It's All About Secret Agendas

I was reading the latest edition of The NonProfit Times this morning, and I came across an opinion piece by Rick Cohen: "Target Vs. Salvation Army."

Apparently Target didn't allow Salvation Army bellringers to collect money in front of its stores. And, apparently, much wrath rained down upon it. Now, I don't remember hearing anything about it--so, it couldn't have been that big of a deal. But no one's better at raising a wrath-fest ruckus than uber conservative right-wing groups (Christian, let's be honest, they're almost always Christian groups--"Scary Christians" I call them).

Target's refusal to allow bell-ringers, according to Cohen, was merely a strict enforcement of its policy to not allow organizations to solicite money at its stores. Target used to prohibit everyone but the Salvation Army, but this past year decided to equally enforce the rule. (I must note that Target's charitable foundation, TJX, does alot of giving, as do individual stores on a smaller levels).

However, groups like Concerened Women for America concluded that Target's refusal had something to do with "requests from homosexual activists" (quoth a director of the group). While it's true that gay/lesbian organizations aren't particularily fond of the S.A because of its anit-gay policies, this finger-pointing at gay rights groups--and their "agenda" is only a too famliar ploy.

Another choice quote:

"It wouldn't surprise me if homosexual groups are behind this." (the president of the American Family Association)

And my very favorite quote comes from Oliver North--yes that Oliver North--on TownHall.com (a project of the Heritage Foundation's, which is a conservative thinktank). Oliver concluded that Target is simply "following Castro's lead."

Apparently Oliver North is a regular columnist at TownHall. In his bio there is no mention of Iran or the contras, as if it never happened. (Beware, after creationists rewrite science textbooks they'll rewrite our history books.) Oliver has many "interesting" columns worth checking out--in case the "mainstream" media doesn't already make your blood pressure shoot up, and you need more anger in your life. On the other hand, there's almost enough irony in one of his columns to rival a Bush speech--and that's pretty entertaining.