Faith

‘This Is Rebellion’: Pat Robertson Says Christians Shouldn’t Participate in Occupy Wall Street

Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson doesn‘t have a highly favorable view of the Occupy Wall Street movement and he’s not afraid to show it. On Thursday, Robertson responded to a viewer‘s question on CBN’s “The 700 Club” about whether it’s appropriate for Christians to support the movement.

The viewer asked, “Is it all right for Christians to be involved in Occupy Wall Street? Should we, as believers, be loyal to anything like that?” Robertson responded:

“I think this is a rebellion. I think it is atavistic. Nobody knows exactly what it is. They don’t know what they’re doing. Why are they there? Well, they’re just mad. Is it right for a Christian to get involved in a protest of anger? If you’re going to demonstrate, demonstrate for righteousness, demonstrate to lift the yoke of oppression, demonstrate to help those that are poverty stricken. But don’t just go out and mess up a park and just scream and tear up things.”

Robertson’s point here is that the movement, in his view, lacks focus. He goes on to say that it’s important for Christians to stand up for injustice and poverty — very specific issues that can be pinpointed and approached with a solid action plan.

In responding to the famed-religious figure’s words, Right Wing Watch wrote, “Despite Robertson’s claims, many people of faith have joined and praised Occupy Wall Street and denounced ‘Wall Street’s reckless greed.’” Of course, all of the sources RWW cites are from individuals and members associated with America’s religious left, thus their support for Occupy Wall Street is of no surprise.

Watch Robertson make these comments, below:

His statements yesterday come after he has previously railed against both the protesters and President Obama. Earlier this month, Robertson called the Occupiers “clowns” and “nuts” and lamented the president’s use of class to divide America. He said:

“It’s kind of a nice little time to blow off steam and have some nuts express their points of view. The problem we’re dealing with…is much more important than this, is the corrosive effects of the speech of our president. The president’s supposed to be the leader of all of us but he has chosen to attack a segment of our population, those who’ve been successful. He’s attacking those who own capital, those who use jet aircraft as a business tool, he’s attacking all the people who have any kind of luxury or wealth and yet he goes to Martha’s Vineyard and hobnobs with the rich…These clowns up there at this Occupy Wall Street are just picking up the president’s message, perhaps on a cruder form.”

See Robertson discuss these issues, here:

What do you think about Robertson’s comments? Should Christians get involved in Occupy Wall Street? Take our poll:


(H/T: Mediaite)

Comments (58)

  • philipzhao
    Posted on October 30, 2011 at 9:15pm

    True Christians should go and occupy Egypt !!

    Report Post »  
  • ybbed
    Posted on October 30, 2011 at 7:19pm

    The best way for Christians to protest is vote in 2012… know what candidates represent and then vote!

    After the 2012 elections…. and when the republicans take over… watch and see…the democrates will take to the streets more and more all over our country….. each time they are told their special interest programs will be slashed/cut… this OWS is only the beginning… a forerunner of things in US to come…

    Yea…they are not organized this time…but just wait. Glad I live in small town – in deep east texas!!! Lock and load ya’ll!

    Report Post »  
  • GZUStehLibrul
    Posted on October 30, 2011 at 10:39am

    This charlatan does not speak for my bride.
    I’d like to tell you about a story, a story of a man who walked around in robes shaking up the establishment. They killed him for it.
    Can you guess who I’m talking about?

    Report Post » GZUStehLibrul  
    • The Giver
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 11:40am

      Big difference between “who you’re talking about” and these protestors. Christ was about LOVE, not trashing things, defecating on cars, having sex with strangers under tarps. Please, don’t blind yourself so much. His change came in a much more powerful way.

      Report Post » The Giver  
    • GZUStehLibrul
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 11:48am

      @THE GIVER
      I was talking about Socrates, but thanx I’m flattered comrade. Now don’t forget to turn the other cheek, mkay?

      Report Post » GZUStehLibrul  
    • The Giver
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 11:58am

      You are the only comrade here. “Comrades” are about oppression. Too bad you can’t spend a week in Cuba. I was there for seven years. You speak of things you don’t understand. Fools who believe in the “fairness” of socialism/communism deserve to live under those conditions. Please, go to Cuba or North Korea where you’ll see true equality. ALL ARE EQUALY DESTITUTE EXCEPT THE GOVERNMENT THUGS : ) You make me laugh in your ignorance. GOD BLESS YOU! PEACE BRO!

      Report Post » The Giver  
    • Jon
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 2:32pm

      @GZUSTEHLIBRUL
      Socarates defecated on cars?
      And you kinda baited that question, knowing people would say Jesus so when they did you could tell them what an idiot they were.

      Report Post »  
    • faranth
      Posted on November 3, 2011 at 1:52am

      I agree with you Gzustethlibrul about the motives of the movement. I also agree that Jesus would not be crapping on cars. This ‘rebellion’ has nobel motives against an institution. Even Robert‘s institution is something to rebel against if it has lost it’s values. I share the motives of the ‘rebellion’ and would join for my own sake and my own reasons. Whether it is against the institution of the chirch or not, Jesus would be for it in my opinion.

      Report Post »  
  • MachIV
    Posted on October 30, 2011 at 7:20am

    The problem with Pat‘s arguement is if it’s wrong for Christians to participate in Occupy because it‘s rebellion then it’s also wrong for Christians to participate in the Tea Party movement, and I suspect a boat load of folks involved with the Tea Party movement are Christians or claim to be.

    Taking Robertson‘s claim to it’s logical end conclusion, even the American Revolution itself would be wrong based upon Romans chapter 13 alone.

    He needs to rethink this one. It’s probably wrong for Christians to participate in Occupy, but not for the reason he gave.

    Report Post »  
  • Janai
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 8:18pm

    Pat Robertson is right. Besides we are known by the company we keep
    Right is right and wrong is nobody. The occupy the wall street mob is definitely
    self serving for their own wanton ways of doing things. If they want to brave the
    rain, snow, freezing cold, or just plain being dumb about their so called
    cause. Then let them stay outside in the inclement weather.

    Report Post »  
  • siteunseen
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 6:38pm

    If this protest were just about the One World Government Group destroying our currency, etc. and a protest to that effect, it would be worthwhile. But this is definitely a Socialist/Stalinist type of protest to destroy Capitalism or the Free Market, which has made American one of the most powerful and individual nations of the world. The Communists would love to get ahold of the USA. They’ve already succeeded in destroying Marriage, youthful innocence, individual rights to worship in public places, Colleges (as they teach Marxist Philosophy to students), Monetary system, safety net for parents, retirement incomes, Social Security benefits, etc., etc., etc. End the Federal Reserve Bank printing our money….US Congress needs to buy back for 1 Billion our ability to print and mint our own money.

    Report Post » siteunseen  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 5:33pm

    “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” ~ Jesus

    uh-oh – looks like Jesus is against class warfare.

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • GZUStehLibrul
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 10:55am

      You are incorrect:

      Matthew 19:24;
      “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

      I do not know you TH3OPH1LUS. You are not welcome in my Kingdom.

      Report Post » GZUStehLibrul  
  • danboy524
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:46pm

    Can you say B i l d e r b e r g ?

    B – i – l – d – e – r – b – e – r – g

    Report Post »  
  • danboy524
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:38pm

    Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

    Thought I’d help the rich man out here, but what do I know, I’m no preacher.

    Report Post »  
  • moogan
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 3:41pm

    Thanks for the heads up, Pat. I‘m surprised you didn’t manage to work in the “blame gay people” rhetoric. After all, homosexuals are so powerful, they can bring down entire empires merely by having sex, according to you.

    Report Post » moogan  
    • Jim Harrison
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:24pm

      Perversion has brought down empire before. it is one of the last signs of the end of a civilization. In this case, Pat has wisely stuck to the issue at hand. Not sticking to the issue is what many bloggers do because of a lack of knowledge of the issue. Yes, I am doing it too, but only to answer you!

      Report Post »  
  • BUDDY LITTLE
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 3:35pm

    REALITY CHECK, Pat Robertson is a billionaire with a “B” he is a wall street MR.BIG That’s why he gives his flock free financial “wall street” investing advice!At a point in his life when he is facing his own mortality? one would think he would loosen his grip on that almighty buck he serves?!!

    Report Post »  
    • danboy524
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:38pm

      Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

      Report Post »  
    • Janai
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 8:31pm

      If you knew anything about Pat Robertson at all you wouldn’t say the things
      you just did. Nor does anyone else have that right. It’s true he is aging and
      because of this, many people of todays world would say he is losing it, when
      he is not. This man has served our Lord for many years now.
      So please people give him a break and go on to whatever else you can find
      an interest in.

      Report Post »  
    • The Giver
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 11:51am

      He helps the poor, helps with giving free surgery for children, drills wells for clean water in remote areas and helps to feed victims of devastating storms. Guess all that money you resent is put to good use. What have You done lately?

      Report Post » The Giver  
  • Clear-eyed
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:55pm

    This has to stop! Americans would never rebel!
    … oh… wait.

    Report Post » Clear-eyed  
    • LuigiK
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:31pm

      Think of it more as when Jesus tore up the tabernacle where the money lenders carried on their business. that’s why all Chriustians should really get involved (unless you’re a Wall Street Money-mogul Xtian!)

      Report Post »  
    • TH30PH1LUS
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 5:38pm

      “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.” (Ezekiel)

      This describes “christians” in favor of Communism and “redistribution of wealth”.

      Wake up, people! The sheep & goats are being divided before your eyes.

      Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • siteunseen
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 6:57pm

      For the people who seem to THINK they know what Jesus thought of money. He was asked if people should pay taxes. He asked them for a coin. They handed him a coin. He said, whose image is this on this coin? They said, Caesar’s. And, Jesus answering them said: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar‘s and to God the things that are God’s. And they marveled at him. Jesus also said, “For the desire of money is the root of all evils, which some COVETING have erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows” Timothy 6:10 – This protest is about coveting what belongs to others. Not about abolishing the manufacturing of our currency from the Federal Reserve Bank, which is bankrupting our country, our people, and leaving us homeless in the land our forefather’s conquered. The Federal Reserve is not legal. The Federal Reserve is the THIRD incarnation of a Central Bank. In order for the Federal Reserve to be legal it must be specifically authorized by the Constitution. It is not, therefore it is forbidden by default. Check out Article I, Section 8, Clause 5…The Congress shall have power…to coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures….NOT A FOREIGN BANKING SYSTEM.

      Report Post » siteunseen  
    • GZUStehLibrul
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 11:01am

      @LUIGIK
      Yes Comrade, you are correct.

      Report Post » GZUStehLibrul  
  • Founding Fathers Tea Lady
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:41pm

    Rev. Robertson With all due respect, this is three-fold:
    1. This it their Woodstock and they think it’s cool.
    2. Many are being paid by one of Soros’s foundations $300-$600 per week to be there.
    3. Narcissistic people who want people to look at them and think they’re cool, they can tell their upcoming hippie children and grandchildren they were there.

    Just as I am proud that I can say I was at the largest most peaceful gathering of American Patriots at 8/28/2010. Parents have paid a high price to brainwash these kids to thinking like they do. Parents should stop paying their tuition – make them work for their education or excel enough to get a scholarship (just like many have before them) these are our future doctors, brain surgeons, etc. Would you want any of them to work on you, or your loved ones. And then the media needs to stop covering this like it’s New Years Eve in Times Square. The two worst things — the MSM and the Colleges who indoctrinate them into this social BS.

    Report Post » Founding Fathers Tea Lady  
  • Linda Garner
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 12:15pm

    @Desertrose1960…..The shoot a cop announcement that you say are lies were actually made public through the Arizona anti-terrorism organization. Do more research before you accuse the right of ly
    ing and making up stories!

    Report Post »  
  • benzo13
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 11:30am

    I was there. I am Christian. I occupied L.A. for three days and two nights with a message of Peace…“ Peace IS a Revolution”. Thats my idea of protest. I quietly delivered the message that violence is the way of the enemy and that 0bama is supporting race wars and class division and illegeal killing of other rulers in the world. I pointed out to people that 0bama is an infultraitor and that the very possibility makes the protests illigitimate. Yes, good Christians SHOULD occupy, but only to spread a message of peace! Only to try to queitly win some minds and hearts over to the light. And not through religious indoctrination as to turn away the few who might never believe. But through a message of peace and love which is what EVERYONE is willing to accept. Through this they might come closer to God.

    Report Post » benzo13  
    • TH30PH1LUS
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 5:32pm

      wake up – Obama, Pelosi, and their ilk all support OWS.

      Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
  • olddog
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 9:59am

    Do any of you think there are any Christian in the protest? I mean Real Christians ??
    I don’t think so, and I‘m positive you won’t find Any Conservatives. The protesters are the same people we say in Wisconsin, Ohio in Greece, London riots..Always the same people causing the mahem and violence all thru history…

    Report Post » olddog  
    • sbenton
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:40pm

      I sure don’t see any Christians at these protests, but I sure do see a lot of Paulistas and anti-Semites there.

      Report Post » sbenton  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:10am

    Remember there are two groups who call themselves christian one is and one pretends. It goes without saying the sheep would not be rolling around with the goats

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • mlcblog
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:01am

    The Christians who will get involved in OWS are the ones who interpret the Word to say that Jesus was a reactionary communist and that the gospel instructs us to redistribute the wealth, all contrary to what I read there. Further, they love to, and this is what tipped me off, use force and shame on anyone who does not agree with them, tactics our Lord does not use to convince us of His ideas.

    Report Post » mlcblog  
  • dj_bonneromics1982
    Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:43am

    Christians should join OWS because it’s about punishing the financial warlocks (mostly corporate but some govt. blame too) that are making a mockery of the ideal of hard work and equal opportunity.

    We need to drastically rein in the financial system to prevent the kind of arcane manipulation of peoples’ debts in order to repackage bad stuff.

    And because Ayn Rand’s philosophy has more in common with Satanism (LaVeyan) than with Christianity.

    Report Post »  
  • One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
    Posted on October 28, 2011 at 11:26pm

    “don’t just go out and mess up a park and just scream and tear up things.”” Exactly.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
  • Via Dolorosa
    Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:24pm

    I JUST read that part in the Bible earlier today – about “rioting”.

    So actually, Mr. Robertson is right on this –

    2 Peter 2:13
    King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
    And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

    Report Post » Via Dolorosa  
    • mlcblog
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:02am

      Fabulous timing for this scripture to appear.

      Report Post » mlcblog  
  • ThatsJustCrazyTalk
    Posted on October 28, 2011 at 8:15pm

    This is better than the last time he made the news. Robertson told a man having an affair because his wife had Alzheimer’s it was okay to divorce her and move on.

    NO American should be involved in the OWS hatefest. It has antisemitic and communist roots. “Down with Capitalism,“ ”Free Palestine,“ ”kick out the Zionist Jews,“ ”Boycott Israel,” etc, etc.

    If people can’t see that the OWS is anti-American and anti-Israel than I guess that’s on them. This is bigger than just a Christian deal though. I’m pretty sure not all non-Christians are anti-Capitalists or anti-Israel.

    Report Post »  
    • LuigiK
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 4:36pm

      that’s exactly why the OWS is happening – anti Zionism, anti corporate control of Congress.
      Apparently you approve of the Zionist illegal grip on Palestine, the corporate and lobbyist grip on your Congress, the control of wealth by Wall Street???

      Report Post »  
  • tzion
    Posted on October 28, 2011 at 5:18pm

    In response to the poll, I don’t think anyone should be involved Christian or otherwise.

    Report Post »  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on October 28, 2011 at 4:38pm

    How does being Christian take away your free will? Unless you are a Christian socialist (as Francis Bellamy was ), your being devoted to Christ’s teachings does not stop you from making choices as an individual.

    Report Post »  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 6:10pm

      @This_Individual => Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.“ Fundamentally the ”occupy” movement is about coveting what other people have worked very hard for. If you think about it the “protesters” are rich compared to people living in third world countries who have no food or clothing. Objectively the protesters should lead by example and pack up their tents and go home and give more of what they have to those in the world who are MUCH less fortunate than they are. This tantrum isn’t about “justice” or “fairness” it’s right out of the Sharpton/Jackson play book and it’s ALL about hating those who have worked harder than you and accomplished more than you have. It’s about blaming others for your failures in life. My neighbor has a much nicer car and nicer clothes than me, should I pitch a tent in his yard and shout at his wife and children with a bull horn and urinate in their driveway until they give me some of what they have? Jesus taught us to work hard and to serve others, not to covet what others have and hate them for having it. Being a Chrisitian is not about occupying places and violating the law until we get what we think we deserve it’s about always putting the needs of others above our own……

      Report Post » snooop1e  
    • 1389AD
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:46pm

      Snooop1e has it right, as does Robertson.

      See: What Jesus Would Not Do

      Report Post »  
    • GZUStehLibrul
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 10:45am

      @ 1389AD
      You have no idea what I would do, or wouldn’t. There is no place for in my Kingdom.

      Report Post » GZUStehLibrul  
  • DesertRose1960
    Posted on October 28, 2011 at 3:53pm

    Pat Robertson is a mean, crazy old man, who, if he encountered Jesus on the street would probably kick him to the curb.

    Report Post » DesertRose1960  
    • DYNA
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 5:05pm

      @DESERTROSE1960
      Do us a favor and move to the middle east. You might be welcome there.
      On second thought, it may not work out. There is no one to leech off of in the middle east.

      Report Post »  
    • DesertRose1960
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 6:29pm

      @Dyna, Exactly the kind of remark I’ve come to cherish from Beck fans, so civil, so charming, and so self-projecting. You know, I’ve always thought “Love-it-or-leave-it” stuff was crap! Why do you TeaCons get to whine about “Taking your (sniffle) country(snuffle) back!” (Wracking sob!) but I have to take it or leave it. Frankly, I would defend to my death your right to protest for your pseudo-Conservative causes, but you tell me I have to put and shut up or leave. I’m part of the 53% of people who paid Federal Income Tax last year, did you? I made more, on my own salary, than the national average? Did you? Now, who’s a leech?

      Report Post » DesertRose1960  
    • 1389AD
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:43pm

      You don’t sound like much of a Christian yourself, to use such a slanderous tone.

      And if you have such a low opinion of Glenn Beck and his fans, who told you that you had to visit this site in the first place?

      Troll much?

      Report Post »  
    • ThatsJustCrazyTalk
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Wow! You’re really lost it! A typical leftist dhimmi or muslim mentality. You come in swinging then when someone tells you that no one wants to hear your whining and complaining you claim they’re the ones starting it, and call foul.

      YOU came to this forum calling a man who’s dedicated his life to the ministry of God “crazy” and making idiotic assumptions of him “kicking Jesus.” The irony? You don’t even believe Jesus is God and Robertson DOES!.

      Leave (PLEASE). We don’t care for your input. Your company is not wanted! Call CAIR OR the Muslim Brotherhood directly and cry like a little mohammed the pedophile lover. NOBODY CARES!

      Report Post »  
    • Hyroller36
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 9:53pm

      You don’t know what you are talking about! Pat Robertson and the 700 Club do more for helping the unfortunate and those suffering from disasters in our country and around the world then anyone I know of. It would be benificial if you would learn a little about this great man of God.

      Report Post »  
    • DesertRose1960
      Posted on October 28, 2011 at 10:55pm

      Actually, I’m a devout, and fairly conservative Catholic. Pat Robertson claims to be a Christian, but his message really isn’t something that Jesus would recognize. I came across Pat Roberson 30 years ago. At the time, he was trying to undermine the First Amendment by repeatedly showing pictures of the Soviet Consititutions with their “Freedom of Religion” clause. The message was that if the Soviets like it, it has to be bad. I am not alone in my assessment of his sanity. His bizarre and evil remarks about the Haitian earthquake were just the latest of his hatred on display. He has condemned Hindus, Muslims, feminists, and even other Protestant denominations. He believes that Christians have the right to dominate the world. He made a lot of money in blood diamonds, and his name came up in the Hague at a war crimes trial.
      I had students who were Muslims, I don’t have problems with the faith. Yes, ThatsJustCrazyTalk, I do believe in Jesus.
      As to trolling, well, it’s a free site, and it suffers from a serious case of groupthink. You folks keep saying that you want the truth, I‘d like to show you that maybe what you’ve been told isn’t the truth. When people troll on the Liberal websites that I go to, I take them seriously until they say something so nasty that they don’t deserve civility, and even then I’m pretty civil.

      Report Post » DesertRose1960  
    • stirthepot
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 12:15am

      desertrose, i too have major objections to pat robertson, and i’m about as conservative christian as they come. but you could have tried a little harder to use some manners. i think the man did plenty of good in his career. but since katrina when he said that god was smiting the city for it’s sin, i’ve really wished they would just take him off the air. when you show up saying pat would kick jesus, you are just looking for a fight. don’t act astonished when you get one. there are plenty of reasonable reasons to object to pat robertson with his old age loss of any kind of filter on his mouth. you should have started with the reasonable…

      Report Post »  
    • DesertRose1960
      Posted on October 29, 2011 at 9:40am

      @Stirthepot, Sorry, no, I don’t respect the man and think he has gotten away with too much. Do remember his blasphemous remarks about his Presidential campaign, “Your arms are too short to box with God.” No, I merely stated my opinion in an honest manner. If you don’t like it, tough. And it you think that I care about a reaction or that it hurt my feelings, you’re sadly mistaken. I’ve been reading this site since it started. There is very little that I find shocking here except the lengths to which many of you will go in defending Beck and believing the lies you are fed. There were two stories yesterday that were just repeated lies from the Right blogosphere: The Shoot a Cop announcement and the stuff about Scott Olsen. The Right makes crap up and spreads it around by repeated quotations and circular sourcing. I hate to see people being lied to and played for fools.

      Report Post » DesertRose1960  
    • GZUStehLibrul
      Posted on October 30, 2011 at 10:50am

      I do not know of this Pat Robertson you speak of, his name is NOT in my Book Of Life.

      There is no polite way to put it. I am not a polite GAWD. Have you read my book? I’m one rude Son Of A Deity.

      Report Post » GZUStehLibrul  

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