Thoughts ala Tom

During this time of giving, I urge you to donate to more accepting charities than the Salvation Army, which is not accepting of homosexuals. In these troubled times, there is no need for an organization that is supposed to assist the unfortunate to be intolerant of anyone.

I always try to donate to charities like Toys For Tots, my local food bank, local domestic violence organizations (locally, I donate to 180: Turning Lives Around, to find an organization near you, Google “domestic violence assistance” in your area), or the American Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Instead of throwing your spare change or a few dollars in that red bucket, consider putting your loose change & singles this season in a jar & donating it to a worthy cause that focuses on charity & not intolerance.

Edit (11/21/11): I’ve notice recent reblogs commenting upon the voracity of this screenshot. If you’d like to find it yourself, please visit the Salvation Army website, mouse over “About Us,” down to “What We Believe,” to “Position Statements.” On that page, you can click & read their position on homosexuality on the same-named tab.

I would like to point out that, while the statement later goes on the express that the Salvation Army abjures “demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of his or her sexual orientation,” that is not the same, in my opinion, as being tolerant or accepting. This seems to be a point of contention for some people, so I’d like to stress that I believe that thought can often have just as much of an impact as deed, & in this case, I feel the thought is something I find wrong, & so I choose to no longer donate to this particular charity.

Additionally, I’d like to note that my intention for this post was to draw attention to what I consider to be intolerance, & suggest alternate means of charity. It is my belief that we should all give, if it is within our means, & it is my sincere hope that everyone give to a cause they believe in, no matter what it is. My personal choice is to donate to an organization I share beliefs with, & The Salvation Army is not one of them.

Happy Holidays!!