As both religious and secular groups scramble to provide aid for the earthquake victims in Haiti, evangelist Pat Robertson made comments on CBN's "700 Club" that are drawing criticism from White House advisor Valerie Jarrett as well as from many Christian leaders.
ABC reports that Robertson harked back to a legend about Haiti's revolt against the French in 1803 to suggest that Haitians may have brought disaster on themselves. He said in part: "You know ... something happened a long time ago in Haiti. … They got together and swore a pact to the Devil. They said, 'We will serve you if you get us free from the French.' True story." Robertson also said that the destruction there "may be a blessing in disguise" because it could lead to a massive rebuilding of the country. YouTube has a
video of Robertson's full remarks.
UPDATE: At Thursday's White House press briefing (
full text), Press Secretary Robert Gibbs also commented on Robertson's remarks:
Q: ...What did you think of Pat Robertson's comments yesterday that the Haitians brought this on themselves by making a pact with the devil?
MR. GIBBS: It never ceases to amaze that in times of amazing human suffering somebody says something that could be so utterly stupid, but it like clockwork happens with some regularity....
