to persuade “weaker” individuals to contribute to his “cause”…such as my own Father! Yet, all the while condeming those who play the Lottery because it is a sin and further condeming the States that have a lottery prey on the poor who can least afford to play those games. Just another prime example, in my opinion, of the blatant double standards to which many “Christian” extremest subscribe.

I’m sure, too, we’ll all find it a little nauseating over the next few weeks/months (God forbid, years!) at how Falwell will be portrayed as the wonderful man those folks consider him to be…just as the memory of many “celebrities” are often raised above where they were when alive…no doubt, eventually comparing him to the Lord God Almighty. Can’t you just hear it, “The Lord Jerry Almighty”…heaven forbid!!

You make your Mother proud!

I started a facebook group called “I’m not sorry that Jerry Falwell is Dead,” so far 50 people have joined.