Salvation Army reps.

Taiko

Reminded me of this article in The Guardian critical of the SA. This involves a comedian/songwriter Tim Minchin:

Your song "White Wine in the Sun", which includes lyrics critical of Christianity, caused controversy last week in Australia when it was used on an album of Christmas songs sold to raise money for the Salvation Army. What's your take on the fuss?

I think the Salvos are idiots. I didn't know they would benefit from the CD, but by the time I found out I didn't want to make too much of a fuss. So I gave my song free, then they turn around and say that they don't agree with the sentiment of the song. Obviously, they are talking about how I think Jesus is not magic. Part of me is hugely outraged by what imbeciles they are, to bite the hand that feeds them and put their proselytising above charity.
It's a terrible paradox that most charities are driven by religious belief. I believe very strongly in giving only to secular charities, because I don't think there should be a back end to altruism. I won't make this mistake again. I tweeted that if people want to buy my version of the song independently, I'll give the proceeds away, as I did last year, to the National Autistic Society, a non-proselytising charity.
Christmas means much to billions of people who don't believe in Jesus, and if you think that Christmas without Jesus is not Christmas, then you're out of touch, and if you think altruism without Jesus is not altruism, then you're a !!!!!!.

DCFC79

Ive never had or seen any SA reps round here, mind you i do work during the day so maybe the come then but no envelope is put through the door

rugbymum

knightstyle wrote: »

They are chuggers and their organization states in the small print that it "supports" the SA. However in the first few years very little money goes to the SA. Have a look at the SA, who do you make it out to?
The latest thing is that they ask for your card number and set up a monthly card payment and YOU cannot cancel it!
If you want to support an organization give the money direct. Last year we didn't send any Christmas cards, just handed some to people we saw, put a note on Facebook and made a donation to the SA who do a lot of good work for the homeless at Christmas.

In which case why were they wearing "uniform"?
Could you tell us where you got the information that The Salvation Army uses chuggers? You have concrete proof for this assertion, I presume?
Given that The Salvation Army has many thousands of soldiers and adherents, it has absolutely no need to use these organisations!

aheaton46

knightstyle wrote: »

They are chuggers and their organization states in the small print that it "supports" the SA.

Given the OP stated they were in Salvation Army uniform, they were not chuggers. They were either members of the SA who were acting improperly, or they were scammers dressed in SA uniform. I don't believe the SA use chuggers to fundraise, and even if they did they wouldn't be wearing the uniform.

rugbymum

Taiko - your post made me laugh.
Given Tim Minchin's style of humour you'd think someone from the Sally Army would have checked it out in the first place!
That's one of the problems with some Christians - totally humourless!

Taiko

rugbymum wrote: »

Taiko - your post made me laugh.
Given Tim Minchin's style of humour you'd think someone from the Sally Army would have checked it out in the first place!
That's one of the problems with some Christians - totally humourless!

Yeah, I agree. I actually think the song itself is really good too, especially the version I have with an orchestra behind it.

Reading the full article, I don't think he realised where it was going to, but then just let it go when he did without making a fuss. If that is what happened, then the SA are just being a bit pathetic. It is for a good cause after all.

Coopdivi

The Salvation Army do a marvellous job, especially for the homeless. I'd never criticise them.

rugbymum

Coopdivi wrote: »

The Salvation Army do a marvellous job, especially for the homeless. I'd never criticise them.

The Salvation Army is the second largest provider of social services, behind central government (at least they used to be & I can't find the article with the stats now, sorry).
Whilst this is admirable they are by no means perfect and they will be the first to admit it. Supporting them is fantastic and to be welcomed but this does not mean that they cannot, on occasion, be criticised!
They are an organisation made up of human beings and as such have the flaws and foibles of any other human beings!

shammyjack

A Sally Army member lives next to my Mother and is the biggest busy body, gossip and trouble causing old bat that I have ever met .

LMCD

shammyjack wrote: »

A Sally Army member lives next to my Mother and is the biggest busy body, gossip and trouble causing old bat that I have ever met .

:rotfl: takes all sorts! to err is human I believe.