NickolasJames8

Hey thanks I actually noticed it right away, but I didn't say anything because I have a newly designed site going up soon. There's good news, though, for the What's The Difference readers...the rewrite is happening right now, and I just sent chapters one through ten in. Hopefully it'll be up soon

Nick, it's very different. He stood before his congregation - people who relied on him to preach the word of God - and preached hatred towards specific groups. As a result of his words, some of his congregation felt morally empowered to take action. They assaulted and killed because they believed that he was telling them that it was acceptable in the eyes of God for them to do so. If he didn't want them to hold that belief he could easily have condemned their actions, spoken out against the violence, preached hating the sin but loving the sinner. He didn't. He preached hatred and his words led to violence. A lot of people have public platforms, yes, but how many of them are aware that people are turning to violence as a result of their words? How many of them are endorsing that violence by continuing to preach the same words without preaching against violence? He brought misery to countless innocent people. He exploited situations such as 9/11 to further promote hatred knowing that a situation as emotive as that one would almost certainly provoke violence - people were looking for someone to blame and he offered them targets. His words went beyond being merely irresponsible - they were evil. He was a vile, vicious, hate-filled man and the only thing that saddens me about his death is that his legacy of hatred will live on and, in time, others will step up to take his place. I can only hope that he is now paying for the suffering he brought to others. Are you sure that members of his congregation committed hate crimes? Is there some kind of record of this? Maybe some people who saw him on TV did so, but again, Keith Oberman preaches hate against President Bush and Senators and Congressmen and Women do the same. They have committed viewers, too and people who hang on their every word. So do Rush Limbaugh and Shawn Hannitty. They preach hate against Democrats all the time. Would you call all of them evil too? Or are they just saying what they really feel? I agree that Falwell's comments against gays were unforgivable, but he's not responsible for another's actions.

But that goes back to individual responsibility...I still haven't seen any instance where he said it was okay to be violent against gays. I agree that he was irresponsible with his words, but a lot of people are. Would you say the same is true of people who call President Bush a murderer and a Nazi? A lot of them have very public platforms. If something happens to him, heaven forbid, would you say that those people are morally culpable? I don't.

Nick, Please recognise the difference between legal culpability and moral culpability. He may not have been legally culpable for his words, but there is little doubt that he was certainly morally culpable. Further, I guarantee that several law enforcement agencies would have been investigating him had he been a Muslim spouting hatred against Christians, all of them desperately searching for a way to shut him up and put him away. However, he was just another homophobe, so why go to all the effort of looking too closely at his words and actions. I'm not sure if I believe in Heaven or Hell, but if they do exist then he's certainly headed for the latter - and if he somehow makes it into Heaven then it's not a Heaven I want to go to. Rob I understand the difference between legal and moral, and if that's the case, he has something to answer for. But I don't think it's fair to say that he should be held accountable for the actions of people who took his sermons and made them out to be what they wanted them to be. Unless he said, even in a round about way, to kill or bash gays, then he isn't morally responsible beyond the fact that he misrepresented the word of God by saying that gays weren't accepted.

The "standards" issue is why I feel it's bad to celebrate Falwell's death; If we do so we are, in essence, doing what we accuse him of. On the other hand, when (hopefully soon) Fred Phelps kicks the bucket, I will indeed celebrate, due to the different nature of his behavior. (Much as I'd celebrate if Osama Bin Laden ate a missile). As for rising above the hatred, that's a two-edged sword. I'm sure the friends and relatives of the thousands who died on 9-11 really appreciated Falwell using the deaths of their loved ones to blame gays and feminists. In other words, I certainly won't be doing it myself (and disagree with it) I can sure understand why so many are celebrating Falwell's death. He bought it on himself, via his own actions and words. True, to a degree, but we can do so much better than the example he set.

I don't know about that, Rob...Louis Farrakan hasn't been to prison yet, and he incites hatred and violence against whites and Jews on the regular. So do Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Believe me, if there was something the government could have nailed him on, they would have.

Thank You Graeme

I dont really think so. I didn't like Saddam Hussain, but that doesn't mean i was responsible for his hanging. I don't like Jeff Gordon, but I don't feel responsible for the beer cans that are thrown at him. People have to use common sense, and we have free speech in this country.

So would you say that Eminem should be in prison for the murder of Matthew Sheppard? Or should Crime Mob be prosecuted for a driveby someone did while they had their CD playing? What about people who listen to songs and commit suicide? Should those artists be accountable?

Nick, he didn't have to give any orders. People should not only be accountable for their own actions, but also for the actions their words inspire others to take. He may not have deliberately incited violence. He may not have endorsed violence. He did, however, continue spouting the same words of hatred even though he knew the likely results of those words in the actions of those who listened to him. He may not have issued orders, but the disregard he showed to the lives and happiness of others is just as repugnant. I will not celebrate his death, but I firmly believe the world became a better place the moment that man's heart ceased to beat. Rob That sounds good, Rob, but the fact is this: people make their own decisions. Should Ted Kennedy be responsible for every drunk driver in Massachuttes? Should Robert Byrd be responsible for every new KKK member? Should George W Bush be responsible for every new coke addict? The answer to all of those questions is no. If people can't think for themselves, how in the hell are we going to exist in ten years or twenty years? It's not logical to say that someone should be held accountable for someone who twisted their words. Unless he issued a direct order to go kill gays or blow up clinics, he isn't responsible for those sick actions.

That's a pretty tacky thing to say. Also, please tell me how you think one man can influence funding for AIDS research...he wasn't a lawmaker. Do you really think he had that much influence? You give him way too much credit. The fact that you are so happy that someone's dead makes me wonder what you'd do if I died...I don't agree with you politically. Will you rejoice if I die? You can't let people get to you like this. He had a lot of sick views in my opinion, but he's facing God as we speak and he's answering for his life here on earth. Also, you completely ignore the fact that he has a family that's enduring all of this hatred and vile garbage that people are spewing. Is that fair to them? How does it make you any different than Fred Phelps? I have to say that I'm really dissapointed in you right now, Trebs. I thought you were a better person than that. Nope - not tacky at all, just honest. As to his influence - it would be naive to think that he wasn't a major policy-maker, despite never holding elected office. But if people want to remain naive and supportive of those who have contributed to the culture of hatred and ignorance that has killed many of our community... As to yourself, there are many people in the world who's political views I disagree with. Some of them, I am actually even friends with - especially if I respect how they came to those views. The difference (if it wasn't abundently obvious) is what Falwell did with those views - and the many deaths caused by this political opportunism. Equating my views of Falwell with Fred Phelps is ... well, quite a stretch is the kindest way I can put it. As to facing God - well, I have my own belief on that - and... well... up is NOT the direction I believe he was headed... It's not your views that I'm equating with Falwell and Phelps, it's your actions. Don't you realize that you're doing the same thing they do? It's wrong and it puts a black eye on the gay community. That's what he wanted, and your giving it to him for free.

I see your point, all the way, but Hitler did order the gassing of the Jews. There's no proof that Falwell ever told anyone to gay bash or kill abortion doctors. If someone can give me proof that he did, I'll admit I'm wrong about that. In the meanwhile, I'm glad that someone agrees that we should be above the crap that Falwell was flinging. All I see right now are people rolling around in it.

I would say that his comments were ignorant, but they don't justify the sick hate speech that's going around. I just can't see how we can sit on our high horses and talk about how sick and hateful he was and what he said, then turn around that laugh and celebrate in the face of his death. I mean, when you look at it, isn't that being just as sick and hateful as we claim he was? I'd like to be clear; I'm not celebrating, but I certainly am not mourning. Yes, I did say "good riddance", just as I've done to many a public figure whom I feel did far more harm than good. He manifestly stood against freedom and equality, railing against secularism, pushing for a theocratic state, and I can't see any reason to lament his passing. I certainly agree that this is no laughing matter, though. I know you weren't CJ....and I know what you mean about what he seemed to stand for. I was just making a point that if we as a community expect to be able to demonize people like Falwell and Phelps, then we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard. I can't even begin to imagine what Falwell's family must be going through right now. Not only did he pass suddenly, but they're having to watch and listen as people gloat and celebrate like lunatics about this. I mean, we should be able to rise above what we hated about Falwell.

I would say that his comments were ignorant, but they don't justify the sick hate speech that's going around. I just can't see how we can sit on our high horses and talk about how sick and hateful he was and what he said, then turn around that laugh and celebrate in the face of his death. I mean, when you look at it, isn't that being just as sick and hateful as we claim he was?

That's a pretty tacky thing to say. Also, please tell me how you think one man can influence funding for AIDS research...he wasn't a lawmaker. Do you really think he had that much influence? You give him way too much credit. The fact that you are so happy that someone's dead makes me wonder what you'd do if I died...I don't agree with you politically. Will you rejoice if I die? You can't let people get to you like this. He had a lot of sick views in my opinion, but he's facing God as we speak and he's answering for his life here on earth. Also, you completely ignore the fact that he has a family that's enduring all of this hatred and vile garbage that people are spewing. Is that fair to them? How does it make you any different than Fred Phelps? I have to say that I'm really dissapointed in you right now, Trebs. I thought you were a better person than that.

Agreed. Celebrating any death is wrong ... Hmm, that being said, when I go, I want a HUGE party. I can sit on my cloud (not sure if it's going to be soft and fluffy, or hot and prickly) and earwig the conversations. :ranger: :pickaxe: :pickaxe: :pickaxe: I'm sure there's going to be a loud roar from the crowd when I go Hopefully there'll be lots of THC floating through the air after my funeral

Actually, I don't believe in Jerry Falwell. I believe in The Father, The Son and The Holy ghost, and he did too. I get a little frustrated when people say Falwell had followers. He might have, but I think he had a parish that followed Christ, just like he did. God is the only sheppard to true Christians, and if any of them act on the word of Jerry Falwell, they're commiting Blashemy, in my eyes. My main point still remains....it's wrong to celebrate anyone's death, and it drags down the entire gay community.

I agree that he had twisted views...I even said that. I even agree that he was overboard about it, but that didn't make him evil. Also, I never read anything about him saying parents should send their kids to straight camp. If you can find me an article I'll concede the point. But look at it this way:: We frown down on him because he preached intolerance of gays and a womans right to choose, but isn't celebrating his death just as bad as what he did? Do we really want to be on his level? I think we can be better than that. Don't you?

When you say he put crap thru gay kids, what do you mean? Explain please. As far as the good that he's done, let's see...... He's led thousands to The Lord, which may or may not mean anything to you, but in my opinion, that's always a good thing. He also founded Liberty University, which is a college I'm planning to apply at. You still haven't said what evil deeds he's perpetrated besides things he's said. What has he done??

What can you point to that he put people through?

Warning:::: Potentially Offensive Rant Ahead Jerry Falwell is dead. For whatever reason, that news amuses some people. I think there's nothing to celebrate, and the mere fact that someone had the gutter mentality that it takes to celebrate that news on their blog is rather shocking, but then I guess there's not too much to be surprised about. People love to hate. I don't have anything good to say about Falwell's twisted views on gay's and abortion. I know he said something stupid after 9-11 and I know that probably wasn't the first or last stupid thing he ever said. I know he had a warped sense of reality when it came to politics, too. But come on, man. He was a person. A person with a life, and he was living it. I haven't read any stories where he personally went into someone's home and physically tried to stop them from living their lives. I haven't heard any reports that he gay bashed anyone, or that he blew up abortion clinics or killed the doctors who perform abortions. He had his views and they were his. In my opinion most of them were wrong, but just like the person who chose this moment to celebrate his passing, he had a right to express his views. In the meanwhile, he did a lot of good in this nation and around the world, but you'll never hear about that. You'll only hear about what he said about the Teletubbies, which was stupid, but not newsworthy anymore. Still, I support people's right to say whatever they feel in their blogs, and I sincerely hope that the administration here at GA doesn't censor the blog in question. No one censored Jerry Falwell, and this nation was better off for it. The only thing left to say is, God bless Jerry Falwell, and in spite of the things you said that I disagree with, I'll be saying a prayer for your family tonight before I go to sleep. Rest in peace.

Only God Can Judge Me by Tupac Shakir

I'm having nightmares, homicidal fantansies I wake up stranglin, danglin my bed sheets I call the nurse cause it hurts, to reminisce How did it come to this? I wish they didn't miss Somebody help me, tell me where to go from here Cause even Thugs cry, but do the Lord care? Try to remember, but it hurts I'm walkin through the cemetary talkin to the, dirt I'd rather die like a man, than live like a coward There's a ghetto up in Heaven and it's ours, Black Power is what we scream as we dream in a paranoid state And our fate, is a lifetime of hate Dear Mama, can you save me? And f**K peace Cause the streets got our babies, we gotta eat No more hesitation each and every black male's trapped And they wonder why we suicidal runnin round strapped