Christian conservative, Rev Jerry Falwell has topped Mad magazine's list of its "Dumbest People, Events, and Things of 2001" for blaming the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on "the abortionists, feminists, gays, and lesbians," among others.

Mad coeditor John Ficarra said, "We thought Falwell had reached his personal pinnacle of dumbness a few years ago when he accused the Teletubbies of promoting homosexuality."

"Give the guy credit--we underestimated him… He was listed sixth on the list in 1999," added coeditor Nick Meglin.

"But now he's redefined dumbness and made it to the top spot. We congratulate the reverend!"

The editors of Mad magazine also lists Ellen Degeneres' former partner Anne Heche (at number 5: "Anne Heche Says Bye "Bi," Goes Hetero) and openly gay veteran singer-songwriter Sir Elton John (number 14, "Elton John Duets With [gay basher] Eminem at Grammy Awards") in its list of top 20 dumbest people, events, and things of the year.

The complete list can be found in Mad issue 413, on sale now.