Friday, January 15, 2010
The Height Of Irresponsibility
It never ceases to amaze me that Conservatives & Christians (usually the same group) are so outspoken in judgement & condemnation of others, especially in times of need. Pat Robertson has been no stranger to controversy, making the most outlandish, embarrassing and divisive statements through the years, and sadly, it's all done 'in God's name.' Let me tell you, I think God would like to distance Himself from Robertson as much as possible. The other day, on his program, Robertson claimed that the earthquake in Haiti was retribution for a pact they made with the devil! “They said, ‘We will serve you if you will get us free from the French.’ True story,” Robertson said. “And so, the devil said, ‘OK, it’s a deal.’“ Umm, for real??!? That is a sane statement? And then windbag de jure, Rush Limbaugh, chimes in and decides to politicize the death of thousands and the living hell of millions more urging his listeners not to donate money to the relief effort charging that the Democrats will “use this to burnish their, shall we say, credibility with the black community, both the light-skinned and dark-skinned black community in this country,” calling it “made to order for them.” For real? Are conservatives really proud to have these men speak for them? It's ignorance and hate speech of the very highest order. And I just don't get how God continually gets used to hurt people. What rational person's heart doesn't break watching the horrific coverage of these helpless people fighting for their lives? It simply goes against human nature. Robertson and Limbaugh are monsters and if I was a Conservative/Republican I would feel ashamed (of course, I'd feel ashamed for a whole host of other things too, haha). I guess that's the beauty of being conservative. All of the judgement without any of that pesky guilt!
It's just stunning that any emotion but sympathy could be conjured with this earthquake. Politicizing this issue and demonizing these people at this nearly unprecedented time of need is unforgivable.
Update: Just came across this letter in response to Pat Robertson's comments. It's very funny... and very smart (something Pat could work on):
Dear Pat Robertson, I know that you know that all press is good press, so I appreciate the shout-out. And you make God look like a big mean bully who kicks people when they are down, so I'm all over that action. But when you say that Haiti has made a pact with me, it is totally humiliating. I may be evil incarnate, but I'm no welcher. The way you put it, making a deal with me leaves folks desperate and impoverished. Sure, in the afterlife, but when I strike bargains with people, they first get something here on earth -- glamour, beauty, talent, wealth, fame, glory, a golden fiddle. Those Haitians have nothing, and I mean nothing. And that was before the earthquake. Haven't you seen "Crossroads"? Or "Damn Yankees"? If I had a thing going with Haiti, there'd be lots of banks, skyscrapers, SUVs, exclusive night clubs, Botox -- that kind of thing. An 80 percent poverty rate is so not my style. Nothing against it -- I'm just saying: Not how I roll. You're doing great work, Pat, and I don't want to clip your wings -- just, come on, you're making me look bad. And not the good kind of bad. Keep blaming God. That's working. But leave me out of it, please. Or we may need to renegotiate your own contract. Best, Satan
LILY COYLE, MINNEAPOLIS
