Jerry Falwell Dies at 73

After being found unresponsive in his office, Jerry Falwell was today rushed to the hospital where he later died. No cause of death has been released at this time, but Falwell had a history of heart problems.

While anyone's sudden death is a terrible thing, especially for their family, I have to say I'm dreading the lionization for Falwell that I've no doubt that much of the media will now engage in. Expect much pontificating about what a good, decent person he was. While it wouldn't be appropriate to lambaste Falwell just now for his horrible treatment of the GLBT community, I also don't think his "sins" should be ignored either. The man did and said unforgivable things to gays and lesbians and to the fight for our rights. Those too should be part of his legacy--in fact, a very large part of it. (For a thorough recounting of Falwell's many homophobic statements visit CampusProgress.) We'll keep an eye on the coverage to see just how "fair and balanced" the media handles this story.

Feel free to leave your thoughts below on Falwell's death and his legacy.