Since news first broke of the massive earthquake that struck Haiti yesterday, I've been essentially glued to the news footage. As far as I can tell, I know no one who lives in or was visiting Haiti (although I did have a Haitian stalker in college), but I'm still checking the news for updates rather obsessively.
Why? I guess it's probably because I'm just heartsick for the entire country. What they're suffering is essentially incomprehensible to most of us. Yes, we've faced countless natural disasters (Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Greensburg tornado, etc.) and even disasters created by terrorists (9-11), but we've never faced anything like this earthquake. I think that part of the incomprehensability goes back to the fact that Haiti is a relatively impoverished and poor country. What they face on a normal day is more than most of us can comprehend.
I've got to admit that I'm extremely pleased that it seems like most other countries are rallying and doing what they can to help. President Obama has promised our assistance, France already has troops in place, China is sending troops, and the UN has activated disaster relief. The American Red Cross and even Wyclef Jean have set up programs for texting to make donations and even those of us who have very little are giving what we can.
And then you have Pat Robertson. Ah, yes...wonderful, insightful, loving, and caring Pat Robinson, the evangelical broadcaster from hell. Robertson, who just couldn't keep his idiotic mouth shut. Robertson, who now has promised to send help, but not until after he declared that Haiti is "cursed" by a "pact with the devil", which is what caused this earthquake. Wha??? I'm so very sure that everyone impacted by this horrendous tragedy needed to hear that, Mr. Robertson. I'm sure that makes them sleep better at night -- in the streets because they have no homes, suffering from gaping wounds because they have no hospitals, searching fruitlessly for loved ones who most likely perished. Yep, I'm sure that's going to comfort them during this time of sorry and tragedy.
There's one thing I know, Mr. Robertson: my mama always told me that if I couldn't say anything nice, I shouldn't say anything at all. And, you know what? She's right. You need to shut your big, fat mouth and, instead of condemning those who are currently suffering a fate that's tantamount to hell, do something good for mankind. Help them. Or if you can't truly be a help, then just shut the hell up and leave them, and all of us, alone.
2 comments:
Many people allow their selfish motives take over and overlook the fact that the Haitians are our fellow human beings who are enduring great suffering. They need help--that's the bottom line. My 8-year-old daughter has been watching the coverage and has had many questions. I just keep emphasizing to her that they need food, water, shelter and medical care immediately and it's going to take support from around the world to turn around such devastation.
Apparently Oklahoma is cursed too! :) Hehehehe! I would share beliefs with Robertson on a few things...but a natural disaster expert he is NOT! Hang in there down in that cursed OK! Maybe it's all those casinos you guys have?!?!? :)
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