The Latest Iranian Outrage
This is truly despicable:
Iran’s president said Thursday he hoped for the death of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the latest anti-Israeli comment by a leader who has already provoked international criticism for suggesting that Israel be “wiped off the map.”
“Hopefully, the news that the criminal of Sabra and Chatilla has joined his ancestors is final,” President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by the semiofficial Iranian Students News Agency.
Ahmadinejad was referring to Sharon, who as defense minister in 1982 directed Israel’s ill-fated invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli commission found him indirectly responsible for a massacre of Palestinians in the Sabra and Chatilla refugee camps by Christian Phalangist soldiers.
No one wants another war on top of the one in Iraq – but increasingly, it has to be considered a real possibility…It is truly unacceptable to allow this maniac to get the bomb.
The Iranians aren’t the only ones who think Sharon deserves what has happened to him.
Jacques, yes, I saw that, too – also a true disgrace. If Pat Robertson ever had any credibility (and I’m not sure that he did) it is long gone – the 9/11 comments, the continual assertions that current events are caused by the wrath of God…he’s truly a buffoon’s buffoon…
Robertson’s quotes don’t really need to be reported any longer do they? They are completely predictable and, therefore, not newsworthy.
He really should be nominated for your all – time lists of jackasses, should you ever decide to hold a contest for that particular award.
My first thought on Robertson’s most recent quote is what a horrible world he must live in — to believe in a God who is both directly involved in the intimate details of our lives and at the same time is petty, vindictive and deliberately cruel.
I used to have difficulty imagining what could be so horrible about blasphemy. I don’t anymore.
I want to feel sorry for the man, but unlike Ahmadinejad’s bizarre rantings, Pat Robertson’s taint something I value.
As far as Ahmadinejad — here’s hoping that Khamenei steps in, even though it would be a step away from Democracy, and removes this nutjob. That really seems like the only path to a peaceful conclusion here.
Final thought — Ralph Neas quickly issued a brief written statement condemning Robertson’s remarks — but can’t find room for even a token well-wishing for Ariel Sharon. Not even a backhanded “At a time when decent people send condolences and “get well soon” cards, Pat Robertson sees an opportunity to lecture to the stricken and bereaved…”
Compare and contrast with the President’s brief statement: “Laura and I share the concerns of the Israeli people about Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s health, and we are praying for his recovery. Prime Minister Sharon is a man of courage and peace. On behalf of all Americans, we send our best wishes and hopes to the Prime Minister and his family.“
If you believe, as Robertson and others do, that the Second Coming is near-at-hand, then any action (like the Gaza withdrawal) that delays it is a betrayal of God’s divine plan.
It’s more than a little disconcerting that their “staunch support” for Israel is predicated on the notion that the Israelis are acting to hasten the arrival of Armageddon.
No one may remember this, but this is the same guy who’s been witnessed speaking in tongues during his prayer services. I saw Swaggart do that bit one day on his TV show when I was young, and it was the scariest thing I’ve seen in quite a while.
dmac:
I was actually in a church where the entire congregation (except for me & my date) were speaking in tongues. Its quite a sight — lots of people passionately speaking in gibberish at the top of their lungs till their face turns a light shade of pink, passing out, lying prostrate on the ground. And, #1, it was her idea and #2 no, I never went out with her again.
I’m not sure Robertson ever spoke in tongues before. That whole bit is a speciality of “charismatic” Protestant demoninations, and I don’t think Robertson was ever affiliated with that particular subgroup, although I could be wrong (God knows he’s just about unbalanced enough).
Sean – can’t access the direct quotes from the book, but I believe the incident in question was detailed in Gerard Straub’s book, called “Salvation for Sale.”
He was a former 700 Club producer, and he published the book in 1986. It was a nasty tell-all describing what it was like working with Pat at CBN. Of course, the book’s tone gives you a caveat as to the tales told in that book – but I don’t believe he was ever sued for publishing it.