Op-Ed Analysis

In the article, Haiti and the Hand of God, NPR's Scott Simon discusses how Pat Robertson makes controversial comments in times of distress. Simon addresses Robertson's most recent comments: the Haitian people made a pact with the devil and that that was the reason for the earthquake and suffering. Simon does not see God's compassion in these comments. Simon discusses the outpouring of aid from all over the world. Countries have set aside their differences in order to help Haiti. Finally, Simon explains how recovery and rebuilding for Haiti will take a “lifetime” and will bring much suffering.

I agree with Scott Simon's comments regarding Pat Robertson's remarks about Haiti. Not only were they insensitive, but it was prideful of Robertson to assume he knows the intentions of God and His means of justice. I, like Simon, find it moving that compassion has, at least temporarily, outweighed political differences among countries in order to help Haiti. Simon ends his article noting that when the press has gone the pain and suffering for the Haitian people will have just begun. I too worry that once the media attention is gone the amount of aid to the country will decrease.

Scott Simon begins his article by saying that people should disregard some of Pat Robertson's more controversial comments, but then he discusses Robertson's most recent comments about Haiti. He went against his own advice and chose to acknowledge Robertson's comments. Simon then moves on to discussing the outpouring of aid to the people of Haiti and the world's unity through compassion. He ends his article by saying that the suffering and recovery has just begun for the Haitians. He implies that aid will wane. He fails to mention country's commitments of aid for many years to come, such as the U.S.

Scott Simon is an international correspondent for NPR. His article was prompted by the earthquake in Haiti and the reactions that have ensued. Having reported on numerous wars and terrible tragedies from across the globe, I would assume that Simon would have difficulty with Robertson's comments because of their general lack of compassion. Because this was an opinion piece, I believe that Simon's primary constraint would be concerned with brevity. NPR is considered more liberal and that may be a constraint but Simon appears to have similar views. Simon's experience as an international journalist and NPR's reputation for responsible journalism greatly affects how I read the essay. I am prone to agree.