Howard – Hail from a small thunderstorm caused minor damage to several residences cars over the weekend in Howard, prompting the televangelist Pat Robertson to hold a press conference in which he once again spoke out against the town council’s decision to allow the word ‘sexy’ to appear in advertisements on a new electronic billboard.
Two months ago, a new electronic billboard was erected in downtown Howard. The billboard, the first of its kind for the small community of 1,071 was initially greeted with excitement by the local residents; However, controversy soon followed. Kathy Fensworth, owner of a local hair salon, decided to buy advertising time on the billboard to advertise her salon and some of the name brand products she carries. One of these is a hair products line from a west coast company with the brand name ‘Sexy’.
Shortly after the new ad began to run on the billboard, a few conservative residents complained to the village council about the word ‘Sexy’. They deemed the word to be offensive and indecent and petitioned the town council to create a new ordinance forbidding the word to appear in advertisements within the town’s jurisdiction. The petition came to a vote, but failed to pass by a count of 2-5 against.
Pat Robertson, on hearing of the petition’s failure to pass, issued a scathing statement directed at the village, ‘God will remember this. Don’t think he’ll forget. Don’t think he’ll just let this pass. He won’t. The next time you pray to him for something, he’ll remember that you chose to allow indecency and sin into your community instead of acting against it. Should a terrible tragedy or natural disaster occur in Howard, don’t complain to God about it, don’t cry and ask, “Why, Why, Why??” The answer is right here, and it’s by your own hand. Mark my words, God will punish Howard.’
After hail from the thunderstorm on Saturday caused an estimated total of $800 in damage, Robertson issued the following statement: ‘You know, there are those out there that would choose to believe I do not understand the will of God. There are those who would say I do not act on his behalf. To these doubters, I will simply point to Howard and say, “Did I not warn them about this? Did I not warn them of the dire consequences that await them when they choose the path of sin? God has chosen to punish Howard for its transgressions.’
Fensworth remains unswayed however, ‘No, I think he’s a nut. It was thunderstorm for pete’s sake.”
Other residents aren’t so sure. Gary Davis, one of the residents who complained about the word ‘Sexy’ had this to say when told of Fensworth’s remarks, ‘Well, see that’s how sinners operate. They just rationalize everything away. The good Reverend predicted this would happen, and it did. My car wasn’t one of the ones that got damaged. Ask yourself, why is that? The hail fell throughout the entire town, why was my car spared?’
It should be noted that Mr. Davis owns a two car garage and does not park on the street.