Hitchens unleashes on Falwell
Amen! I don't always agree with Hitchens (who does?), but I love the fact that he's not afraid to call Falwell and his ilk what they are. Money quote:
You can get away with the most extraordinary offenses, to morality and to truth in this country, if you will just get yourself called "Reverend". Who would--even at your network [CNN] have invited on such a little toad to tell us that the attacks of September the 11th were the result of our sinfulness and were God's punishment if they hadn't got some kind of clerical qualification? People like that should be out in the street, shouting and hollering with a cardboard sign and selling pencils from a cup.(HT: Pharyngula via Sullivan)
Comments
I disagree with him about Falwell's sincerity, however. I think Jerry believed very strongly in what he said. That's the problem. Wars get started over beliefs.
I don't know enough about Falwell to know about his sincerity, but I think many people who think like him are sincere.