Shame on Target

How ridiculous -- and how wrong. Target has made the mistake of banning the Salvation Army from setting up the trademark red kettles and collecting money this Christmas season. This unconscionable ban may well result in lost contributions in the $9 million range. That's a lot of people who won't be comforted, warmed, clothed and fed -- thanks to Target.

Whenever President Bush speaks about the "armies of compassion," the Salvation Army immediately comes to mind. When I was serving as Senator Bond's in-state director in St. Louis, one of the best parts was becoming acquainted with the Salvation Army, and Colonel Gordon Spicer. These people aren't just serious about addressing their constituents' material needs -- they address their spiritual ones, as well, and help them find the way to successful new lives. They are active, loving Christians, and it's a pretty sad commentary that they should be banned anywhere. Not surprisingly, atheists are pleased.

Target should be ashamed -- here's how to email them (this address comes straight from their corporate department) and tell them so. If you prefer to call, the phone is 1-800-440-0680, and then hit #2 for Guest Relations, and then #2 again for "experience at Target Store" for the closest thing out there to the right division.

(With the quality readers that this site is lucky enough to have, the following reminder is unnecessary, but even so, it's worth remembering how important it is to be courteous as we express our dismay/disappointment . . . any other approach undermines our effectiveness.)

I'll be doing my big-box-store shopping at WalMart, thank you very much. There, the "armies of compassion" are welcome.