Quote:
|
Originally Posted by osuche
I am a bit torn about what to say on this issue. I am not particularly religious ~ I was raised Catholic and I am sure that scarred me for life ~ and I certainly wouldn't boycott a store because they applied a policy consistently. I *like* visiting Target (although I only do it about once every other month). I also happen to really dislike the bell-ringers.....I often don't carry cash and I resent that they make me feel guilty. I give to several causes in various ways ~ some money and some with time ~ and the Salvation Army is not on my short list.
Here's the BUT....
I tend to think that we in America are too complacent. Maybe it has something to do with being well-fed and having heat.  Most of us don't pursue causes and "fight for what we believe in." I find many Americans to be politically and socially unaware....and I think that's a damn shame. So....I would never want to silence the voice of the 700 Club....or those who decided to boycott....in the hopes that the social awareness "bug" might infect those people and they would begin to become more active in their communities. |
You know I right after I posted I drove to Walmart because where else can I buy Thanksgiving for 6 on a student's budget, and was thinking along those very same lines, osuche.
I realize that some religions feel it is their responsibility to inform their parishoners of what is and is not acceptable moral and ethical choices per their doctrine. I respect that, if that is the way their parishoners like their religion. And I support their right to practice their faith in anyway they choose. I think for me it is important that
I decide what is and is not right, what causes I will support, and what ideologies I will reject. I am glad I had some religious/spiritual training to help give me a base of morals and ethics but I as an adult will choose where those apply.
I always let my kids put a buck in the pot at some time during the season. It's planned and they know why they do it but personally there are many other organizations who I would prefer to give my $$ too. Ones I feel support my ideologies and express a statement about how I believe just by my being a part of them, such as Habitat for Humanity. I almost always buy gifts for a child on a local "giving tree" too. The children are usually orphans or wards of the state. The first year Mr. Lil and I were dating we did this at our work...selected two kids and we shopped together for those kids. It was a great way to get to know him and showed me where his heart was very early on in our relationship.
Some one should start a new thread about the volunteer and charities people most like to support....