COMPASSIONATE CONSERVATISM

Art Buchwald is dying. The writer and humorist is 80 and has rejected dialysis for kidney failure.

But he's living as large as can be, chatting with friends and colleagues, talking about his storied life. "It's a great way to say goodbye," Buchwald says.

As for what -- if anything -- is on the other side, Buchwald opines:

"I don't know what's coming next and neither does anyone else. It's something that we do have to face but the thing is that a lot of people don't want to face it. And there's denial. If somebody says it, like me, everybody feels a little better that they can discuss it."

No one knows. You wouldn't think the statement would cause bowels to be in uproar. You would be wrong.

The Freepers -- a band of merry conservatives -- know in no uncertain terms that Art Buchwald is hellbound. Read of their compassion here. And check out these choice quotes:

I guess burning in hell is not something Buchwald is concerned about. Oh well, what can you do?

It's not "your god" but the one and only God, and eternity makes 80 years seem like a split second. They're right. Buchwald is wrong. If he doesn't know Jesus he's not ready to face the Judge of all men, no matter what they thought their religion was. God doesn't adjust reality to fit peoples' varied religious beliefs.

Why would God want to include in Heaven those who ignored, rejected, denied His Son and chose to follow the fallen angel - the Devil?

Art Buchwald is Jewish. He also served in the Marine Corps in World War II. For these things he is going to Hell? Like hell.