Posted on 03/11/2002 5:22:33 AM PST by gohabsgo
Saturday being a typically slow news day, I sat down with the morning coffee to read a front page article published in the Orange County Register titled: "Kid’s Chance to sing dissolves in discord." In it, writer Rachanee Srisavasdi described how a student singing group was forced to bow out of a Red Cross show rather than drop ‘God’ and ‘prayer’ from their songs. Group director Cherilyn Bacon had produced a 9/11 tribute called "Heroes Trilogy" dedicated to the rescue personnel who responded to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The 26-member singing group consists of seventh and eighth graders from the Orange County High School of the Arts. Their offense? A desire to sing three songs: "America the Beautiful", "Prayer of the Children", and "God Bless the USA."
There are conflicting reports as to whether the group and the Red Cross had already agreed to the song format prior to Bacon’s decision to cancel, or whether the disagreement occurred after the Red Cross refusal to allow the words ‘God’ and ‘prayer’ to be included in songs at all. One thing is certain though, the Red Cross stands firmly by their policy, that any expression of ‘God’ shall be excluded in the name of tolerance, religious diversity, impartiality, neutrality and inclusion. Seems to me I recall a lot of people in New York desperately expressing a need for God’s intervention on, and in the days following that hideous moment in history. So what is it about ‘God’ and ‘prayer’ that so sets Red Cross hairs on end? It’s simple: out of control tolerance policies disguised as being inclusive of all (while excluding any mention of God or Christianity) prevent anyone in a policy-making capacity from exercising common sense.
The official policy statement according to the Red Cross website states in part: "The American Red Cross Chapter in Orange County and the Orange County High School of the Arts regret that we were not able to reach agreement on the music program with conductor Cherilyn Bacon. The dispute was over the music program and has nothing to do with patriotism. The dispute centers only on our sensitivity to religious diversity, and a preference for a music program that would be inclusive and not offend different populations participating in this particular event". To put things in perspective, this is the same Red Cross who just last month trooped off to Camp X-Ray in Guantanamo to investigate mistreatment of Al Qaeda prisoners making sure that they had ethnically sensitive meals, prayer rugs, clean clothes, and cigarettes. No word yet on whether the relief agency also provided matches for the terrorists to light their cigarettes (or anything else near them they might care to ignite). Oops...back to the story.
Disappointed members of the group voiced their disapproval of the Red Cross decision. They said taking ‘God’ and ‘prayer’ out of their medley would negate its meaning. "I don’t understand why we can’t honor the heroes of Sept. 11 the way we want to," said Nicholas Baragno, 13. Klarisa Mesee, 14, wrote a poem that was going to be read at the March 10 event. "I just wanted to tell the heroes of Sept. 11 how much we appreciated what they did for the country. I was so excited."
Like many of us, I recognize the Red Cross for all the good things they do; the blood drives, humanitarian aid, and the selfless sacrifice of all of the volunteers. Yet, here a group of kids wants to express their gratitude in a manner very common in American tradition, and the Red Cross in effect accuses Bacon and her kids of playing politics and intentionally offending different populations participating in the event. Are you kidding me?
It gets more ridiculous. The school’s executive director, Ralph Opacic, criticized Bacon, stating "It was an inappropriate decision made by an instructor. To project your values as an entertainer is unprofessional." Really? Try telling that to self-appointed Hollywood elites like Alec Baldwin and Babs Streisand. I have one question for Mr. Opacic. If you have no values and no value system, what then do you have?
So I decided to send an e-mail to the Red Cross, voicing my objection to their stance. They were quick to respond. Within 30 minutes, a detailed e-mail came back stating in part: "What you heard reported has been entirely blown out of proportion and is in fact inaccurate, and we're trying to work with the media right now to get the facts out as they happened. The Red Cross representative suggested the program director (Bacon) look at other, more inclusive selections so that a very diverse community would be reflected in the program."
To which I replied: "I interpret your stance as one where Judeo-Christian charity is offensive, evinces exclusion, and may be hurtful to those who don't share the same views. I suppose brotherhood, mutual respect, and compassion equates to intolerance in your pathetic world view. In the future, I will give my money to the Salvation Army. They understand what America is about far more than the Red Cross. Inclusion should mean everyone, not just those who falsely cover their anti Judeo-Christian behinds with seemingly objective usage of terms like tolerance and diversity."
The Red Cross needs to get a clue and realize that it is they who promote division with ludicrous policies, in the name of "inclusion." In October 2001, the Red Cross fired its $450,000-a-year president, Dr. Bernadine Healy, during the controversy over how to distribute the $505 million dollars sympathetic Americans had contributed to help the WTC victims. Ms. Healy had earmarked $26 million from the fund for "community outreach to teach tolerance." Tolerance of what? Certainly not God and people who believe in God. And yet, the present Red Cross leadership is apparently intent on continuing the same policies.
These are the new politically correct thought police, tasked with enforcing intolerance of anything even remotely Judeo Christian. If one of their many policy makers were to examine very closely a one dollar bill using their ACLU-clouded coke bottle glasses, they’d discover in bold letters "In God We Trust." The Red Cross may indeed try to characterize the efforts of Ms. Bacon and her well-intentioned objective to permit these kids to express their gratitude for the volunteers as some sort of hate crime, but the majority of Americans see things differently. And it is for the wonderful, generous, care-giving Red Cross volunteers for whom I feel the most compassion for, for it is they who will have to live with the unfortunate fallout created by disdainful Red Cross decision-makers too intent on shamelessly insulting people with their arrogant disregard of common sense.
According to the Register, Annette Zufall, 50, of Orange, was one of the Red Cross volunteers who traveled to New York City to help with the rescue effort. While the registered nurse said it is important for the chapter to follow the Red Cross’s principles, she was saddened that the students wouldn’t perform. "Personally, I would have loved to hear it," Zufall said. "I don’t think any of the volunteers would have taken offense." Neither would the majority of Americans Annette. But, like many other organizations contaminated by leftist lawyers and judges, we are forced to watch helplessly as the values we held dearly in our childhood fall prey to the next perverted assault. These people have turned family, God, country and patriotism upside down in the name of diversity and tolerance, to the point where being an American makes one feel guilty of some form of profanity.
It is up to each American to realize what is happening here, right now in this country, and have the moral courage to voice their disapproval to the appropriate perpetrators in the strongest terms possible. Otherwise, don’t complain when saying "God Bless America" becomes a hate crime.
LOL! How about just leaving it 'Reds'?
Jen
Here is their e-mail response to my original message objecting to their policy, and my reply that prompted the publication of my article:
Dear Mr. xxxx:
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. What you heard reported has entirely been blown out of proportion and is in fact inaccurate, and we're trying to work with the media right now to get the facts out as they happened.
An annual volunteer recognition was being planned at the Orange County (California) Red Cross, and the Red Cross asked a middle school to sing an inspirational song. The school and Red Cross were in agreement as to the type of content to be included and had already planned a number of patriotic elements including the singing of The Star Spangled Banner, a military Color Guard and some children's poetry. To round out the program, the choir master suggested Lee Greenwood's country song, "God Bless the U.S.A." and "Prayer for the Children." At this time, the Red Cross representative suggested they look at other, more inclusive selections so that the very diverse community would be reflected in the program. The volunteers and the chapter jurisdiction includes a wide and diverse variety of religious faiths who would be in attendance.
There was no discussion, ever, about the Declaration of Independence. The choir master hung up on the Red Cross and, without the knowledge nor permission of the school, sent a press release that characterized the discussion as the Red Cross being unpatriotic. These were her views alone.
The school is providing other students to sing at the event. Here's what the principal had to say: "In working together to honor the efforts of our volunteers, the American Red Cross and the Orange County High School of the Arts have developed a program that both celebrates the strength, unity and diversity of the American people and our history," stated Dr. Ralph Opiacic, executive director of the Orange County High School of the Arts.
The Red Cross is guided by its Fundamental Principles, that include Neutrality and Impartiality -- and a guarantee that we provide assistance to people in need regardless of race, nationality or religious background. We are a volunteer-led organization that is made up of people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, and we respect them all. These Fundamental Principles do not prohibit us from acknowledging our pride in being Americans and contributing members of the American family. The American flag is displayed with pride and national songs such as "God Bless America" are often sung at American Red Cross events.
We are sorry that this situation was so blown out of proportion, and reported inaccurately in the press. We do hope that you will see through the inaccuracies and ratings-driven sensational reporting and see the true facts. We rely on members of the public like you to make the financial contributions that allow us to provide relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters each year in this country. I hope that you will continue to support this life saving mission.
Thank you.
and my response that lame explanation. And I will apologize for my disgusted attitude:
Dear Ms. Allen:
As a consistent supporter of Red Cross Blood drives and financial donations, I can only say that I am absolutely disgusted with your organization and your overboard liberal psychosis. Diversity is only cover for your true intentions. There is no diversity of thought, no opinion other than wipe out any mention of Christianity and God, and call it inclusive. That's a real distortion of the terms don't you think?
You and your Marxian socialist organization (you know what marxism is right? atheism good, God bad) have gone out of your minds. Not a dime from me again, count on it.
To show you and yours in the simplest terms the hypocrisy of your statement:
"The dispute centers only on our sensitivity to religious diversity, and a preference for a music program that would be inclusive and not offend different populations participating in this particular event."
Translated:
1. Sensitivity to all, EXCEPT THE 80% OF AMERICANS WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH and BELIEVE IN GOD.
2. Would be inclusive, EXCEPT TO THE 80% OF AMERICANS WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH and BELIEVE IN GOD
3. Not offend different populations, EXCEPT THE 80% OF AMERICANS WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH and BELIEVE IN GOD
You people disgust me, not only in your arrogance in handling millions of OUR dollars, but in your complete and absolute intolerance of our country's Christian history.
With complete certainty you can count on my widespread distribution of your fifth grade explanation to as many people I know who have ever been donors to such a thoughtless group of cowards. I feel very saddened for the wonderful volunteers and people I have met over the years who work for the Red Cross, who themselves will have nothing but speechless embarrassment to offer a generous public when they too are asked to explain this socialist lunacy.
Have a nice day a former generous donor
These two interlocking philosophical points of view have gradually replaced the Founders' self-evident truths with lies designed to deceive and enslave the masses. The lies of humanism started in earnest after the so-called "monkey trials" of 1925, which replaced the teaching of creation with the theory of evolution. This erroneous theory was taught as fact and became the springboard upon which the lies of humanism were based.
If the people can be convinced that there was no creation, it necessarily follows that:
there is no creator (God),
no sacred or inalienable right to Life, Liberty, and Property,
no divine purpose for mankind,
no life after death,
or Judgement Day.
It then becomes much easier to promote:
situational ethics (no absolute right or wrong),
the ends justifies the means,
abortion,
euthansia,
the right to suicide,
homosexuality or any other variety of sexual exploration,
Goals 2000,
the common good over individual rights,
the notion that the enviroment and lower animals are more important than human beings,
and One World Government under socialism.
Donate to the Salvation Army. Donate "Big time."
Likewise. Ask any WWII Vet. Salvation Army good, Red Cross bad.
Guilty as charged, and not another dime will go their way from my pockets.
Copy
Print multiple stickers.
Apply liberally at appropriate locations (near whereever requests to "give more" are made)
Disapproval needs to be demonstrated or nothing will change.
In future, when you look up "insular" in the Old Patriot's Dictionary and you find "leadership of the American Red Cross" it will mean we have failed to try hard enough to drive the vermin out of our institutions.
Good point with the exception that "God Bless America" isn't "Jesus Bless America." Therefore it applies to Jews, Christians and MANY other faiths. So 80% might be too low a number. Jews should be offended by this too.
She probably quit reading your response as soon as she hit the word "liberal." Either that or "Marxist."
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I don't see it that way. Volunteers will always volunteer. If the Red Cross continues on its present path, the volunteers will simply take their services elsewhere. And as the megabucks stop pouring in, the carpetbagging politically correct social climbing pseudo-executives will have to find another diversion from those grueling weekends at the country club.
I quit funding the Red Cross, and all organizations that in any way do business with them in 1973, when my lead draftsman told me how during WW II they had charged the troops for donuts and other items that had been donated for free.
The Red Cross is dirt, and so is anyone associated with them.
"AMERICAN RED (DOUBLE) CROSS" !!!BOYCOTT!!!
DONATIONS OF BLOOD & MONEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN BUT NOT TO THE "AMERICAN RED CROSS"
This is America, did anyone there mis-understand that statement? This is America, founded on Judeo Christian beliefs and Patriotism.
Just who is it in "particular" that you are so worried about "Offending" with our Christian God and our American Patriotism? George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Wilson or maybe it's Abraham Lincoln?
Well, I'll tell you exactly who it is that has been "Offended" by the American Red (double) Cross and other's that find fault with the United Stated of America. It is "US", the American People that are "Angry" and "Offended", we, who's families have fought and died for this nation.
We take "Offense" with everyone that is doing their best to shame us for being born American. We are asked by Traitors like you to be ashamed of our nation founded by the Blood, Sweat, Labor and Tears of our American Forefathers, Founders and our Ancestor's.
When organizations like the American Red Cross loose their back-bone and refuse to stand by the very country that protects and supports them in favor of Godless imagrants streaming here, dictating to us what is "Offensive" to them, that is where we draw the line with supporting "You", the American Red Cross.
Your Politically Correct, childish, half-hearted, pathetic attempts at explaining yourself won't cut it anymore, Clinton is history, remember? You have lost many donors and supporter because of your shamless, Anti-American ban on our Christian God and Patriotic Americans.
Blood and donations will continue to be made but they will be made withouth the middle-man, the American Red Cross. You made the wrong assumption when you thought we, the American People would continue our silence amid your's or anyone's Anti-American behavior much longer, all of you have gone too far.
Since our Judeo Christian God's name "Offends" you so much, our money would probably make you ill, we don't want that. You see, it still has the words "In God We Trust" written upon it. The money and our Blood will continue to go where it is needed but it will go where it will not "offend" anyone. We are sure the needy will not let this bother them as much as it bothered you.
"OUR CHECK WILL NOT BE IN THE MAIL"
Sincerely
Mrs. ****** ******* & Family, with family & friends that will join us in: New York, Chicago, Indiana, Ohio, Tenn., and Kentucky
PS: Millions in American Tax Payer Dollars go to the American Red Cross in grants, we will also see what we can do about that. I think we may still have a say as to where our Tax Dollars go.
!!!BOYCOTT THE AMERICAN RED (DOUBLE) CROSS!!!
Copies of this letter also went to the News Media and our State and Local government too.
I would not be at all surprised if the RED Cross leadership would have refused to let him appear at all. Now, Alec Baldwin singing the Internationale, or Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Arafat doing a kissing duet of some "peaceful islamic" song, would be a different story.
As Merle Haggard once sang, "When you're running down my country, hoss, you're walking on the fighting side of me."
Donate to ARC? What, are you nuts? My parents taught me better than that.
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