When something major happens, something so catastrophic, those of us on the outside can often only look on in horror at the scenes flashed on television. It is during these times when those of us who believe in a higher power, pull our faith closer to us and begin to send positive energy to those that need it. We can help with our hearts and our wallets, and one of the best things about being an American is that we unite in these times. No mind race, creed, or color; it is decency and humanity that binds us during hard times. With the earthquake in Haiti, I've seen mounds upon mounds of decency and humanity being shared through the social networks. Unfortunately, there are always some who wish to add their voices of intolerance and ignorance to the fray, spewing uncaring and ludicrous propaganda.
Today, these people are Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh.
During his broadcast today on The 700 Club, Pat Robertson (self-proclaimed "man of God") decided to share his thoughts on the tragedy in Haiti:
"Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it...They were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you'll get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it's a deal."
You would want to believe that Pat Robertson, he of considerable means and a popular platform, would use his influence to offer prayer. He is a man of God, right? It is he, as a Christian leader, that is supposed to lead the way to Christ-like behavior, right? Instead, he stands on television and spews nonsense. Perhaps the God he serves is not the one I serve. Maybe that is how he knows about this "pact with the devil."
Oh Rush...we have not forgotten thee. Do you have a writing staff, or do you make this up as you go along? The more you speak, the more folks should know that you are inciting divisiveness. Thank God for the First Amendment! Otherwise, you would be a drug-sniffing, hate-mongering used car salesman.
Times like these require compassion and decency. Is it really hard to grasp those concepts? Are we really that far gone that everything has to be politicized before it can be understood?
In the end, we are one. Let's choose to act like it.
17 comments:
I started to post about this myself, but you beat me to it. :-)
What's scary is that Pat Robertson was once a serious candidate for the POTUS. While listening to Pat's ramblings, I was trying to get a read on his co-host Kristi. I couldn't tell if she was buying into Pat's nonsense or if she was saying to herself, "How the hell can I get out of my 700 Club contract?!"
As for Rush, just when I think he can't get any lower, he manages to reach a whole new depth. Although I realize we are playing into Rush's hand when we discuss the vile things he does, it is important to publicize his inhumanity.
What I found interesting (but not surprising) is the silence in the conservative blogosphere about Rush's comments. Just imagine if Keith Olbermann or Rachel Maddow had accused Bush of aiding a foreign country's rescue efforts in order to gain political points/get a boost in popularity from the white community. Fox and the conservative blogosphere would have been all over it.
Malcolm,
I was appalled by what I heard. It is truly scary that people listen to this drivel and live their lives by it. I watched Pat's cohost too...I just couldn't tell what she was thinking. I guess that means she is good at her job...
I don't have too many words for Rush. Only to say that I'm ready for him to be exposed for the blowhard he is.
Wow, I got too much to worry about now with my Island to give this dude much thought, I'll deal with later.
Pat Robertson is a little nuts. But, I think the point was related to voodoo its affect on Haiti and the possibility of it being demonic or evil and spreading evil throughout the island. Although, I do think that the genralization about Haitians was way off base. This is a time to come together and help another nation.
1) You don't even point out what Rush said in this post. You only say what you think of him.
2) Have you ever listened to his radio show? Or do you just listen to the commentary and his words being taken out of context by the left?
Rush speaks the TRUTH but unfortunately some people don't like hearing the TRUTH and therefore don't listen to him.
Personally, I am scared of Pat Robertson. Like Malcolm said, the fact that he was a major POTUS candidate is frightening. My opinion is that he is not a Christian in almost the same fanatical way that Osama Bin Laden is not a Muslim. Pacts with the devil? Infidels? The only difference is that Pat Robertson isn't causing the disastrous events himself. Both of them are so filled with hate that it literally make me nauseous.
I only vaguely heard what Rush had to say but it was something about Obama asking people to help with Haiti while people here are struggling financially. I didn't hear enough to really comment on his statement, but I really don't know how any human being could watch the images coming from there and not want to help in some way. I realize not everyone can help, but there's a difference between being able to and not wanting to.
Rush's statement was basically that he encouraged people to donate through organizations like Red Cross etc., and not through our government.
Teresa: I won't speak for Marvalus as to what she was referring to in regards to Rush or her reasons for not including the remarks he made on Wednesday. What had me and many others upset is how Rush ridiculously compared Obama's response to the Haiti tragedy vs. his reaction to the failed underwear bomber attack. Rush then accused Obama of using the Haiti tragedy to boost his credibility among the black community. I listened to the entire segment of that show and even read the transcript on Rush's website. Even in the face of a devastating tragedy, Rush cannot help but attack Obama. Are you going to defend the comments that Rush made on his show Wednesday about President Obama's reaction to the Haiti earthquake? By the way, typing the word "truth" in all caps in regards to Rush Limbaugh won't turn him into a modern day Honest Abe.
Teresa -
I purposely did not Rush's comments because I didn't want to give any more fuel to the fire. And no, I don't listen to his radio show. I'm usually not inclined to listen to bull. I don't consider myself left or right, so don't put me in a category where I don't place myself. I do, however, believe in doing what is right. And in having some decorum.
What Rush speaks is HIS truth, not THE truth. Just as what I believe is my truth...the only difference being is that I am not trying to force my truth on others.
Rush did not encourage donations to anyone. He implied that since we pay taxs and those taxs are being used by the goverment for things like aid to foreign countries including Haiti (and it is VERY OBVIOUS he is not in favor of that), there is no need to donate aid. Anyone who listens to his show should be knowedgable in Rush's double speak. He puts out there these vague subliminal type of messages to bait people in calling him out so he can "clarify" his statement and distract from the real issues. This is about an epic tragedy that has taken place and he has managed to hijack the conversation and undermind reliefe efforts to push a political agenda in a arena that should be politics free.
Marvalus and cinmike,
Unfortunately the truth is hard for some people to hear especially when spoken by people like Rush. Actually, he didn't say what you claim. He said, don't give any money to the government because who knows where the money will end up, if it will actually reach Haiti. I tend to agree with him as far as our present government is concerned.
He urged his listeners to donate money to Haiti through specific organizations like Catholic Relief Services or The Red Cross.
I am sorry that you have made this a political issue instead of one of helping Haitians who are in need. Rush does want to help all people but especially people in need like those in Haiti right now.
Now as for this "devil" mess, I have always said you should never leave ignorant and stupid people to their own devices cause they will undoubtedly spread their diseased thoughts like a plague into the minds of others who do not have the good sense to seek out the truth for themselvesl let alone see a con artist for what he is.
Pat Robertsons statement was damning not only because it was an out right lie, but also he completely ignored Christianity's role in Haiti at the time.
1- No deal was made with the "devil". First of all the devil worship is a Christian concept used to describe anyone who does not accept jesus as the one and only God, this would include Jews, Muslims, Hindu's Bhuddists and in the case of Haiti vodoun. Never mind the fact that Jews do not accept Jesus as the messiah and Muslims see him as only a Prophet, Yet they all owrship the same God, (technically that is since the bible says you are not to worship Jesus but his "father" something that seems lost on Christians). It's an old tactic, if your not with us your against us, formerly known as the "Bible or the Sword".
2- Many of the leaders of the Haitian Revolution did practice Vodoun as it was their native religion, and many more were Christians as well.
3- Good ole, Pat neglected to remind the people that the enemy of the Haitains, the French and Napoleon who endorsed and practiced slavery and genocide were.........thats right think about it.......CHRISTIANS. So the idea here is that if the Haitians had the good sense to give their lives to the same God of their enslavers and remained in chains then they would know peace and happiness. If I was given the same choice you will have to excuse me as I tell Jesus to f#$% off as I high five the devil on the way out the door.
4- Finally what does any of this have to do with the tragedy that has taken place?
You got to check these fools at the door.
Teresa,
Ok buddy you must have read a different transript then I have or you are lying. But either way i dont have time to go around in circle with you, have at it your self.
Teresa -
I am the kind of person who does her own individual interpretation of the facts. I don't rely on the Rush Limbaughs, or even the Keith Olbermanns to tell me what is truth and what is not. With that said, I don't need your interpretation of what Rush said...I read it myself. I don't need you to tell me that we have made this a political issue; I think that is farthest from reality.
I could give a fat rat's ass about anyone's political party, or whether they fall left or right, right now. What I do care about is those faces of those children in Haiti that are DYING.
I am done bickering back and forth; this is one of the main reasons why I didn't join in the argument on your guest post. I can appreciate someone who stands firmly on what they believe in; for that, I tip my hat to you. Even if I believe (my truth, not the truth) that you are standing on shaky ground.
Be well...
Marvalus,
Believe me, I understand. I don't rely on commentators or others either. I tend to usually agree with conservatives regardless of whether I listen to them or not. Since I have classes I usually don't listen to them. Those little children do need to be saved. That is the most important thing-getting food and water to all those helpless souls. Helping them find shelter is important also.
I even said to my husband today, I wish we could adopt one of those kids in need. My heart really aches for them. This is not about politics but about helping God's little children. It is important that the rescue efforts saves as many lives as possible. There have been some miracles, and posted on that.
People love saying stupid things when tragedy strikes. Or any other time, for that matter.
Rush attacks anything that isn't his brand of conservative.
However, I would like to see Pat and Danny Glover in a cage match! One blames the victims, the other blames America. Let's have 'em go at it with those Kickboxer 1 glassed-up hands.
Rush is appealing to his many listeners. I wouldn't call most of the people he attacks within the GOP conservatives. McCain is a RINO and needs to be kicked out come next election. Others like McCain need to be booted from office as well.
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