Join him in prayer or RUN FOR THE HILLS!

If you think or say bad things, will they come true? In the case of ultra-conservative, religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, it depends. It depends first on whether God planted these thoughts in his head and second, on whether God intervenes sometime later on.

As part of an annual tradition on his "700 Club" broadcast, Robertson said that based on what God personally told him, 2008 will be a year of violence worldwide and a recession in the United States, followed by a major stock-market crash by 2010. Given the state of affairs in Iraq, Pakistan and the rough start the US stock market got off to, even a mere mortal of average intelligence could safely make these same predictions. The likelihood of a stock-market crash in 2010 is harder to gauge given that it is 24-36 months away. But of course, all of this can be averted if sufficient numbers pray to Robertson's one and only true God.

Just a year ago, Robertson predicted that a terrorist act, possibly involving a nuclear weapon, would result in mass killing in the United States. Noting that it hadn't come to pass, Robertson said, "All I can think is that somehow the people of God prayed and God in his mercy spared us."

Since God will not confirm or deny any of this, Robertson is off the hook. If this year's prediction comes true, he's right. If the prediction doesn't come true, then God must have intervened. Accountability has never been a strong suit for Mr. Robertson. Here is one of the many offensive remarks he has gotten away with:

"Just like what Nazi Germany did to the Jews, so liberal America is now doing to the evangelical Christians. It's no different. It is the same thing. It is happening all over again. It is the Democratic Congress, the liberal-based media and the homosexuals who want to destroy the Christians. Wholesale abuse and discrimination and the worst bigotry directed toward any group in America today. More terrible than anything suffered by any minority in history."

After having been fired by CBS Radio for comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team, at least Don Imus had the courage to admit he made a mistake and apologize before returning to the air. Even Howard Stern had the decency to retreat to Sirius Radio so has to put a media boundary around his offensive behavior. But not Pat Robertson -- his broadcast airwaves are protected by God no matter what he says.

The 700 Club is a live television program that airs weekdays on The Christian Broadcasting Network. On the air continuously since 1966, it is one of the longest-running programs in history. Hosted by Robertson, The 700 Club is a mix of news and commentary, interviews, feature stories, and Christian ministry. Seen in 95 percent of the television markets across the United States, the program is carried on ABC Family Channel cable network and is seen daily by approximately one million viewers.

The international reach of Robertson's broadcast is frightening. The international editions of The 700 Club have been viewed in more than 70 foreign languages, can be seen in more than 200 countries, and are accessible throughout the year by more than 1.5 billion people around the world. Imagine what all of these people are thinking after hearing one of Robertson's more controversial broadcasts.

While Robertson's broadcasts lack the action-oriented, call to arms of the typical terrorist broadcast, they are harmful nonetheless. Pat Robertson speaks as if he represents the majority of Americans. But he does not. Depending on how far right they lean, the Religious Right makes up anywhere between 15 and 25% of the voting population. Thankfully, most Americans are moderate, sensible and tolerant. Unfortunately, this voice of moderation is lost on the airwaves. Through razor sharp organizational skills and finely tuned marketing messages, the religious right dominates like the bully that it is.

Why is it easier to restrict the words of Howard Stern or Don Imus when Robertson's words are just as offensive? His broadcasts also hold the potential to harm especially those remarks that help inflame anti-American sentiment around the globe.

This year, I predict that Pat Robertson will be taken off the air. Now, join with me in prayer to the God of your choice and just maybe this will happen.