The Decline and Fall of Billy Graham

A column in the Charlotte Observer today comes close to expressing my own views about the degradation of the Reverend Billy Graham, but not quite. The words thoughtfully reject a recent print ad featuring the senile preacher, but they don't go nearly far enough in condemning the growing influence of America's right wing theocrats.

My mother, Mary Lillian Forsythe, was baptized by Billy Graham decades ago. Her swift transformation led me to be baptized as well. Since then, I have always had a soft spot for the guy and his message of love and peace.

I'll admit that the recent politicization of god by Billy Graham, Inc., has had me confused. And then the ads came out. I doubt that Billy Graham personally had anything to do with the campaign. It is covered with the oily fingerprints of his son, Franklin, an opportunistic ass if ever there was one.

This is the kind of crap that makes me thankful I'm no longer a Christian. A god that would let herself be used as a political pawn by the likes of Franklin Graham is unworthy of any praise.