Lying About Target

WBSM and Citadel broadcasting call for Target boycott

During today’s 3-4pm broadcast , WBSM’s host launched a broadside against retailer Target and recommended that shoppers not frequent the chain’s stores as it “refuses to honor” Christmas.

Apparently, the absence of the Salvation Army’s bell ringing kettle collectors – a long time xmas tradition- is clear evidence that Target is a part of the War on Christmas inc. – a dastardly campaign by so called Seculars to abolish the holiday and all its traditions. The host promised the WBSM listeners that he would continue to “let people know” who was and was not part of this heinous plot against “American values.”

In truth, concerned with prohibiting all solicitation at its stores while permitting kettle collections, Target had worked with the Salvation army to find a suitable replacement. A trip to Target.com or the Salvation army’s web site reveals the result: a Salvation army sponsored campaign to raise one million dollars via Target’s stores and web site – including the sale of sterling silver angel jewelry – a strange position for a Secular fanatic chain to take .

Those of us outside of the right-talk radio echo chamber are well aware of crazy email campaigns - particularly those against Target which have claimed that the chain does not support veterans or Christian charities. In truth, Target is ranked by Forbes as probably the largest charitable contributor in the retail industry – in particular in education and veteran support- and has this year lent its philanthropic expertise to a Salvation army campaign that will likely exceed all kettle collections by other chains.
It’s just a shame that a local broadcaster wants to boycott this effort.