I too have put my "Boycott" on Target stores until they allow the Salvation Army's Bell Ringers back at their stores. I do a lot of shopping at Target because it is so close to where I live. BUT, I will not allow this anti-Christian bigotry to continue unabated. It is time for all Christians and Conservatives to put their money where their mouth is an not shop at stores that decide to not celebrate CHRISTMAS as CHRISTMAS, but rather as Santa Claus Day. I am sick and tired of being the target of anti-Christian bigotry by stores, the media, the "entertainment" industry, The Anti Christian Liberites Union, People for the communist way, and the people for the separation of church from America crowds.
The Salvation Army is a real charity, unlike the Red Cross, whish supports terrorists and anti-Americanism.
I, too struck Target from my list upon hearing they'll no longer allow Salvation Army bellringers. I will also write them so they specifically know why they've lost me as a customer. Perhaps other stores will hesitate to follow Target's cowardly path, when they see the impact of Christians who have taken their business elsewhere. Oh, and it's "Merry Christmas" from me. I've banned Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, and XMas from my vocabulary.
Off Target with the Salvation Army
Editorial
November 2004
by: Joseph M. Knippenberg
Ill miss the Salvation Army bell-ringers in front of "my" Target store this year. They wont be there, or at any other Target store. Target management has decided that it will no longer exempt the Salvation Army from its "no solicitation" rule.
For the record, shoppers put $94 million into the red kettles last Christmas season, $9 million in front of Target stores. While a few other retailers have stepped into the breachincluding B.J.s Wholesale Club and Michaels, to name two new local participantsits not clear that the Salvation Army will be able to make up the difference.
Of course, Target, which has a well-deserved and assiduously cultivated reputation for being a good corporate citizen, could write a check to cover the shortfall. But for me, its not just about the money, which (by the way) stays in the communities in which it is donated, helping to provide food, clothing, and shelter for the destitute.
Its about another way in which the spirit of commerce is crowding out the spirit of Christmas. The bell-ringers help to remind us that our generosity is reflected not just in the gifts we give to our loved ones, but in our willingness to reach out to hungry and homeless strangers. And, according to studies cited by the Salvation Army, roughly 90% of us take the hint.
Well, well have to get the hint somewhere else now, because Target wants us to have a "distraction-free shopping environment in which to shop," as someone from customer relations wrote (not very elegantly) in response to my impassioned protest email. Target wants me to concentrate on spending money in their stores, not on "the reason for the season."
Target is also apparently concerned that if they say "yes" to the Salvation Army, they cant say "no" to any other non-profit that wishes to solicit in front of its stores. While it of course requires less thought to say "no" to everyonein the name of the high principle of a "distraction-free shopping environment"its not all that hard to say that there is a long-standing American tradition, quintessentially represented by the Salvation Army, of encouraging holiday good cheer to extend beyond family and friends. Respecting and upholding this holiday traditionmore august even than the Budweiser Clydesdales and Burl Ives as Frosty the Snowmanwould be good enough for me. After all, holidays are all about traditions, about celebrating stories handed down from the past and preserved for the future.
The Salvation Army here is the victim of two forcesthe tendency of the marketplace to be no respecter of traditions and the growing pluralization of the culture, with an ever-increasing array of groups, all claiming to be worthy and all clamoring for our attention. In a homogeneous society, the uniform authority of the culture could stand up to the forces of commerce, either taming them or moderating their effect on our sentiments. In a pluralistic society, the multiple cultural bases of authority are individually too weak to resist the marketplace. Out with the bell-ringers, in with wardrobe malfunctions and desperate housewives! Merry Christmas, or should I say, happy shopping!
Joseph M. Knippenberg is Professor of Politics and Associate Provost for Student Achievement at Oglethorpe University.