America should know by now that televangelist Pat Robertson seems to be failing as a prophet of God. We should have learned that back in the 90s, when Robertson took the credit for steering a hurricane away from the east coast. Would that he have prayed for the people of Haiti rather than say that the recent earthquake was their fault – or at least the fault of their ancestors, who “made a pact with the devil” a couple of centuries ago.
But here’s the thing, folks. Pat Robertson can say what he wants. That’s his right.
Maybe we should start ignoring both of them.
We can agree, rebut or ignore. That’s our right.
But what also concerns me is the venom and vitriol spewing out of the mouths of pundits and columnists who openly wish something bad would happen to Pat Robertson. When Don Imus says that he would like to “pull the switch” on a public execution of Robertson, I have a problem with that. Imus has been the poster boy for hate speech, and he continues to demonstrate why. Sports anchor-radio host-columnist-whatever Keith Olbermann was equally as acerbic in his commentary.
My question is, which is the nobler statement – Robertson’s or Imus’?
Both seem pretty despicable to me. Both seem to divide rather than unite. Both create a sidebar that distracts from the purpose at hand – getting help to the people of Haiti.
So let me just say to everyone, regardless of your opinion about Pat Robertson, Don Imus, Keith Olbermann, Christianity, Haitian politics, et al – we have work to do. Peace to all, and may God’s grace, which we all surely need, shine down upon you.
And give.
Here’s a starting point, but there are many others. http://www.redcross.org/
Bless you, Dan. I’m so glad you spoke up. Don would get so upset when he heard people spewing hate and poisonous thoughts when they had the mistaken idea they were accomplishing something. He kept a file of letters to respond to all the hate email he got. Believe me, he got a lot because he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. Please keep this blog going!