Well, the new year is upon us and I'm not forgetting Target, for one. Let us not forget, as a private company, Target can do whatever the heck they want...as a consumer, so can I. I'm not sure what impact I or anyone individually or corporately has had on Target as result of their change in policy. What I am hoping is that the aggregate effect of the media, websites like Don't shop Target , and ordinary folks like me, will force them to change their policy back. Let us not forget, we all can vote with our pocketbooks, and mine is closed as far as Target is concerned, for the duration. Happy New Year Everyone. Target, you're on your own...
Friday, December 31, 2004
Monday, December 20, 2004
If you can't beat Bush....Hey! Let's go after Rumsfeld!
Its all about context. What we're hearing from the MSM is the little soundbite that makes Rumsfeld sound like the Armor Nazi, like 'No armor for you, so try not to get blown up in the meantime'. The actual text of the meeting is available at DOD here. Looking at the whole meeting and the whole response to the guy's question puts it all in a new light. Rumsfeld spoke of a basic truth, that an army will never be 100% equipped and prepared to deal with all contingincies all the time. The enemy does try to play to and exploit whatever perceived weakness it can find. If they always did exactly what we expected, it would be simple. No way. These guys are out there to kill us any way they can find. We don't get engraved invitations to their strategy sessions. If we tried to prepare for all contingencies, we'd never get anywhere.
Now, come to find out, most of the Humvees in that guy's unit were armored at the time. Not only that, the guy hadn't even been in the field yet, so he had no need or opportunity to go dumpster diving for scrap metal. Now, I'm not saying Rumsfeld is Mr. Perfect here. He's got a reputation for being abrasive, stubborn, and downright hateful in dealing with his subordinates. I'm sure he's made some missteps along the way, perhaps some that were unavoidable. See my blog concerning the Battle of the Bulge to put that sort of thing in context.
Now, come to find out, most of the Humvees in that guy's unit were armored at the time. Not only that, the guy hadn't even been in the field yet, so he had no need or opportunity to go dumpster diving for scrap metal. Now, I'm not saying Rumsfeld is Mr. Perfect here. He's got a reputation for being abrasive, stubborn, and downright hateful in dealing with his subordinates. I'm sure he's made some missteps along the way, perhaps some that were unavoidable. See my blog concerning the Battle of the Bulge to put that sort of thing in context.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Targeting Target: this from MSNBC
Looks like this pulls from the Seattle Post Intelligencer from which you can link here.
And the numbers start to come in...
This article indicates the targeting Target is suffering from monetarily. Couldn't link the story to the A J-C, but did find a copy of it. Here you go...
Target incurs wrath for Salvation Army ban
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | 12/18/04 | Mike Tierney
The parking lots in front of Target stores are quieter this Christmas season.
Absent is the pealing of Salvation Army bells and the pitter-patter of some former customers who may have crossed the retailer off their shopping lists for banning the bell-ringers.
Target announced in January that it would extend a long-standing policy prohibiting solicitors from standing outside its stores to the Salvation Army's volunteers and their signature red kettles. But the decision got widespread attention only recently, as the Christian charity publicized the ban and criticism against the retailer mounted.
On Thursday, Target rival Wal-Mart added a jab. The world's No. 1 retailer touted its willingness to welcome the kettles by agreeing to match all customer contributions to the Salvation Army through Christmas Eve, up to $1 million.
A fine kettle of fish Target now finds itself in. The company name has been turned against it as mostly Christian-rooted groups such as the American Family Association have targeted the chain for criticism and encouraged followers to buy their gifts elsewhere.
Target, which wouldn't comment for this story, has said it opted for blanket enforcement of its non-solicitation policy at its 1,300 stores when other organizations sought the same privileges as the Salvation Army. The retailer emphasizes its charitable record. Target donates about 5 percent of its pretax profits --- more than $100 million a year --- to charities, including the Salvation Army.
There are signs that Target is feeling repercussions for banning the kettles.
America's Research Group, a shopping-behavior tracker and marketing firm in Charleston, S.C., phoned 800 households nationwide and determined that Target was the only major retailer with fewer customers last weekend compared with the same holiday-shopping weekend in 2003.
The survey indicated 55 percent of U.S. consumers visited stores over the weekend, with 12 percent patronizing Target. A year ago, 43 percent went shopping, and 30 percent of those shoppers included Target in their rounds.
"That's a significant decline," said ARG Chairman Britt Beemer, who noted 16 interviewees offered without prompting that they avoided Target. "There is getting to be a significant amount of backlash."
'I wouldn't picket'
Some local shoppers said they disagree with the ban, but it didn't keep them out of Target stores.
"It's pretty crappy of [Target]," said Mindy Thompson of Snellville, who was shopping at the retailer's store on North Druid Hills Road, "but I wouldn't picket over it."
Chris Davidson of Chamblee accepts the chain's explanation for shooing off the kettles. "If it's their policy, and they are going to enforce it for everybody else, it should be enforced [for Salvation Army]," she said. "There's plenty of other places for them to go."
The Salvation Army says poor children and their families, for whom the bells toll, are being hurt by Target's decision.
The charity won't match the $93 million it took in last year, said Maj. George Hood, a national spokesman for Salvation Army. He attributes most of the decline to Target, where the Salvation Army collected about $9 million last holiday season.
In metro Atlanta, coins, bills and checks dropped into crimson containers at Target entrances last year made up 28 percent of the $860,000 the Salvation Army amassed at 25 locations.
Through Thursday, metro area volunteers had hauled in $596,000 toward the Salvation Army's $1 million goal. That is similar to the amount that had been collected at this time last year, but the organization's metro area goal was lower --- $900,000.
Still, Maj. George Hoosier, general secretary for the Salvation Army's Georgia chapter, said Target's silencing of the bells "has put us in a bind."
Meanwhile, other seasonal charities are thriving. Toys For Tots, for example, is reporting record highs for corporate donations.
The Salvation Army's Cobb County wing got some relief Tuesday when guests at U.S. Sen.-elect Johnny Isakson's Christmas gala kicked in $9,601.
"I just can't understand how people standing out front [of the stores] to raise money for those in need --- why they would not allow that," Isakson said during an interview at the event in the Cobb Galleria.
Criticism harsh
Target has risen to lightning-rod status for some Americans angry at the state of year-end commercialism, said Atlanta marketing strategist Jim Neal.
"This has been unfair," said Neal, of Kurt Salmon Associates. "[Target is] taking the hit from the Christmas crabbies."
Target is not the only high-profile chain that forbids sidewalk solicitations. The Salvation Army is verboten at Home Depot, Toys "R" Us and Kroger, though Hoosier said some of those retailers provide aid or assistance directly.
Even Wal-Mart limits the organization's bell-ringing to 14 days.
Target did not anticipate such harsh reaction, said Laura Rowley, author of the book "On Target: How the World's Hottest Retailer Hit a Bull's-Eye."
"I think they made a big mistake," said Rowley, who teaches a course on contemporary moral values at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. "I understand where they are coming from, but they completely underestimated the significance of the Salvation Army. It's not just another charity. It reminds people of Christmas. To them, this takes away the spirit of Christmas."
Target has not said whether it would amend the prohibition next year.
"I would if I were them," said Beemer, the researcher. "What Target is doing may satisfy a very small group that might complain, but there is a much larger group that is mad about it."
Target incurs wrath for Salvation Army ban
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | 12/18/04 | Mike Tierney
The parking lots in front of Target stores are quieter this Christmas season.
Absent is the pealing of Salvation Army bells and the pitter-patter of some former customers who may have crossed the retailer off their shopping lists for banning the bell-ringers.
Target announced in January that it would extend a long-standing policy prohibiting solicitors from standing outside its stores to the Salvation Army's volunteers and their signature red kettles. But the decision got widespread attention only recently, as the Christian charity publicized the ban and criticism against the retailer mounted.
On Thursday, Target rival Wal-Mart added a jab. The world's No. 1 retailer touted its willingness to welcome the kettles by agreeing to match all customer contributions to the Salvation Army through Christmas Eve, up to $1 million.
A fine kettle of fish Target now finds itself in. The company name has been turned against it as mostly Christian-rooted groups such as the American Family Association have targeted the chain for criticism and encouraged followers to buy their gifts elsewhere.
Target, which wouldn't comment for this story, has said it opted for blanket enforcement of its non-solicitation policy at its 1,300 stores when other organizations sought the same privileges as the Salvation Army. The retailer emphasizes its charitable record. Target donates about 5 percent of its pretax profits --- more than $100 million a year --- to charities, including the Salvation Army.
There are signs that Target is feeling repercussions for banning the kettles.
America's Research Group, a shopping-behavior tracker and marketing firm in Charleston, S.C., phoned 800 households nationwide and determined that Target was the only major retailer with fewer customers last weekend compared with the same holiday-shopping weekend in 2003.
The survey indicated 55 percent of U.S. consumers visited stores over the weekend, with 12 percent patronizing Target. A year ago, 43 percent went shopping, and 30 percent of those shoppers included Target in their rounds.
"That's a significant decline," said ARG Chairman Britt Beemer, who noted 16 interviewees offered without prompting that they avoided Target. "There is getting to be a significant amount of backlash."
'I wouldn't picket'
Some local shoppers said they disagree with the ban, but it didn't keep them out of Target stores.
"It's pretty crappy of [Target]," said Mindy Thompson of Snellville, who was shopping at the retailer's store on North Druid Hills Road, "but I wouldn't picket over it."
Chris Davidson of Chamblee accepts the chain's explanation for shooing off the kettles. "If it's their policy, and they are going to enforce it for everybody else, it should be enforced [for Salvation Army]," she said. "There's plenty of other places for them to go."
The Salvation Army says poor children and their families, for whom the bells toll, are being hurt by Target's decision.
The charity won't match the $93 million it took in last year, said Maj. George Hood, a national spokesman for Salvation Army. He attributes most of the decline to Target, where the Salvation Army collected about $9 million last holiday season.
In metro Atlanta, coins, bills and checks dropped into crimson containers at Target entrances last year made up 28 percent of the $860,000 the Salvation Army amassed at 25 locations.
Through Thursday, metro area volunteers had hauled in $596,000 toward the Salvation Army's $1 million goal. That is similar to the amount that had been collected at this time last year, but the organization's metro area goal was lower --- $900,000.
Still, Maj. George Hoosier, general secretary for the Salvation Army's Georgia chapter, said Target's silencing of the bells "has put us in a bind."
Meanwhile, other seasonal charities are thriving. Toys For Tots, for example, is reporting record highs for corporate donations.
The Salvation Army's Cobb County wing got some relief Tuesday when guests at U.S. Sen.-elect Johnny Isakson's Christmas gala kicked in $9,601.
"I just can't understand how people standing out front [of the stores] to raise money for those in need --- why they would not allow that," Isakson said during an interview at the event in the Cobb Galleria.
Criticism harsh
Target has risen to lightning-rod status for some Americans angry at the state of year-end commercialism, said Atlanta marketing strategist Jim Neal.
"This has been unfair," said Neal, of Kurt Salmon Associates. "[Target is] taking the hit from the Christmas crabbies."
Target is not the only high-profile chain that forbids sidewalk solicitations. The Salvation Army is verboten at Home Depot, Toys "R" Us and Kroger, though Hoosier said some of those retailers provide aid or assistance directly.
Even Wal-Mart limits the organization's bell-ringing to 14 days.
Target did not anticipate such harsh reaction, said Laura Rowley, author of the book "On Target: How the World's Hottest Retailer Hit a Bull's-Eye."
"I think they made a big mistake," said Rowley, who teaches a course on contemporary moral values at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. "I understand where they are coming from, but they completely underestimated the significance of the Salvation Army. It's not just another charity. It reminds people of Christmas. To them, this takes away the spirit of Christmas."
Target has not said whether it would amend the prohibition next year.
"I would if I were them," said Beemer, the researcher. "What Target is doing may satisfy a very small group that might complain, but there is a much larger group that is mad about it."
Maybe they're from guilty Target executives...
This article from Fox news website concerning a 20 year tradition of putting gold coins in the bucket on the sly here. Oddly enough, the article quotes a Salvation Army employee saying the gold coins are an "inside job".
Friday, December 17, 2004
Looking back is our only hope of gaining perspective
Columnist Paul Greenberg writes of the Battle of the Bulge, here which began 60 years ago this week. As much as things change, how much they stay the same! War of any kind is pretty messy, and not much of anything goes exactly as planned. It is the ability of the 'boots on the ground' to slog it out, and an army's ability to adapt to new situations, even minute by minute, that insure success. It is certainly not armchair quaterbacking from thousands of miles away that gets anything done, no matter how superior we may feel as we pontificate strategy in the comfort of the homes our armed forces are protecting. Back then, we withstood 500 casualties a day! How easy it is to forget how much better things are in this case...
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Did you happen to notice?
Well, it looks like the Scott Peterson trial is done for the time being, endless appeals and 600 some odd death row inmates ahead of him in line not withstanding. I've not focused much on trial itself. However, one thing that caught my ear was the comment made by one of the jurors when asked what prompted him to vote for the death penalty. He allowed that the severity of the crime, the fact that he killed his wife and his unborn son, made it particularly egregious and worthy of a sentence of death. So, let me get this straight. If a man kills his unborn son, a boy named Connor, its a homicide worthy of a second degree murder conviction and a contributing factor in assessing a death penalty. Had Lacy Peterson opted to abort this same child, a boy named Connor, she would have had the constitutional right to do so? Huhwuzzat? There is something wrong with a system of justice that allows for that.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Thursday, December 09, 2004
More Target-ing
This article from the Chicago Sun-Times online refers to different groups opposing Target's change in policy here. I'm beginning to wonder how much this negative outpouring of publicity on Target's side will increase contributions to the Salvation Army. How ironic would that be?
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
More than just bullets and bombs...
As is often quoted, "If it bleeds, it leads". So, we don't normally get a rundown of what all we're getting done in Iraq. Well, the info can be found here, rather than on the news. Check it out!
Democracy? Oh, that will NEVER happen in Iraq. Oh yeah? Remember the USSR?
Can't set up a democracy in Iraq. Won't ever work. The Middle East won't change. All the usual stuff from the usual pundits and "experts". Well, take a look at this article in the National Review Online here from a honest-to-goodness, put-in-a-gulag, Soviet dissident that saw it all change, in spite of what our best and brightest minds were saying at the time. Maybe things won't change over there, but I want to see someone at least try first...
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Remembering Pearl Harbor
The day after the devastating Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt addressed the Congress with his eloquent speech requesting a declaration of war. The clarity of his words remains bracing, even 63 years after the horrible day:
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.
The events of December 7 echo down the corridors of history. Among the comments on the significance of the attack, none surpasses Churchill's immediate assessment:
"To have the United States at our side was to me the greatest joy. Now at this very moment I knew the United States was in the war, up to the neck and in to the death. So we had won after all!...Hitler's fate was sealed. Mussolini's fate was sealed. As for the Japanese, they would be ground to powder."
Well, it took us three years of hard fighting and thousands of casualties to win that war, and years of rebuilding Europe and Japan after that. In light of our progress in the War on Terror, and the progress so far in Afghanistan and Iraq...its a shame that we've forgotten how hard the business of Freedom really is...with the notable exeception of the UK, seems like Europe has forgotten the sacrifices as well. Too bad..
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.
The events of December 7 echo down the corridors of history. Among the comments on the significance of the attack, none surpasses Churchill's immediate assessment:
"To have the United States at our side was to me the greatest joy. Now at this very moment I knew the United States was in the war, up to the neck and in to the death. So we had won after all!...Hitler's fate was sealed. Mussolini's fate was sealed. As for the Japanese, they would be ground to powder."
Well, it took us three years of hard fighting and thousands of casualties to win that war, and years of rebuilding Europe and Japan after that. In light of our progress in the War on Terror, and the progress so far in Afghanistan and Iraq...its a shame that we've forgotten how hard the business of Freedom really is...with the notable exeception of the UK, seems like Europe has forgotten the sacrifices as well. Too bad..
Target-ing Target: more from ABC News site
Seems like Target is getting a continual beat-down from the media. The latest from ABC News website dated 12/4 is here. Boy, would I like to see some sales figures...
Friday, December 03, 2004
Even Target Employees are helping...Earth to Ulrich, wake up!
Found another online article from a paper in Springfield Illinois. The article can be seen here. How about an 'Atta Boy!' or Atta Girl!' (Atta person? ...Nah, not here) as the case might be for some Target employees that are exhibiting...(can I say it?) 'uncommon' sense!
So...which side of the Red Kettle is your store on?
Well, several, actually. Boston.com website has an article laying out Scrooges (that's right there's more than just Target) and good guys here. Here's some of "whos who" on both sides of the red kettle in that article:
...a growing number of retailers, from Best Buy to Target, are banning Salvation Army bell ringers from their doors -- to avoid having to choose between competing charities and out of concern for customers, they say.
That's created a schism in the retail world, with rival chains banking on kettle-carrying volunteers to set them apart as more civic-minded.
''The Salvation Army has a remarkable history of providing year-round service to families, and Big Lots is proud to continue our tradition of helping with their fundraising goals," said the Columbus, Ohio, discounter in a statement issued last month after Target Corp. said it was banning the bell ringers.
Upon hearing of the Salvation Army's woes -- Target kettles brought in about $9 million last year -- BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. decided to put the nonprofit group's signature red donation kettles in its stores during the holiday season. Auto parts chain AutoZone Inc. and Books-A-Million Inc., the nation's number three book retailer, also opened their doors to the Salvation Army.
The bell ringers are ''very welcome" in front of Wal-Mart stores, said a company spokesman. Even so, the world's largest retailer imposes restrictions: Salvation Army volunteers can stand outside its stores and solicit for only a total of 14 calendar days, and for no more than three days in a row.
So show me making a list and checking it twice.
...a growing number of retailers, from Best Buy to Target, are banning Salvation Army bell ringers from their doors -- to avoid having to choose between competing charities and out of concern for customers, they say.
That's created a schism in the retail world, with rival chains banking on kettle-carrying volunteers to set them apart as more civic-minded.
''The Salvation Army has a remarkable history of providing year-round service to families, and Big Lots is proud to continue our tradition of helping with their fundraising goals," said the Columbus, Ohio, discounter in a statement issued last month after Target Corp. said it was banning the bell ringers.
Upon hearing of the Salvation Army's woes -- Target kettles brought in about $9 million last year -- BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. decided to put the nonprofit group's signature red donation kettles in its stores during the holiday season. Auto parts chain AutoZone Inc. and Books-A-Million Inc., the nation's number three book retailer, also opened their doors to the Salvation Army.
The bell ringers are ''very welcome" in front of Wal-Mart stores, said a company spokesman. Even so, the world's largest retailer imposes restrictions: Salvation Army volunteers can stand outside its stores and solicit for only a total of 14 calendar days, and for no more than three days in a row.
So show me making a list and checking it twice.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
More Target-ing. C'mon Mr. Ulrich! Give. It. Up.
November 24, 2004
Mr. Robert Ulrich CEO
Target Corporation
1000 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403
Dear Mr. Ulrich:
I have only recently begun to shop at Target stores. I did so at the suggestion of a friend who has shopped with you for years.
On the whole, I've found shopping at Target made sense. Most of the time when I've gone to a Target store I've left with the item I sought (I am one who enters a store with a specific need, I don't browse). That's why I kept returning.
That may soon change.
It has come to my attention that Target has decided that for this and future Christmas seasons you will not allow the Salvation Army to solicit donations at the entrances to your stores.
That, Sir, is a mistake. You have lost your way. I am not alone in this thinking.
Having been a consultant to the retail industry for over a decade, I know your business. And while I'm not privy to your financials, I will hazard a guess that the sales you make for the few days between Thanksgiving and New Years account for 35 or more percent of your annual revenue.
The retail purchases that are made during this time of the year are almost entirely intended as gifts to be given in the spirit of Christmas. Clearly, that Christian spirit of giving has been crassly manipulated by the retail industry but it remains that that spirit, rather than your marketing, drives the purchases made. The Salvation Army more than almost any other charity is the embodiment of Christian giving. This army of caring souls seeks to aid the most downtrodden of us all. To my knowledge, they have no other agenda; making them all the more special in today's climate of more and more politically nuanced giving.
I have yet to begin my Christmas shopping. As I stated earlier, I have only recently found Target and as easily as I found your stores I can lose them. I expect I'm one of many thousands who will permanently shop elsewhere should your new policy stay in effect.
Let me pass on some wisdom from Sir Winston Churchill: "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
Respectfully,
_______."
Mr. Robert Ulrich CEO
Target Corporation
1000 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403
Dear Mr. Ulrich:
I have only recently begun to shop at Target stores. I did so at the suggestion of a friend who has shopped with you for years.
On the whole, I've found shopping at Target made sense. Most of the time when I've gone to a Target store I've left with the item I sought (I am one who enters a store with a specific need, I don't browse). That's why I kept returning.
That may soon change.
It has come to my attention that Target has decided that for this and future Christmas seasons you will not allow the Salvation Army to solicit donations at the entrances to your stores.
That, Sir, is a mistake. You have lost your way. I am not alone in this thinking.
Having been a consultant to the retail industry for over a decade, I know your business. And while I'm not privy to your financials, I will hazard a guess that the sales you make for the few days between Thanksgiving and New Years account for 35 or more percent of your annual revenue.
The retail purchases that are made during this time of the year are almost entirely intended as gifts to be given in the spirit of Christmas. Clearly, that Christian spirit of giving has been crassly manipulated by the retail industry but it remains that that spirit, rather than your marketing, drives the purchases made. The Salvation Army more than almost any other charity is the embodiment of Christian giving. This army of caring souls seeks to aid the most downtrodden of us all. To my knowledge, they have no other agenda; making them all the more special in today's climate of more and more politically nuanced giving.
I have yet to begin my Christmas shopping. As I stated earlier, I have only recently found Target and as easily as I found your stores I can lose them. I expect I'm one of many thousands who will permanently shop elsewhere should your new policy stay in effect.
Let me pass on some wisdom from Sir Winston Churchill: "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
Respectfully,
_______."
More Target-ing (Can you say PR disaster?)
This also from from Hugh Hewitt's site:
Friday, November 26, 2004
Mr. Robert Ulrich
CEO
Target Corporation
1000 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis , MN 55403
Dear Mr. Ulrich:
I am a longtime fan of Target's low prices, convenient locations, great merchandise, and good customer service. We recently moved; settling into a new home requires lots of miscellaneous items “under-the-bed storage boxes, shelves, shower curtains" you can imagine how relieved I was to discover a Target nearby!
Yet I drove past it the other day when I normally would have stopped and shopped. But I will go to other stores, driving and paying more, perhaps, but sleeping better at night.
Youve probably guessed why, but not all of why. In my work, I frequently write about charitable practices of local businesses, most of which contribute primarily to kids' causes because they seem the most deserving. As one gentleman put it, "Adults make their own beds, but kids don't have a choice."
As a reformed alcoholic, I agree, with mixed feelings. Certainly if alcoholism is a disease, it is self-inflicted and self-cured. But having been there myself, I feel it is because alcoholics are so patently unworthy that they merit grace and assistance from charitable hearts.
I recently wrote a small piece about the Salvation Army. The Captain I spoke to was a reformed alcoholic that Salvation Army got back on his feet. From him I learned things about the Salvation Army that I hadn't known.
The Salvation Army way of helping alcoholics is not a touchy-feely, victim-of-a-diseas-talk approach, which in my experiences rarely does much but create crybabies who imagine they're accomplishing something when they whine. The Salvation Army makes its wards understand that they are not victims, that they must take responsibility for the past and present. Neither self-pity nor sloth are tolerated in Salvation Army rehabilitation facilities.
Having been where the Captain and his many fellow warriors had been, his story touched my heart. I always loved the feeling of satisfaction of dropping money into the kettles at Christmas, but I have now become a more serious donor to this wonderful, 140-year-old establishment that helps the lowest of the low, the least of us.
Please, Mr. Ulrich, change the Target policy and allow the Salvation Army to set up its kettles at Target this Christmas season. It is the right thing to do. Besides, I miss shopping at Target. But my conscience won't let me continue to be a Target customer as things stand now.
Very best regards,
J___ A__
Friday, November 26, 2004
Mr. Robert Ulrich
CEO
Target Corporation
1000 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis , MN 55403
Dear Mr. Ulrich:
I am a longtime fan of Target's low prices, convenient locations, great merchandise, and good customer service. We recently moved; settling into a new home requires lots of miscellaneous items “under-the-bed storage boxes, shelves, shower curtains" you can imagine how relieved I was to discover a Target nearby!
Yet I drove past it the other day when I normally would have stopped and shopped. But I will go to other stores, driving and paying more, perhaps, but sleeping better at night.
Youve probably guessed why, but not all of why. In my work, I frequently write about charitable practices of local businesses, most of which contribute primarily to kids' causes because they seem the most deserving. As one gentleman put it, "Adults make their own beds, but kids don't have a choice."
As a reformed alcoholic, I agree, with mixed feelings. Certainly if alcoholism is a disease, it is self-inflicted and self-cured. But having been there myself, I feel it is because alcoholics are so patently unworthy that they merit grace and assistance from charitable hearts.
I recently wrote a small piece about the Salvation Army. The Captain I spoke to was a reformed alcoholic that Salvation Army got back on his feet. From him I learned things about the Salvation Army that I hadn't known.
The Salvation Army way of helping alcoholics is not a touchy-feely, victim-of-a-diseas-talk approach, which in my experiences rarely does much but create crybabies who imagine they're accomplishing something when they whine. The Salvation Army makes its wards understand that they are not victims, that they must take responsibility for the past and present. Neither self-pity nor sloth are tolerated in Salvation Army rehabilitation facilities.
Having been where the Captain and his many fellow warriors had been, his story touched my heart. I always loved the feeling of satisfaction of dropping money into the kettles at Christmas, but I have now become a more serious donor to this wonderful, 140-year-old establishment that helps the lowest of the low, the least of us.
Please, Mr. Ulrich, change the Target policy and allow the Salvation Army to set up its kettles at Target this Christmas season. It is the right thing to do. Besides, I miss shopping at Target. But my conscience won't let me continue to be a Target customer as things stand now.
Very best regards,
J___ A__
Who's taking shots at Target?
Seems like just about everybody. Lets go down a list. Hugh Hewitt is posting, as is the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and the Worldnet Daily, as has NPR and most other MSM (mainstream media) outlets. OK, Target persons, when are you going to wake up?
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Well, there's your trouble...
As I surmise, there seems to be two diametrically opposing viewpoints that show up in nearly every instance of conflict in our body politic, whether domestic or foreign. What we're seeing is Moral Absolutism versus Moral Ambivalence, and Moral Superiority versus Moral Equivalency. Moral Absolutism holds to the idea that there is actually Right and Wrong out here, and we need to hold to those standards of right and wrong. Moral Ambivalence pretty much allows the standard to be moved at will. Moral Superiority is the result of keeping to the high road, however imperfectly, whereas Moral Equivalency allows any wrong doing, no matter how egregious, to equal a mere misstep. The best example I can see of late is the recent beheadings in Iraq and the Abu Ghraib Prison scandal. Somehow, beheading someone for mere association with the 'enemy' is no worse than underwear on a head that's still attached. I'll take underwear on somebody's head with the promise that 'we'll take care of it' over someone raking a blade through the flesh of an innocent civilian or an Iraqi citizen trying to get his country back, anytime. See how easy it is to see the difference?
Target-ing Target
Well, its a little late in the game, but I'm still railing against Target for its change in policy concerning the Salvation Army. Seems like Target's CEO would take the hint and reverse the policy in time to at least look like a good guy. I did get a response back on 9 November from a Jennifer Hanson of Target's executive offices (see below)
Dear Robert,
Thank you for contacting us about the Salvation Army. Target Corporation has decided that the Salvation Army will no longer beable to solicit guests for contributions at our stores. Like most national retailers, we have a long-standing 'no solicitation' policy in place at ourstores. We did not reach this decision easily and carefully evaluated all options before coming to this conclusion. Target communicated the decision to the national Salvation Army in January 2004 in hopes that it would be early enough for them to find alternative sources for the upcoming holiday season. One of our goals has always been to provide our guests with a distraction-free shopping environment in which to shop. Each year we receive an increasing number of solicitation inquiries from non-profit organizations. We determined that if we continue to allow the Salvation Army to solicit, then it opens the door to other groups that wish to solicit our guests. This "no solicitation" policy does not diminish our commitment to our communities. Target donates more than $2 million each week to neighborhoodswe serve across the country. Target respects and admires the work and the mission of the Salvation Army and we have encouraged Salvation Army chapters to apply for grants at local Target Stores. We thank you for your interest in this issue and will make your comments available to our executives.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hanson
Target Executive Offices
Well, how nice! Target is looking out for its customers:
"One of our goals has always been to provide our guests with a distraction-free shopping environment in which to shop."
Perhaps we all could use a little distraction from all the hustle and bustle of buying a bunch of unneccesary crap for people that couldn't care less about the crap that we bought them to think of folks less fortunate than ourselves...
And of course, they don't want to kick the Salvation Army completely to the curb:
"...we have encouraged Salvation Army chapters to apply for grants at local Target Stores."
So now, the Salvation Army needs to get in line to ask for money from Target. What a company! What a country! What a shame...
Dear Robert,
Thank you for contacting us about the Salvation Army. Target Corporation has decided that the Salvation Army will no longer beable to solicit guests for contributions at our stores. Like most national retailers, we have a long-standing 'no solicitation' policy in place at ourstores. We did not reach this decision easily and carefully evaluated all options before coming to this conclusion. Target communicated the decision to the national Salvation Army in January 2004 in hopes that it would be early enough for them to find alternative sources for the upcoming holiday season. One of our goals has always been to provide our guests with a distraction-free shopping environment in which to shop. Each year we receive an increasing number of solicitation inquiries from non-profit organizations. We determined that if we continue to allow the Salvation Army to solicit, then it opens the door to other groups that wish to solicit our guests. This "no solicitation" policy does not diminish our commitment to our communities. Target donates more than $2 million each week to neighborhoodswe serve across the country. Target respects and admires the work and the mission of the Salvation Army and we have encouraged Salvation Army chapters to apply for grants at local Target Stores. We thank you for your interest in this issue and will make your comments available to our executives.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hanson
Target Executive Offices
Well, how nice! Target is looking out for its customers:
"One of our goals has always been to provide our guests with a distraction-free shopping environment in which to shop."
Perhaps we all could use a little distraction from all the hustle and bustle of buying a bunch of unneccesary crap for people that couldn't care less about the crap that we bought them to think of folks less fortunate than ourselves...
And of course, they don't want to kick the Salvation Army completely to the curb:
"...we have encouraged Salvation Army chapters to apply for grants at local Target Stores."
So now, the Salvation Army needs to get in line to ask for money from Target. What a company! What a country! What a shame...
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