Posted on 03/11/2002 12:43:54 PM PST by Notwithstanding
OVER 100 ORGANIZATIONS ASKED TO DROP SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS
The Catholic League is asking over 100 organizations to drop their support for the American Red Cross. Specifically, we are requesting the leaders of allied organizations to alert their members to the decision by the Red Cross Orange County Chapter in Santa Ana, California, to stop students from Orange County High School of the Arts from singing “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” at a Red Cross luncheon yesterday.
The national headquarters of the American Red Cross supports the censorship. In a news release on this subject, it exclaims “our sensitivity to religious diversity” noting its “preference for a music program that would be inclusive and not offend different populations participating in this particular event.”
Catholic League president William Donohue commented as follows:
“If this were just a chapter of the Red Cross acting this way, we would be disturbed but would not call for drastic action. But since the headquarters of the American Red Cross is supporting the ban on ‘God Bless America’ and ‘America the Beautiful,’ we are left with little alternative. Sadly, it has become all too common for the high priests of ‘religious diversity’ and ‘inclusiveness’ to resort to gag rules.
“The American Red Cross has every right to adopt the platform of political correctness by censoring the free speech of young men and women who want to honor God and country. And we have every right to ask our friends to send the Red Cross an unmistakable message by refusing to donate one more dime to the organization. Our request is being sent to our allies in virtually every faith community. The time to put an end to this anti-religious madness is now.”
While I don't question your statement, I stand by mine. If more Catholics listened to him, less anti-Catholic propaganda would abound, and he'd have much less work to do.
(Having just read a bit more from his website, I have to add that his press releases read better than his letters to newspapers. Some of the press releases have a touch of irony and humor, whereas the letters to editors come off as victimish/whiny.)
I have ALWAYS wondered what was supposed to be so special about Elizabeth Dole. She was supposed to be so "able" so "competent," and she kept getting appointed to these figurehead positions, but what has she ever really accomplished (not to mention: what are her principles)? Really, I haven't a clue. Might be interesting to see her function as a Senator; at least we'd get a good idea of what she stands for through her voting record.
The graphic artist has been notified. His correction and enhancements will be seen at reply 115.
He welcomed the chance to add to his earlier, quickly drawn, creation.
I liked the older, cruder version myself. Being a failed institution, the ARC leaders may console themselves that bad press is better than no press. And here we are, burnishing our disdain. I'd hate to being making them feel good about anything, unless it's over their (finally) honorable decision to take a long walk off a short pier.
Thanks to all for straightening me out. It appears the ARC has been a despicable group since way before 9/11. My experiences may have been the exception, not the rule.
He and his relatives, he said, had nothing but praise for the Salvation Army and all that THEY did for the troops.
The more I hear from vets the more I feel your experience was the exception and not the rule as you say. Just ask around of some older vets and you will see.
Just as Viagra-Bob was always complicit in and an accessory after the RICO-gangster activities of the vast criminal enterprises known as the "DemocRATic" potty -- so was little libby dole a component part of turning the red cross into an extension of the same looters' "game!"
Both firmly into being component parts of the mobster-elitist "East-Coast-'Establishment'" Looters' Brigade!
Both of them racketeering-gangster scumbag bastards!
Mine too. God Bless them for all the good that they have contributed.
What amazes me, is they say they do not want to "offend" different populations...
BULL BISCUTS! How about the majority of Americans they are offending by not singing these patriotic songs?
During WW II and the Korean war, servicemen going on leave from the front were greeted at the R&R centers and sold them coffee and donuts. Back where it was nice and safe!
The Salvation Army, on the other hand would distribute coffee, donuts, sandwiches, whatever was available at the front lines, where shooting was going on, and for free!
Any other oldtimers want to back me up on this?
In a word, YES!
Last night I sent an email to Jim Quinn at www.warroom.com and 96.9 FM in Pittsburgh. Check out the show, it's live AND archived. He has been reaming the Red Cross good and I'm betting he will probably help us out. He was one of the first guys nationwide to play "The Ballad of Mike Moran", and still plays it now. I STRONGLY suspect that he is a FReeper or at least lurks here.
I missed his live show this AM (530-9 AM), but I just downloaded the show and am going to listen to it now to see if he mentioned the Monopoly boycott today.
So far I am hearing opinions such as yours, nothing but good to say about the Salvation Army. Many have said something "somewhat" similar to what you experienced with the Red Cross , which is very sad. Sad to think what you guys have done for the USA and to be treated so shabbily. God Bless all you service men/women.
Thank you for writing to us. I apologize for the delay in responding to you. Please know that we are trying to respond as quickly as possible. If you have any further questions, please write to me. Thank you.
On Sunday, March 10, 2002, the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized its more than 4,000 local volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition event. This event was held to recognize the dedication of all chapter volunteers for their year-long service. The program included the U.S. Army Reserve presenting the colors, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, an inspirational speech and a moment of silence for the victims of September 11 and Armed Forces members serving all over the world.
The Fundamental Principles that guide the American Red Cross -- Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntarism, Unity and Universality - are more important today than ever before. We have used these principles time and time again to govern our work here in Orange County and around the world. We used these same principles to develop the program to honor our volunteers this past Sunday who provide vital services to our community throughout the year.
We certainly did not intend to hurt or offend anyone. But the judgements we made in this case in applying our principles clearly offended some in our community. Principles should remain inviolate. But like many things in life, it is important to use reasonable judgement in applying principles to the everyday circumstances we confront. So, while our principles remain sound, the judgement we made to exclude certain songs from the Sunday program was a mistake. We want to apologize to the community and to any people who were hurt or disappointed by our actions
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