It isn't surprising that Rick Perry found a welcoming reception at Liberty University, founded by Jerry Falwell. But the timing -- a few days after the 10th anniversary of 9/11 -- might have given Perry pause.

Falwell famously explained that catastrophe this way: "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.' " 

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--Michael McGough

Photo: Republican presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, gestures during a speech before a Virginia Republican fundraising event in Richmond on Wednesday. Credit: Steve Helber / Associated Press