The religious right seems to have learned and forgotten absolutely nothing since Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson blamed liberalism, abortion and gay rights for 9-11. The latest evidence of this comes from American Family Radio morning drive-time host Sandy Rios. Yesterday, People for the American Way discovered that 48 hours after being called out for suggesting God had removed his hand of protection from Boston because the mourners at the Boston Marathon bombing memorial didn't thank him enough, Rios doubled down. She actually suggested that God will allow more terrorist attacks on this country because we haven't acknowledged him.
First, some background. On Wednesday morning, Rios let it be known all the talk about "Boston Strong" left out the fact that it was only because of God's mercy that more people weren't killed. She tut-tutted that since they didn't acknowledge God, "I'm not sure that there will be something to stop the next onslaught."
The next morning, when a caller named "Michael" asked her about those remarks, Rios not only stood by them, but also warned that all of America could be at risk for terrorist attacks because we've ignored God.
All of you who hate me, I am glad you are listening, thank God you’re listening. And this is what I said and I will repeat it. I didn’t say that [there will be] more terrorist attacks because the Boston mourners had ignored God. I did say that I think we are opening ourselves wide to more terrorist attacks because the nation is refusing to acknowledge God. We are mocking him, we are turning our back on him, we are saying, ‘Oh yeah, you said we should do things this way, you said it was a moral law, oh yeah, are you kidding me, we don’t mention you at ceremonies, we don’t pray in public places, we can’t let our kids talk about it in school, oh yeah, just get out of here God.’
And I guarantee you, Michael, he will, he’s a gentleman. The Judeo-Christian God doesn’t force himself on people or nations, he’s not like Allah, he doesn’t force his way, it’s your choice. So if you choose to ignore him, trust me he’ll be gone. And certainly if you demand that he leave, he’s not going to stay around. It’s your choice, and it’s the same way with all of us collectively as a country.
If this sentiment sounds familiar, remember that her fellow AFR host and boss, Bryan Fischer, claimed that Sandy Hook happened in part because mandatory prayer was removed from public schools. It's also par for the course for a woman with her own share of ugly and offensive comments. Remember, she actually claimed that
Hillary Clinton was lying about health problems she faced last year, that borderline terroristic threats
are actually "words of life," and that anyone who dares to call her out
are speaking against God.
I know that most Christianists live in a bubble. But surely they realize that most people--including a number of born-agains--have figured out that scaring people and offending them isn't the best way to win them over.