NJDC does not understand why Pat Robertson is a reputable figure in mainstream society. As we noted before, it is simply unacceptable that George Bush has increased Pat Robertson's funding from the federal government by a factor of more than 100 (for more, see this link and also this blast from the past -- from October, 2005). And it is unacceptable that the GOP will not disavow Robertson, one of their elder statesmen and kingmakers.
So, this would ordinarily be the time that we push you to participate in our advocacy campaign to end federal funding and Republican support of Pat Robertson.
But we do recognize that Robertson may, miraculously, no longer express bigotry and hate towards those with whom he disagrees (including Ariel Sharon).
As AP reports: "Pat Robertson -- one of the most popular and polarizing religious leaders in America -- has a new book out about miracles, and he says the one miracle the country needs today is faith."
The Associated Press goes on to point out reasons why we believe it would consitute a miracle if Robertson were to learn discretion:
On forgiveness, Robertson writes, "Without forgiveness … there is no faith and no miracles. Forgiving others is not an optional extra, but the heart of the matter."
That spirit of forgiveness has been lacking in many of his recent public statements.
After Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke, Robertson implied that it was the result of his plan to give back some land to the Palestinians.
When citizens of Dover, Pa., voted out the school board that had insisted on including intelligent design in classrooms, he told them: "If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city."
A few months before, in August 2005, he called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
"In the context of what I'm saying, it's not as strong as it sounds," Robertson said. "But I am passionate about certain things, and it's not politically correct at all."
Robertson apologized after his statements about Sharon, Dover and Chavez.
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