White House Responds to Robertson Comments

White House Calls Robertson Haiti Devil Comments "Stupid"
The White House has called Pat Robertson's recent incendiary comments about the Haiti earthquake being a result of a Satanic pact, "stupid". "It never ceases to amaze, that in times of amazing human suffering, somebody says something that could be so utterly stupid," said Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. Anyway, I'm looking forward to watching FOX News this weekend and hearing the right-wing rebuttal to Gibb's remarks. They'll probably accuse him of being "un-American" for trying to silence Robertson and bring up the 1st Amendment.


Polygamist Cult Leader Arrested
In Israel, police have arrested the leader of an alleged polygamist cult and are accusing him of enslavement, rape and incest. Goel Ratzon (r.), 60, is believed to have been living in Tel Aviv with 17 women with whom he had up to 40 children. Ratzon's followers believed him to be the Messiah and he thanked them for their devotion by controlling every aspect of their lives and enacting punishment for any perceived transgressions. Ratzon denies the allegations and claims the women were with him voluntarily.


Mom Accused of Starving Kids Was in a Cult, Claims Brother
In New York, the brother of the woman on trial of starving her children has testified that his sister was brought up in a "cult-like" religion that prohibited its members from direct contact with the outside world. "It was an almost cult-like existence. We weren't allowed to watch TV, go to the movies, or vote," said Frederick Phillips, describing the lifestyles of members of the Brooklyn-based Church of the Brethren. Although he and his sister, Estelle Walker (l.), eventually left the church, she went on to join a religious commune and "became even more religious".

Priest to Enter Plea in Sex Abuse Case In Wisconsin, a former priest accused of molesting boys will enter a plea today. James Blume taught classes at a local parish in the 1970s. Although Blume currently lives in Florida, he was brought back to Wisconsin under the state's "fleeing sex offender" law.

Former Priest Faces Second Sex Abuse Allegation
In Orlando, a former priest is facing a second lawsuit that alleges he sexually abused an underage altar boy more than 30 years ago. Jose Mena is accused of performing sex acts on an altar boy in the mid-1970s. Mena has faced similar allegations in recent years from several different dioceses. His whereabouts are unknown at this time.