Robertson gets away with terrorist talk

Why isn’t Pat Robertson being charged with soliciting terrorism for twice encouraging his television audience to blow up Washington D.C. with a “small nuclear device”? Last week, Robertson told his 700 Club audience on the Christian Broadcasting Network that “If I could just get a nuclear device inside Foggy Bottom (a Washington D.C. neighborhood), I think that is the answer… We’ve got to blow that thing (the U.S. State Department) up.” This was his second request for his viewers to bomb the nation’s capital. Last June he made his first televised plea for someone to place a “small ‘nuke’ in Foggy Bottom.”

Last time I heard, similar remarks by Moslem citizens got them a one-way ticket to our little gulag for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay. Once there, they get to enjoy the excellent Cuban weather in their own outdoor isolation cell – with no legal representation, let alone further opportunities to support or encourage the bombing of government buildings. If their Constitutional rights to free speech and a speedy trial can be taken away by the Bush-Ashcroft Department of Justice, why isn’t the law applied equally to all Americans? If the so-called Patriot Act’s restrictions on our freedoms are good enough for Moslem clerics, they should be good enough for Christian ministers too.

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

Forum: State church leaders call for compasion for immigrants

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality.

Forum: Support state legislation to reform policing, corrections

One bill would harmonize standards for agency leadership; another would clarify review of corrections facilities.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.