foolishxearthxcreature

The tragic news that Heath Ledger, the Australian Oscar nominated actor, died in his SoHo apartment has been at the forefront of my mind for the past day or so. While not an avid fan of his work (he was the only good thing about "10 Things I Hate About You" and I have never seen "Brokeback Mountain" in full), I was saddened by his death. Another case of (yes, I know how cliche this is...) a young actor who died before his time and with so much promise. He has already been likened to James Dean in several articles and news items. And I don't disagree. Having eagerly been keeping an eye and ear out for "Batman" (or "The Dark Knight", as they call him now) news, I was extremely impressed with the glimpses of Heath Ledger as The Joker. The trailer alone sent chills down my spine. So I am in no doubt that Hollywood has lost a great talent who surely had so much more to offer. My heart goes out to his family (especially after the way that they heard of his death: on the radio) and his friends, and his beautiful young daughter.

 As an Atheist, I do believe that wherever he may be now, Heath Ledger will suffer no pain and will rest in peace. I respect that this tragedy effects his fans, his industry and most importantly his friends and family. The media, on the otherhand, will have (and are having) a field-day (although, to be fair, they aren't being the total jackasses I was expecting them to be). But, such is life. And evidently, death.

So why then, do I thank God that I am an Atheist? Atheists are often criticised for their beliefs/lack of beliefs, particularly in the event of death. Atheists also tend to be more uncomfortable and/or afraid of death as they are, unlike their religious counterparts, not expecting a welcome reception in Heaven. Well, this is what sociological and psychological research has told us, but I beg to differ. 

But on this day (and all those days before it, and everyday after it), I am proud to be an Atheist.

Apparently, Westboro Baptist Chruch (yes, the crazy motherfuckers who have previously picketed the funerals of American soldiers killed at war) plans to picket Heath Ledger's funeral because of his portrayal of a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain".

Here is a link to a flyer from the church, posted by all15minutefame:

http://all15minutefame.buzznet.com/user/journal/1706671/just-as-i-suspected-religious-psychos-picketing/#comment39751791

The man is dead. His family is grieving. His daughter will grow up without a father.

We all have a right to free speech. You can believe what you want to believe. But, you CANNOT infringe on the rights of others. You CANNOT tell others that what you believe is right. You SHOULD NOT disrespect a mourning family. You SHOULD NOT disrespect a fallen soldier, whether he died in his apartment or on a battlefield on foreign soil.

It is disgusting. It is immoral. It is wrong.

So that is why I thank God that I am an Atheist. I would never persecute anyone for their sexual orientation, race, sex, or acting roles and I am extremely tolerant of the diversity of human beings. However, today I find myself intolerant of religion.

R.I.P Heath Ledger, fallen soldiers and everyone else who ever dies, no matter who are and what did in this life.