Salvation Army Doesn't Believe In Merry Christmas? Vanity

Self ^ | 12-19-01 | Don Myers

[Ward Smythe]

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

Maybe she's royalty.
Maybe she meant we as in "Me and Ethel on the evenin' shift."

There is nothing in what she said (or at least in what you say she said) that indicates a Salvation Army "policy."

[ReaganGirl]

See...that's my point.

The SA chick was grinchy because she was being PC.

Don Myers was being Grinchy because he was cruising for an argument with the Salvation Army.

But I'm not particularly happy with this Grinching because I don't think that he set out to grinch. I think that he set out to do something good and got backed into a PC corner. That doesn't make him a Grinch, that makes him an easy mark for the left.

Your thoughts?

[OWK]

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

Me too.

But I don't think I'd have a hissy-fit if someone wished me Happy Holidays.

[smith288]

The bellringer shouldnt even try to have a debate. Its his duty to stand there, ring a bell and say thank you, happy holidays merry christmas...whatever... If he is that much of a grump about not saying merry christmas then he isnt doing the bellringing for the spirit of Christmas but for something like punishment by getting busted for doing drugs with OWK.

[ikurrina]

I'll buy into the theory that the bell ringer was possibly a non Christian or a person of no faith who was just participating in the charity event. The Sallies don't do a faith check on the bell ringers. I know a Jewish guy who volunteers as a bell ringer every year. If the bell ringer wasn't Christian, it was perfectly appropriate for him to say "Happy Holidays." But when the contributor replied, "Merry Christmas," it was churlish and rude of the bell ringer not to just accept the greeting without the comment.

[smith288]

Sorry...had to bring up the Libertarian thing...no offense. ;)

[Dimensio]

I don't think that it really matters anymore. People say "Merry Christmas" all the time but they've completely lost touch with what December 25 is really all about and the important birthday celebrated on that day.

I mean people give gifts to their friends and family and go to Christmas parties, but does the person whose birthday falls upon that day receive anything? No! I don't even get so much as a card! You ingrates!

;)

[Destructor]

I'm sure the Salvation Army does that to avoid offending people. Society has changed in recent years, and it seems that there are a lot of people that are just looking for something to be offended on. You are a case in point!

[Chuckster]

I don't get it.

I mean.....Aren't "Gay" and "Merry" synonyms? Don't the two words mean the same thing?

d;^)

[ikurrina]

"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."

Good grief! This is even worse than the churlish bell ringer who wouldn't just let "Merry Christmas" go without a comment.

I thought the general idea was to raise money for the poor and needy, not conduct a curb-side inquisition into the bell ringer's (or the organization's) theological convictions.

Jesus told us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, etc., etc. I don't remember him saying anything about them having to have political (or religious) beliefs that agree with ours. (Or anything about requiring a particular greeting before we give.)

[Dimensio]

I'm sure the Salvation Army does that to avoid offending people. Society has changed in recent years, and it seems that there are a lot of people that are just looking for something to be offended on. You are a case in point!

I'm not Don and I wasn't there, but it sounds more like he was offended by the bellringer copping an attitude just because he said "Merry Christmas" in response to "Happy Holidays".

[Iowa Granny]

I don't care what the Salvation Army Bell Ringers say. The Salvation Army is about the only charity that didn't rip their contributors off after WTC. As far as I'm concerned the "Ringers" can say: Screw You,,,, and I'll still contribute. At least they aren't going to take 20% of the contributions for Sensitivity Training and Technology Updates like the Red Cross tried to do.

One volunteer Bell Ringer does not an organization make.

[riley1992]

I don't see Grinchy here. Just whiney. But then again, I am Grinchy so that is probably why I see whiney. It's sort of a vicious circle.

[ReaganGirl]

Agreed! If he were a Grinch he would have been out looking for garland to pull down instead of looking for kettles to freep.

[The Mayor]

One problem I have with the Salvation Army is the way the waste money.
A house in Amherst (outside of Buffalo NY) was purchased by them, completley remodeled inside and out to the tune of $100,000 plus. One of the leadership and his wife moved in, stayed six months and moved to another house to do the same thing. The house still sits there empty going on two years. I can understand doing this to sell the house, but to have it just sitting there while the contributions pay for it is a complete waste of money and as far as i am concerned an abuse of dollars.

[Osprey]

"Good grief! This is even worse than the churlish bell ringer who wouldn't just let "Merry Christmas" go without a comment.

I thought the general idea was to raise money for the poor and needy, not conduct a curb-side inquisition into the bell ringer's (or the organization's) theological convictions."

First, I don't give to the Salvation Army, since I found out that they support pro abortion groups.

Second, I give to the poor and needy.

Third, It's just and idea, and I can do what I like with my money!

Merry Christmas

[Always Right]

I think you have the wrong group, perhaps the United Way. Here is the Salvation Army's position on abortion, from their web site:

Abortion

The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life and considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.

The Salvation Army deplores society’s ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)

The Salvation Army holds to the Christian ideals of chastity before marriage and fidelity within the marriage relationship and, consistent with these ideals, supports measures to prevent crisis pregnancies. It is opposed to abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, and sex selection or for any reason of mere convenience to avoid the responsibility for conception. Therefore, when an unwanted pregnancy occurs, The Salvation Army advises that the situation be accepted and that the pregnancy be carried to term, and offers supportive help and assistance with planning.

The Salvation Army recognizes tragic and perplexing circumstances that require difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy. Such decisions should be made only after prayerful and thoughtful consideration, with appropriate involvement of the woman’s family and pastoral, medical and other counsel. A woman in these circumstances needs acceptance, love and compassion.

When an abortion has taken place, The Salvation Army will continue to show love and compassion and to offer its services and fellowship to those involved.

[riley1992]

Or at the very least he would have stuffed a half-eaten Tootise Roll Pop in the kettle.