As I have mentioned before, Liberty has been preparing for a change of command for some years now. The school is on outstanding financial ground, thanks largely to the donation of an old cell phone plant to the school (from Hobby Lobby) which now houses a new student center and the law school.

Pam had a follow up in the paper this morning with comments from Tim LaHaye (LaHaye Ice Center ) and Mark DeMoss (DeMoss Learning Center.)

The interesting thing will not be how the school continues to grow — it will continue, I assure you — but how the perception of the institution might change. Jerry Jr. is not as outspoken in his beliefs as was his father. Perhaps the school will finally be seen for the economic driver it is, not for Falwell Sr.’s outlandish comments.

Shanna Flowers had a great column today.

Larry Flynt on Jerry Falwell (Thanks, Kantor)

“The Reverend Jerry Falwell and I were arch enemies for fifteen years. We became involved in a lawsuit concerning First Amendment rights and Hustler magazine. Without question, this was my most important battle – the l988 Hustler Magazine, Inc., v. Jerry Falwell case, where after millions of dollars and much deliberation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in my favor.

“My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. He would visit me in California and we would debate together on college campuses. I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling.

“The most important result of our relationship was the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that made parody protected speech, and the fact that much of what we see on television and hear on the radio today is a direct result of my having won that now famous case which Falwell played such an important role in.”