On the 700-Club’s pseudo-news show this morning |1|., Pat Robertson’s pseudo-anchor read a so-called news story about how “Target has banned Salvation Army bell ringers from it’s stores,” and how “Christian organizations are calling for a boycott” in either an attempt to intimidate or punish Target for it’s decision. The “news cast” didn’t make mention of the fact that Target had traditionally had a “no-solicitation policy” and had made unfair exemptions in favor of the Salvation Army until now. Nor did the broadcast mention that many stores and businesses have always had similar policies that excluded bell ringers |2|. CBN did, however, note this on their website |3|.
CBN was quick, though, to point out on both the website and in the broadcast that the Salvation Army raised $90 million dollars and that Target was responsible for 10% of that effort last year. What they failed to mention was that the Salvation Army isn’t even planning on putting bell ringers at many stores this year, instead we’ll see “cardboard, mechanical cut-outs.” CBN / Robertson also failed to make note that Target announced this decision 12 months ago in order to give the Salvation Army time to adjust and that they based this decision on being fair with other non-profit charities. Charities that would legitimately have a grievance by not also being represented.
CBN also failed to note that Target gives over $2 million per week “to education, the arts, and social services |4|. But Robertson, after his stooge said, “back to you Pat,” shook his head and said, “you know, Walmart is a fine company... good prices... quality products...”
Walmart is quoted by Fortune as: “Illegal immigrants mopping its floors. Workers locked inside overnight. A big gender discrimination suit...” Walmart, by the way, has limited hours in which bell-ringers are allowed on their premises |5|.
It seems clear that Robertson and his ilk could care less about what a company’s social value truly is. Their main concern is that the money that a company gives to charity goes to their charities. That, ladies and gentlemen, is distinctly not a very Christian way of doing business.
Don’t boycott Target. Boycott Pat Robertson.
Sources
1. Robertson, Pat (12/14/04). 700 Club’s CBN News
2. Glanton, Dahleen (12/14/04). http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/10416431.htm ]Salvation Army mans kettles with mechanized cutouts[/url]. KansasCity.com
3. Griffith, Wendy (2004). Target’s Salvation Army Ban Unpopular with Some Shoppers. CBN.com
4. Target (2004) Community Giving. Target Website.
5. Useem, Jerry (2004) Should We Admire Wal-Mart? Fortune Magazine
CBN was quick, though, to point out on both the website and in the broadcast that the Salvation Army raised $90 million dollars and that Target was responsible for 10% of that effort last year. What they failed to mention was that the Salvation Army isn’t even planning on putting bell ringers at many stores this year, instead we’ll see “cardboard, mechanical cut-outs.” CBN / Robertson also failed to make note that Target announced this decision 12 months ago in order to give the Salvation Army time to adjust and that they based this decision on being fair with other non-profit charities. Charities that would legitimately have a grievance by not also being represented.
CBN also failed to note that Target gives over $2 million per week “to education, the arts, and social services |4|. But Robertson, after his stooge said, “back to you Pat,” shook his head and said, “you know, Walmart is a fine company... good prices... quality products...”
Walmart is quoted by Fortune as: “Illegal immigrants mopping its floors. Workers locked inside overnight. A big gender discrimination suit...” Walmart, by the way, has limited hours in which bell-ringers are allowed on their premises |5|.
It seems clear that Robertson and his ilk could care less about what a company’s social value truly is. Their main concern is that the money that a company gives to charity goes to their charities. That, ladies and gentlemen, is distinctly not a very Christian way of doing business.
Don’t boycott Target. Boycott Pat Robertson.
Sources
1. Robertson, Pat (12/14/04). 700 Club’s CBN News
2. Glanton, Dahleen (12/14/04). http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/10416431.htm ]Salvation Army mans kettles with mechanized cutouts[/url]. KansasCity.com
3. Griffith, Wendy (2004). Target’s Salvation Army Ban Unpopular with Some Shoppers. CBN.com
4. Target (2004) Community Giving. Target Website.
5. Useem, Jerry (2004) Should We Admire Wal-Mart? Fortune Magazine
