Re: your May 17 Opinion page cartoon:
I take issue with the cartoon about Jerry Falwell. It appears The Star used the occasion of his death to take one last shot at him, a shot that reinforces the unfair criticism that has come his way over the years. I believe Falwell exemplifies the media’s ability to create a fictional character using a living person’s name.
The cartoon showed God with a list of Falwell’s traits, specifically excluding humility and meekness.
I personally met Falwell one time, and I listened to him talk for awhile about things important to his heart. From this short, real-life glimpse into the person of Falwell, I saw a man who displayed very impressive attributes of humility and meekness.
It occurs to me that most of the criticism coming from people who perpetuate the fictional character they call Falwell have never met him. I suppose this speaks to the personal responsibility each of us has to not blindly buy into the gross mischaracterization of fellow human beings.
I thank Falwell for being a brilliant example of high moral character, virtue and self-sacrificing service.
— Bryan Sexauer, Moorpark
This man was a hateful bigot.