In what can only be called a bold display of Christian values, longtime right-wing religious fanatic Pat Robertson called for the assasination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
On his bizarre TV talk show, "The 700 Club," Robertson had this to say: "If he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think we really ought to go ahead and do it."
Robertson helped found the Christian Coalition and has for many years been near the forefront of the radical Christian right-wing. It was also on his show that just days after the September 11th attacks that longtime buddy Reverend Jerry Falwell blamed the attacks on queer people and feminists: "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'" Robertson seemed to agree, noting in prayer that "The Supreme Court has insulted you over and over again, Lord."
Time Magazine has quickly put up a piece on their website explaining why comments like Robertson's will actually only serve to further Chavez's interests in Venezuela and Latin America. As the article says, comments like this from the US just give Chavez more Che-style street cred down South.
In doing so, comments like Robertson's also serve to further divert attention from human rights issues in the country, of which Human Rights Watch has this to say.
But moreover, it just shows how FUCKED UP the Christian Right is. Values my foot. Calling for the assasination of a *democratically* elected world leader (or any person for that matter) is pretty dubious in the eyes of any Christian Lord I've heard of.
Robertson's comments bring me back to the current chapter of Inga Muscio's book that I'm reading titled "God Told Me To Kill You." Her words echo in Robertson's career:
"This 'god' charachter has allegedly been speaking to Presidents at highly convenient times for a while. At the close of the nineteenth century, President McKinley got down on his knees and prayed for 'god's' guidance when seeking a rationale for invading the Phillipines. And 'god' said unto his white kowtowing racist ass, 'Kill them all and let me sort them out.' And this was done. Countless people died, and a country already seriously molested by Spanish colonization was further traumatized and has been divided ever since."
Our current President, of course, denies any connection to Robertson's statements. But you know - I just imagine a phone conversation between Bush and Robertson after the comments going something like this:
Bush: "Pat - you know that I appreciate your longtime support from the Christian Coalition. You bunch hold a special place in my oily heart. But really, Pat - don't go tellin' people about our plan to kill Mr. Chavez..."
He would be briefly interrupted here by a loud whine from Robertson but would continue in a tender tone, "I know - Listen, I know Pat. Offing God's dissict.. dissentors is what I'm all about. We just don't talk about it on national television."
Pat: "But Buuuuuuuuuuuuush - you know that God wants us to strike him down for his unforgivable sins against our Lord and Savior. His will is no mystery to you or I. You know that."
Bush: "Pat, I won't hear any more. How's this. If you quit talking about killing people on national television, I promise I won't steal anymore chickens out of your henhouse at next week's poker match - you get me?"
A loud voice would then break through on Bush's side of the phone.
Bush, yelling away from the phone, "Coming, Dear!" Turning back to Pat, "Aw fuck, Pat. Just when we start getting to the good stuff the misses is calling for me to come to dinner. Listen - I gotta run. No more calls for the murder of national leaders on TV?"
Robertson: "Oh, alright, George. Send Laura my best."
