Pat Robertson True Context: He’s Just An Ignoramus

The tragedy of the Haitian earthquake has brought out an outpouring of help for the devastated country which is, of course, a good thing. As also often happens, it has also shone a light on the woeful ignorance of many people concerning the history and religion of Haiti. The “pact with the devil” remarks made by televangelist, Pat Robertson set off a firestorm of criticism and disbelief. A White House official said his comments that Haiti has been cursed because of a pact made with the devil to free them from French rule don’t express the spirit of the American people or the president.

Senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett said Thursday on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that Roberston’s comments left her speechless. She called Robertson’s statements “a pretty stunning comment to make.” Robertson’s camp tried pretty hard to run damage control after the remarks traveled swiftly around the internet. His comments, according to spokeman, Chris Roslan, were based on Voodoo rituals carried out before a slave rebellion against French colonists in 1791. Roslan said Robertson never stated the earthquake was God’s wrath.

Maybe he didn’t say those words literally, but the implication is there, and by the way, how did Napoleon III get in there? Pat Robertson’s comments could not possibly be based upon the works of ‘countless scholars’ since even the average student of history knows that Napoleon III had nothing to do with the Haitian revolution. It seems pretty clear Pat Robertson doesn’t know what the hell he is talking about.

How Pat Robertson can call himself a Christian and spout this nonsense is too much of a mystery to contemplate at the moment.

Time for some real education. There are 2 excellent books that people should read to learn more about the racial, political and economic forces that have been involved in the story of Haiti. One of these is FromDessalines to Duvalier: Race, Colour and National Independence in Haiti by David Nicholls, which is considered a very scholarly and authoritative account of the influences and factors that have affected the development of the country.

Haiti in the Balance: Why Foreign Aid Has Failed and What We Can Do About It by Terry F. Buss discusses why the average Haitian lives on a dollar day, even though the United States sent over $4 billion in aid to Haiti over a 10 year period and looks into possible solutions.

Links:
Pat Robertson Haiti Comments: French View Theory with Disbelief

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