Saturday, September 07, 2013

New documentary lays bare Pat Robertson's ongoing scam to bilk his supporters out of millions for phony help to Rwandan refugees. Update!

Courtesy of The Guardian:  

Now a new documentary lays bare the extent of the misrepresentations of Operation Blessing's activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, that it says continue to this day. 

Mission Congo, by David Turner and Lara Zizic, opens at the Toronto film festival on Friday. It describes how claims about the scale of aid to Rwandan refugees were among a number of exaggerated or false assertions about the activities of Operation Blessing which pulls in hundreds of millions of dollars a year in donations, much of it through Robertson's televangelism. They include characterising a failed large-scale farming project as a huge success, and claims about providing schools and other infrastructure. 

But some of the most damaging criticism of Robertson comes from former aid workers at Operation Blessing, who describe how mercy flights to save refugees were diverted hundreds of miles from the crisis to deliver equipment to a diamond mining concession run by the televangelist. 

Throughout the Rwandan refugee crisis, when more than 1 million people fled into neighbouring Zaire and started dying en masse of cholera, Robertson told his viewers that Operation Blessing was at the forefront of saving lives. 

"It was the most important first medical shipment on the scene out of everything," he said of one aid delivery as he appealed for donations. In another broadcast, Robertson said Operation Blessing was saving thousands of lives. 

"The death toll in this particular camp went down to almost zero because of our people being there," he said. 

Robertson claimed that Operation Blessing sent plane-loads of doctors. 

"These are tents set up with our doctors and our medical teams that came from here to work as hard as they could to save lives," Robertson said over pictures of a large tent of children on drips being tended by nurses and doctors. 

But the film was of MSF medical staff at work. Operation Blessing had just one tent and a total of seven doctors. MSF officials who worked in Goma told the documentary-makers that they had no recollection of even seeing Operation Blessing – let alone working with it. 

"What's really unacceptable is that Operation Blessing took photographs of MSF workers and then used this in their fundraising," said Samantha Bolton, the former MSF spokeswoman in Goma.

I doubt that I have kept secret my utter disdain for this POS. However I urge you to visit the link at the top to get an idea of just what a truly despicable excuse for a human being that Pat Robertson is.

You know one of my major irritations about religion is the blanket of respectability that it affords charlatans and criminals, allowing them to gain trust and lure innocents into their web simply by identifying themselves and "Christians" or "Men of God."

It is like those labels numb the minds of the believers to such a degree that they are unable to access any rational thinking and will simply buy into any bullshit spewed by those whom they have been conditioned to trust.

Update: This documentary has frightened Robertson's people who are threatening to sue the filmmakers:

An Operation Blessing spokesman told The Virginian-Pilot that they are “considering legal action” against Lara Zizic and David Turner, whose film “Mission Congo” will hold its premier at the Toronto International Film Festival, over the film’s supposed “false and defamatory” content. 

CBN has a history of going after Robertson’s critics; for example, they recently embarked on an unsuccessful push to cover up a video of Robertson — first posted here on Right Wing Watch —arguing that gay men wear special rings that they use to infect random people they meet with HIV/AIDS. 

I think it would be incredibly beneficial for the Robertson camp to go after this film. It would bring TONS of free publicity to the documentary plus it would force Robertson and his people to defend their charity, which I think we KNOW would  essentially prove the filmmakers right and also open Pat Robertson up to charges of fraud.

Personally I hope they do attempt to sue them, but my gut says they won't.

35 comments:

  1. Sally in MI4:41 AM

    How do these men sleep at night? Does he truly think God blesses him, blesses his lies? Or is he a nonbeliever using God to make millions of dollars? Sort of like someone else we know? Yes, God as moneymaker. I'm sure that's in his Bible somewhere. Under sins, I think.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous7:55 AM

      He's like the pedophile enablers of the Vatican, doesn't believe one single word of the crap he spews. If he did, he (and they) would NEVER do the things they do or allow under their authority.
      It's the only explanation that makes any sense, given all these religious groups usually believe in a hell of some sort.

      Delete
  2. angela4:45 AM

    Ahhh yes, the prosperity gospel according to Robertson---i.e large scale christianist grifting. What a disgusting man.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your last paragraph is completely true. It’s easier than thinking for oneself, and besides, you get to feel righteous! That means a lot to some fools.

    When Robertson finally dies, I’m going to scream “Elevator going down!” and do the Snoopy happy dance.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous5:00 AM

    Unbelievable! That fuck owns a diamond mine?????

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous7:11 AM

      I found an article on line on the Daily Kos from January 14th, 2010 where it references pilots for Operation Blessing saying they diverted flights to take mining equipment to Zaire. The gist of the article was about Robertson's good working relationship with Charles Taylor. You remember Charles Taylor, right? Was the dictator or Liberia, convicted of war crimes in the Hague. I believe Pat at one point talked about what a good Christian he was. And he was not the only dictator Robertson worked with. Hmmm, I can't remember the part of the Bible where Jesus said how great tyrants were.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:30 AM

      This Robinson guy needs to be arrested, put on trial and placed in jail for the rest of his life.

      Christians are nuts following any of these guys -

      There is another one in Alaska called Jerry Prevo who is ripping off the City of Anchorage, State of Alaska and U.S. government! Not only is he a preacher, but he and his congregation get involved w/local and state politics. He sends his 'flock' out in force to appear before assemblies and committees - all instructed to say basically the same thing. The majority of them are Republicans, of course, of course!
      It's amazing that people fall to his guidance so easily.

      Sorry, I'm just NOT a follower!! Research, learn, investigate folks - expand your knowledge before following someone (especially a leader of a church!) hook, line and sinker!

      Delete
  5. Anonymous5:03 AM

    Well, do I feel like the fool.......I used to donate to Operation Blessing, because it was 'supposedly' helping earthquake victims or crises around the world and in the U.S. I wonder now how much that money went toward the real need.

    These past 10 years, however, I've seen the rampant hypocrisy from these telemarketing snake-oil evangelists and stay away. It goes to show that this age of internet and information technology, that no stone gets unturned. I read where there's a Judgment day and know that these charlatans will have to face it some day.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous10:23 AM

      The sad thing about all of this is that I truly hesitate in donating to any group now. Don't do it to religious groups and haven't for years, but now I'm questioning cancer, parkinsons, MS, children cancer, etc. Who actually gets the money - executives or research?

      It can't be proven!

      Cannot be determined

      Delete
  6. Leland5:33 AM

    I have NEVER trusted people who smile ALL the time!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous5:35 AM

    It's the same style scam Franklin Graham plays with Samaritans Purse. His recent trip to Alaska was to write off the hunting and fishing while claiming humanitarian aid on the tax forms. Btw, Grahams Samaritans Purse owns a fleet of aircraft, but Frankin keeps his personal Dassault Falcon jet hidden in a shell corporation called the Emmanual Group.

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    1. I got suckered into donating some boxes for Franklin's charity (before I knew who it was through)...then they wouldn't leave me alone. Such a scam...I can't believe people trust them.

      Delete
    2. Maple6:32 AM

      People believe ONLY what they WANT to believe. This accounts for the ignorance and stupidity that abounds re religion and politics. The "prosperity gospel" that is now being pushed by charlatans such as Joel Osteen caters explicitly to this stupidity. And I've always thought Pat Robertson, with his constant smirk which he thinks is a smile, was a total POS. Glad that the documentary has been made, and hope it wins an award at TIFF and gets lots and lots of publicity.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:20 AM

      Guess who is connected to Graham in Alaska? You've got it - Sarah Palin! he has given her charter service in his airplane...photos were/are on line of the two of them!

      All total bullshit and so many fall for it!

      Delete
  8. Anonymous6:44 AM

    All this kind of false prophet following was for told in their scriptures. The false prophets will say follow me follow me but don't listen. They have made greed okay if you do it for "God". Religion is now just big business. They suck the tit of the government f., but hate the government. They have taken all the money from public education, grants, tax exemptions, charities, ect, But want to run the country. We have to buy fire protection yearly subscription. If someone doesn't have a subscription, fire dept, will watch your house burn, but give a pass to a church and their property. You know that members could all pitch in, (and end up a dollar or 2 a piece, for the yearly subscription). I for one am getting tired of them building million dollar churches and out buildings, and not paying tax or property tax. I want to know how many people are borrowing their tax exemptions. I get impatient of standing in line and people make the clerks go through pages and pages of tax exemptions to find their church listing, because they don't have a letter on hand, and are just taking their word. Last night I watches Jungle Gold, I have been making my mind up about their business partner, who I have been thinking is a shady, shady person the way he talked. Last night they showed his other job- a minister! Just perfect- being a grifter in business, grifter in another part of life. Ruining the earth but telling themselves it's okay, because I'm doing God's work. NO shame.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. hedgewytch8:13 AM

      The gold mining shows in AK were bad enough, but then they went to Africa, a country that is being torn apart by the extraction industries. Are Americans all this clueless?

      Evangelical Fundamentalist religions and Mining - a perfect match. One rapes your mind and independence, the other rapes the land and water.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:18 AM

      Churches, oil industry, Christians, Republicans - all on the take!!! Tax exemptions, reduced or no taxes, write offs and on and on .

      I see a huge thing coming in the United States and it's going to be another civil war - for so, so many reasons!

      Delete
  9. Randall6:59 AM

    I have said for years that I believe Pat Robertson is an evil human being and should be in chains.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous7:32 AM

    And here's something else that should make you stand up and take notice. So very, very, very disturbing.

    University student leaders singing pro-rape chant sparks outrage (video)

    A video has surfaced of male and female student leaders at Saint Mary’s University chanting at an event called “Turf Burn” for hundreds of incoming freshmen at the university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, during “Frosh Week.” The chant which endorses sexual assault sparked outrage from officials, college students, local politicians and now the almighty Internet, but the chant is now new. The students have been singing the pro-rape chant for 5 years.

    “In a video originally posted to Instagram — which was later deleted but resurfaced online — both male and female students are heard chanting: “SMU boys, we like them young. Y is for your sister. O is for oh-so-tight. U is for underage. N is for no consent. G is for grab that ass.”

    http://freakoutnation.com/2013/09/07/university-student-leaders-singing-pro-rape-chant-sparks-outrage-video/

    It's no wonder that more and more women are being raped on campuses across the nation with this kind of celebration.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous7:59 AM

    This is a man who counsels people to not send their kids to college as "colleges spawn atheists.” He is the poster child for idiocy and the end of American intellectual life. He is right up there with Limbaugh and Beck in the conspiracy nut cabal.

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    1. Anonymous12:24 PM

      This demonic POS knows that the more educated people are, less money shoved in his gaping maw.

      Delete
  12. I wonder if Bono knows about this.
    http://www.one.org/us/press/george-clooney-pat-robertson-bono-and-bob-geldof-help-take-over-weekend-television/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous8:06 AM

    Evil Uncle Chuckles OWNS the Republican Party in Virginia. Our current Governor, Transvaginal Bob, graduated from Regent University, as did a number of Bushies who are STILL working for the US government. There will be no investigations, or more importantly convictions, with that bunch still in power.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous9:31 AM

      Yeah, but maybe not for long:

      Republican Panic Spreads as McAuliffe Opens 7 Point Lead Over Crazy Cuccinelli

      http://www.politicususa.com/2013/09/06/republicans-panic-mcauliffe-opens-7-point-lead-crazy-cuccinelli.html

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:06 AM

      This matter in Virginia is interesting to watch. It will be a shame if they don't go after him and put him on trail and then to jail. Rachel Maddow is following the matter (in great depth) on her show, keeping Americans informed.

      Cuccinelli is also on the take from the same guy donating money and items to the current gov.

      Looks like the voters are paying attention and that Cuccinelli will lose his race. This is how we go after the Republicans across the nation - especially the corrupt ones that say one thing and do another!

      Delete
  14. Anonymous8:16 AM

    Organized religion always has been, and always will be, a simple and efficient way to separate ignorant people from their money.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous8:24 AM

    Sue, sue, sue -- the first words out of the mouths of these immoral, malevolent scamsters. Pat, Sarah, the rest of them.
    Their stupid followers think that, by uttering this threat, they've proven that their opponents are lying.
    Of course, they don't follow through, because then they'd have to swear on a BIBLE that they themselves were telling the truth. Although lying with your hand on the "holy book" is well within their capabilities.

    If there is a suit, I, and many others, would donate to the defense fund of the film makers.

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    1. Maple9:33 AM

      They don't sue because there's that little matter of DISCOVERY -- wherein mounds of further dirt will be uncovered and brought to light. Palin didn't sue Joe McInniss for that very reason.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:00 AM

      And, she and Todd have not sued the author of "Boys Will be Boys" (S. Tripp) who disclosed she was Todd's prostitute and he was her pimp. The Palins have 'never' denied it or sued the author!

      Very, very telling!

      Delete
  16. "...What's really unacceptable is that Operation Blessing took photographs of MSF workers and then used this in their fundraising...".

    Imagine - someone DOING such a thing to raise money for themselves or their organization... shameful.

    #SarahPAC

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    1. Anonymous12:52 PM

      You are so right, Katie!!! We all know Sarah, Inc., are charlatans as well, possibly arsonists and murderers.

      Delete
    2. Anita Winecooler5:48 PM

      +1

      Delete
  17. Anonymous9:54 AM

    It is no wonder that less and less folks throughout the USA are falling away from organized religion. I did it as a teenager and have never looked back.

    I just marvel at the idiocy of folks that donate their hard-earned money to churches and political folks that push their being 'christian' to the masses. (If you look into their lives and the way they vote, or live their lives, the majority of them are NOT christians!)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous2:04 PM

    The other part of this story is that when this scam came to light the AG of Virginia looked into it and decided not to prosecute. Guess who was the AG at the time??? That's right, good ol' boy Bob McDonnell who is facing his own corruption charges. These repubs really are the worst of the worst all the while protesting their righteousness. Go straight to hell you assholes.

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  19. Anita Winecooler5:55 PM

    In wonder how the workers at this diamond mine are treated (echoes of blood diamonds)? I always knew Pat Robertsin is a fraud, snake oil salesman, scum of the earth and totally immoral pos, but this takes the cake.
    When will all churches pay taxes and be held accountable just like every other business? The sad thing is that charlatans like this take away from good televangelists and Christians who help the poor, for instance, uh .... ummmm.... I'll find one and get back to ya!!!

    ReplyDelete

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