Pat Robertson’s Comments Threaten to Undermine Alzheimer’s Advocates’ Goals
EmailPat Robertson’s statement today that it’s OK, from his standpoint as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to divorce a spouse because he or she has Alzheimer’s disease has sent shock waves through the community of advocates, caregivers and those living with the disease.
“We were really surprised,” said Kate Meyer of the Alzheimer’s Association. “This is not any kind of trend we’ve seen. In fact, Alzheimer’s families really rally together around their loved ones.”
Robertson’s comments threaten to undermine one of the main goals of those who advocate on behalf of Alzheimer’s patients: To remove the stigma and shame so many still attach to the disease, to bring it out of the shadows and into the light of social compassion and support…like any other disease.
It is hard to imagine a religious leader condoning divorcing a spouse who has cancer, or MS, or Parkinson’s, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, or a severe stroke.
It is hard to imagine a discussion over whether the any of those diseases are essentially “death,” and thus justify divorce. No one, for example, suggests Michael J. Fox’s wife has a reason to leave him simply because he has a degerative disease that may well ultimately rob him of many of his faculties.
Perhaps the strongest refutation of Robertson is the living example of millions of couples who go on the hard journey of Alzheimer’s hand in hand, and who cannot imagine any other way, from Sandra Day O’Connor and her husband, John, to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her husband, Sargent, to Nancy and Ronald Reagan — and to so many more.
I think of all the couples I’ve met facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s together, and I know Pat Robertson is wrong. About us.
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The high cost of medical treatment and care for patients of Alzheimer’s disease could leave the caregiving spouse without means to give care. If the spouse divorces the patient, s/he would be able to care for that patient without fear of losing the home in which they live or never being able to get out from under the debt. Unfortunately it is a reality of our society and in some cases the only option a loving spouse may have.
Posted by: Karen O. from Wisconsin | September 15, 2011 September 15, 2011, 3:29 pm
Unfortunately, it appears that Pat Robertson suffers from some condition that, from time to time, causes him to make irresponsible and/or highly controversial comments via the megaphone of his “700 Club” TV show. Whether this condition is senility, dementia, or just plain stupidity, it reflects poorly on his credibility and should be more than ample evidence that the televangelist is long overdue for retirement. What a shame!
Posted by: G.H. McDaniel | September 15, 2011 September 15, 2011, 10:58 pm
I agree with Karen O. from Wisconsin’s remark regarding financial position of the caregiver; however, I was TOTALLY OUTRAGED with Pat Robertson’s interview when he said he should “divorce her and start all over again”. Finances were not mentioned by him and can’t but think WHAT WAS HE THINKING??? HAS HE LOST HIS MIND??? HE’S SUPPOSED TO BE A MINISTER AND HE’S CONDONING DIVORCE!!! Quoting Diane Sawyer’s words tonight keep coming to mind — whatever happened to LOVE, LOYALTH AND COMMITMENT? I am 67 years old and my husband is 76. We have been married for 42 years and he is the love of my life. He has both Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons’s disease and I can’t imagine life without him. I am his caregiver and will be as long as I am physically able. What about all the years we’ve been married that I’ve had health problems and he’s always been there for me…2 back surgeries, etc. among other major surgeries and sicknesses? He didn’t give up on me and divorce me. He stood by my side and stuck it out until he nursed me back to health. Turn about is fair play. I think that if ANYONE is considering divorcing their spouse just because they have Alzheimer’s, it’s just an excuse to (1) avoid responsibility that they should face up to or (2) be free to live life to the fullest with someone else. My husband will get to the point one day that he doesn’t know me, but you know what?…I’LL STILL KNOW HIM. So much for “blowing steam” for which is better known as a “cop out”.
Posted by: Linda Wade Wright | September 15, 2011 September 15, 2011, 11:06 pm
What P. Robertson said is uncalled for. My little brother took care of Mom, whith Alzheimers for years. He would bathe her, take her to the toilet, brush her teeth, and feed her. On and on it went. This so-called man will never again receive a red cent from me. What he just said is just plain NOT RIGHT.
Posted by: Greg | September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011, 12:20 am
This comment is from the same person who is so against Gay marrage? So let me see if I understand him correctly. He says that marriage vows don’t mean squack when your spouse has Alzheimer’s, but that gay marrage is a threat to the moral values of our country? We should ask ourselves who really is more of a threat,,,,,,
Posted by: Dory Alford | September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011, 12:38 am
Living with Alzheimer’s is exceptionally difficult and I would not presume to judge the coping strategies employed by any family facing this disease. I found the comments by both Karen O. of Wisconsin and Linda Wade Wright both thoughtful and enlightening. What type of message do you send to your children, extended family and friends if you simply walk away? You lived the best years with your spouse and then remove yourself when faced with adversity? This is not the example I would personally choose to set for future generations of my family.
Posted by: Lisa Fleury | September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011, 12:44 am
Funny thing is that some of the states with marriage equality have statistically the lowest divorce rates in the country.
Posted by: Paul | September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011, 7:28 am
I’m going to tell my wife that if I get Alzheimers I would rather she and the kids move on so they can remember me the way I was prior to the awful desease. From what I understand about the disease I’ll be none the wiser. This places a burden on society for my care but I figure I’ve paid enough taxes to cover it.
Posted by: Bill | September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011, 2:33 pm
I am trying to understand why any minister or priest would make this type of comment. It makes me a bit curious as to how is his wife’s health these days? I’m just sayin……
Posted by: Lynnellen | September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011, 5:16 pm
It’s all George Bush’s fault! OK, it works for Democrats so I thought it would be a perfect, all situation explaination of the problems of the world…lol…The real reason is the Tea Party. Wait? That won’t work either. OK, OK, OK. I’ll actually try to think but it’s very, very hard. I’m not used to it at all.
Posted by: Joanne Kehoe | September 17, 2011 September 17, 2011, 3:00 pm
I cannot believe Mr. Robertson would make such an outlandish statement. He is supposed to be leading people to God. He cannot do that by teaching breaking the commandments. The wedding vows are for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and in health. A person doesn’t just give up when they get sick, they are incapable of making that decision. I used to send donations to Mr. Robertson to help keep his program on the air. I am now out of work due to disability, and when I lost my job my husband said he didn’t want a sick wife and medical bills so he walked out. When people ask are you married and the answer is divorced they look at you like what did you do wrong. Well I’ll get off my bandbox and pray for Mr. Robertson. It’s no wonder it is so hard to lead the unsaved to Christ. They say look at the so called Christians, I am as good as they are. Such a pity… thank you Shirley
Posted by: Shirley | September 19, 2011 September 19, 2011, 3:31 pm