8/27/05: Chavez Was Impressive - Dennis Harrison-Noonan

Chavez Was Impressive

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Dennis Harrison-Noonan Madison

Dear Editor: It would seem that Christianity took a giant public realtions leap toward the B.C. side of things with the comments of religious broadcaster Pat Robertson. As a member of the Christian left, I am both embarrassed and Appalled by his comments.

A few months ago I attended an economic conference hosted by a Caribbean Island nation. The keynote presentation was given by Mr. Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela.

About midway through Mr. Chavez's very eloquent and impressive speech, he did something that even Mr. Robertson might have found surprising. He reached into his suit coat pocket and produced a small pewter statue. Mr. Chavez explained briefly what this image meant to him as a leader of a nation. He then explained that the small icon was a gift to his friend, the host nation's head of state, who sat at the dais only a few feet away. His host graciously accepted the gift, with only the slightest bit of hesitation.

I only wish that Mr. Robertson could have been there to witness this event.

The small image -- a statue of Jesus Christ.

The host leader to whom Mr. Chavez gave the tiny statue -- Fidel Castro.

Thank you, Mr. Chavez. You made me proud to be a Christian of the Left.

Dennis Harrison-Noonan Madison