Imbedded in the heavy article is just one link to an example of SW's own words. It is a place to start, if you have not seen both his attitude/world view/leanings, his sarcastic wit, his way with words, and frankly his intelligence. (Disclaimer: I'm using intelligence in the sense of IQ, not that I agree with his judgement or opinions.)
I get a sense from the writing of both young men that there could have definitely been a shared wit and sense of humor that could have resulted in a depth of understand and some/any kind of intimacy between the two. The debates here (and elsewhere) that defensively protest either perceptions of either young man, or any relationship between them, seem to stem from a somewhat naïve idea of "innocence" or "goodness" that is, to me, somewhat simple-minded and even judgemental.
What I am trying to say here is that I can understand finding common ground with someone based on a meeting of minds. Values, beliefs, ethics may not be in alignment, or may change over time (especially rapidly during young-adulthood), but that doesn't erase that connection or at least the history of one. I personally can easily imagine a deep connection of some kind between these two young men, at least in their pasts, based on the writings of both. Furthermore, knowing what we are learning about SW, we can see a drastic hypocrisy in his words, actions, and public persona. Blaze, on the other hand, left a history of voicing (both publicly and more privately) an integrity regarding acceptance, diversity, and respect for individual expression and freedom. What a loss for our world. :tears::maddening:
JMO/MOO
