Dancing on Jerry Falwell's Grave?

from JoeUser Forums

I was busy wiping computers for the end of the semester much of the day, so the first I heard of Jerry Falwell's death was when I logged onto JoeUser. And I must say I am disappointed.

There's a lot of celebrating going on of the wrong kind. A lot of people making judgements on Jerry Falwell's life that did not know the man in any way, shape or form. While I don't know the man either, I have known many like him, and almost every Falwell "type" I have known has been a kind individual if you truly got to know them. For many, Jerry Falwell and people like Fred Phelps are interchangeable, when from all accounts I have heard (and I have heard plenty), nothing could be further from the truth.

The amazing part of it all, the truly astounding and unbelievable part is that so much celebration comes from the "tolerant" left. The same people who demand we be "tolerant" of gay lifestyles, and a whole host of other lifestyles that many Christians do not consider Godly, is entirely INtolerant of people like Falwell, people who spoke their mind even when it was unpopular to do so.

I am not saying I agreed with Falwell all, or even MOST of the time. I am saying that if you demand tolerance, perhaps you should start by offering some. By living the example you hope to see others live, and by realizing that even when they are disagreeable, people like Jerry Falwell have as much right to their opinions as anyone else.

Jerry Falwell was a man who lived what he believed. And I can't fault that, even when I felt he was wrong. He was a man who truly tried to make his world, his country what he perceived to be a better place. Was he right? Was he wrong? I don't know if we'll ever know in this time. But I DO know this: if more people in this country put forth the effort that people like Mr. Falwell did to make their country a better place, we would certainly be much better off.

4,592 views 37 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Who on JU is "dancing on his grave"? Did I miss something?
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Well, most of the comments seem pretty happy to see him go. Frankly, when I pass, I'd hope even my enemies could give a 24 hour grace period to refrain from comment.
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Well, most of the comments seem pretty happy to see him go


But who were the tolerant preaching lefties you wrote about. I saw Terp write an article (I certainly don't think he's a lefty), Tex commented (okay, there's one lefty for you, but I saw no grave dancing), Modman put in his two cents (he's certainly not a liberal), and then the liberal/libertarian Sean offered his condolences to the family.

So, who are you referring to when you say this?

The amazing part of it all, the truly astounding and unbelievable part is that so much celebration comes from the "tolerant" left.


Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
I've been in the thick of this news all day today. I was hoping later to give my take on all this. Right now my son David and Aly his girlfriend are down there on campus and playing camerman and reporter for Fox News since they couldn't get anyone down there for three hours. I don't even get Fox so if anyone out there see's Aly (her picture is on one of my latest blogs) let me know ok?

I've already heard the left's awful comments. This man was not nearly as bad as he's been made out to be. I saw him last week in person. I was able to see live in person his next to last sermon that he preached. I was totally amazed at what I've seen down at Liberty. Sean Hannity was saying the same things I did about Liberty and Falwell today on his program right after I said it to my boss. It was funny to hear Sean express what I just articulated about the man and His university.

Sean was right on about the man.

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

Gid if you die before I do certainly I shall be sad at your passing and will offer prayer for your soul and peace for your family.

I believe Falwell to have lived as a hypocrite. My opinion of the man and where he went. No disrespect intended to his family.

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

Modman put in his two cents (he's certainly not a liberal),
Reply By: shadesofgreyPosted: Tuesday, May 15, 2007

 

I'm Not? Yikes.......... Well meg I use to be, does that count?

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
I didn't know I had to pretend to like him for 24 hours after his passing. Lots of people we don't like die. Just because they're dead doesn't mean they weren't douche bags.

Am I the celebrating, intolerant left?

I didn't realize I was so important.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
But who were the tolerant preaching lefties you wrote about. I saw Terp write an article (I certainly don't think he's a lefty), Tex commented (okay, there's one lefty for you, but I saw no grave dancing), Modman put in his two cents (he's certainly not a liberal), and then the liberal/libertarian Sean offered his condolences to the family.


Not all of the stuff I read was on JU. This was just where I first heard of it. And I've seen a lot of "ding dong the wicked witch is dead" out and about. The JU article was the segue, mainly.

Terp's article rubbed me the wrong way, as did Tex's reply. I'm no fan of his, by a long shot, but I don't think that dancing on anyone's grave is very appropriate, personally.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
I believe Falwell to have lived as a hypocrite.


Did he live as a hypocrite, though? A hypocrite is, of course, one who preaches one thing and does another. I would be very interested in seeing where he lived a life inconsistent with what he preached. I don't know tons about the guy and I'm willing to concede the point if it can be proven.

There's a very mean, very nasty lady who lives in this community. When she passes, I won't be celebrating, even though I will be relieved. In deference to her family, I think I could bring myself to shut up for a few hours, though.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm Not? Yikes.......... Well meg I use to be, does that count?


Sure. Why not.



I didn't realize I was so important.


Nice to be important, isn't it?

Not all of the stuff I read was on JU. This was just where I first heard of it. And I've seen a lot of "ding dong the wicked witch is dead" out and about. The JU article was the segue, mainly.


Okay, I'll believe you but your article doesn't say that. Your article says you saw the news on JU and you are disappointed. There is no clarification that your disappointment or your later condemnation of the tolerant left refers to someone outside of JU.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think I could bring myself to shut up for a few hours, though


What does a few hours matter? Seems arbitrary.

Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
What does a few hours matter? Seems arbitrary.


I'll tell you why it matters, Tex. Because in my opinion, saying "Jerry Falwell, burn in hell" right after Jerry Falwell dies is no different than saying "Matthew Shepard burn in hell" right after Matthew Shepard died. You didn't say those words, I know, but that seemed to be the overwhelming sentiment. I didn't feel it was right when Fred Phelps protested at Matthew Shepard's funeral, and I don't feel it is right when the virtual community exhibits similar sentiments at the death of Falwell. Sure, everyone's got the right to their opinion, but sometimes tact and class rule the day.

Your article says you saw the news on JU and you are disappointed. There is no clarification that your disappointment or your later condemnation of the tolerant left refers to someone outside of JU.


True. I'll concede that.

Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
But who were the tolerant preaching lefties you wrote about. I saw Terp write an article (I certainly don't think he's a lefty), Tex commented (okay, there's one lefty for you, but I saw no grave dancing), Modman put in his two cents (he's certainly not a liberal), and then the liberal/libertarian Sean offered his condolences to the family.


a) i prefer to be referred to as a "progressive libertarian" lol

b) for accuracies sake, i had "thoughts and prayers" for both him and his family.

c) i agree that "dancing on someone's grave" is highly innapropriate. like i pointed out there, will repeat here and have written about elsewhere, sometimes you need to take a step back from all the "politics" and just be a decent human being.

d) but equally innapropriate is using the death to attack the left in a stereotypical manner. esp. when all the "dancin" has been comin from elsewhere. i watched sharpton on hardball tonight and he was hardly "dancing" but pointing out common ground, crediting him fro his work and convictions, etc, etc...now, what will olbermann say? tune in @ 8, MSNBC...before the debate on Fox.

Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
i watched sharpton on hardball tonight and he was hardly "dancing" but pointing out common ground, crediting him fro his work and convictions, etc, etc...now, what will olbermann say?


The public figured know better than to do this, sean. But there are a lot of individuals who feel differently.

Let's hit the DU for a few samples, shall we?

When you spend your life sowing the seeds of hatred, don't expect anything less than dancing and pissing on your grave.


The part where he burns in Hell?

He enthusiastically contributed to the sorry state that this country is in now, he can rot in hell!

Would you be embarrassed if the Jews were celebrating the death of Hitler? (Funny, I missed the part in Falwell's bio where he loaded gays onto trains and sent them to concentration camp!)

Now, I must be fair here. There were MANY posts by people who decried this behaviour, as I have done here as well. But that does not change the fact that many of the very people who scream for tolerance are the most intolerant. I know. I grew up with one. A father that I haven't spoken to in years because I don't rubber stamp his liberal beliefs. His version of peace and love extends only insofar as you agree with him.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
Better rubbed the wrong way than not rubbed at all.
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
Let's hit the DU for a few samples, shall we?


i really wish that people would stop using the democratic underground, a fringe group of radical loons, who represent no one except their small ranks. they hardly are the "voice of the DNC" or anything.

Now, I must be fair here. There were MANY posts by people who decried this behaviour, as I have done here as well. But that does not change the fact that many of the very people who scream for tolerance are the most intolerant.


extrememly true, but intolerance knows no party bounds. people who really respect the rights of others defend the rights of their enemies, not their friends...that's easy.

Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
sidenote: it's kinda funny that over on the side @ the "google ads" is a Liberty U ad right on top. then a "are you going to heaven or hell" quiz. then the songs of "jerry reed." then another college ad...it doesn;t really have anything to do with jerry or this article, just made me chuckle a bit. i don't recall ever seeing a liberty u ad on those, did jerry have to die to make that happen and increase enrollment? lol ...and i wonder how jerry reed is taking the residual attention? i think this might be the 1st time he's been noticed since he lead the bandit past all those smokey's and onto the track to collect the loot.

(please don't take that as a swat, like the "ghost" comment i made on another thread, i consider that to be "wake humor" not trashing the man)
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
i really wish that people would stop using the democratic underground, a fringe group of radical loons, who represent no one except their small ranks. they hardly are the "voice of the DNC" or anything.


Sean,

I have to respectfully disagree here. My family is PREDOMINANTLY Democrat, and the DU looks like a rehash of family reunion discussions. I also spent many years working with the Democratic Party. These discussions are not at all atypical, Sean. Not by a LONG shot!
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have to respectfully disagree here


i can respect that. disagree, but certainly respect the difference in perspective, opinion and experience.

i'm curious to how the huffington post covered it( not the comments, but their actual reporting) and some more established (in my mind) liberal / democratic sources.

but right now, i'm gonna turn this computer off and go catch the debate.

cya'll later...have a great night:)
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
go catch the debate.


Gay. Debates come a dime a dozen. You're supposed to be watching the series finale of Gilmore Girls, one of the last good shows on TV.
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top

Gid - I'd have to say that in just the last few years Falwell's words about what had happened via Hurricane Katrina and Rita were enough to remind my why I disrespect(ed) his brand of Christianity.

On the one hand he looked a bit, and sounded a bit like a Rev. from the church I went to as a child.  A man that is still a good friend of my family.  A man that I do respect and appreciate for his devotion to his calling.  A man that seemed far more real to me than did Falwell.

Sorry, but like Tex I'm not gonna hold my tongue and sit on my words until some period of mourning has passed and it's ok to say what I was thinking all along.

Falwell's efforts to control politics in this country never sat well with me.  I don't mind, and in fact perhaps even encourage some belief in faith in my leaders, but I don't need someone that is telling me that God is not on the side of my enemies standing beside me.  I don't need someone that tells me that this event or that event is God's way of taking out his wrath on someone.

While I am well aware that the Bible is full of passages about the vengeful God, I'm also aware of passages about a forgiving God.  A God that supposedly loved the world and all humanity enough to send his only begoten son down here to save our souls.

I don't need the fire and brimstone preaching to tell me how to behave, and don't care for the preachers that use those methods.  I especially don't care when those people push hard for censorship and manhandling of the music I hear, the TV I watch, etc.

Now, if you'll excuse me I have a Styx Mr. Roboto concert to dig up and remind myself why Falwell was such a disaster for my entertainment choices over the last 30 years.

Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
The rise of the "Religious Right" really started with old Jerry. One of the reasons that I was not a fan of Reagan and the Republican party when he had the ear of the prez.
remember we are supposed to be a secular nation. jerry was busy trying to force his beliefs on an entire nation. There is nothing wrong with the education you can get at the college he founded though.
Would I piss on his grave? No
Do I really care that he died? Again, No.
I am also certain that his surviving family will want for nothing financially.
Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sorry, but like Tex I'm not gonna hold my tongue and sit on my words until some period of mourning has passed and it's ok to say what I was thinking all along.


OK, so the next time Phelps protests a funeral you'll back him?
Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top
I can pick and choose who I think is a douche bag and who isn't. I don't abide by the "don't talk ill of the dead" thing. If you were an asshole and you died, you're still an asshole.

I don't have to support Phelps because it's not about "time of mourning" to me. His message disgusts me and that's why I have a problem with him.

Big diff between text on a blogging site and shouting at a funeral, too.
Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top

OK, so the next time Phelps protests a funeral you'll back him?

Pardon my ignorance, but who?  And why should I be concerned or supportive (or not supportive)??

I think TW is right again with her comments above ^^  (quote below)

I can pick and choose who I think is a d----- bag and who isn't. I don't abide by the "don't talk ill of the dead" thing. If you were an a--hole and you died, you're still an a--hole.

Oh, wait, perhaps I should really go all out and censor that as Falwell would have had me:

 

 

 

... just enjoy this nice white space ...

 

 

... for it is pretty much what would have remained if Falwell had gotten his way over time ...

 

Starting to see the picture?  Nope.  No pictures either.  Artistic value or not, gotta censor it away because it might offend someone along the way.

 

You are right in your point that Falwell believed (or appeared to believe) strongly in what he stood for, but he was so dead wrong on some of those positions that it set things back much more for his cause than anything the other side could have done.

Falwell was much like Sheehan is now, started out well meaning but became such a joke over time as to not be significant.

The weird thing is that Falwell had almost gotten back to what I might consider mainstream, but just about every time he did he'd fly off the cuff and stir up the pot enough to put himself back with the Pat Robertsons of the world.

Again, thanks, but no thanks.  I'm smart enough to decide for myself what is worth getting worked up over.  I don't need Falwell and his friends and cronies to tell me what to think, no matter how much they may have wished otherwise.