If Pat Robertson wants to prey on old ladies by convincing them that the almighty wants them to send their Social Security checks to the 700 Club, that’s his business.  However, it would be nice if he’d learn to shut his pie-hole when it comes to international issues.

Case in point are comments he made yesterday, regarding the earthquake in Haiti.  According to Pat, the disaster is “A blessing in disguise” because it will spur massive rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure.  According to the televangelist, the destruction is just the latest in a long string of problems facing Haiti due to a pact the nation made with the devil in 1791.

According to one of Robertson’s spokespeople, Pat was referring to Voodoo rituals performed to aid a slave rebellion against French colonists.

So, if you happen to be a five year old Haitian who just lost his family, has no where to sleep, and doesn’t know where his next meal is coming from?  Tough nuggies.  You can blame your devil-worshipping forefathers for your current woes because, obviously, geology had nothing to do with it.

Robertson then announced that his “Operation Blessing” organization would be sending millions to the Mestopholes-controlled island, and that he is, as always, willing to accept further donations.

Super.

Someone from the RNC really needs to get Robertson on the phone and tell him to knock off the political B.S., because all he’s doing is reminding the world that the hardcore religious right is completely nuts.  Pat’s past associations with the Republican party are still relatively fresh on people’s minds.  Every time he tosses out one of these crackpot statements, it only serves to damage real conservatives.

So please, if you want to donate, skip the 700 Club and go with the Red Cross….and while you’re praying for the people of Haiti, it might be nice to thank God for keeping Robertson away from the presidency.

- Robert Laurie