The American Spectator

p> JERRY BUILT br> Re: Hunter Baker’s Falwell’s Turnabout : /p>

The author’s references to Rev. Falwell’s “gaffes” typically (along with most every other story I’ve read following his death) point to the Teletubbies incident and his comments on the cause of the 9/11 attacks. Why should these be considered “gaffes”? They are no more invalid than comments of, say, Harry Reid or Nancy Pelosi. Like pronouncements from our congressional leaders, they arose out of Rev. Falwell’s worldview. Because his worldview was the focus of the article, Mr. Baker erred in discounting these views.

The Teletubbies comments come closest to being justly ridiculed, but look beyond the surface. All four of the characters are portrayed as gender-neutral, but motions and body language suggest a masculine leaning (were the actors inside the costumes male?). That one carried a purse could be viewed as attempting to normalize gay behavior, a lifestyle that, according to the Scriptures that drove Rev. Falwell’s worldview, was abominable. Maybe that’s a stretch, but there was some basis to the assertion. The man was anything but crazy.

On the other hand, his comment about the 9/11 attacks should not have been the least surprising or considered even slightly outrageous. If, like Rev. Falwell, you believe in a just, righteous and holy God, who chastens those He loves, this is not a far-fetched concept. God punished His own people (Israel) many times by allowing her enemies to attack and kill her people. Whether the Left likes it or not, this nation was founded on principles established in the Bible, and its chief religion was Christianity (at least one of the original 13 states’ constitution still directs that Christians should be preferred above others for public office!). Therefore, it should not seem outrageous at all that this same just, righteous and holy God would see fit to punish a people called by His name when their collective behavior so flagrantly violates his laws. Rev. Falwell, simply stated his logical belief as a warning to America to change its ways. He was not trying to be hurtful. Sometimes the truth hurts.

p>Please take a stand and stop trying to marginalize Rev. Falwell’s views. He was a true patriot, a man who loved his country second only to his love for God, and always had her best interest at heart. br> — Mike Mawhorr br> Mascoutah, Illinois /p> p>