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Robertson's words violate Christianity and common sense

A Christian viewpoint? editorial, Aug. 24.

Pat Robertson's call to assassinate Hugo Chavez, the elected leader of Venezuela, breaks all Christian principles, democratic principles and basic good judgment. It speaks to how warped the view of the far right has become. Wrapped in self-righteousness, they have lost a sense of balance and basic common sense.

Even though Robertson has now "apologized" for his desire to see an elected leader murdered, his message resonates across America and the world. The stupidity of his comment does not reside in its lack of morality, though. Rather it resides in the fact that if America condones assassination, we are condoning a weapon that any thug, tyrant or terrorist can use against our own elected leaders or administration officials.

This same basic point rings true for the abuses conducted at Abu Ghraib, Gitmo and other Iraqi and Afghanistan prisons. If we do it, we condone it, and the tyrants of the world will do it to our soldiers. This would be an ideal opportunity for radical conservatives to reflect on how far they have drifted from their own core values.

What examples do they set?

Christianity certainly has changed since the days of Our Lord. When the soldiers came for him, and Peter drew a sword, he told Peter to put it away saying, "He that lives by the sword shall perish by the sword." He preached "turn the other cheek" and "go the extra mile." Nonviolence was a cornerstone of early Christianity. He is the example by which Christians set themselves.

Now we have had Eric Rudolph, a Christian bomber who tried to change national policy by blowing up innocent civilians. And we have Pat Robertson, a nationally prominent Christian leader, calling for the assassination of the leader of a foreign country. One wonders what Jesus thinks of these modern Christians and their embracing of violence. Might he not say, "You have made a covenant with death, and with hell you are in agreement?" What example do they set?

Fuel for our foes

Re: A Christian viewpoint?, editorial.

From an observer with ties to impoverished people in Latin America: In addition to Pat Robertson's diabolic ethics that fly in the face of the Christianity he claims to embrace, his remarks provide powerful propaganda fodder to support the goals of Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro.

Tens of millions of Latin Americans for years have looked in vain to the United States for relief from economic oppression. They have wanted to respect us despite our dark history of exploitation in their back yard, i.e., overthrowing democrati-cally elected governments and supporting U.S. interests there to the detriment of the people of Latin America.

But now, Chavez and his mentor Castro offer a new hope: independence from the United States, the powerful pull of regional unity, basic medical care and education from Cuba, and Venezuela's cheap oil to counter rising prices perceived as U.S.-induced.

Pat Robertson's unconscionable remarks of hate only aid and abet the enemy whom he incites our government to assassinate. When will my government and irresponsible people like Robertson and his followers wake up?

Christianity teaches love, not hate

Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez needs to be resolutely condemned. It is appalling that a self-proclaimed Christian leader would so casually abandon the teachings of Jesus that call on us to love our neighbor and practice nonviolence.

It is appalling that a former presidential candidate could so brazenly skirt the brink of international law and call for the murder of a democratically elected foreign leader just because he happens to be a critic of U.S. foreign policy. And it is appalling that this televangelist is using his media influence not to win people to faith but to promote and condone political murder.

I hope that people who watch his show faithfully reject his violent ideology and remind him that Christianity teaches love, not hate.

One of the religious wrong

Re: Pat Robertson's remarks.

Please do not call this man a Christian! He has obviously not read the book of instruction - "Love your enemies" certainly is lost on him. He is a strident member of the religious wrong.

Bodies and bad taste

Re: "Bodies, the Exhibition."

I have never seen such disrespect for the human body. In other parts of the world, this may be normal entertainment, but in the United States it just doesn't feel right. It was: How many ways should we split the human body to show every little vessel, vein, muscle or organ. Then pose the cadaver so it looks like he's an "everyday Joe."

There are so many better ways to look at our anatomy, including books, CDs and the Internet. just to mention a few. This should be advertised as macabre art but not scientific, educational or even a learning experience.

If there is one thing I came away with, it is you cannot cover up bad taste.

A useful immortality

Re: MOSI's president not afraid to take chances, Aug. 21.

The pictures and comments in the Times confirm what I wrote CNN a few days ago when I knocked our mindless Anatomical Board's decision and questioned how many children might now be moved to pursue medical or other scientific careers after having seen this MOSI exhibit.

The range of "stretches" from your readers is amazing. "Cartoonish poses"; "loved ones pulled from the grave" - really! In younger years this writer's aging body did the things the exhibit's bodies still do.

I'd wager that the spirit that occupied those bodies is gazing, wide-eyed, down upon MOSI and loudly bragging to his or her fellow spirits, "Look, look at that! That was me! Aren't I (still) just wonderful? Mom, Dad, come here - look at me!"

Just Saturday evening I was telling my son's best friend that I would not mind my body being used in a "Bodies"-type display. It is immortality in a way, a useful immortality. Sure beats being food for a bunch of bugs and worms and bacteria.

See more of the Highwaymen

Re: An Eye for the Highwaymen, Aug. 20.

Megan Scott's story about the Highwaymen artists and the local man who found a painting at a yard sale was well researched. However, she would have provided an even greater service to your readers if she had included the information that a large selection of Highwaymen and one Highwaywoman paintings are currently on view in St. Petersburg through Sept. 11 at Studio@620 located at 620 First Ave. S. Admission is free.

[Last modified August 25, 2005, 10:56:07]