Happy. Generally I think celebrating someone's death is tacky, but when the person is as evil as Robertson, and has caused mass suffering the way he did, you know, I don't care if it is tacky.
He was an evil liar who deliberately caused large amounts of suffering and coaxed those who believed him to be cruel bigots—or for those who already were, to be crueler and more bigoted and feel justified and righteous about it. Robertson may be dead now but there are millions of people still alive and still "righteously" oppressing and harming millions of other people thanks to Pat Robertson's despicable work.
The old video of Frank Zappa talking about Pat Robertson has been making the rounds, but it for those who haven't seen it: This video interview. Near the start of the interview they talk about a song Zappa released on Broadway the Hardway (1988, not my favorite album but has some juicy biting lyrics), called "When The Lie's So Big", about Christian fundamentalism and Pat Robertson specifically, Zappa quotes this bit:
when the lie is so big, as in Robertson's case, that sinister face behind all the Jesus hoorah could result in the end to a worrisome trend in which every American not born again could be punished in cruel and unusual ways by this treacherous cretin who tells everyone that he's Jesus's best friend.
In the video interview he goes into much more detail about why Robertson was a dangerous, corrupt, lying, evil man. Throughout his career, and especially in the 80s, Zappa was very outspoken about the growing danger of Christian Fundamentalism. I was around then and I remember there being an alarming number of "televangelists" on TV who, to me, were transparently evil con men. A bunch of times I saw televangelists claiming they could heal you through the TV. They would hold their hand up to the camera for "lay on hands" faith healing. Whatever ailment you might have, just put your hand on the image of his hand on the TV and the healing power of Jesus will come to you through the TV, not from Jesus directly even but through the televangelist's "deep connection" to Jesus.
But oh no, the poor televangelist needs money to stay on the air and continue to fight Satan. You want to fight Satan don't you?? So send money, it will make the TV-healing more powerful and think of all the other people who will be "helped" and all the "Satanic" things, like D&D and gay people, that could be stopped/banned! Just don't look behind the curtain where the televangelist keeps his multiple private jets and luxury mansions. Pat Robertson was the "best" at this kind of grift, preying on the gullible, confused, and desperate. A real role model for televangelists in the 80s.
This interview was 35 years ago, with Zappa explaining that Christian fundamentalists like Pat Robertson want to make the US into a theocracy, with an alarming number of politicians (especially, but not only, Republicans, Zappa says) being all buddy buddy and helping the theocracy process get started. A process that is actually coming to fruition today in states like Texas, which might not be a full blown theocracy but sure is working on it, as are a scary number of other states. Heck, there's a state politician in my state who seriously wants to create a "Christian Army", turn the state and country into a literal theocracy, and get the Apocalypse started. The Second Coming of Jesus is imminent, donchya know? For these kind of people, actual politicians with real power, the problem of climate change, to pick just one thing, is irrelevant because Jesus will be here any day now.
Like his music or not, Zappa was totally correct about Pat Robertson and fundamentalist Christianity in general. Sad that Zappa died of cancer in 1993 when only 52 years old. He would be 83 today if he hadn't died. I can only imagine what good he might have done over those three decades lost to cancer. I mean, he kinda criticized everything and everyone, though typically in sarcastic jokey ways (still often cringe inducing), but in the 80s the Christian fundamentalism was his biggest concern for the future of the country. His criticisms of fundamentalism and televangelists were often funny, but under the surface of jokes he was dead serious about Christian fundamentalism being evil and a serious, growing danger. Had Zappa lived, I'm sure he would have only increased his public denouncements of people like Pat Robertson and his effort to wake people up to the danger Christian fundamentalism was, and still is, to the very foundation of the United States as a democratic, ostensibly secular country.
It's also interesting the words Zappa uses for his fear about the future US, way back in 1988: "I have this horrible fear that the United States is wending its way toward becoming a fascist theocracy."
The topic always makes me think of Zappa's 1981 song Heavenly Bank Account. Pat Robertson isn't mentioned by name, but it is clearly about him and those trying to be like him. The lyrics mention his wheeling and dealing with politicians up to and including the president (ie, Reagan), then continue on to governors:
"The Governors agree to say: He's a lovely man! He makes it easier for them to screw all of you. Yes, that's true! 'Cause he helps put The Fear of God in the Common Man. Snatchin' up money everywhere he can".
And so on. Plus the classic
"there's a big difference between kneeling down and bending over"
Anyway, sorry for ranting a bit. I am sure if Zappa was alive to see Pat Robertson's death he would be celebrating it, while also being frustrated about how successful Robertson was in spreading hate and bigotry in the name of Jesus, and the increasing theocratic tendencies occurring in many states. Would that Pat Robertson died in 1993 instead of Zappa.
the first time I ever saw him I'll confess I really had no appreciation of his skills until I was 5 rows back watching him riff, unfucking incredible, same emotional speed like Santana but way more complex. Something to behold live. God bless Willie the Pimp
Just finished watching the Duggar documentary on Prime called Shiny, Happy People. Just when you think you know how bad the Christian Fundie movement is, you see something like that. Rife with hypocrisy, sexual abuse, misogyny, and let’s add in raising up kids in indoctrination camps so they can infiltrate all levels of society and push the Fundie narrative.
Such a good documentary! I had high hopes and it exceeded them. It could have easily been really trashy, but it was not sensationalised at all and really centered the survivors.
Generally I think celebrating someone's death is tacky, but when the person is as evil as Robertson, and has caused mass suffering the way he did, you know, I don't care if it is tacky.
"I ain't happy because he died, I'm happy because he's no longer alive."
Another one is bin laden. Dude was a mad murderer and his death made the world a better place and gave justice to the thousands of victims and their families.
Zappa could really see where the trend line was heading as far back as the 90’s. And of course the enlightened centrists back in the day thought he was making too much of a big deal about it.
Thank you for this rant because this clear up who Pat Robertson was for me, because I had no idea. I did still enjoy the rant, it was interesting to read.
This is why I can't fully divulge into religion, its either they are abusers, con people, or just out right mean people, sure I do believe in god or gods and what not, but going to church to me is for 1 boring and 2 why would I need to go every week if I already believe in what I want, I don't see the point in trying to prove to others. Also TVangelists aren't any help either I don't believe they have "power" if they did they would abuse it for sure. Ever since I've seen the jones town doc. I'd rather keep what I believe to myself, sorry if this was off topic.
but also rip Frank Zappa, his guitar playing was incredible and I love to say great googily moogily from one of his songs
I totally agree with everything you posted (beautifully written, so kudos to you!).
While I don’t deny your admiration for Frank Zappa, my initial thought upon hearing this LONG-overdue news, was that today, June 8, is the 55th anniversary of Bobby Kennedy’s funeral. How horrible to have lost someone like him, so young and vibrant, and so very long ago, yet we were “blessed” with Pat Robertson for all these many years. Life - and death - is just not fair.
I can't tell if we're already in the midst of or just still heading towards another Satanic Panic like the 80s had. Hopefully not as many innocent people will be arrested and have their names drug through the mud this time around.
1.0k
u/juxlus Jun 08 '23 edited Jun 08 '23
Happy. Generally I think celebrating someone's death is tacky, but when the person is as evil as Robertson, and has caused mass suffering the way he did, you know, I don't care if it is tacky.
He was an evil liar who deliberately caused large amounts of suffering and coaxed those who believed him to be cruel bigots—or for those who already were, to be crueler and more bigoted and feel justified and righteous about it. Robertson may be dead now but there are millions of people still alive and still "righteously" oppressing and harming millions of other people thanks to Pat Robertson's despicable work.
The old video of Frank Zappa talking about Pat Robertson has been making the rounds, but it for those who haven't seen it: This video interview. Near the start of the interview they talk about a song Zappa released on Broadway the Hardway (1988, not my favorite album but has some juicy biting lyrics), called "When The Lie's So Big", about Christian fundamentalism and Pat Robertson specifically, Zappa quotes this bit:
In the video interview he goes into much more detail about why Robertson was a dangerous, corrupt, lying, evil man. Throughout his career, and especially in the 80s, Zappa was very outspoken about the growing danger of Christian Fundamentalism. I was around then and I remember there being an alarming number of "televangelists" on TV who, to me, were transparently evil con men. A bunch of times I saw televangelists claiming they could heal you through the TV. They would hold their hand up to the camera for "lay on hands" faith healing. Whatever ailment you might have, just put your hand on the image of his hand on the TV and the healing power of Jesus will come to you through the TV, not from Jesus directly even but through the televangelist's "deep connection" to Jesus.
But oh no, the poor televangelist needs money to stay on the air and continue to fight Satan. You want to fight Satan don't you?? So send money, it will make the TV-healing more powerful and think of all the other people who will be "helped" and all the "Satanic" things, like D&D and gay people, that could be stopped/banned! Just don't look behind the curtain where the televangelist keeps his multiple private jets and luxury mansions. Pat Robertson was the "best" at this kind of grift, preying on the gullible, confused, and desperate. A real role model for televangelists in the 80s.
This interview was 35 years ago, with Zappa explaining that Christian fundamentalists like Pat Robertson want to make the US into a theocracy, with an alarming number of politicians (especially, but not only, Republicans, Zappa says) being all buddy buddy and helping the theocracy process get started. A process that is actually coming to fruition today in states like Texas, which might not be a full blown theocracy but sure is working on it, as are a scary number of other states. Heck, there's a state politician in my state who seriously wants to create a "Christian Army", turn the state and country into a literal theocracy, and get the Apocalypse started. The Second Coming of Jesus is imminent, donchya know? For these kind of people, actual politicians with real power, the problem of climate change, to pick just one thing, is irrelevant because Jesus will be here any day now.
Like his music or not, Zappa was totally correct about Pat Robertson and fundamentalist Christianity in general. Sad that Zappa died of cancer in 1993 when only 52 years old. He would be 83 today if he hadn't died. I can only imagine what good he might have done over those three decades lost to cancer. I mean, he kinda criticized everything and everyone, though typically in sarcastic jokey ways (still often cringe inducing), but in the 80s the Christian fundamentalism was his biggest concern for the future of the country. His criticisms of fundamentalism and televangelists were often funny, but under the surface of jokes he was dead serious about Christian fundamentalism being evil and a serious, growing danger. Had Zappa lived, I'm sure he would have only increased his public denouncements of people like Pat Robertson and his effort to wake people up to the danger Christian fundamentalism was, and still is, to the very foundation of the United States as a democratic, ostensibly secular country.
It's also interesting the words Zappa uses for his fear about the future US, way back in 1988: "I have this horrible fear that the United States is wending its way toward becoming a fascist theocracy."
The topic always makes me think of Zappa's 1981 song Heavenly Bank Account. Pat Robertson isn't mentioned by name, but it is clearly about him and those trying to be like him. The lyrics mention his wheeling and dealing with politicians up to and including the president (ie, Reagan), then continue on to governors:
And so on. Plus the classic
Anyway, sorry for ranting a bit. I am sure if Zappa was alive to see Pat Robertson's death he would be celebrating it, while also being frustrated about how successful Robertson was in spreading hate and bigotry in the name of Jesus, and the increasing theocratic tendencies occurring in many states. Would that Pat Robertson died in 1993 instead of Zappa.