There are a lot of things Jerry Falwell said, did, thought, and advocated in his life, but Bill Maher knows it's all about the gays. In a scathing little eulogy (do you still call it a euology when it begins "Death isn't always sad"?), he gets right to the heart of Falwell's legacy:

Now, I know that you're not supposed to speak ill of the dead but I think we can make an exception because speaking ill of the dead was kind of Jerry Falwell's hobby. He was the guy who said that AIDS was God's punishment for homosexuality and that 9/11 was brought on by pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays and the ACLU, or as I like to call them – my studio audience (wild clapping and screaming).

But I found it surreal this week watching people on the news praise Falwell, followed by a clip package of what he actually said. Things like homosexuals are part of a vile and satanic system that will be utterly anahiliated. If ... you're not a born again Christian you're a failure as a human being. Feminists just need a man around the house. There is no separation of church and state. And of course, everyone's favorite - the purple Teletubby is gay.

Jerry Falwell found out that you could launder your hate through the cover of God's will. He didn't hate gays. God does. All Jerry Falwell's power came from name dropping God. And gay people should steal that trick. You know what? Don't say you want something because it's your right as a human being. Say you want it because it's your religion.

The whole beautiful nasty snappy thing is, of course, on YouTube.

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.