The aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti is stark. Cities have been leveled. Hundreds of thousands of women, men and children have perished. Survivors are panicked and traumatized. The world is in disbelief, shock and sadness. That is most of the world...unless you're TV evangelist, Pat Robertson.
This fool had the nerve to say that the devastation in Haiti is a "blessing in disguise" because Haiti made a pact with the devil to be freed from the French. He ponders if this is God's way of cleansing this evil land, a clear swipe at perceptions of voodoo and other Haitian cultural traditions. Therefore, this heathen country is much more sinister than the neighboring Dominican Republic which is "prosperous, healthy and full of resorts." WTF?
Aren't both countries technically "Catholic?" According to the CIA Fact Book, 80% of the population is identified as Roman Catholic, although it is noted that roughly half practice voodoo. It also says that DR is 95% Roman Catholic. I guess that's why they are so prosperous? Or perhaps as Mr. Robertson asserts, it must be those Club Meds. I wonder what the citizens of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata would have to say their country's "prosperity."
I am no expert on Jesus but from my Sunday school days I remember learning that compassion is a basic tenet of Christianity. Compassion for ALL people. Particularly those who are suffering. This is a catastrophic disaster for an entire nation, and for the global community, that deserves our support (financial and other resources) and our prayers. Yes, prayers, you know those spiritual tools that help people use religion for good? I'm continually appalled at how people, especially the American evangelical community, continues to allow their religious beliefs to trump their humanity. Jesus would be very disappointed.
The clip above is egregious. Below is a dignified response from Raymond Joseph, Haitian ambassador to the U.S. on MSNBC with media Goddess, Rachel Maddow, offering Robertson a quick history lesson.
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