The Spectacle Blog
Return of Big Mouth Pat
The media are to blame for the fanfare over Pat Robertson’s foolish words about the Haiti tragedy, because they are the ones giving him attention as a legitimate leadership figure among Christians, which he’s not.
The media are to blame for the fanfare over Pat Robertson’s foolish words about the Haiti tragedy, because they are the ones giving him attention as a legitimate leadership figure among Christians. He’s not, as I explained four years ago for Spectator.
View all comments (14) | Leave a comment
Related Blog Posts
More Blog Posts by Paul Chesser
http://spectator.org/blog/2010/01/14/return-of-big-mouth-pat
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
Current Issue
- Nuts to Nutter
- Downton’s Class System — and Ours
- Screwtape Talks Turkey
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Liberal Reader| 1.14.10 @ 8:00PM
Robertson earns millions off the credulous, home-bound and ailing people who tune into his absurd television program.
While I think the media attention to this latest set of remarks by Robertson is beginning to get a little ridiculous, I think it was appropriate to focus on his utter hypocrisy and total lack of compassion.
Evangelical Christians -- conservative or not -- are decent, generous people. During the past decade, they have done great work in Africa, particularly with respect to the Sudan. (In point of fact, the Sudan peace talks are one of George W. Bush's great successes, and it's a pity that story doesn't get more airplay.)
I think it would be good if more media attention was focused on the great work many religious groups do in developing nations, but Robertson's remarks were despicable and deserved notice.
Patriot| 1.14.10 @ 8:56PM
Admit it!!
You're just ticked off because Robertson disapproves of the homosexual lifestyle.
A lot of us do.
Sorry.
Liberal Reader| 1.14.10 @ 9:18PM
Patriot --
Admit it! You're just ticked off because the law prevents you from molesting children.
What evidence do I have you're a child molester?
None. But in political discourse as you imagine it, no evidence for claims is necessary. One just spouts off any nonsense that comes into one's head. It's the Glenn Beckification of political debate.
When did I mention anything about homosexuality?
My point, which you clearly are incapable of understanding, was simply that the media were right -- for a time -- to expose Robertson (once again) for being the callous hypocrite he clearly is. You may disagree with me, and that's your right. But at least you should be a man and take on the argument I present.
Patriot| 1.15.10 @ 12:49AM
Touchy, touchy! Why so angry?
You lie by omission and I am sick of your lies.
You focus on Robertson's intemperate language and never mention the many years of hard work he's put in to feed the hungry, care for the sick and clothe the poor.
Actions speak louder than words--and Pat Robertson has certainly walked the walk for the most wretched among us.
But what would a big government, teat-sucking, liberal snot like you know about missionary work? Nothing, obviously.
zombyboy | 1.15.10 @ 1:45AM
Actually, minus the conversation that grew after that first comment, this would be one of the few times that I agree with LR. I even believe it is fine for the media to give a little attention to his comments if only to further discredit the man.
Because God knows he doesn't speak for this particular Christian.
Franklin| 1.15.10 @ 4:54AM
Let's get this straight, Robertson never said the earthquake was God’s wrath.
"...The 700 Club, during a segment about the devastation, suffering and humanitarian effort that is needed in Haiti, Dr. Robertson also spoke about Haiti’s history. His comments were based on the widely-discussed 1791 slave rebellion led by Boukman Dutty at Bois Caiman, where the slaves allegedly made a famous pact with the devil in exchange for victory over the French. This history, combined with the horrible state of the country, has led countless scholars and religious figures over the centuries to believe the country is cursed. Dr. Robertson never stated that the earthquake was God’s wrath. If you watch the entire video segment, Dr. Robertson’s compassion for the people of Haiti is clear. He called for prayer for them. His humanitarian arm has been working to help thousands of people in Haiti over the last year, and they are currently launching a major relief and recovery effort to help the victims of this disaster. They have sent a shipment of millions of dollars worth of medications that is now in Haiti, and their disaster team leaders are expected to arrive..."
http://www.cbn.com/about/press.....haiti.aspx
Get your facts straight. Don't always assume the media is honest. After all, you know they hype for ratings. ALL media - both left and right.
Patriot| 1.15.10 @ 9:24PM
I am a stout defender of Pat Robertson and have been a member of the 700 club for many years--but I am deeply disappointed by the timing and choice of his words.
Robertson has done a great deal of good for the world and it would be a terrible shame if his many years of kindness and generosity were obscured by his intemperate words.
Dr Robertson: Please think before you speak!
Chris| 1.15.10 @ 8:59AM
Maybe he's not "legit," Mr. Chesser, but Pat is a national figure, a former presidential candidate, who owns a TV network watched by 1 million people a day.
XXX| 1.15.10 @ 9:40AM
Agree or disagree, Robertson has a right to his opinion. Just like H. Reid has a right to his opinion, J. Wright to his opinion, you all and your opinions.
Why is that only dems/left/non-Christians can say outrageous things without controversy (look it up). Soon as a Christian says something deemed outrageous, it's shame, shame, shame.
Hey ho, hypocrisy has got to go.
somnolence| 1.15.10 @ 6:09PM
As I recall several years ago Mr. T and Pat Robertson even got behind the wheel of tractor trailers to delivers supplies to the unfortunate. He is correct when he says that Haiti sold its soul to the devil many years ago, and it repeats its tradition of allowing tin horn dictators to run its everyday affairs. Robertson concluded his remarks with the assertion that Haiti needs our prayers and financial support. As usual, several talking media heads and even a few writers for this magazine have taken his remarks out of context. Rush is also right. The American people, if they do not send any money, need not have pangs of conscience. Where in the hell are our taxes going?
Richard Baker| 1.17.10 @ 10:32AM
Poor liberals. Their idea of political discourse is you shutting up while they yell. Poor babies.