"I prayed for the destruction of Katrina. This is God's wrath."

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http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/12780925.htm

Church, state vie over casinos

By GEOFF PENDER

[email protected]


JACKSON - Rep. Jim Simpson of Pass Christian couldn't believe the e-mails he received from some self-proclaimed Christians this week attempting to lobby against casinos rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.

"I've gotten more than half a dozen from people who said, 'I prayed for the destruction of Katrina. This is God's wrath,'" said Simpson. "I got so mad I wanted to scream at them. But I didn't respond. Not yet."

Many of Simpson's constituents died in Katrina. He lost his home and his business and pretty much everything he owns.

"I'm going to get together a list of all the obituaries," Simpson said, "and send them in my response to them. I'm going to send that list and ask, 'OK, was this part of your prayers? Did you want this to happen?'