Randy

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Username:: solitaire
Name:: Randy
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News & Issues > Christopher Hitchens is Dead

Christopher Hitchens is Dead

For those of you who have never heard of, or never read any of his books and essays, or never heard him speak, you have missed out on one of the great intellectuals of our time: Christopher Hitchens.

He died of esophageal cancer at age 62 (a heavy smoker).
Along with the late Carl Sagen, Hitchens was one of my heroes. His outspokenness was refreshing as he tackled many controversial subjects, especially religion.

In his best selling book, "God is Not Great" ("How Religion Poisons Everything"), Hitchens said "Human decency is not derived from religion. It precedes it." Amen, brother. This, along with "The Portable Atheist", are two books I actually bought (hardly library material in Bible thumping Indiana).

From what I saw on television, his personality was grating and sour. And intense. He had his beliefs (or disbeliefs). But he made one listen. He'll be missed.

posted on Dec 17, 2011 5:26 AM ()

Comments:

I too am sorry he's gone, even if I think he pushed the Iraq war. He later showed people that waterboarding IS torture, and more.. We need more people who speak according to logic in the media, not fewer.

comment by drmaus on Dec 24, 2011 12:30 PM ()

Yes, that Iraq war backing was weird, but that was Hitch.

reply by solitaire on Dec 25, 2011 5:53 AM ()

I saw him last on Maher's show months ago. I am so sorry he is gone. I have his book "God is Not Great". I did not see him as sour on TV -- more a quiet iconoclast.

comment by tealstar on Dec 18, 2011 3:49 AM ()

Admittedly, I didn't see much of him on TV. I am deficient in buttonholing him. Called out, as usual.

reply by solitaire on Dec 18, 2011 5:27 AM ()

A "grating and sour" personality? Too bad his beliefs (or lack thereof)brought him no great joy.

comment by dragonflyby on Dec 17, 2011 8:57 AM ()

I was going to use the word "acerbic", but wasn't sure if that was the right word. Perhaps "serious" (or joyless, as Teal says). I think that's why he drank and smoked so much. He didn't appear to be insecure--hiding something?

reply by solitaire on Dec 18, 2011 5:25 AM ()

I am not sure what Randy is complaining about. I liked his TV personality. Like someone who speaks his mind. I did not see him as an unhappy man. So sorry he's gone.

reply by tealstar on Dec 18, 2011 3:47 AM ()

I hadn't heard of him - until he died. Then I was wondering about who he was - so thanks for letting me know.

comment by kristilyn3 on Dec 17, 2011 8:19 AM ()

In our great so-called "Christian" nation, he was vilified by many. Therefore, ignored in certain circles. Now you know!

reply by solitaire on Dec 18, 2011 5:21 AM ()

I salute the way he exposed and skewered hypocrisy everywhere he saw it. R.I.P.

comment by marta on Dec 17, 2011 7:33 AM ()

Indeed he did.

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Christopher Hitchens is Dead