This page will contain blogs about food pyramid, as they become available.Food guide pyramidTo meet Wikipedia's quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup.See rationale on the talk page, or replace this tag with a more specific message. Editing help is available. (Tagged January 2006) To meet Wikipedia's quality standards, this article may require cleanup. This article may not be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia entry. Please improve the article or discuss proposed changes on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. The Image Campaign - Battle of the PyramidsThe new food pyramid as of 2005 A more graphic modern pyramidUSDAIn 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a completely new pyramid on its websites, featuring the newest technology, like individualized plans and statistical tools on their interactive system. These websites are mainly: MyPyramid.gov and MyPyramid Tracker.
Harvard School of Public HealthHarvard claims to have a more neutral view and provides some dry-to-read information about a more sensible pyramid. They include calcium and multi-vitamin supplements as well as moderate amounts of alcohol. HSPH Initial USDA PyramidThe original food guiding pyramid, informally known as the food pyramid, was a nutrition guide created by the USDA. This initial pyramid became famous throughout the world, and was, in some way, an American icon. One issue that this pyramid had was that it was seen as too rigid; the new pyramid relects the idea that a diet should be shaped according to an individual's needs, and the old pyramid did not do this. DescriptionThe Harvard pyramidReleased in 1992, it suggested how much of each food category one should eat each day. The food guide pyramid replaced the four food groups. On April 19, 2005, the USDA released the food guide pyramid's successor, MyPyramid. In general terms the food guide pyramid recommends the following intake of different food groups each day, although exact amounts of calorie intake depends on sex, age, and lifestyle:
Explanation of nutritional values
CriticismThis old food pyramid diagram can still be found on much of the food packaging in the United StatesThe worldwide problem of obesity is increasing in the developed world as well as in developing countries. Therefore it is thought that there might be a fundamental flaw in the guidance as implemented by public agencies such as schools, etc. It is alleged that the research leading to the construction of the food guide pyramid was partially funded by the meat, dairy, sugar and grain industries, or that the pyramid reflects lobbying by these industries. It is worth noting that the USDA is responsible for promoting agricultural commerce, rather than the health of American citizens. This has led to a number of allegations:
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This has led to a number of allegations:. [22]. It is worth noting that the USDA is responsible for promoting agricultural commerce, rather than the health of American citizens. One writer has referred to this as a "strategy designed to place him in the best of both worlds". It is alleged that the research leading to the construction of the food guide pyramid was partially funded by the meat, dairy, sugar and grain industries, or that the pyramid reflects lobbying by these industries. However, Robertson has been accused by some columnists as using the apology as a tactic allowing him to make such statements while sustaining his public image to a degree. Therefore it is thought that there might be a fundamental flaw in the guidance as implemented by public agencies such as schools, etc. "I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of the people of Israel," he wrote. The worldwide problem of obesity is increasing in the developed world as well as in developing countries. "My concern for the future safety of your nation led me to make remarks which I can now view in retrospect as inappropriate and insensitive in light of a national grief experienced because of your father's illness," said the letter. In general terms the food guide pyramid recommends the following intake of different food groups each day, although exact amounts of calorie intake depends on sex, age, and lifestyle:. In a letter dated Wednesday and marked for hand delivery to Omri Sharon, Robertson called Ariel Sharon a "kind, gracious and gentle man" who was "carrying an almost insurmountable burden of making decisions for his nation.". On April 19, 2005, the USDA released the food guide pyramid's successor, MyPyramid. According to the Associated Press and the Jerusalem Post on January 12th, 2006, it was reported that Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson has sent a letter to one of Ariel Sharon's sons apologizing for suggesting that the prime minister's massive stroke was divine punishment for his withdrawal from the Gaza Strip last year. The food guide pyramid replaced the four food groups. are welcome to do business with us." [19], [20], [21]. Released in 1992, it suggested how much of each food category one should eat each day. Those that publicly support Ariel Sharon's recovery .. One issue that this pyramid had was that it was seen as too rigid; the new pyramid relects the idea that a diet should be shaped according to an individual's needs, and the old pyramid did not do this. Those who support the statements cannot do business with us. This initial pyramid became famous throughout the world, and was, in some way, an American icon. Robertson." He added that the decision would not apply to all members of the evangelical community: "We want to see who in the group supports his (Robertson's) statements. The original food guiding pyramid, informally known as the food pyramid, was a nutrition guide created by the USDA. A spokesman for the Tourism Ministry commented, "We cannot accept these statements, and we will not sign any contracts with Mr. HSPH. The plan had called for Israel leasing 35 acres of land to a group of evangelicals (including Robertson) for free to create several tourist attractions and pilgrimage sites in exchange for the evangelicals raising 50 million dollars in funding. They include calcium and multi-vitamin supplements as well as moderate amounts of alcohol. On January 11, Israel responded by announcing that Robertson would be banned from involvement in a project to build a Christian tourist attraction and pilgrimage site near the Sea of Galilee known as the Christian Heritage Center. Harvard claims to have a more neutral view and provides some dry-to-read information about a more sensible pyramid. He added, "The arrogance of the statement shocks me almost as much as the insensitivity of it." Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, said that "any doctor could have predicted (Sharon's) going to have health problems" and that his illness was medical, not divine retribution.[18] The White House called Robertson's statement "wholly inappropriate and offensive." Robertson was also chastized by Israeli officials and members of the Anti-Defamation League. These websites are mainly: MyPyramid.gov and MyPyramid Tracker. The remarks drew criticism from all sides, even from among other evangelicals. In 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a completely new pyramid on its websites, featuring the newest technology, like individualized plans and statistical tools on their interactive system. [17]. . He also claimed former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin's 1995 assassination may have occurred for the same reason. At that same time, some oils are now seen as essential parts of the diet, but the difference is not reflected in the pyramid (see essential fatty acid). After the story, Robertson said that Sharon's illness was possibly retribution from God for his recent drive to give more land to the Palestinians. Many people claim that sweets and most oils and fats are entirely unnecessary and have no place in the pyramid. The lead story on the January 5, 2006 edition of The 700 Club was Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's hospitalization for a severe stroke. These foods are placed in the largest box in the pyramid. Some feel that this biased the research towards including higher amounts of meat and dairy produce in the food pyramid than are actually healthy, and that modern nutritional research suggests that the amounts of meat and dairy produce suggested is too high. "God is tolerant and loving, but we can't keep sticking our finger in his eye forever. This foods needs to be eaten once or twice, or as said—sparingly. In a written statement, Robertson later clarified his comments:. The top of the pyramid (sweets, fats, and oils, to be used sparingly) contains foods that are very high in energy (fats and oils) or release their energy very quickly (sweets). And if that's the case, don't ask for His help because he might not be there," he said [15]. Nuts and beans are high in fiber, but nuts also have a high fat content. I'm not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. Dairy products are high in calcium. "And don't wonder why He hasn't helped you when problems begin, if they begin. They also provide energy and some vitamins. "I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: if there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God, you just rejected Him from your city," Robertson said on his broadcast. The third layer (animal products, nuts, and beans) contains high-protein foods. On his November 10, 2005 broadcast of The 700 Club, Robertson told citizens of Dover, Pennsylvania that they had rejected God by voting out of office all seven members of the school board who support "intelligent design.". The second layer (fruit and vegetables) contains food that are high in vitamins and fiber, also providing some energy. When Colmes asked Robertson "Do you want him taken out?", Robertson replied "Not now, but one day, one day, one day.". It may also contribute significant quantities of vitamins and fiber, especially if whole grains are used. On February 2nd edition of Hannity and Colmes, Pat Robertson once again called for Chavez's assassination. The largest, bottom layer (grains) provides mainly energy (calories or joules) in the form of complex carbohydrates. government at the United Nations and the Organization of American States.". sparing use of fats, oils, and sweets; or can be 2-4 times in two months. government does not take the necessary steps, we will denounce the U.S. 2-3 servings of dairy products including cheese and yogurt every other day;. "If the U.S. 2-3 servings of meat, fish, eggs, nuts, or beans a day;. Justice Department to investigate the matter: "My government is going to take legal action in the United States," he said in a televised speech. 2-4 servings of fruits a day;. On Sunday, August 28, Chávez called on the U.S. 3-5 servings a day of vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables;. [14]. 6-11 servings a day of grain foods including rice, bread, cereals, and pasta;. interests. Introductory Video. is out to kill him." However, he continued to justify his original stance on the potential threat Chávez posed to U.S. See graphical statistics over time and improve your nutrition. I spoke in frustration that we should accommodate the man who thinks the U.S. mypyramidtracker.gov tracker: Track what you eat. [13] Later that day, he issued a written statement in which he said, "Is it right to call for assassination? No, and I apologize for that statement. The extensive Literature. Robertson flatly denied using the word "assassinate" [12] despite video tape evidence that he did. It includes a new symbol: "Physical Activity" (The person on the stairs). On the August 24 edition of The 700 Club, Robertson asserted that he hadn't actually called for Chávez's assassination, but that there were other ways of "taking him out", such as having special forces carry out a kidnapping. Measuring quantities in cups instead of serving size. policy since an executive order against them was issued in 1976; in response, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that "our department doesn't do that kind of thing." Bernardo Álvarez, Venezuela's ambassador to the U.S., demanded a stronger condemnation from the White House and that the United States "respect our country and its president.". a dangerous enemy to our south, controlling a huge pool of oil that could hurt us very badly." [11] Assassinations of heads of state have been against U.S. It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war, and I don’t think any oil shipments will stop." Robertson also said that Chávez was "going to make Venezuela a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism all over the continent" and called the democratically elected leader an "out-of-control dictator.. On the day of August 22, 2005 broadcast of The 700 Club, Robertson said of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, "I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. But if there's an erosion at home, you know, Thomas Jefferson warned about a tyranny of an oligarchy and if we surrender our democracy to the tyranny of an oligarchy, we've made a terrible mistake.". We won in Iraq, and we can contain that. We won in Afghanistan. I think we're going to get Osama bin Laden. Robertson went on to say, "I think we're going to control al Qaeda. The statement was made as part of a discussion about the long term future of the United States. During an interview on ABC's This Week, on April 30, 2005, Robertson was speaking about judicial activism when he said, "If you look over the course of a hundred years, I think the gradual erosion of the consensus that’s held our country together is probably more serious than a few bearded terrorists who fly into buildings." This statement prompted outcry from several September 11th support and survivor groups. [10]. His comments drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. In a 2001 interview with Wolf Blitzer, he said that the Chinese were "doing what they have to do," with regards to China's one child policy, sometimes enforced with forced abortions, though he said that he did not personally agree with the practice. Lynn, progressive organizations like Media Matters for America [9] and conservative groups such as Focus on the Family have all contested Robertson's statements. Robertson has repeatedly claimed that Barry Lynn has stated that fire departments cannot put out fires in churches because it would be a violation of separation of church and state. State Department officials said they believed the comments to be in extremely bad taste, and have lodged official complaints against Robertson for his remarks. "What we need is for somebody to place a small nuke at Foggy Bottom," [8] Robertson said during his television program, referring to the location of the State Department headquarters. In interviews with the author of a book critical of the United States Department of State, Robertson made suggestions that the explosion of a nuclear weapon at State Department Headquarters would be good for the country, and repeated those comments on the air. On his The 700 Club television program, Pat Robertson has sharply criticized elements of the United States government and "special interest" groups that don't share his views. However, the Virginia Attorney General Mark Earley, a Republican, (whose largest campaign contributor two years earlier was Robertson himself) intervened, accepting that Robertson had made deceptive appeals but overruling the recommendation for his prosecution. An investigation by Virginia's Office of Consumer Affairs determined that Robertson "willfully induced contributions from the public through the use of misleading statements and other implications" and called for a criminal prosecution against Robertson in 1999. After making emotional pleas in 1994 on The 700 Club for cash donations to Operation Blessing to support airlifts of refugees from Rwanda to Zaire, it was later discovered, by a reporter from The Virginian Pilot, that Operation Blessing's planes were transporting diamond-mining equipment for the Robertson-owned African Development Corporation, a venture Robertson had established in cooperation of Zaire's dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Robertson has also been accused of using his tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, Operation Blessing, as a front for his own financial gain, and then using his influence in the Republican Party to cover his tracks. Regarding this controversy, Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's public policy said, "I would say that Pat Robertson is way out on his own, in a leaking life raft, on this one.". According to Robertson, the Liberian gold mine Freedom Gold was intended to help pay for humanitarian and evangelical efforts in Liberia, when in fact the company was allowed to fail leaving many debts both in Liberia and in the international mining service sector. embassy bombings. Taylor had been at the time of Robertson's support indicted by the United Nations for war crimes, and prosecutors also said he had harbored members of Al Qaeda responsible for the 1998 U.S. State Department of giving President Bush bad advice in supporting Taylor's ouster as president, and of trying "as hard as they can to destabilize Liberia." Robertson has been criticized for failing to mention in his broadcasts his $8 million investment in a Liberian gold mine. Robertson accuses the U.S. Robertson repeatedly supported former President of Liberia Charles Taylor in various episodes of his 700 Club program during the United States' involvement in the Liberian Civil War in June and July 2003. Robertson stated that the acceptance of homosexuality could result in hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, terrorist bombs and "possibly a meteor." The resulting outcry prompted Robertson to return to the topic on June 24, where he quoted Revelation in an attempt to support his claims. On the June 8, 1998 edition of his show, Robertson denounced Orlando and Disney World for allowing a privately sponsored "Gay Days" weekend. He agreed with Falwell that the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were caused by "pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays, lesbians, the ACLU and the People for the American Way." After public outcry regarding the dialogue, which took place only days after the attacks, Robertson stated that he had not understood what Falwell was saying during the interview, which was conducted via television monitor. Among his more controversial statements, Robertson has described feminism as a "socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians." Many of Robertson's views mirror those of the evangelical activist Jerry Falwell, who has made frequent appearances on The 700 Club. Robertson declared that "God heard those prayers"[7], after the announced resignation of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. In 2005, Robertson launched Operation Supreme Court Freedom, a televised nationwide 21-day prayer campaign asking people to pray for vacancies on the Supreme Court, where "black-robed tyrants have pushed a radical agenda". In 2003, Robertson called on God to prevent Hurricane Isabel from hitting Virginia Beach. He made a similar claim about another destructive storm, Hurricane Felix, in 1995. east coast. He took credit for steering the course in 1985 of Hurricane Gloria, which caused millions of dollars of destruction in many states along the U.S. Robertson claims to have used the power of prayer to steer hurricanes away from his companies' Virginia Beach, Virginia, headquarters. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.". Nonsense. On January 14, 1991, on "The 700 Club", Pat Robertson attacked a number of Protestant denominations when he declared: "You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Robertson is outspoken in both his faith and his politics and controversies surrounding him have often made headlines:. In that year the Coalition for Jewish Concerns also expressed its gratitude to Robertson for "unwavering support for Israel" and "standing up to evil.". In 2002, he received the State of Israel Friendship Award from the Zionist Organization of America for his consistent support for a Greater Israel. While Robertson is primarily popular among Evangelical Christians, his support extends beyond the Christian community. It was sued by the Federal Election Commission "for coordinating its activities with Republican candidates for office in 1990, 1992 and 1994 and failing to report its expenditures." [5] In 1994, the Coalition was fined for "improperly [aiding] then Representative Newt Gingrich (R., Ga.) and Iran-contra figure Oliver North, who was then the Republican Senate nominee in Virginia." [6] Robertson left the Coalition in 2001. However, the organization's popularity has faded somewhat. It became, almost instantly, one of the most influential organizations in American politics. After his unsuccessful presidential campaign, Robertson used his campaign organization to start the Christian Coalition, a political organization which campaigned mostly for conservative candidates. Through his charitable organization, Operation Blessing International, Robertson has spent $1.2 million on aid to refugees in Rwanda. The Secret Kingdom, Answers to 100 of Life's Most Probing Questions, and The New World Order were each in their respective year of publication the number one religious book in America. Robertson's books have been very successful and well-selling. He also has interests in such diverse assets as a shuttered California refinery. Probably the most lucrative was the purchase of a number of FM radio stations in the 1960s (when they were viewed by most investors as worthless technology) and selling them in the 1980s for massive gains. Robertson has made a number of shrewd business deals. The court ordered that Robertson pay a percentage of McCloskey's court costs, but not legal fees. Robertson ended the lawsuit before trial, asserting that the March 8 trial date, the day of the Super Tuesday primaries, was too inconvenient. Robertson said that he told Hasbrouck what questions to ask and reviewed the hour-long tape before deciding to sue McCloskey. Hasbrouck represented himself as a reporter for "Worldwide News Service" for this interview. During the trial Robertson said he hired John Hasbrouck to interview McCloskey. The trial found letters from Robertson's father on Senate stationery to Marine officials expressing concern with Robertson's preparedness to be a combat officer. In the late 1980s, Pat Robertson sued Congressman Pete McCloskey and Representative Andrew Jacobs for libel over their statements that Robertson's father used his influence to keep his son out of combat. He then returned to CBN and has remained there as a religious broadcaster, since then, even though he never renewed his ministerial credentials. He later spoke at the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans and told his remaining supporters to cast their votes for Bush, who ended up winning the nomination and the election. Robertson ended his campaign before the primaries were finished; his best finish was in Washington. [3] Robertson did poorly in the subsequent New Hampshire primary, however [4] and was unable to be competitive once the multiple-state primaries began. Robertson's campaign got off to a strong second-place finish in the Iowa caucus, ahead of Bush. (see Education and military service). Instead of fighting in the war, Robertson's primary responsibility was supplying alcoholic beverages for his officers. Other Marines in his battalion contradicted Robertson's version, claiming he had never spent a day in a combat environment. In his campaign literature, he stated he was a combat Marine who served in the Korean War. During the presidential primary election season started in early 1988, Robertson's campaign was attacked because of a statement he had made about his military service. He also supported a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. Among his policies, he wanted to ban pornography, reform the education system, eliminate Conrail and Amtrak, and eliminate departments such as the Department of Education and the Department of Energy. Robertson ran on a very conservative platform. Bush was seen as a longshot. W. However, his campaign against incumbent Vice President George H. He surrendered his ministerial credentials and turned leadership of CBN over to his son, Tim. Three million responded, and by the time Robertson announced he'd be running in September 1987, he also had raised millions of dollars for his campaign fund. Robertson said he would only pursue the nomination if three million people signed up to volunteer for his campaign by September 1987. In September 1986, Robertson announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States. The law firm, headquartered in the same building that houses Regent's law school, focuses on "pro-family, pro-liberty and pro-life" cases nationwide. He is also founder and president of the American Center for Law and Justice, a public interest law firm and education group that defends Christians whose First Amendment rights have been violated. Robertson serves as its chancellor. It was renamed Regent University in 1989. Robertson founded CBN University in 1977 on CBN's Virginia Beach campus. It is now owned by Disney as ABC Family. A condition of the sale was that the station would continue airing Robertson's television program The 700 Club twice a day in perpetuity, regardless of any changes of ownership. Robertson sold the Family Channel to the News Corporation in 1997, which renamed it Fox Family. in 1990 with the Family Channel as its main subsidiary. When the Family Channel became too profitable for Robertson to keep it under the CBN umbrella without endangering CBN's nonprofit status, he formed International Family Entertainment, Inc. In 1977, he founded the CBN Cable Network, which was renamed the CBN Family Channel in 1988 and later simply the Family Channel. It is now seen in 180 countries and broadcast in 71 languages. He started it by buying a small UHF station in nearby Portsmouth. In 1960, Robertson established the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was ordained as a minister of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1961. Soon afterwards, he 'spoke in tongues' for the first time. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths", which Robertson considers to be the "guiding principle" of his life. Vanderbreggen quoted Proverbs (3:5, 6), "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In 1956 Robertson was "led to faith in Christ" by Dutch missionary Cornelius Vanderbreggen, who impressed Robertson both by his lifestyle and his message. After failing the bar exam[2], he shortly thereafter underwent his religious conversion and decided against pursuing a career in law and went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary in 1959. Robertson then went on to receive a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Yale University Law School in 1955. Robertson was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1952 upon his return to the United States. Robertson has called these allegations "an attack by liberals to discredit me.". Paul Brosman, Jr., another veteran who had served with Robertson claimed in a deposition that Robertson had sexual relations with prostitutes and sexually harassed a cleaning girl. His time in the service was not in combat but as the "liquor officer" responsible for keeping the officers' clubs supplied with liquor, and that Robertson's father intervened to keep Robertson out of combat. attacked Robertson's record that he served in Korea, but that Robertson spent most of his time in an office in Japan. The Division was in combat in the hot and dusty, then bitterly cold portion of North Korea just above the 38th Parallel later identified as the "Punchbowl" and "Heartbreak Ridge." For that service in the Korean War, the Marine Corps awarded me three battle stars for "action against the enemy." Paul "Pete" McCloskey, Jr. We did long, grueling marches to toughen the men, plus refresher training in firearms and bayonet combat." In the same year he transferred to Korea, "I ended up at the headquarters command of the First Marine Division. Robertson served 4 months in Japan, in January 1951, "doing rehabilitation training for Marines wounded in Korea. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was the first person to be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at a graduation ceremony at the university. He opted for the former, which allowed him to finish college under the condition that he attend OCS during the summer at Quantico, Virginia. In 1948 the draft was reinstated and Robertson was given the option of joining the Marine Corps or being drafted into the army. Robertson has said, "Although I worked hard at my studies, my real major centered around lovely young ladies who attended the nearby girls schools" [1]. He graduated with honors and enrolled at Washington and Lee University, where he majored in history and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, one of the most prestigious honor societies in the country, and joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. McCallie is a college preparatory school that was at the time, but is no longer, a military school. From 1944 until 1946 he attended the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When he was twelve, Robertson was enrolled in the military preparatory McDonogh School outside Baltimore, Maryland. Robertson is also related to Winston Churchill. Robertson is proud of his family history and has traced his family to such relatives as governor of Virginia and signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Harrison V, and United States presidents, William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison. He insisted upon being called a "religious broadcaster.". His strong awareness for the importance of names in the creation of a public image showed itself again during his presidential run when he threatened to sue NBC news for calling him a "television evangelist", which later became "televangelist", at a time when Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker were objects of scandal. Gordon" to be affected, so he opted for his childhood nickname "Pat". He considered "Marion" to be effeminate, and "M. As he got older, Robertson thought about which first name he would like people to use. At a young age, Robertson was given the nickname of Pat by his six-year-old brother, Willis Robertson, Jr., who enjoyed patting him on the cheeks when he was a baby while saying "pat, pat, pat". Robertson, and at the time of writing (mid-2005) fourteen grandchildren. His family includes four children, among them Gordon P. He married Adelia "Dede" Elmer in 1954. His parents were Absalom Willis Robertson, a conservative Democratic United States Senator, and his wife Gladys Willis Robertson. Robertson was born in Lexington, Virginia, into a prominent political family. . Christian churches do not have a national leader that represents or speaks for them, a contributing factor to Robertson's ability to claim a position as a leading Christian voice. However, many U.S. As a result of his seeking political office, he no longer serves in an official role for any church. He is a Southern Baptist and was active as an ordained minister with that denomination for many years, but holds to a Charismatic theology not traditionally common among Southern Baptists. Robertson is a partisan of the Republican Party and campaigned to become the party's candidate in the 1988 presidential election. Robertson's strongly conservative views have often provoked controversy, especially his statements recommending the dissolution of the barrier between church and state, the condemnation of groups he believes to be in a state of sin, and his denunciation of perceived communists or radical Islamic followers. He is the host of The 700 Club, a TV program which airs on many channels in the United States and on CBN affiliates worldwide. He is the founder of numerous organizations and corporations including: the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), the Christian Coalition, the Flying Hospital, International Family Entertainment, Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation, and Regent University. Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson (born March 22, 1930) is an influential Christian televangelist, entrepreneur, and Christian right political activist from the United States. 2002 State of Israel Friendship Award from the Zionist Organization of America. 2000 Cross of Nails award for his vision, inspiration, and humanitarian work with The Flying Hospital. 1994 John Connor Humanitarian Service Award from Operation Smile International. 1994 Defender of Israel Award from the Christians' Israel Public Action Campaign for those who have made major contributions in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations. 1994 Omega Fellowship Award by Food for the Hungry for Operation Blessing's fight against worldwide hunger. 1992 One of America's 100 Cultural Elite by Newsweek Magazine. 1989 Christian Broadcaster of the Year by the National Religious Broadcasters. 1988 Man of the Year by Students for America. 1985 National Association of United Methodist Evangelists. 1984 Citation from the National Organization for the Advancement of Hispanics. 1984 Man of the Year Award from the Women's National Republican Club. 1982 Humanitarian of the Year by Food for the Hungry. 1979 National Conference of Christians and Jews - Distinguished Merit Citation. 1978 Department of Justice Award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 25th FBI Vesper Service. 1976 Faith and Freedom Award in the field of broadcasting. 1975 The Distinguished Merit Citation from The National Conference of Christians and Jews. Courting Disaster. The Ten Offenses. Bring It On. The New World Order (1991). The End of the Age. Shout it from the Housetops an autobiography. Turning Tide: The Fall of Liberalism and the Rise of Common Sense. Beyond Reason: How Miracles can Change your Life. The Plan. America's Dates with Destiny. The Secret Kingdom (1982). Answers to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions. The New Millennium. Robertson's claims of overseas graduate study turned out to be a summer introductory course for Americans abroad. Robertson claimed he was on a board of directors of a bank, when he was only actually on an advisory board. In a book Robertson wrote, he described himself as a "Yale-educated tax lawyer," though he had not passed the bar. On different occasions, Robertson has claimed an IQ of 159, 139 and 137. |