"The Reverend Jerry Falwell and I were arch enemies for fifteen years. We became involved in a lawsuit concerning First Amendment rights and Hustler magazine. Without question, this was my most important battle – the l988 Hustler Magazine, Inc., v. Jerry Falwell case, where after millions of dollars and much deliberation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in my favor.My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. He would visit me in California and we would debate together on college campuses. I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling.
The most important result of our relationship was the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that made parody protected speech, and the fact that much of what we see on television and hear on the radio today is a direct result of my having won that now famous case which Falwell played such an important role in."
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Larry Flynt makes a statement about Jerry Falwell
Say what you will of Larry Flynt, but this was high class. And I can't help but think he's sincere in saying all of this, in spite of the legal turmoil that went on between him and Jerry Falwell. Here's the statement he released today after news came out that Falwell had died:
See any parallels, albeit on a much lesser level, to some local news items here?
ReplyDeleteIs that meant to imply that there is some kind of scorn/loathing toward certain individuals here?
ReplyDeleteNo, you won't find that. Well, not from me anyway. I like to think that there's no real *hating* of the guy. But there certainly can - and should - be disapproval of what he has done. Especially considering that the individual in question wound up in charge to some extent over the public treasury and issues of moral judgment.
That's a position that neither Jerry Falwell or Larry Flynt were ever put in.
***Is that meant to imply that there is some kind of scorn/loathing toward certain individuals here?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aiming at any issues or individuals that you may be personally dealing with.
On another point, you could argue that, as mouthpieces and publishers, Flynt and Falwell exercise(d) moral judgement that affects thousands or more.
"On another point, you could argue that, as mouthpieces and publishers, Flynt and Falwell exercise(d) moral judgement that affects thousands or more."
ReplyDeleteYeah, but neither Falwell's church or Hustler magazine are able to use/abuse money that is taken from you as a taxpayer (unless one *does* choose to subscribe to Hustler)...
Actually, now that I think of it, Larry Flynt *did* run for President as a Republican against Reagan in 1984.
ReplyDeleteLord only knows what would have happened if he had won :-P
"Actually, now that I think of it, Larry Flynt *did* run for President as a Republican against Reagan in 1984.
ReplyDeleteLord only knows what would have happened if he had won :-P"
Dear Penthouse,
I never thought it would happen to me, but I won the Presidential election. My first day on the job in the White House, I met my new 23 year old secretary, Candi....