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**UPDATE** Red Cross BANS Declaration of Independence and God Bless the USA
personal correspondence | 3/10/2002 | Cherilyn Bacon

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.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News; News/Current Events; US: California
KEYWORDS: americanredcross
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2002

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

1 posted on 03/10/2002 8:59:37 AM PST by rface
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To: rface
I hope they get freeped - but good! For victory & freedom!!!
2 posted on 03/10/2002 9:10:24 AM PST by Saundra Duffy
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To: rface
Amazing. I would suggest they change their name to simply "The Red Cross". Including America in the name of an organization that would do something like this is atrocious.
3 posted on 03/10/2002 9:11:20 AM PST by ridensm
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To: rface
Bump 'til the cows come home!

I'll be all over this at The Declaration Foundation

Cheers,

Richard F.

4 posted on 03/10/2002 9:13:51 AM PST by rdf
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To: rface
I believe this is the same organization that tried to keep most of the money donated to and for the families of 9/11 victims. I think I've made my last donation to them.
5 posted on 03/10/2002 9:13:59 AM PST by oldfart
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To: rface
There was a thread yesterday and alot of us emailed the Red Cross
6 posted on 03/10/2002 9:15:50 AM PST by RnMomof7
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To: rface
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.

You want momentum? You have come to the RIGHT place!



7 posted on 03/10/2002 9:17:23 AM PST by who knows what evil?
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To: Saundra Duffy
I just finished an uplifting MIDI rendition from doug from upland

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?

8 posted on 03/10/2002 9:17:50 AM PST by rface
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To: oldfart, all
for anyone who needs some background on this issue:

WorldNet Daily : Red Cross nixes 'God' from 9-11 program [also Call for Boycott]

9 posted on 03/10/2002 9:21:58 AM PST by rface
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To: who knows what evil?
more background....from Orange County Register:

Kids' chance to sing dissolves in discord MY TITLE: Red Cross Double Cross

10 posted on 03/10/2002 9:24:00 AM PST by rface
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To: Registered, doug from upland, Brandybux, WillaJohns
Red Cross Responds: (do they take money that says "In God We Trust"?)

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

11 posted on 03/10/2002 9:27:50 AM PST by rface
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To: GeronL, Lecie, Tennessee_Bob, Dr. Frank
FYI
12 posted on 03/10/2002 9:31:52 AM PST by rface
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To: ridensm
Amazing. I would suggest they change their name to simply "The Red Cross". Including America in the name of an organization that would do something like this is atrocious.

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."

13 posted on 03/10/2002 9:33:24 AM PST by butter pecan fan
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To: butter pecan fan
You are too good, touche!
14 posted on 03/10/2002 9:35:28 AM PST by ridensm
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To: rface
And for heaven's sake, don't offend them by sending them any money that has "In God we Trust" on it.
15 posted on 03/10/2002 9:36:34 AM PST by VRWC_minion
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To: rface
Why not encourage those who attend the event to sing the song "spontaneously". Provide the words to all who enter
16 posted on 03/10/2002 9:37:16 AM PST by VRWC_minion
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To: VRWC_minion
bttt
17 posted on 03/10/2002 9:43:04 AM PST by rdf
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To: rface; bert
Patricia Johnson, representative for the American Red Cross in Orange County.

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

18 posted on 03/10/2002 9:45:10 AM PST by ForGod'sSake
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To: ridensm
"Amazing. I would suggest they change their name to simply "The Red Cross". Including America in the name of an organization that would do something like this is atrocious"

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.

19 posted on 03/10/2002 9:46:20 AM PST by Harrison Bergeron
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To: butter pecan fan
I move that they change their name simply to "The Reds."

NO GOOD! The "T" has GOT to go as well, and "he" doesn't fit; leaving RED!

FGS

20 posted on 03/10/2002 9:51:09 AM PST by ForGod'sSake
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