Christopher Hitchens diagnosed with cancer

**Thorum** · 08-10-2010, 09:49 PM

My hero, Christopher Hitchens, was diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma which has spread to his lymph nodes and lungs. This was announced back in late June 2010.

It really hits home as I just met him at one of his last appearances on 13 June 2010. It was a talk/discussion in Washington, DC about his new book (memoir ironically), "Hitch22".

I got to shake hands chat a bit and he signed my book. I said to him at the end, "You are my hero." His response to me was, "No one should have heros."

If I can find where I put them on my computer, I will post a few photos of me at the event. Pictured also is Austin Dacey, of the Center for Inquiry / DC group I belong to. Update; found 'em and yes, that is me with the gay shorts, gut and black shirt in the top 2 photos:

Click the link for the latest from Hitchey in "Vanity Fair". As usual, he minces no words:

"I have more than once in my time woken up feeling like death...In whatever kind of a 'race' life may be, I have very abruptly become a finalist."

My heart is with you brother...

**Jack B** · 08-11-2010, 12:24 AM

He's a very smart and quick witted guy. As Dawkins said, I wouldn't like to be on the other side of him in a debate.

**~~Beorn~~** · 08-11-2010, 12:29 AM

"No one should have heros."

Cancer suits him. It will eat away at what he has personally not consumed.

**Thorum** · 08-11-2010, 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Blackbeard

Cancer suits him. It will eat away at what he has personally not consumed.

You are such a loving man...

**Óttar** · 08-11-2010, 04:03 AM

Christopher Hitchens is awesome. Most people are not fit to carry his jockstrap. He probably drinks too much for his own good, it is true.

**Debaser11** · 08-11-2010, 07:44 AM

Very sad. One of the only people in the mainstream media worth listening to.

**The Ripper** · 08-11-2010, 10:26 AM

What's so great about this Neo-con, then?

**Lars** · 08-11-2010, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Debaser11

One of the only people in the mainstream media worth listening to.

Exactly.

I hope he will get better and continue to harass the established opinions of the crowd.

**Debaser11** · 08-12-2010, 04:16 AM

Originally Posted by Riippumatto

What's so great about this Neo-con, then?

He's not really a neo-con. Save that label for the likes of Perle, Wolfowitz, and Feith.

He's wrong about Iraq. And I'm not a socialist myself (like he once proudly was). Yet, the man has a certain gravity about him and is extremely witty often in the cause of what's good and right. He's also one of the few people who gets his mug on tv while knowing who Bertrand Russell, Epicurus, and Spinoza are. He became a U.S. citizen the proper way and has knowledge and respect and even humbled admiration as a native born Englishman for our institutions (which is rare from "cultural enrichers" these days). He's an international figure that gives America its rightful due when it is so chic to condescend to us. He's also one of the few people who recognizes Islam for what it is.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7aS7...eature=related[/YOUTUBE]

"What is this babble?"

That is what everyone should be saying to people like the rather undistinguished guest in the above video.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=078s5bCXBS4[/YOUTUBE]

LOL @ "Well, guess what? Guess who's saying it?"

**~~Eldritch~~** · 08-14-2010, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by Thorum

I got to shake hands chat a bit and he signed my book. I said to him at the end, "You are my hero." His response to me was, "No one should have heros."

While I think I understand what his point was, I'm not sure I agree with this sentiment.

But anyway, what can one say. Looks like he won't get to enjoy a long retirement, whether you think he deserved it or not. I think he would have.