Mel White on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360

[soulo]

BrentRichards thanks for posting that, it responds to my post well As I said, I understand that Mel comes from a Christian's perspective on this (and I know cause I was myself deeply involved in the church before)

But I guess I was a bit disappointed that night after seeing Neil Giuliano of GLAAD get on CNN and offer a very weak statement about Falwell being "out of touch". I was like, hello, isn't this a man supposed to speak for LGBT against diffamation? and he's probably on network tv like once a year, and look at him playing lip service to himself like he's promoting his awards show.

I don't believe in attacking the living or the dead (which is where I differ from Falwell), but I appreciate clarity and passion. And it's lacking in many of our leaders.

Originally Posted by keltic63

Mel made it clear that Falwell valued gays and lesbians as a commodity; it helped him raise money.

I remember that, but "value" and "commodity" are not words suited to speak of gay people. Plus, if he raised money that way..there's an ethical issue of him exploiting his followers as well.

Mel also pointed out that it motivated the lgbt community to stand up against the rhetoric that Falwell preached.

That's giving too much credit to Falwell. I don't feel he has to be "thanked" or credited for the gay movement, nor for mobilizing us. ACT UP wasn't mobilized by him in the 80s; Ellen didn't come out because of him; and I bet you many gays barely know about his history. I learned most of it, and his quotes after his passing.

The point is, hate speech is bigger than just one man..I don't even wish to scapegoat or focus on Falwell.

It's just about stating what is acceptable or not; and what is right and wrong..and making it very clear for people to understand.