A TRIBUTE TO JERRY FALWELL

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I have always feared becoming a progressive version of Fred Phelps, celebrating the death of those I abhor. And so, I was willing to let Reverend Jerry Falwell die without comment.

But now that the mass media is oozing tributes this morning with images of flags lowered at half mast, I can't help but comment. However, to demonstrate my evolving maturity, I will restrain my myself and only say nice things.

Rev. Falwell was a uniter.

His greatest attribute was that he brought together feminists, gays, people of color, unions, atheists, free speech advocates, non-Christians, opponents of apartheid, Billy Graham supporters, Tinky Winky fans, and the tolerant.

Why, just a week ago, Jerry Falwell told CNN that he still believed that the ACLU, the People for the American Way, those who support reproductive freedom, and other liberals who believe in the separation of church and state caused September 11. (See video above. Credit: AmericaBlog)

With that simple statement, he reminded the world that wacko fundamentalist zealots come in all faiths, colors, and nationalities.

When Rev. Falwell said ...

"I listen to feminists and all these radical gals… These women just need a man in the house. That’s all they need. Most of the feminists need a man to tell them what time of day it is and to lead them home. And they blew it and they’re mad at all men. Feminists hate men. They’re sexist. They hate men; that’s their problem."

... he helped convince millions of men and women to unite in support of feminism.

When he preached ...

"AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals."

... he convinced millions that homophobia was also a disease.

And so, I thank you, Rev. Falwell.

This morning, I woke up and felt like the world was just a little more tolerant.

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--Junichi