[philman_36]

...Prof. Bell’s legacy now rests with those who knew him.
No, Mr. "I don't use my real name", it doesn't rest solely with them. The man's own spoken public words and writings speak louder than those who knew him.
They're going to paint him in a good, positive light no matter what, as is the wont of anybody who loses a loved one.

[agere_contra]

Well said!

After all, Marx's legacy doesn't rest with "those who knew him": why should Bell get a pass?

For good or ill, crazy race-baiters like Bell live on in their body of work. He hated whitey: that is his legacy.

And it looks like being Obama's legacy as well.