Falwell's Fall: Reverend Jerry Falwell's Legacy

The Rev. Jerry Falwell died weeks ago. Allowing for a period of restraint and mourning for those who cared deeply for him, it is time to examine his legacy at large to the mass population. I have not rejoiced in his or anyone's passing, I find no joy in his death, but rather disappointment that he lived the life he chose. Unlike the lack of choice gays and lesbians have in their sexuality, he did choose to be a bigot.

Falwell fell greatly in the previous years. He was rebuked by the White House for comments following Sept. 11th that placed blame on feminists, liberals and gays for the terrorist attacks. When the White House thinks you're too fanatical while inhabited by neoconservatives, pro-life enforcers, Christianity quoters and
President Bush, you know you are on the fringes of the Republican Party.

He was not celebrated, but quietly attended the 2004 GOP national convention, a safe haven "big tent" that celebrates right winged pundits and politicians, less than a diversified crowd than the Democratic Party. One can understand me being completely mystified by a religiously brainwashed and convinced individual follower, seeing I myself am merely a spiritual being, not a religious one, but to lose touch with your own religious base is frightening.

Instead of lopping insults at someone who is no longer alive to defend themselves, it is better to erase the hate and close mindedness that this person unfortunately seemed to garner and foster among his devoted followers. This appears to be his legacy and what he chose to stand for of his own free will. He will be remembered for his wide eyed following of the Bible, the anger and blame he placed towards the gay community and Liberals at large. He will be remembered for his lashing out at the first amendment rights of pornographer Larry Flynt and his "Hustler" publication.

There are many things wrong with the world, no one is or will dispute that. To blame innocent groups, demonizing them for these problems is not only wrong, it's irresponsible.

Hopefully, his flock of a few clueless sheep will find their way. Hopefully, they can find something to stand for, instead of against. Hopefully, they can find hope, instead of anger.

Unfortunately too many people are turning off to religion because of the negative aspects. Shouldn't we celebrate positivity? Isn't religion supposed to bring you up, not beat you down?

Not only do I believe, but I hold faith that the Robertson's, Bush's and GOPs will lose their moral majority, to be honest; they never had it over me. No one can preach morality with hate and disdain in their hearts.