Jerry Falwell

Well, no doubt Jerry Falwell's death has created a bit of a stir out in internet land. I have read he's everywhere from sitting with Jesus on the throne to taking the pitchfork from Satan and assuming his rightful throne in Hell. Obviously, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. I'm not referring to Purgatory. I mean his legacy, not his eternal state. The only quote I feel is worth repeating came from from Larry Flynt:

The Reverend Jerry Falwell and I were arch enemies for fifteen years. We became involved in a lawsuit concerning First Amendment rights and Hustler magazine. Without question, this was my most important battle – the 1988 Hustler Magazine, Inc., v. Jerry Falwell case, where after millions of dollars and much deliberation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in my favor.

My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. He would visit me in California and we would debate together on college campuses. I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling.

The most important result of our relationship was the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that made parody protected speech, and the fact that much of what we see on television and hear on the radio today is a direct result of my having won that now famous case which Falwell played such an important role in.

I just find that fascinating. I appreciated Falwell's willingness to stand up for his beliefs. When he was a mere preacher and not a politician, he was pretty darn good. He survived the televangelist scandals of Bakker and Swaggert. I questioned his mixing of church and state. I cringed at some of his goofy statements - Tinky Winky and 9/11 come to mind. However, no one can doubt that the 80s political landscape was largely influenced by Falwell. Even today, love them or hate them, the Religious Right is a force in America.

Rest in Peace, Jerry. Whether they see you as a hero or a villain, you will be missed by many.