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From the President's Desk
By Dr. Richard Ferrier, President March 11, 2002 I pass on to you a first hand account of a shameful act by the Red Cross Chapter of Orange County CA. "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."
The American Red Cross may think it "cannot offend anyone." It has just offended you and me, and we should let them know. I have written an email of protest to the Orange County Red Cross. I ask you to do the same. The address is:
American Red Cross Orange County Chapter E-mail: PublicAffairs@oc-redcross.org
Dr. Richard Ferrier For correspondence: P.O. Box 1310 • Herndon, VA 20172-1310 df@declarationfoundation.com © 2008, Declaration Foundation • ® All rights reserved. |
