TV religious spokesman Pat Robertson has the perfect right to say whatever he wants to say. He lives in america. Freedom of speech is permitted here. In fact, it is encouraged here.
Ted Kennedy and Nancy Pelosi say whatever they want to say. John McCain and Hillary Clinton give forth. Cindy Sheehan is media covered 24 / 7. So that makes it the equal playing field in america.
Of course, the freedom-of-speech enthusiasts who make headlines could have a long list provided them. Nevertheless, the point is that Christian broadcaster Robertson has the outright right to state whatever convictions come to his mind.
and so when he says that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez should be assassinated, so be it. It may sound extreme to some. Yet again many remarks from Kennedy, Pelosi, McCain, Clinton and Sheehan sound extreme. However, the news feeds give them wide spread. and so the freedoms continue. Same with Robertson.
He gives his reasons. Not all agree with his reasons. So what? He makes his public statements. Not all line up with his public statements. So what?
Now there will be a flurry of responses from secularists who want to gag Robertson. It’s the old bogus "separation of church and state" harangue that makes no american freedom sense that they will hang out to dry.
Those very secularists who give forth their opinions of Robertson are taking advantage of the same freedom of speech right that Robertson took advantage of. So let the secularists say what they will. Let Robertson say what he wills.
There will even be some clergy who will slam Robertson for his opinions. Those same clergy can state their opposition conclusions to Robertson but must permit the evangelist the platform for expressing his mind whenever and in whatever mold it casts itself.
One thing can be certain: Robertson will not hedge when it comes to his opinions. He’s had plenty of years to craft his trade. and he’s done a tremendous job of it. Being the personality that he is, it’s a wonder that he has not expressed more bald statements that would strike the fire in some. So in that we can grant Robertson discipline of tongue on more than one occasion.
Robertson believes that Chavez is a "terrific danger" to america, according to the aP. If that is reality, then I personally thank Robertson for warning the nation. I grant Robertson then the motive of wanting to put on guard a free country. That surely is a sterling motive from which to make a remark. The same cannot be granted Kennedy, Pelosi, McCain, Clinton and company.
"Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition of america and a former presidential candidate, said on ‘The 700 Club’ it was the United States' duty to stop Chavez from making Venezuela a ‘launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism.’"
So what’s wrong or incorrect about that appraisal. Robertson just may be right on. Could very well be.
"’You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it,’ Robertson said. ‘It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war ... and I don't think any oil shipments will stop.’"
Robertson, being a born again Christian who heeds the Bible as divine revelation, no doubt takes into consideration that Jesus told His own to pray for their enemies. Jesus also informed His disciples to do good to the enemies.
I would assume then that Robertson has already prayed for Chavez, particularly for the latter’s conversion to the Light of God. and I would also presume that Robertson has done good toward Chavez in warning him in some way that he, Chavez, will answer to Creator God at the judgment for his cruel schemes.
Then with praying for Chavez and doing good toward Chavez by warning him of his mean ways, Robertson has done all he can do as a mortal among mortals. With that, Robertson then would warn Chavez that he might be setting himself up for assassination. That in itself is another Robertson move as a Christian to caution Chavez to change his ways and so work for the good of mankind.
"’We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability,’ Robertson said. ‘We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator,’ he continued. ‘It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with.’"
Joseph Grant Swank, Jr., Pastor, New Hope Church, Windham, Maine.
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