Salvation Army Doesn't Believe In Merry Christmas? Vanity

Self ^ | 12-19-01 | Don Myers

[Don Myers]

Ok, the Salvation Army bellringer just annoyed the heck out of me. I tossed in some money. The bellringer said Happy Holidays. I said Merry Christmas. She couldn't let me get away with that one. She said, we always say Happy Holidays.

I thought the Salvation Army was a Christian organization. Their web site even mentions Christ. But their bellringers can't get out the words, Merry Christmas? So much for me contributing any more money to these people.

Even in Sioux Falls, SD, political correctness is in.

[ReaganGirl]

Grinch Bump

I can't decide if the post is Grinchey or if Don Meyers is Grinchey....help me out here.

[Don Myers]

Well, I have to pull a midnight shift on Christmas Eve, but we will struggle through.

[grellis]

The SA ringers outside of my place of employment ALL say "Merry Christmas." I've spoken with a few of them and they all say pretty much the same thing--the kind of people who are offended by the words "Merry Christmas" are the kind of people who don't put money in the can anyhow. The ringers have never had any backlash around here.

[Always Right]

I said Merry Christmas. She couldn't let me get away with that one. She said, we always say Happy Holidays. I thought the Salvation Army was a Christian organization.

It is a Christian organization, but bell ringers are volunteers from the community from various business, school, and church organizations. The lady was not speaking on behalf of Salvation Army.

[Ward Smythe]

So much for me contributing any more money to these people.

I responded to you on the other thread, but I really wish you hadn't started a new post with this. You're basing everything on one encounter with one bell ringer.

The Salvation Army is not only a charitable organization, but it is for the many members of the army a "church." Check them out. Yes, they proclaim the gospel and preach it widely. But they also believe that before you can fill the hole in a man's soul, you must fill the hole in his stomach.

When I was in college the Army would recruit on our campus for Christmas kettle workers. Our quarter system was set up to give us 6 weeks break so that we could work. Many of us worked for the Army - in the larger cities they are paid positions. So for five weeks I stood on a street corner in the Bronx for 10-12 hours per day in all kinds of weather. We chained our kettles to the lampposts so that they wouldn't be stolen.

All that is to say I'm not sure what I would've said to you either. Maybe the local comander said say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." But I doubt it's an edict from the top of the Army command.

[Don Myers]

OWK loves me like a brother. He is just kidding when he calls me a gringe.

[fleur-de-lis]

As a lifelong, card carrying conservative with strong moral and religious undertones, I find it unfortunate that you condemn the Salvation Army based on one not-so-tactfull volunteer (perhaps a paid "volunteer").

The Salvation Army along with the Boy Scouts are a couple of the few decent not-for-profits left. Both organizations serve all people of all races, nationalities and religions. They should then expect to get contributions from all of these groups and should extend them some minimal courtesy for their differing beliefs. I do, don't you. Despite small courtesies, I do not think you could convince the Salvation Army or me that we are not Christian.

Perhaps you should volunter to be a "better" bellringer instead of writing them off. Turn your experience into a better result than what you have currently.

Merry Christmas

[Don Myers]

The woman did say "we." I take that to mean it is others as well.

[steenkeenbadges]

"I heard on radio yesterday that Salvation Army is either being sued or there is some kind protest against them because they do not provide the same benefits to gays as to merried employees. "

I don't think charities fall under the same EEOC rules as private organizations. The Boy Scouts of America don't have to allow gay troop leaders, and I believe the Salvation Army (Salvation, as in Christian Gospel) is exempt from PC stuff like whom they may/may not hire or give benefits to. Any lawyers out there?

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

"OWK, you are just mad because I oppose drugs. Everyone knows that, so get a life."
No, you really are an obnoxious grouch.

[grellis]

At this crucial time of the year where most of the donations are made they organized a boycot asking people not to give the Salvation Army.

And what does that tell you about these GLAAD people? My thoughts are not quite fit to print.

[Osprey]

Idea!

Put the money over the top of the bucket.

Then ask them to say Merry Christmas.

If they refuse and say Happy Holidays

Don't deposit money into the can.

Fight Fire with Fire.

[NeoCaveman]

I can't decide if the post is Grinchey or if Don Meyers is Grinchey....help me out here.

PC people are even worse than Merry people and this coming from a Grinch...

"PC people roasting on an open fire...."

[Always Right]

I heard on radio yesterday that Salvation Army is either being sued or there is some kind protest against them because they do not provide the same benefits to gays as to merried employees.

Gays can be merried, they just can be married.

[Dimensio]

If you said only "Merry Christmas" and her response was immedeately "We always say Happy Holidays", then she was out of line, no argument there.

[Always Right]

...just can't be married....oh well, have a Merry Christmas...or Marry Christmas.

[ThinkingMan]

Where in Sioux Falls? I have heard a few here in town say Merry Christmas. Just last night at Wal-Mart as a matter of fact.

[cinFLA]

Maybe the volunteer had no religious convictions at all, and yet still wished to help.

I have no religious convictions but wish everyone a Merry Christmas and also send CHRISTMAS Cards.

[arepublicifyoucankeepit]

I too get annoyed at store clerks when they say "Happy Holidays". I will stop in my tracks turn and say (very deliberately)"and a Merry Christmas to you!"

I think stores and businesses are promoting the "happy holidays" greeting for fear of being tormented by the liberal PC crowd. It's censorship and I don't take it quietly, ever.

[Texas Mom]

I don't know about this particular bell ringer but many of the Bell Ringers are not members of the Salvation army but volunteers from community groups who's membership volunteer for a few hours to ring the bell. Our Republican Womens club volunteered for one day here. Each member taking a shift.