Target is Repugnant

From this piece about the backlash brewing against Target for its unconscionable ban on the Salvation Army comes this unbelievable excerpt:

Also figuring in the decision, [Target spokesman Carolyn Brookter] said, was Target's desire to protect its customers from the potential discomfort of being asked for donations. "Part of what we offer … is a distraction-free shopping experience, and I think that's one reason people like to come here," Brookter said.

What a disgusting company. As everyone well knows, the Salvation Army never asks anyone for donations . . . the soldiers in the "army of compassion" simply stand or sit in freezing weather, patiently ringing a bell, hour after hour, on behalf of the destitute, needy and most bereft among us -- so that those who are moved to donate have the opportunity to do so. Often the bell ringers are people who desperately need to make a little extra money during the Christmas season.

And how pathetic that Target is willing to obtain a "distraction-free shopping experience" for its customers at the cost of doing what's right -- Heaven forbid that anyone be "distracted" by the knowledge that there are those in need during the Christmas season; how much better for all of us simply to concentrate on ourselves (and on filling Target's coffers).

There will be snowball fights in hell before I darken the door of a Target store again.