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 Greenwood’s “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 group’s 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 Boragno’s 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.
Well isn't that precious.
The donated dollars have "In God We Trust" printed on them. I don't see them banning contributions.
But doesn't "Cross" imply God? Maybe they need to change their whole name. Or maybe just to "Red" because they seem to be getting more Communist.
What about the people that are offended over the removal of such words and symbols? Or are they just more concerned about which groups they're offending?
“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.
Do you have any idea what damage you are doing to your organization? Why don't you just take the word "American" out of your title, since you obviously do not know where your money and support come from, and neither do you have a sense of how the Red Cross was founded in the first place.
I have personally given gallons of blood to the Red Cross during my life and have also contributed a lot of money, before and after 9/11. I will no longer do either, until the "American" is put back in to the Red Cross in spirit and in deed.
You ought to be ashamed. And this e-mail will also be sent to the National chapter.
That's it -- The Red. And I hope that's how it ends up -- in the red -- they'll not get another cent from me!
I don't know about that. We still have a lot of outhouses up here and many of them have a crescent cut out on the door. No religious symbolism in that.
Somebody give this woman some more koolaid and send her back to her home planet.
There is a nasty rumor about that the Red Cross does not uphold God or the Declaration of Independence, both being American values that set us apart from the rest of the world.
If this is true, and from your own press releases I can surmise that it is, I am appalled. Your intent is not to offend, however, you have offended most of America by cowering to the MINORITY of country that does not hold up the values that made this country the greatest in the world.
Take the word "American" out of your name and change it to the New World Order Red Cross. You are only an example of big corporations that use American money to undermine America. I look forward to the day we read about your drastic failure and fall from grace, much like the failure of other corporate giants who spat in the face of their patrons and supporters.
To hell with your politically correct, anti-American, Godless organization.
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