Sorry, I'd really like to do a diary praising Bill Maher for telling it like it is on this video(scroll down for it). But I can't do that. I'm allowed just one diary today, and Bobby Fischer died, so that comes first.
Bobby Fischer, tin-foil hatted conspiracy theorist, anti-semitic supporter of 9/11, and someone who truly hated America. How can that be forgiven? Easily. Just look at his art. One of the greatest chess players of all time, Fischer produced dozens of artistic masterpieces at the chessboard. Sure he became mentally ill -- it happens to any American who climbs to the top of the chess world. But before that he gave us creations worthy of Michaelangelo.
I didn't know Bobby well, despite my life-long participation in the chess world (well, since age 4.5, anyway). I met him a few times and helped as his delivery boy just before his championship match in 1972. I never had a word with him on a subject other than chess, except once we discussed the merit of pulp in orange juice. But my life was in many ways guided by his success. Without his example I probably would have given up the game around the time I discovered that girls had some useful function in the universe.
Fischer was fearless at the chess board, and was often able to impose his will on adversaries. He extracted the worst from them, with many victims playing terrible moves that enabled Fischer to blow up their position with artistic precision.
Unfortunately for him, he couldn't do the same in real life, and this led him to grab onto more conspiracy theories and absurd world views than a Jeff Rensefan club. Fischer never was able to view anything objectively. He commentaries on his chess games tended to be way over-optimistic, as I've pointed out in my book Learn from Bobby Fischer's Greatest Games.
Even though he abandoned serious chess decades ago, his passing is a moment of sadness for anyone who has ever played the game. Fischer conquered every obstacle at the chessboard but just couldn't handle life outside of it. He was mentally ill, and no one should hold his outrageous remarks against him. His good works in chess will live forever. Let's forget about te bad stuff. I don't know anyone who ever believed any of the filth Fischer spewed. It had no impact. His victory against the Soviet machine (that did indeed c heat against him, that wasn't paranoia) was a great moment in American history for which he never got the credit he deserved.
So, even if you don't play chess, spare a thought today for the great Bobby Fischer. And if some kids still want to grow up to "be like Bobby", remember, it is just the chess that counts. I have no idea how my life would have turned out without Bobby, but it would be nothing like the life I've led. Thanks for the inspiration, Bobby!