Christopher Hitchens has died (1949-2011)

Kevin_Axion

He will be missed.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/dai...chens-19492011

e.bar.goum

He was a great man. I may not have always agreed with what he said, but I have so much respect for him.

He will be missed indeed.

turbo

Such a loss. Agree or disagree? At least you'd have to consider his words and the thoughts behind them. I was so sad at the loss of WFBuckley, not because I could always agree with him, but because I could always consider his point of view and tease out the reasons WHY I might agree or disagree. Not an easy thing to do these days (or even back then) when politics and political discourse can be so polarized.

bobze

Wasn't sure where to put this, if its already been posted--please feel free to move/merge/delete topic.


Sad news Christopher Hitchens finally passed away from his cancer. :(


http://www.npr.org/2011/12/16/143595...-hitchens-dies

pergradus

Who was he?

dacruick

He was a prominent anti-theist. Somewhat well known for his political backing of the Iraq Invasion.

He spoke out strongly against religion and claimed that it was a primary source for hatred in the world. He was quite a stubborn and confrontational man, but those who knew him well speak very highly of his honour and compassion.

Great speaker, even better writer. A google search last week would have turned up a much better answer to your question...now you'll just get a bunch of stuff about his death.

EDIT: Here is a debate with Hitchens and Steven Fry facing off against two theists, a British MP, and a Cardinal of the church I believe. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCdnh7G87m4
This one was fun to watch but Hitchen's and Fry's opponents were outclassed.

Ryan_m_b

He was a prominent journalist, author and speaker on current affairs. He was very confrontational and didn't mind who he offended, he was anti-religion, anti-totalitarianism and above all wanted democracy for all.

Begin here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Hitchens

Greg Bernhardt

I'll really miss his commentary. I enjoy listening to his debates.

turbo

I'd hate to be on the other side of the stage in his debates. That's why I compare his loss to William F. Buckley. Not just quick-witted, but well-informed, thoughtful and insightful. You might agree or disagree with him, but you'd be ill-advised to ignore his reasoning.

Astronuc

He was interviewed during his book tour (promoting is memoir "Hitch 22") by a journalist at one of the regional NPR affiliates. They played his interview this morning, and some stories from Hitchens tour. Hopefully, they'll post the interview online.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wa...ens.dead.at.62

FYI - http://www.amazon.com/Hitch-22-Memoi...dp/044654034X/

Pythagorean

R.I.P.

strange... when I type just the above, it forces the i and p lower case. But when I add stuff, it sticks uppercase.

phinds

I always found it amazing that he was able to tolerate the rubbish that was put to him in debates. He treated unreason with courtesy far beyond its deserves.

jobyts

He died on the day Iraq war was officially ended.

lisab

yeah, it's the anti-yelling filter. It's ok to whisper a whole post, though.

RIP Hitch!

ThomasT

A couple of Hitchens videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xeK7R-TgHI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LCM3...eature=related

mheslep

Agree. Courageous man.

Lacy33

Hi.
He may well be right on in stating this. I agree with him.
But a person who does not have a higher power does not Rest in peace. What Rest? Where is the in? And as much as I would want this for everyone, what peace? More like gone and will be missed.