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The Hitch is dead.

24567

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,534 ✭✭✭Soul Winner


    Sorry to hear about Christopher (the Hitch) Hitchens. Was only reading trough his book (Hitch22: A memoir) a few weeks ago. He was a very prolific writer whose vocabulary is to be admired as one of the widest I've ever read. Very sad what happened to his Mum, reading that story in his book brought a tear to my eye. His Dad died of the same affliction. To the Hitch: A great orator and I believe a person whose heart was in the right place. RIP sir.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 42,362 Mod ✭✭✭✭Beruthiel


    Vomit wrote: »
    he just wanted to see the Muslims get a hiding.

    Really?
    So what do you say to the fact that Hitchens was constant in his condemnation of the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine?

    As for supporting Bush, here's what he had to say about him:

    George W. Bush is lucky to be governor of Texas. He is unusually incurious, abnormally unintelligent, amazingly inarticulate, fantastically uncultured, extraordinarily uneducated, and apparently quite proud of all these things.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 31,967 ✭✭✭✭Sarky


    Vomit wrote: »
    Wow, all this talk of knocking back whiskey to remember a man who drank himself to death.

    One does not "knock back" good whiskey. The rest of your argument is now invalid.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    Apparently Salman Rushdie tweeted "Goodbye, my beloved friend. A great voice falls silent. A great heart stops" when he heard the news.

    I think this is the saddest a celebrity death has made me.


  • Registered Users Posts: 512 ✭✭✭Vomit


    Beruthiel wrote: »
    Really?
    So what do you say to the fact that Hitchens was constant in his condemnation of the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine?

    As for supporting Bush, here's what he had to say about him:

    George W. Bush is lucky to be governor of Texas. He is unusually incurious, abnormally unintelligent, amazingly inarticulate, fantastically uncultured, extraordinarily uneducated, and apparently quite proud of all these things.

    I put it down to being a jaded alcoholic flip-flopper. I remember him telling a booing audience that Bush is "smarter than everyone in this room".

    Hitchens was all over the place politically. In his latter years he focused more on religion for that reason.

    The man ended up as nothing more than an intellectual juggler- a clown who did tricks for his new audience - the atheist community. A community who seem to overlook anything and listen to anyone who advocates an atheist agenda, as long as they speak cleverly on the subject. That's how he reinvented himself and sold more books.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 42,362 Mod ✭✭✭✭Beruthiel


    Go away Vomit. Your trolling is substandard and not welcome in this thread.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,421 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    ^^^ Vomit, if you've nothing positive to contribute to the thread, then keep your hands in your pockets.


  • Registered Users Posts: 512 ✭✭✭Vomit


    Ahh, trolling... right.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,718 ✭✭✭The Mad Hatter


    Vomit wrote: »
    I put it down to being a jaded alcoholic flip-flopper.

    He was never jaded, and he was never a flip-flopper. I really don't think you know what you're talking about.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,747 ✭✭✭fisgon


    Beruthiel wrote: »
    Go away Vomit. Your trolling is substandard and not welcome in this thread.

    I don't agree with Vomit, but I agree even less with him being told to "go away" for expressing an opinion that is contrary to the consensus. Especially as we are talking about Christopher Hitchens, who was no respecter of consensus.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,018 ✭✭✭legspin


    "I was met by immaculate specimens of young American womanhood, holding silver trays and flashing perfect dentition," he wrote. "What would I like? I thought a gin and tonic would meet the case. 'Sir, that would be inappropriate.' In what respect? 'At this altitude gin would be very much more toxic than at ground level.' In that case, I said, make it a double."

    On getting off the ski-lift at Aspen.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,536 ✭✭✭Mark200


    Vomit wrote: »
    I put it down to being a jaded alcoholic flip-flopper. I remember him telling a booing audience that Bush is "smarter than everyone in this room".

    That was on Bill Maher's show. I'm pretty sure that was intended as an insult to the people in the room rather than as a compliment to Bush..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,257 ✭✭✭Sonics2k


    I actually found out in quite disgusting circumstances this morning.

    Upon opening Facebook I saw an "acquaintance" had linked to the article, but as his comment on said "He dared challenge our Lord, and this was his punishment."

    If it was possible to stab someone through the internet, I would of done so. I was actually disgusted by it.

    However, Rest in Peace Hitch, you will be missed by many, and remembered by even more.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,257 ✭✭✭Sonics2k


    fisgon wrote: »
    I don't agree with Vomit, but I agree even less with him being told to "go away" for expressing an opinion that is contrary to the consensus. Especially as we are talking about Christopher Hitchens, who was no respecter of consensus.

    It's a memorandum thread, Vomit (and others) should show some decency.
    If he want's to bad mouth the man, he can take it to another thread.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    fisgon wrote: »
    I don't agree with Vomit, but I agree even less with him being told to "go away" for expressing an opinion that is contrary to the consensus. Especially as we are talking about Christopher Hitchens, who was no respecter of consensus.
    I'm inclined to agree with the principle of this. However, this thread probably isn't the place for it. Conscientious objections can go in any other (new?) thread - this is very much an RIP one, and not one to debate the Hitch's various stances. Hit the "New Thread" button instead.

    We don't need another Steve Jobs threadwreck.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,759 ✭✭✭✭dlofnep


    Although he'd reject it, he was a serious hero of mine and an inspiration. Long live the Hitch!


  • Registered Users Posts: 238 ✭✭dmw07


    I'm only hearing the news now, I've been a little distracted today.

    I'm saddened but not entirely shocked. I was talking to a friend the other day about how long Hitch had left. It had been on my mind for a while.

    I'm so glad that he lived, wrote, shared and expressed his opinions to the world. He had a profound affect on my life and with all the captured writing and electronic data saved on servers the world over, I've no doubt that the man's words will continue to excite me for many years to come before i follow suit.


  • Registered Users Posts: 238 ✭✭dmw07


    Lads/Ladies, i don't have time to read every post so i am not sure if anyone has suggested this, but if anyone would like to join me tonight (not physically of course) at 20:00 GMT to take a moment out of their day in the memory of Christopher Hitchens to remember his life and all the good he brought the world i shall be sipping a large one and watching the night sky in salute to the man.


  • Moderators Posts: 51,893 ✭✭✭✭Delirium


    From article on Huffington post regarding Hitchens death and the removal of a tribute hashtage from twitter trends.
    On news of his death, Christopher Hitchens began trending worldwide as tributes poured in.

    However, as with his life, controversy followed Hitchens into death. The hash tag #GodIsNotGreat also began trending, which was followed by a storm of protests by the religious, many unaware that the hash tag was a tribute to the author's passing.

    Twitter reportedly removed the topic from the trending lists following threats of violence towards the creators of the hash tag. The irony that Hitchens book, one that makes stark the link between religion and violence, had stirred the religious to then threaten violence was not lost on the twitterati.

    185443.JPG

    Source

    If you can read this, you're too close!



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    I'm hoping that's based on incorrect information.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    Dades wrote: »
    I'm inclined to agree with the principle of this. However, this thread probably isn't the place for it. Conscientious objections can go in any other (new?) thread - this is very much an RIP one, and not one to debate the Hitch's various stances. Hit the "New Thread" button instead.

    We don't need another Steve Jobs threadwreck.

    There's a certain irony to gagging people for saying things that are considered inconsiderate to the feelings of others in a thread about the Hitch. I think a little debate is far more interesting than a list of RIPs.

    The real problems is the kneejerk hysterics that follow, in my opinion.


  • Moderators Posts: 51,893 ✭✭✭✭Delirium


    amacachi wrote: »
    I'm hoping that's based on incorrect information.

    Well the tag is definitely removed from the trending from what I can see.

    And this is a sample of some of the reponses that probably lead to it being removed.

    185450.JPG

    Sorry to the mods if this is dragging the topic OT.

    EDIT: And God gives atheists cancer according this charming American evangelical.

    185456.JPG

    If you can read this, you're too close!



  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    Zillah wrote: »
    There's a certain irony to gagging people for saying things that are considered inconsiderate to the feelings of others in a thread about the Hitch...
    Is it 'gagging' to say to move to another thread a discussion that will inevitably drag on forever? The point was made, all that was going to follow is a prolonged discussion on the US war?

    It's less to do with the feelings of anyone and to do with occasionally ring-fencing discussions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,746 ✭✭✭✭Galvasean


    I like the idea of Hitchens meeting up with Bill Hicks in some form of afterlife.
    "He's still an asshole." scoffed Hitchens.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,930 ✭✭✭Jimoslimos


    Like many here, I admire the man, his wit and intellect, even if I found myself disagreeing with his views at times, it was still enlightening to hear what he had to say.

    He had an extraordinary vocabulary but what set him apart was the ability to use these words eloquently and concisely to make an argument, rather than elaborate pointless waffle


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,644 ✭✭✭✭nesf


    A loss to reason, if not a man I could always agree with.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 31,967 ✭✭✭✭Sarky


    It's good that he said things a lot of folks disagreed with. It's far more interesting to debate with an eloquent person like that, forces you to challenge your own preconceptions. sure, you might still end up disagreeing, but at least you'd have a better idea why.

    Interesting chap, that Hitchens. Haven't read his books, but I've seen plenty of quotes and interviews. Very interesting chap.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭studiorat


    One for the Hitch.



    Fair play, ya grumpy old bastard!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭The Quadratic Equation


    Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord
    May perpetual light shine upon him
    May his soul rest in peace, Amen.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord
    May perpetual light shine upon him
    May his soul rest in peace, Amen.
    Given your posting history, I doubt the sincerity.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,370 ✭✭✭Knasher


    The very first thing I remember hearing about from Hitch was when he underwent water boarding in order to establish if it was torture. Someone willing to go that far in search of the truth has my absolute respect and exemplifies something that is sadly disappearing from modern journalism.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    God won't be happy with you pleading for mercy for someone who refused to follow the Lord and actively discouraged others from doing so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,758 ✭✭✭Stercus Accidit


    Given your posting history, I doubt the sincerity.

    I think that is all that needs to be said in response to that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,746 ✭✭✭✭Galvasean


    Knasher wrote: »
    The very first thing I remember hearing about from Hitch was when he underwent water boarding in order to establish if it was torture. Someone willing to go that far in search of the truth has my absolute respect and exemplifies something that is sadly disappearing from modern journalism.

    I didn't pay him much attention until I heard about that. It's always great to see someone willing to put their money (or in this case body?) where there mouth is. I have no end of respect for him after seeing that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭The Quadratic Equation


    Given your posting history, I doubt the sincerity.

    Doubt it all you like. It's not the first time you tried to misrepresent me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,746 ✭✭✭✭Galvasean


    Well you've gone on the record saying non believers don't go to heaven so your eulogy seems a tad hypocritical...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭The Quadratic Equation


    Galvasean wrote: »
    Well you've gone on the record saying non believers don't go to heaven so your eulogy seems a tad hypocritical...

    I'd like you to find that post


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    Doubt it all you like. It's not the first time you tried to misrepresent me.
    On the contrary, I'm honestly expressing doubt over the sincerity of the post.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭The Quadratic Equation


    On the contrary, I'm honestly expressing doubt over the sincerity of the post.

    As I said, doubt it all you like, it has no effect on the sincerity


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,051 ✭✭✭✭bnt


    Some of these posters need to read what Christopher's brother Peter wrote today:
    Much of civilisation rests on the proper response to death, simple unalloyed kindness, the desire to show sympathy for irrecoverable loss, the understanding that a unique and irreplaceable something has been lost to us. If we ceased to care, we wouldn’t be properly human.
    ...
    Here’s a thing I will say now without hesitation, unqualified and important. The one word that comes to mind when I think of my brother is ‘courage’. By this I don’t mean the lack of fear which some people have, which enables them to do very dangerous or frightening things because they have no idea what it is to be afraid. I mean a courage which overcomes real fear, while actually experiencing it.
    Peter and Christopher clashed over the topic of religion - many, many times. What about former UK PM Tony Blair, who was on the receiving end of a few Hitchslaps? "an extraordinary, compelling & colourful human being it was a privilege to know".

    Ye Hypocrites, are these your pranks
    To murder men and gie God thanks?
    Desist for shame, proceed no further
    God won't accept your thanks for murder.

    ―Robert Burns



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,746 ✭✭✭✭Galvasean


    I'd like you to find that post

    I am instantly reminded of our discussion on Pascal's Wager. Couple of sound bites:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=75406359&postcount=201
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=75424300&postcount=221

    Sounds like you don't believe Hitchens is in heaven.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,718 ✭✭✭The Mad Hatter


    "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men."

    -Some book I'd have expected TQE to have read.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,838 ✭✭✭DapperGent




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,688 ✭✭✭Nailz


    bnt wrote: »
    I think it's somewhat fitting that Richard Dawkins was the last person to interview The Hitch. Though I imagine that RD would wish that many more had the opportunity to do so. :(

    RD.net is linking to the obituary on ABC News, which is quite long but very good. I think it's fair to say that it wasn't all researched and written last night. I must try and find Alexander Cockburn's "Letter to a Lying, Self-Serving, Fat-Assed, Chain-Smoking, Drunken, Opportunistic, Cynical Contrarian." :pac:
    Haha! I remember watch a post-diagnosis interview with Hitch, and the interview read out that quote by Cockburn, and he replied by saying "He should see my arse now." Such wit, he'll be sorely missed.

    Normally news like this would ruin my day, especially about someone who I looked up to as much as Christopher Hitchens, as I consider him my favourite author, but I forced myself to forget about as I had an exam at 2:30. Now that I have time to reflect on it; yes it is sad, but rather than being mournful towards it I believe it's more appropriate to celebrate this great mans' life. It's wonderful seeing so many great articles, quotes and videos being posted up here, truly reflective of the great man and what he's done for people all over the world.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭ThirdMan


    Hugely inspiring, occasionally infuriating and always brilliant. Farewell.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,747 ✭✭✭fisgon


    Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord
    May perpetual light shine upon him
    May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

    Give me a break


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,421 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Two of us here raising our glasses to him... Now!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,188 ✭✭✭pH


    robindch wrote: »
    Two of us here raising our glasses to him... Now!
    *chink*


  • Registered Users Posts: 238 ✭✭dmw07


    robindch wrote: »
    Two of us here raising our glasses to him... Now!

    Well that was nice. A perfectly clear night to see the stars.

    Good bye hitch.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    I knew I should have gotten a bottle on the way home, I debated with myself over it all afternoon but decided to be stingy. Regret it now.


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