As the sun rose over the island nation today, the scale of devastation became all too real. Wherever you looked, buildings were leveled, people were trapped, and people cried out in despair. There is no better symbol for the toll Haiti took yesterday when a 7.0 Mag earthquake tossed the nation about than the governments seat of power itself. Below you will find the before and after photos of the Haitian Palace, often referred to as the White House.


As you can clearly see, the roof collapsed the second level onto the first, leaving the building a total loss. In a nation that was already struggling to govern itself and provide basic services to her residents, this symbol shows the dire need the Haitians are in and asking for international aid. The Red Cross, who were already in the country, have stated that they have run out of supplies and are sending more to meet the demand. Nations from around the globe, including China, Canada, and the US are already dispatching search and rescue teams, and the US Navy in on the way with ships filled with relief supplies as well as doctors.
With this sign of international outpouring of support and concern, you think that no one would have any discouraging words for those who are suffering. I guess Pat Robertson did not get that message. In less than 24 hours from the time the earthquake began, Robertson had the following to say on his Christian Broadcasting Network:
Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and the people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French … Napoleon III or whatever … and they got together and swore a pact to the Devil. They said ‘We will serve you if you’ll get us free from the French.’ True story. And so the Devil said ‘Ok, it’s a deal,’ and they kicked the French out. The Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after another.
Now, I will admit that I was not the best student in history class, but I am sure I would have remembers nations making agreements with Satan (like the one Robertson states above). Doing a little research, I find where the French had one of the most brutal slave policies in Haiti (known as “Saint-Domingue” at the time). The slaves revolted and defeated the French, paving the way for their independence. However, I couldn’t find anything about the Devil. Maybe Robertson would like to cite a source.
There is no arguing that Haiti has suffered over the past century, between brutal regimes and various coups and plots (including ones backed by the United States, Syria, Germany, and the British). Those are aspects to be discussed at another time though, since the issue at hand is the suffering of thousands in Haiti. Robertson was well out of line in his comment, even though he goes on to ask for prayers for the Haitians. This irresponsible comment is more serious than the off-hand “Negro” comment made by Harry Reid in 2008.
Once aid has reached the island, and the last remaining survivor is recovered, I think Haitians, Christians, and all other good people should demand that Robertson issue an apology and commit to service to the Haitian people. If he is so hopeful for “something good” to come, he should either donate a large sum of money or go on a mission to Haiti, establish a new church, and bring back hope to these poor victims. It’s the least he can do.
In the mean time, if you wish to make a donation to the Haitian relief effort, the Red Cross has a few ways for you to contribute.
- The first option is through your cell phone. Simply text “Haiti” to 90999. This will send a $10 donation to the cause and the charge will show up on your phone bill.
- The second option is by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), where you can donate as much or as little as you like.
- The third option is by visiting their website and clicking on the red “DONATE NOW” button at the top of the page.
Related articles:
Donald Miller – “A Response to Pat Robertson’s Comments about Haiti”