I think as an opinion site it would be remiss not to mention somewhere on OLO the sad passing of one of the most fearlessly opinionated people whom I have had the pleasure of enjoying for many years.

Many here admire well argued and articulate opinion and the 'Hitch' was arguably the best in the business. Holding positions on issues like the Iraq war with which I strongly disagreed, nonetheless  under his husbandry they never appeared untenable though some undoubtably were.

Certainly flawed in many ways, some obviously contributing to his early demise, in Hitch they just seemed to highlight genius.

The verse he quoted at his father's funeral from Philippians is at least as appropriate here;

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

His work has helped me to do just that.

Salman Rushdie wrote "Goodbye, my beloved friend. A great voice falls silent. A great heart stops."

A great heart indeed.

Dear csteele,

Thank You for this thread.

Christopher Hitchens did die a tad too soon - at
62. May he Rest in Peace.

He's been described as "An Oxford-educated British snob.
A hard-partying literary figure. A one-time Trotskyite.
And over the past decade a disgraceful fan of the Iraq
War."

He popularized the term "Islamofascist" but he wasn't
too kind to the Pope either. And he died a confirmed
atheist. He wasn't dead for more than an hour when
the attacks on him started in the media. But that was to
be expected for such a controversial figure as Hitchens.
After all let's not forget that there were some who
called Mother Theresa a "thieving, fanatical, Albanian dwarf!"

I haven't read his, "God is not Great. How religion poisons
everything." I probably will eventually. However, I must admit
that I did find it very entertaining listing to Hitchens
debating learned and religious figures on the Bible, Hell,
and Jesus. Even though as one writer stated - Hitchens
in typical British style swung between "socialism and fine
champagne," I concur - the guy did indeed have style!

cont'd ...

Again apologies for the typo.
"listing," should read - "listening."

Yes ... indeed, thank you!

Yes thanks and hat off to him.
Thank you for the thread.
The world needs more of him.

Yes, it's a very sad day, we have lost a provocative thinker and 'opinionator'.

And I've just discovered that another hero of mine, Manning Marable, an outstanding writer in African-American politics and society, died back in April, just days before his book on Malcolm X came out.

Two of the best, gone before their time.