I learned about the passing of Jerry Falwell this morning. Thinking that the topic might make for a good article here, I immediately clicked on to MSN.com to read the news coverage of it. I read the summary article and then followed the link to the MSN message board which read “Discuss: What is Jerry Falwell’s Legacy?” I clicked on the link and began reading down the list of comments. I was appalled. They dripped of hatred and celebrated the death of the founder of the Moral Majority like he was some pig that was about to be roasted for a feast.
For the record, I am a card-carrying Democrat who has never agreed with or closely followed Falwell’s rhetoric. Yet just because we don’t agree with what he stood for, does that excuse us for spitting in his face while his spirit makes its transition to the other side? How will we ever experience peace on earth when we can’t even give one of our own countrymen our forgiveness for doing what he thought was right?
In the time between my discovery of the Falwell message board discussions to the time I began to write this post, the message board has removed from the MSN site. My guess is that the good folks at MSN had the sense to put an end to the disgusting public display of everything that is not brotherly love.
It’s times like this when I ask myself if I am proud to be an American.
Susan Hanshaw
Offering contemporary inspiration from A Course in Miracles
Digging for Meaning 
Susan,
I would have to say that behavior like this is a world wide problem not just and American one. The unfortunate truth, to those who tune into the BBC and other world news organizations not connected to the American media, is that American’s behavior has always scrutinized at a higher level than any other country’s peoples.
With that being said, it is truly a sad fact that people can not allow a man, (regardless of his own idiotic rhetoric), to pass without the vile display of hatred shown in this case. . .
Lots of work to do indeed.
It’s unfortunate, Susan, that so much of Rev. Falwell’s…’good’ intentions?…got lost in the rest of his approach towards his fellow humans. Many times I’ve wondered today…about what he has been experiencing since his passing over.
Grace,
Thank you for bringing forth a thought-provoking perspective. Your words are an example of what it means to look at life through eyes of compassion.
Susan