Fallout From Pat Robertson's And Rush Limbaugh's Haiti Comments

by Yuliya Talmazan | January 14, 2010 at 09:12 am
16966 views | 13 Recommendations | 53 comments

Photos

Pat Robertson Demonstrates 'Oriental Eyes'

Pat Robertson Demonstrates 'Oriental Eyes'

see larger image

uploaded by Wisco

Yesterday, famous American televangelist Pat Robertson said the devastating Haitian earthquake was a curse on Haitians for swearing pact to the Devil to free themselves from the French. Robertson made the controversial comment on an episode of the 700 Club that aired less than a day after the Haitian disaster, leaving many people enraged.

Today, Pat Robertson is having to deal with the fallout from his comments.

White House advisor Valerie Jarrett said she was "speechless" over Pat Robertson's comments.

"I thought it was a pretty stunning comment to make."

Other religious public figures and organizations got divided over "Devil pact" explanation for Haitian earthquake from Robertson. The Christian Broadcasting Network backed the televangelist, saying he was objective. Others said he was being arrogant for suggesting God's vengeance against any people.

The Haitian ambassador to the United States Raymond Joseph who first called the Haitian earthquake a 'catastrophe of major proportions' criticized Robertson's comments, saying the alleged "pact with the Devil" that Robertson was referring to actually helped the United States become what it is after the French were gone from the Caribbeans.

Videos

Pat Robertson - Haiti had pact with devil ? Thid is One of the Many things wrong with Religion

see larger video

sourced by Yuliya Talmazan

Pat Robertson - Haiti had pact with devil ? Thid is One of the Many things wrong with Religion

And, of course Twitter is still abuzz about Pat Robertson's inflammatory comments. Here are some of the typical responses:

paulvieira: RT @BorowitzReport: If only Pat Robertson were on NBC - they would have replaced him with Leno by now.
geogeller: RT @JustinNiggalake: BREAKING NEWS: Devil distances himself from Pat Robertson in fear that association might tarnish his reputation.
arleendee: I don't get why ABC keeps giving the 700 Club space for communicating their hatred. #pat robertson
mjwstickings: REACTION: Candidate for worst human being in the world: Pat Robertson http://bit.ly/8udVzW
BrettR4763: RT @petezoe: Pat Robertson has no one to blame but himself for the reaction to his comments.


Meanwhile, radio host Rush Limbaugh has urged people not to donate to Haiti relief effort because Haiti is run by "dictators and communists." He said the United States has already helped Haiti in the form of domestic income tax. Limbaugh also said President Obama was so eager to give aide to Haiti because it is a black community. As was the case with Robertson, the fallout to Limbaugh's comments followed immediately:

“Limbaugh did not know when to just shut up,” said liberal commentator Keith Olbermann on his MSNBC show “Countdown.”
Advertisement
recommend This comment thread is now closed
2
Uwe Paschen

Valerie Jarrett was not the only one that was "speechless" over Pat Robertson's comments. Many where including my self.

3
Snoffz

Money talks, honor and compassion walks. Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson fills the pockets of their sponsors (commercial, private,and religious). Until the money whores empty their pockets, regain humanity and realize the impact of what their support, of these two breeds, there will be no end to the sewage Limbaugh and Robertson spew.   

7
Ms. Freeman

For some reason I am not shocked by the utter ignorance that flows from the mouths of either of these heathens.  It is unfortunate for them that they are so blinded by racism and utter ignorance, so much so that they can't see the human need for compassion and fellowship. Shame on them, for clearly they are blind to the change in times.  Their racist upbringings and words of hate have no place in this world any longer.  Their actions clearly show that they indeed are nothing more than instruments of the Devil.     

3
Yuliya Talmazan

It is 0:20-0:22 in the video, Roy C.

10
Cory Sims

The fact that you would even dignify his comments reflects very poorly upon you. That a nation has suffered/is suffering because of a so-called pact with the devil is beyond ridiculous. While he may not have specifically referred to the earthquake, one can safely say that it would fall under the category of trouble resulting from said pact.  This is not the time to argue semantics. It is insensitive, racist and a litany of other specific wrongs to even insinuate such a concept. 

1
marianmo

i am now of the opinion that mr robertson was alive at this time of the pact with the devil.........or is suffering from some form of paranoia or demebtia......how can a man supposedly serving god talk like this, its a sad sad day......

4
Matt Khum

When "Christians" utter such rubbish, it makes me ashamed to be one. BUT, I know that Pat is not a Christian. He is a liar and continues to lie. This is the guy who makes predictions every year which NEVER  come true! False prophet, racist and a disgrace. 

3
Karen Hatter

Pat Robertson:

"You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after the other."

According to Pat, sounds like that would seem to cover any and everything after the alleged pact.

8
Margaret Casto

I don't understand the Pat Robertson's or Rush Limbaughs of the world. I can't judge them, only God can, but like every human being, I do have an opinion. I believe that Robertson/Limbaugh (and those of their supporters and defenders) lack basic human decency, compassion, moral fortitude and the ability to love other people. In Matthew, Christ said you will know them by their fruits.Robertson, in my opinion (as are his followers and defenders), are Christians in name only.  Unfortunately, hatred is the fruit that Limbaugh and Robertson are bearing. They're Sunday morning Christians  who go to church to appease their own consciences and to appear holy, but don't have any real faith or strength to follow the basic premises Christ preached. Didn't Jesus sum up the Law (of the Ten Commandments) in the Golden Rule: 1. "Love God with all your heart and soul," and 2. "Love Thy Neighbor as you love thyself." How can Robertson judge Haiti? (In Matthew it says, Judge not, that you not be judged". All Judgement is left to God alone. When Jesus lived, He helped the poor, the sick, the outcast, those considered "sinful," and those who were suffering. When Lazarus died, He didn't say "too bad, He was a sinner," helped the family and Lazarus because they were suffering. Compassion was part of His teaching. Jesus gave from His Heart and soul to aleve suffering.Let me make this clear: I don't and never will believe that the Haitian people are suffering this great calamity because they were "sinful". Nor will I believe that Katrina victims were guilty of sinfulness. Being born into poverty is not a sin, and being born of African doesn't mean you're deserving of any less sympathy or compassion than other human beings on this planet. Those who defend the Limbaughs and Robertsons should probably take a really deep, closer examination of their individual consciences (whatever faith, or lack thereof) that they follow, especially if they sympathize with them.Using "semantics," using red herrings or playing games to skirt the heart of the issue only uncovers a more disturbing truth about the individual who is doing the defending. I know Limbaugh and Robertson only say the most shocking, insensitive words (partly out of bigotry) to gain ratings, publicity and greed to earn top dollars and enrich themselves. But why align yourselves with them? If they can dismiss the suffering of their neighbors and the deaths of 100,000s (based on prejudice) they should really question: "What kind of human being am I?" Even if you defend yourself by saying (hey I still gave money to the cause) if it doesn't arise from compassion -- what kind of gift is it?Jesus said in the final days that there would be those (like Robertson) who'd call his name, claiming to be believers. But, Jesus said he would reply: "I know you not."

1
bebop

You are so accurate Margaret Casto in your assessment. Very well said and put!!

4
DJ Peterson

Pat Robertson is a poor representation of the Christian community. I am an atheist, I don't believe in God. If there was a God that smited people for wrong-doing, Pat Robertson would be struck down for being the ''verbal Hitler'' of America. Why are sponsors dropping Tiger Woods for doing what, almost, every man in the world does, but The 666+34 Club runs on its sick track unencumbered Is it ok to be unsympathetic to a communty that just lost a huge number of people, but condemn someone who is just doing what men with money and noteriety have done since the inception of money and notoriety.

0
Paul M Clermont

 

1
brendsal

What Pat is saying is very true.  Liberals don't acknowledge God so don't understand why a country so caught up in false religous practices would have things come upon them.  This country is very quickly become more anti-christ every day. We need to pray for mercy for the U.S.  Its not that God doesn't care for people its that people don't care for God.  We don't want pray in our schools, we remove the 10 commandments from courts, we attack Christians who run for office, and condone sin and fight God...  Hello wake up America this is just the beginning of sorrows for this country and world..  When you reject Jesus Christ and condone false religions you are in league with the devil rather you like it or know it !!!!

3
Tom Winter

Such comments from people like you are the reason I am no longer a christian. 

1
think2do

You are simply pathetic...crawl back in your hole and stay there, do it for the children if nothing else.

1
god=love

"Liberals don't acknowledge God"Where did you get that convenient fact? Those are the words used to foment hate and war for thousands of generations. God gave you a mind to think for yourself and a heart to Love - use them or you dishonor Him.

0
Standing Up For What We Believe

Wow I applaude you Brendsa1!  Just before coming across your comment my husband and I were discussing the same thing you are stating here as we have many times over the years.  Thank you for stating and standing up for what you believe to be true.  The fact that I see majority coming against your comment here strengthens our further discussion of how so many people don't believe in the Almighty God that we have chosen to follow.  God gives us all Choices and I have learned to let those who Chose their god experience my God for themselves through prayer that He will show Himself to them without question.  I wish no harm nor pray for any harm to any.  I just interceed for them and keep it moving unless I feel that Our God steers me to do more. I don't claim to know why God has allowed the earthquakes, floods, and the like except the the Bible speaks of such and also clearly states We reap what we sow.  That includes christian and unbelievers alike since none of us are perfect.  We are continuously in deep prayer for Haitians and our World as a whole.  Vadoo, witchcraft, the making of material gods and the such are all a way of exhaulting oneself against the Knowledge of  the Almighty Supreme God and his son Jesus Christ.   Continue to be Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might Brendsal.  The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  (Psalm 24:1)  Even Job, a upright man lost all he had however he gained so much more back.  Job 1:21 (KJV) 21... Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

1
scott...

why is it that religious people cause so much of the worlds problems; christian, jewish, muslim radical freaks. How much of the worlds anger and hostilities pour from the mouths of such foolish people. You all believe that your religion is the truth and GOD is on all your sides. How silly you all appear to be.You cannot all be right. How wonderful the world would be if you all just went away. Thousands of people just died last week and religious people spew garbage that "maybe its a blessing in disguise". You religious freaks need to shut your holes and be a tad bit more compassionate to the suffering of others. if christ is who you christians say he is, that person would be embraceing those haitian people, not ridiculing or condemming them in their time of weekness.

0
scott...

why is it that religious people cause so much of the worlds problems; christian, jewish, muslim radical freaks. How much of the worlds anger and hostilities pour from the mouths of such foolish people. You all believe that your religion is the truth and GOD is on all your sides. How silly you all appear to be.You cannot all be right. How wonderful the world would be if you all just went away. Thousands of people just died last week and religious people spew garbage that "maybe its a blessing in disguise". You religious freaks need to shut your holes and be a tad bit more compassionate to the suffering of others. if christ is who you christians say he is, that person would be embraceing those haitian people, not ridiculing or condemming them in their time of weekness.

1
jdjones150

brendal you should watch what you say when you agree with pat robertson and his comments.  ANTI-CHRIST you just may be for agreeing with robertson.  Which one of you visited Haiti or spoken with any of its citizen to ask who they believe in, or who they serve?  But more importantly, did not Christ say "what good does it do if someone claims to have faith but doesn't do any good things (That means you and pat!)?" Then he went on to state: Suppose a believer, whether a man or a woman, needs clothes or food and one of you (you or pat) tells that person, "God be with you! Stay warm, and make sure you eat enough." HERE'S THE BIG ONE: It is written - IF YOU DON'T PROVIDE FOR THE PERSON'S PHYSICAL NEEDS, WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO?  FAITH BY ITSELF IS DEAD IF IT DOESN'T CAUSE YOU TO DO ANY GOOD THINGS.  You see that a person (you and pat) RECEIVES GOD'S APPROVAL BECAUSE OF WHAT HE DOES, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF WHAT HE BELIEVES.The God I serve, DO NOT see anyone skin color or nationality.  But he does judge each of us by what is truly in our heart.  Brendsal, What's in your heart?  Forget Pat Robertson because he can't give account to God for you, you are obligated to stand before God for yourself.  Again I ask, Brendsal, What's in your heart?  To know God is to know that he has commissioned each one of us to the service of helping one another, especially the sinners to win them over to Christ that they may get to know him.

0
D. H.
1
Hugh Askew

Kind of AMAZING how those that want to hate him, find something to hate, whether a legitimate reason or not.

I agree that Robertson did NOT say the earthquake was caused by the Haitian "pact with the devil".   Why are folks reading into the video what they WANT him to say?  So they might have a reason to hate and despise him?  Pretty revolting - and petty.

If Haitians themselves say the very same thing that Robertson said, is he still wrong??????????

Note that the Haitian Ambassador CONFIRMS what Robertson says.

The Haitian ambassador to the United States Raymond Joseph said,  “What pact the Haitians made with the devil has helped the United States become what it is.”

Lot of folks getting their knickers in a knot about a non-issue, and spread lies and hate at the same time. Good job bigots!!

Also noticed that less than 1/2 of  one percent of the people reading the article even bothered to watch the video - they just passed judgment after reading the vitriol.    (37 views of the video, 8500+ views of the article).  Sad and sickening.

4
bebop

Actually Hugh, the ambassador to Haiti made that statement in a condescending manner, as if to say "IF" it was true what Pat stated, then it has helped the US become what it is. Not that he agreed or coincided with such an absurd statement. Only if one believes that the devil (reptillians under ground) played a role in convincing or strong arming the French government into pulling out of Haiti, and from then no other industralized country such as the U.S. or France would help.. Who would believe..? Has Pat let the cat out the bag or is Haiti truly a victim of being black balled from much of the world leaders like Africa has been?

Or maybe living in Nebraska, you have to much corn in your diet..?


1
Hugh Askew

No sorry,  maybe i have a daughter that has spent time there - and heard the same thing from the locals.

Not to worry, the " hate and belittle " crowd will have it's say, regardless of anything to the contrary. But thanks for adding to the hate and vitriol.

4
stejeb

Have I got this right?

Your daughter spent time there, and heard the same superstitious drivel, and so this makes dear ol' Pat right?

The islanders have at least got the excuse of being poorly educated, what is Pat's excuse.....and did your daughter believe it????

0
Hugh Askew

No, she believed that those arrogant twits that sit on their backsides and reveal their prejudices aren't worthy of the time it would take to respond.

2
think2do

You simpleminded, small thinking little spinner...man, if not all of you right-wing "christians" are a bunch of spineless hypocrites...keep spinning little "spider", is all you've got.

0
Hugh Askew

Spineless? Hypocrites?

How much time and effort have spent in Haiti "think2do"? Have you been there? Did you "think 2 do" anything to help them before the disaster?  Had you sent any money, or given them any thought, Mr. Big Thinker?


0
REBELSOUL

OH NO, GET YOUR HEAD OUT YOUR BUTT, AND STOP SITTING ON IT!

1
Oneman

What the Haitian Ambassador stated was "That by the French leaving The U.S., we were then able to acquire the Louisiana Purchase" So, therefore the slave uprising, benefitted the U.S., as well as the Haitian people, by this so-called pact. There was no confirmation, just you, taking the statement out of context. So, while you judge us for bypassing the video, your own knickers have bunched up by the compassion the rest of the us are feeling. The bottom line is that it was inappropriate, insensitive, un-godlike to utter those words at this given time. Would it be more Christian-like to view the images coming out Haiti, and not feel anything in our hearts. Would that make you feel better...............you moron. 

This story was created over 3 months ago, the comment thread is now closed.

NowPublic on Facebook

What is NowPublic?

NowPublic lets people work together to cover news events around the world.

Find out more

Crowd Power

Uwe Paschen
First Flagged at 9:26 AM, Jan 14, 2010 by Uwe Paschen
These members have powered this story:

Related Stories

Recommendations (13)

Most recently recommended by:
 

closeSign in to NowPublic

is reporting from