I figured that the shithouse lawyers on Mudcat would come out on this one.

Of course Irwin was a showman, thank god for that. You need theater to attract attention and get a point across. Some of the greatest activists mastered that and were able to open the eyes and ears of people to various injustices.

To borrow Joy's words - Steve Irwin was a deeply committed, gentle, tireless worker for the convservation of wildlife.   He used his TV money to but land for animal habitats.   He was able to do more good then most, and for that he will be remembered.

Someone mentioned "Grizzlyman". I urge people to check out this film if you have not seen it. While we may judge people like this to be crazy, we also get a glimpse of what makes certain people so committed to their cause.   Sure, sometimes people go over the edge, but instead of a quick condemnation, try finding out why.   You don't have to agree with their work, but try to understand it from a viewpoint other than your own.