"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."
Showing posts with label jerry falwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jerry falwell. Show all posts
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:
Jerry Falwell has passed away
Breaking news now. Was found in his office "unresponsive" and rushed to the hospital. In just the past few minutes it's coming out more or less verified that Falwell has indeed died.
I know that I've written a lot on this blog about how I disagreed with a many things that Falwell did. The biggest problem I had with him was that he put too much an emphasis on gaining political power. That said, I have to add here that my prayers are definitely with his family today.
