if a famous inventor, statesman, or of other noteworthy status has ties
to having beliefs sympathetic to racial superiority, sexism, or other
forms of bigotry, they considered a bad person, and rightfully so.

I just gave you pertinent examples that contradict your statement. Now you want to move the goalposts.

if a famous inventor, statesman, or of other noteworthy status has ties
to having beliefs sympathetic to racial superiority, sexism, or other
forms of bigotry, they considered a bad person, and rightfully so.

I just gave you pertinent examples that contradict your statement. Now you want to move the goalposts.

Sounds like a Hitler supporter. Hitler did build the german Economy, and gave the people free healthcare, guaranteed employment, instilling local pride and community, guess that makes him a “HERO” in your eyes huh David? Guess none of his horrible crimes should be mentioned right David? SMH HITLER LOVER, Drop ya addy boi

Actual historians will tell you the flaw in that logic is that Hitler did none of those things, the Weimar Republic did and then Hitler took credit for them. Hitler was nothing but a monster and brought nothing but harm.

By your logic every single founding father of the United States not named Thomas Paine had zero redeemable values since none stood up for the rights of women or ethnic minorities and most wanted them enslaved.

I think you are avoiding the point on purpose. The point made was that a person can do good while also promoting harm. We can make a distinction between the two, just as we do with many of the founding fathers, great inventors, artists and so on. One can be a hero in one space and a villain in another.

if a famous inventor, statesman, or of other noteworthy status has ties to having beliefs sympathetic to racial superiority, sexism, or other forms of bigotry, they considered a bad person, and rightfully so.

Henry Ford? Charles Linberg? Winston Churchill? Walt Disney? John Wayne? Even Billy Graham? Many, many more… Arguably these still have a largely positive legacy, and this is without even touching “sexism, or other forms of bigotry.” And lets not forget the Founding Fathers as in Ken’s example.

What must you have been searching for to find this 13 year old post? Ken has put things in the proper context. Hays had definite flaws, but he did good work for LGB rights as well. No one here is glossing over the bad, but neither are we ignoring the good. Those on the edge of sociopolitical movements are often imperfect.

Hays is revered because of his work fighting for LGBTP rights since the late 50s. His love for NAMBLA and belief in child molestation being fundamental to the gay experience is deliberately glossed over, excused.

No, Hays is revered because of his work fighting for LGB rights since the late 50s. His association with NAMBLA tarnishes that reputation.

Just as Jefferson is revered for his fighting for the founding of the US, however, his ownership of slaves also tarnishes his reputation.