Posted on 03/10/2002 8:59:37 AM PST by rface
Irvine, CA.The American Red Cross has censored the use of the songs America the Beautiful, God Bless the U.S.A and The Declaration (the text of the Declaration of Independence) at an upcoming event honoring volunteers that assisted at the World Trade Center attack on September 11th.
First Act, a musical theatre performing troupe of some of the most talented middle school-aged children from Southern California was invited to perform their popular Heroes Trilogy, dedicated to the volunteers of 9-11. But their show was cancelled because of the controversial material.
The American Red Cross cannot offend anyone. The words prayer and God are religious words and will offend some. The Declaration of Independence is a political document that also may offend. These songs violate the a-political and a-religious policy of the organization, said Patricia Johnson, representative for the American Red Cross in Orange County.
First Act has achieved local popularity recently for its moving rendition of an original adaptation and arrangement of three songs, America the Beautiful, Prayer of the Children, written by Kurt Bestor (also performed at the Columbine High School memorial service), and Lee Greenwoods God Bless the U.S.A.
The kids have performed these songs for a wide variety of organizations from the Democrat and Republican Parties to the Santa Ana Interfaith Council, commented the groups director Cherilyn Bacon. Without fail, the performance has brought tears and instant standing ovations. From Muslim to Hare Krishna to Christian to Jew, and across the political spectrum, there has been unanimous applause.
Cindy Boragno, cast member Nicholas Boragnos mother, is stunned, as are several of the parents. What rot! This is outrageous, she said. To think that the word God cannot be used in a song.
Nicholas added, Doesn't our president say God bless America after every speech? Cast member Malorie Bryant explained, We were so excited to finally be able to perform our special Heroes tribute to the real heroes themselves.
I am deeply disappointed in the Red Cross, whose past reputation has been as a valued leader in humanitarian aid in times of calamity and crisis. By taking this neutral position, the organization has just offended most of America, commented Ms. Bacon.
Contact:
Cherilyn Bacon
45 Bridgeport
Irvine, CA 92620
949-552-**** home
949-433-**** cell
949-552-4087 fax
I removed her phone #s, but I will give them to any who FReep-mail me.
I received a few e-mails from her regaurding the American Red Cross.
I tried to register yesterday (at FReeRepublic), but for some reason, I never received the confirmation to activate it. So if you could post the news release, that would be great. I also have the OCR and the WND articles I will paste in. I just don't want people asking questions and not knowing where to get the answers. I'm trying to get this on as much radio and TV nationally as possible in the next two days before the issue loses momentum. Thanks for your help.
Cherilyn Bacon
________________________________________
by-the-way. This press release that was forwarded to me was: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2002
Ashland, Missouri
You want momentum? You have come to the RIGHT place!
DFU SONG: Sing a Song (Red Cross won't let kids sing) 03-09-02
There's also some links to some other threads regarding this issue there.
Isn't there a luncheon today in Orange County....that doesn't have any kids singing today? Is anyone going?
WorldNet Daily : Red Cross nixes 'God' from 9-11 program [also Call for Boycott]
Kids' chance to sing dissolves in discord MY TITLE: Red Cross Double Cross
News Release: American Red Cross Statement Regarding Orange County High School Music Program
No, no. The word "Cross" is also offensive, since it is an oblique reference to offensive Christianity and Christian values. I move that they change their name simply to "The Reds."
CONTACT:
American Red Cross Orange County Chapter | |
601 North Golden Circle Drive | |
P.O. Box 11364 | |
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1364 | |
(714) 481-5300 | |
E-mail: PublicAffairs@oc-redcross.org |
FGS
Well, I'm not the first to suggest that they remove the cross from the name as well. How ironic is it that they derive almost all of the good will coming their way from the mark and symbol of Christ's death and resurrection. As an organization, they've outlived their original purpose. There are any number of organizations that can step in and take their place. Of course, they'd fight to the death their right to profiteer on the blood of humanity.
NO GOOD! The "T" has GOT to go as well, and "he" doesn't fit; leaving RED!
FGS
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