The Force That Was Falwell Is Gone

The WSJ just sent out a bulletin that Rev. Jerry Falwell died this morning:

Ron Godwin, the university's executive vice president, said Mr. Falwell, 73 years old, was found unresponsive around 10:45 a.m. and taken to Lynchburg General Hospital. Mr. Godwin said he was not sure what caused the collapse, but he said Mr. Falwell "has a history of heart challenges."

"I had breakfast with him, and he was fine at breakfast," Mr. Godwin said. "He went to his office, I went to mine, and they found him unresponsive." ...

Mr. Falwell survived two serious health scares in early 2005. He was hospitalized for two weeks with what was described as a viral infection, then was hospitalized again a few weeks later after going into respiratory arrest. Later that year, doctors found a 70% blockage in an artery, which they opened with stents.

Prepare yourself for the usual rants against the "far right," the "Christian right" and the dangers of a theocracy -- it might be a good day to steer clear of the Leftyblogs. They couldn't stand the man, which just might be the strongest endorsement he ever received in his fruitful and influential life.

Newt Gingrich will set all the crazy commentary that follows Falwell's death on Saturday, when he will give the commencement address at Falwell's Liberty University.

I'm sure if you had the chance to ask Falwell what the most important thing was that he did, he wouldn't mention politics. I'm sure his answer would be saved souls, and God bless him for the many he reached.