Pat Robertson - There’s no fool like an old fool!

Pat Robertson - There’s no fool like an old fool!
(23.08.2005)

Republican "Christian" broadcaster Pat Robertson has suggested that the U.S. government should assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez!

Pat Robertson told viewers of his "The 700 Club" show that "We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability" and that "We don’t need another $200 billion war to get rid of one strong-arm dictator. It’s a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with"

Robertson obviously reads the same Bible that certain members of the Bush administration do, where the words "thou shalt not kill" are replaced by "It’s OK to carry out pre-emptive strikes, assassinate and kill Muslims, especially if their country has lots of oil"

It is hard to say which is more worrying, the fact that a right wing extremist is allowed to say such things on television, disguised as a believer of God. Or that he has followers who are prepared to listen to him and be stupid enough to donate money for his cause.

Just recently we have heard talk from the likes of Bush and Tony Blair, about putting a stop to websites and other media areas that promote violence and terrorist acts. Surely, this falls into that category? But presumably, because this is promoting the same type of violence that Bush and Blair have been supporting for years, Robertson will not be criticized for his comment? We can almost picture Bush saying "Amen" after hearing Robertson’s remark.

Pat Robertson is well known for his controversial remarks and statements, here are a few:

"maybe we need a very small nuke thrown off on Foggy Bottom to shake things up"

Robertson claims to have used the power of prayer to steer hurricanes away from his companies’ Virginia Beach, Virginia headquarters. He took credit for steering the course in 1985 of Hurricane Gloria, which caused millions of dollars of destruction in many states along the east coast. He made a similar claim about another destructive storm, Hurricane Felix, in 1995.

Robertson has described feminism as a "socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."

Robertson’s net worth is between $200 million and $1 billion USD according to the 2002 book The Best Democracy Money Can Buy by Greg Palast. Through his ostensibly charitable organization, Operation Blessing International, Robertson claims to have spent $1.2 million bringing aid to refugees in Rwanda. His critics, such as Palast, claim the money was actually spent to bring heavy equipment for Robertson’s African Development Corporation, a diamond mining operation. He has purchased thoroughbred race horses, although he has stated on many occasions he is opposed to gambling. Robertson claims he bought the horses because he is "amazed by their athleticism".

Robertson supported former Liberian president Charles Taylor during the United States’ involvement in the Liberian Civil War in June and July of 2003. Robertson accused the U.S. State Department of giving President Bush bad advice in supporting Taylor’s ouster as president, and of trying "as hard as they can to destabilize Liberia." Robertson has been criticized for failing to mention in his broadcasts his $8 million investment in a Liberian gold mine.

The 700 Club is called a Christian news and talk show hosted by Pat Robertson, shown on ABC Family. The same company connected to a TV channel that refused to air an advert for Cindy Sheehan recently!

The 700 Club (according to Wikipedia, where much of this information can be found) is editorially pro-Israeli, believing the creation of the Jewish state to be an end times sign. The 700 Club has on Jewish guests such as Michael Medved and Rabbi Daniel Lapin, who share its conservative Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Pat Robertson has received a number of honours and you may care to make a note of these, as they presumably support similar thinking!

1975 The Distinguished Merit Citation from The National Conference of Christians and Jews

1978 Department of Justice Award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation

1979 National Conference of Christians and Jews - Distinguished Merit Citation

1984 Man of the Year Award from the Women’s National Republican Club

1985 National Association of United Methodist Evangelists

1988 Man of the Year by Students for America

1989 Christian Broadcaster of the Year by the National Religious Broadcasters

1992 One of America’s 100 Cultural Elite by Newsweek Magazine

1994 Defender of Israel Award from the Christians’ Israel Public Action Campaign for those who have made major contributions in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations

2002 State of Israel Friendship Award from the Zionist Organization of America

If the U.S. and British governments, led by the "Middle East Invaders" are serious about putting a stop to people who encourage violent acts to support their views, they can start with Pat Robertson and any organization that supports (or awards) him. If they don’t, they can forget about trying to "control" anyone else, because it will clearly show who it is they really want to keep quiet!

Perhaps our title suggesting Pat Robertson is an "old fool" is not completely accurate (he has made a lot of money from it). Perhaps those supporting him financially should be given that tag? But right wing supporters in America are absolute "suckers" when it comes to people spouting racialism, death, war and religious hatred. They are prepared to give their lives and their money to such people every time! But having one appearing on a TV show is one thing, electing one as your President is another.

http://www.profindpages.com/news/2005/08/23/MN1126.htm

http://www.livejournal.com/users/mparent7777/2141892.html