by Lily Shannon

Created on: January 29, 2008

The death of Heath Ledger shocked many people last week. His family along with countless fans mourned the actor's passing last Tuesday. However, some people have also viciously mocked his death, due to homosexual character he played in "Brokeback Mountain." Certain religious groups have also claimed they will picket the late actor's funeral for the same reason. I think it is absolutely disgusting and despicable for people to behave this way. I do understand in the United States of America, we are allowed freedom of speech. I just don't think we should use that freedom to mock or defame another human being especially so quickly after their death. These so-called "Christians" need to remember that this man was not only a human being, but a father to a two-year old child, who should not have to be a witness to these incredibly obnoxious acts of bigotry against her father. She, being so young will have little memories of him and these should not be any of them. Also, he was an actor. "Brokeback Mountain" was a movie, not real life. I mean, he also will be playing the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie, "The Dark Knight." So does this mean he's really the Joker? People need to wake up and worry about the real problems in this world. Children killing children in school, terrorism, the fall of the economy, the homeless, pedophilia, the upcoming presidential election, etc. Not about whether the fresh faced kid on your television is a homosexual. I thought religion and church and God were supposed to be about tolerance, and love, and acceptance. Not about bigotry and intolerance. If in fact there is a God who created this Earth and all things living on it, do you think this is the world he pictured for his children? We are supposed to love one another, not hurt and defame, and humiliate each other. He doesn't mean for us to go out drinking on Saturday night and then go off to church the next morning. He doesn't mean for

us to marry each other, than break the sanctity of that union with someone else. He also doesn't want his teachings forced upon anyone. That's why he gave us freedom of choice, and religion. This life is not about fitting inside someone else's box. The only person you need to please is yourself. Meanwhile Heath Ledger is dead, and someone out there, I'm sure is mocking that.

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