The Opium of the Masses

[nmg]

It seems that Jerry Falwell shuffled off this mortal coil earlier today. While I generally feel that it's morally questionable to express satisfaction in the death of another person, I can't help but feel that humanity is enriched by his absence, albeit until the next reactionary right-wing loon steps into his shoes. I also feel it's a shame that, being dead, he won't get to find out that there is neither heaven nor hell after this life.

On a related topic, I'm surprised at the complete silence from my friends list regarding last night's Panorama on those wacky Scientologists (almost as surprised as I was at the Scientologists' complete lack of PR nous, but that's another matter). Is this the silence of a thousand nodding heads, or did none of you watch it?

Comments

[kaveypie.livejournal.com]

On your first point, regardless of the moral questionmark, I am with you in expressing some satisfaction.

On the second, I didn't see it, though it sounds interesting. Will look out for a repeat. Does Panorama get repeated?

[angua.livejournal.com]

I've got it on sky+ but haven't watched it yet. I did watch Power to the People though which was very interesting.

[alex-holden.livejournal.com]

I watched Panorama. It was interesting, but sadly not the least bit surprising. I got the feeling that it may have been hastily cut together at the last minute after the Scientologists released their video of Sweeney losing his rag. I did enjoy watching the "celebrity" interviewees squirm when asked about the Xenu myth.

[coffeeandtv0.livejournal.com]

No, I completely forgot it was on and was watching Predator. I'd also like to know about a repeat.

- Rob

[vyvyan.livejournal.com]

We have no TV. But I have heard about it.

[loveandgarbage.livejournal.com]

I watched Panorama but there's not much I can add to burkesworks views on the episode.

[damerell.livejournal.com]

weds makes a credible argument as to why Falwell was less of a sorry bastard than the rest of those sorry bastards.

[lionsphil.livejournal.com]

Forgot about it, but already know about that wonderful little cult and the delightful euphemism of "Fair Game"---I've read quite a lot of the Operation Clambake site, amoungst others. Might watch the online broadcast thingy.

As for Falwell...

[sideshow-al.livejournal.com]

I now live outside the range of the mighty imperial BBC transmitters, so was denied. Colleagues mentioned that I could watch it via some kind of torrent of bits, but I am too old a dog to learn such new tricks.

[ronaldraygun.livejournal.com]

Falwell will be replaced. Fundamentalists are a fungible commodity.

[lionsphil.livejournal.com]

Ouch, burn.

[theno23.livejournal.com]

I thought the Panorama does Scientology thing was entirely predictable, and not really much of an expose. You could have made something pretty much equivalent about the wackier fringes of the CoE. Not that I think the CoE is an admirable organisation either, but still.

I agree with what a couple of other people said - looked like it was hastily cut together to capitalise on / counteract the Scientologist PR crap.