The temporary field hospital being built in Central Park to help people affected by the Coronavrus in New York City is going to be staffed by volunteers of Samaritan’s Purse, a religious organization whose President and CEO is evangelical fanatic Franklin Graham.
Graham has, to date: Thought the world was coming to an end in 2011. Claimed Obama was a Muslim and part of the Muslin Brotherhood. Thinks God helped Trump get elected. Is in favor of gay conversion therapy. Opposed gay marriage. Called Pete Buttigieg a sinner. Praised Putin’s anti-gay positions.
And now, Graham’s organization, Samaritan’s Purse, will be operating the field hospital in New York City. Samaritan’s Purse has it’s own dose of problems as well. Their annual Christmas fundraiser, Operation Christmas Child, has been used to convert people to Christianity rather than actually helping alleviate poverty amongst the third world. Furthermore, the Gothamist reported that the organization makes all volunteers pledge to their Statement of Belief, which says homosexuality is wrong, and that only Christians will go to heaven, among others extremists beliefs.
Now, this very group will be tasked with saving lives. Many are worried that different groups will receive different treatment from the field hospital staff. Fortunately, on Monday, Senator Brad Hoylman publically called out Graham for his bigoted ways and claimed that the field hospital must accept all patients and treat them fairly.
Unfortunately, New York City is trapped in a tough spot. Help is desperately needed, and Samaritan’s Purse has the funds to make things happen. Making matters worse, this will now be a talking point Graham and his organization can boast of in the future to sway public opinion in favor of the group. Hopefully, Senator Hoylman can stay true to his word, and if a problem arises in the field hospital, the group will be held accountable.
