How do we respond? Take no pointers from Pat Robertson

I'm sure most of us by now have heard the hideous explanation by television evangelist Pat Robertson that Haiti is cursed because they made a pact with the devil. While not blaming the earthquale directly on the innocent people of Haiti, he certainly implied it, along with all the other ills that have befallen this impoverished Caribbean nation.

Oh our brother Pat has done this before. We here in the New Orleans area deserved Katrina because we have the French Quarter and Mardi Gras and other things that would justify our destruction. He claimed former Israeli Prime Minister Sharon deserved his stroke. And I believe he has made numerous other stupid statements; all in the name of God.

Kind of reminds me how there are other world leaders who have said horrible things and launched horrible actions all in the name of God.

Perhaps Pat Robertson should look up "earthquake" on google or look at the scientific data about the particular type of fault that led to a shallow quake on the island of Hispanola. These are the contributing factors to this tragedy Pat, not some 200 year old pact some Haitian slaves may or may not have made with the devil. Of course Pat Robertson specifically said how the devil responded to this so-called pact, begging the question does Pat have regular conversations with Satan? Just asking.

Here's the deal. What about some sensitivity, what about some compassion, what about steering clear of hurtful, harmful statements, at least for the time being and immediate future. As for me, the focus is on prayer for the people of Haiti and supporting those efforts that I can support. And I bet for the vast majority of you the response is the same.

Why does evil exist? Why do these types of tragedies occur? We will never fully be able to answer these questions or understand the meaning behind them. I do know this; these tragedies give all of us an opportunity to demonstrate our love and our Christian presence to all peoples across the globe in every day and age.

So please continue your prayers, respond as you can to fundraising efforts and other support activities and spread the word asking others to pray and respond. And join me in a measured Christian response, in all charity and humility to Pat Robertson and his kind; for the love of God; please shut up.