Sure, it was predictable that the right’s most venomous voices would find a way to turn America’s desire to help Haiti into something dark. But you’d think these guys would at least wait a day before starting to spew their bile. Nope.
Pat Robertson has declared that Haiti brought the destruction on itself by, well, asking the devil to free them from the barbarism of Europe’s slave-based economy. Video over at Media Matters, but here’s the relevant quote:
And you know, Kristi, something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heal of the French. You know, Napoleon the third, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you will get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it's a deal.
And they kicked the French out. You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since they have been cursed by one thing after the other.
That speaks for itself, but as columnist David Sirota Tweeted, Robertson can only be considered a sociopath at this point.
Rush Limbaugh’s not far behind. He actually managed to get on air and argue against the U.S. sending aid. “We’ve already donated to Haiti,” he crowed. “It’s called the U.S. income tax.” That was just one remark in a train of nonsense he spat out in his radio show today, including arguing that President Obama has only responded to this catastrophe because it will build his “credibility” in “the black community — both the light skinned and dark skinned black community.” Oh Rush, you’re just so funny and witty. That’s a knee-slapper. Literally uncounted thousands are dead and this jackass thinks it’s a chance to make race jokes. To enrich himself. Disgusting, and every company that does business with him ought to be ashamed of itself today.
On a positive note, here’s a couple of great places you can donate: Partners in Health has been providing emergency medical services in Haiti since 1987. They’ve got clinics in Port au Prince and cities around the country and an established staff of care providers. Also Doctors Without Borders, which has set up an emergency response team for Haiti to which you can donate directly.
UPDATE: Here's what White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had to say about Limbaugh yesterday.