News Release: American Red Cross Statement Regarding Orange County High School Music Program

Red Cross ^ | 03.08.02 | Red Cross

[Registered]

News Release: American Red Cross Statement Regarding
Orange County High School Music Program on March 10, 2002

Contact: Dana Allen allenda@usa.redcross.org Phone: 703-206-8107 Pager: 877-869-9816

National Headquarters 430 17th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006

ORANGE COUNTY, March 8, 2002 — The Sunday volunteer recognition program at the American Red Cross Orange County Chapter in Santa Ana, California, honors America both through the presentation of colors and in the music program.

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. "God Bless America" is a wonderful song.

The event begins with the posting of the American Flag and the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."  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.

© Copyright 2001, The American Red Cross, Orange County Chapter.  All Rights Reserved.

[absinthe]

Perhaps they should rename their organization the Red Fist.

But that might offend gays who are into fisting!

[IVote2]

Cousin Eddie: I wish I had read your note before I sent mine. It wasn't nearly as articulate as yours.

I have made donations to them for nearly 30 years. No more. I won't donate another cent.

Surely the politically correct and sensative religion haters can make up the difference since there seem to be so many more of them to worry about than someone like me who thinks that singing God Bless America is uplifting and appropriate, not to mention that horrible word, Patriotic!

[isthisnickcool]

Helix, Guidestar is great! I posted the direct link to the American Red Cross financials in post #33.

If you look at the 2000 IRS 990 filing, that's the pdf file, you will find towards the end that the Red Cross has some kind of special charter from Congress. Hmm...

[RightField]

#80
My husband is a public school teacher and for many years the administration pulled the same stunt on the the entire staff. We tore up the cards also, as did a few other teachers. Evidentally this little rebellion gathered steam over the years, because about 4 years ago, the district stopped their policy of automatic paycheck withdrawals for United Way.

[Salvation]

a Christian symbol of great antiquity and meaning.

Another bump against the Red Cross! This is good info to use if anyone comes out trying to be politcally correct. The facts. The facts. The facts.

[VRWC_minion]

Why not encourage those who attend the event to sing the song "spontaneously". Provide the words to all who enter and suggest a time to sing it, possibly right after the anthem.

Such a display would be far more powerful than anything else.

[Pushi]

The RC, in conjuction with Planned Parenthood, passed out condoms at the Olympics in Utah.

[OldFriend]

I thought it was about honoring AMERICA

[rwfromkansas]

bump!!!!!

[rwfromkansas]

There will be a blood drive here at the high school this week. I am going to find out if it is led by the Red Cross (almost assuredly it is). If so, I may just print out some signs and stick them up at 5:30 in teh morning around the school to let people know if they ask for a donation at the blood drive not to give any.

[rwfromkansas]

They claim to simply support religious diversity, but this can’t be true when they are stifling multiple religions that use the term “God” in favor of no religion. How can one support religious diversity if different religions are not celebrated?

[rwfromkansas]

Does anyone know if there will be Muslim sensitivity crap at this program? Has the Red Cross supported such efforts since Sept. 11? If so, we got them caught in double-speak.

[rwfromkansas]

You mean to tell me THIS is what they are doing with taxpayer money?????

[goldstategop]

Its an outrage!!! What country do they think they're living in that patriotism "offends" some people? You'd think they'd remember 9-11. The hell with the American Red Cross!!!!!!!!

[putupon]

What country do they think they're living in that patriotism "offends" some people?

Peoples Republic of Kalifornia. They probably will change their name to Amerikan Red Cross Dressers and sing "Tip Toe Through the Tulips" next in order to be more inclusive, tolerant, & promoting diversity.

[grammymoon]

Yes, I was shocked when I actually got her on the phone.
Read the alert post for details.

[afraidfortherepublic]

[suggestion for legislation]:...no organization can claim non-profit exempt status unless 90% of it's revenues are used directly for charity and NOT for the organization or it's staff.

Hear, hear! That bears repeating.

[afraidfortherepublic]

If so, I may just print out some signs and stick them up at 5:30 in teh morning around the school to let people know if they ask for a donation at the blood drive not to give any.

That may seem morally justified to you, but it could result in a severe blood shortage in your locality. I think that the Red Cross controls ALL of the blood supply in this country. Please correct me, if I'm wrong. I do not know any way to donate blood that isn't through the Red Cross. I would completely agree with your idea if there is another avenue to donate blood.