ubertuber

Filtherton, roachboy:

I'm kind of wary about this discussion. My thinking that Art's posts were clear doesn't mean that his thoughts are mine, or that I am empowered to speak on his behalf. I can, however, tell you how I interpreted his words.

In fact, Art's thoughts on the matter seem so clear that I'm having a hard time saying how I took them without simply restating them.

I read Art's posts as an observation that it is a curious thing that so many people in this thread are expressing such vigorous hatred for Jerry Falwell, or such obvious glee that he has died, given that among Fundamentalist leaders in general (globally) he was not close to being an extreme personage.

One interpretation of why this feeling and expression is centered on Falwell is that it is easier or more fashionable in some circles to criticize American personalities and institutions.

Whether or not these things are the case, this was the message that I understood quite clearly and consistently from Art's posts. It is also quite consistent with his views on a number of other topics.

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Regarding the bit about not wanting to engage in debate, I do identify quite strongly with Art's position. While I often learn a lot from the discussion and presentation of ideas here, it seems that the more heated the debate is, the less productive the conversation is. That's why I try to focus my posts on asking questions or challenging others to clarify their views rather than beat them over the head with mine. I'm not always successful in this, but I do make the effort. I'm certainly in no position to argue with or comment on your experience Filtherton, other than to say that it doesn't really match my own.

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Cogito ergo spud -- I think, therefore I yam