Success and Jackassery

There are some truly broken people in the world, some of whom are commenters on this very site.

Well over a quarter of your fellow Americans right now cannot afford to put gas in their cars or buy groceries. I have searched for an organization that would (1) work with a conservative radio show host; (2) keep overhead costs at zero; and (3) have a presence in every zip code in America to help everyone in need.

I found a partner in the Salvation Army. They did not hesitate to rally to the effort and were not afraid to partner with a conservative talk show host. I’m still raising money. We raised over $25,000.00 before I even went on air at noon yesterday. By the end of the day, we were over $80,000.00. We’d like to hit $100,000.00. You can help right here. I am stunned by your generosity and the success of this effort.

But you know what else?

Conservative, self-identified Christians, have been sending me hatemail and flooding my radio show with phone calls denouncing me for partnering with the Salvation Army. A few have left comments here attacking the Salvation Army.

Would you rather people starve? I have no idea why people cannot get over themselves. Here’s one example of what I’m talking about from listener Pam:

Instead of begging people for money, why aren't you demanding that our government, especially Republicans in DC DO SOMETHING? That's what wrong with this country now; not enough people are demanding something be done! Our pathetic and useless government are ones who are giving billions to Ukraine but don't give a crap about AMERICANS! Salvation Army is part of the problem because they decided to be woke, and just add fuel to an already blazing America.

There were several stories over Christmas about the Salvation Army going woke. I spend a lot of time with a lot of Christian ministers who work with the Salvation Army. They provide meals and share the gospel. These people are decidedly not woke.

I’m not sure why people want to pollute everything with politics. I don’t need a lecture. We’re trying to help people. 100% of the money goes to those people. You are not funding the Salvation Army. I find this attitude ridiculous and self-defeating. It also shows me how easy it is to sabotage the credibility of good organizations these days by malevolent souls who might just be distorting what happened.

Regardless, a quarter of our countrymen cannot make ends meet right now. The Salvation Army and I are trying to help them. I hope you’ll help too. Some, however, cannot get over themselves and would rather sabotage the effort, criticize the effort, and refuse to help.

I feel so sorry for the people so poisoned by politics today that they cannot recognize what a blessing they could be through this effort and if not through this, than through their own effort.

We’ve become a nation of critics and cynics who would rather troll comment sections, social media, and email forms than actually help the person starving. Too many have become the priest and Levite passing on the other side of the road mumbling “sucks for you.”

Some people are just so broken spiritually, that they’ve let their inner jackass take over. But, I’ve heard from others too. Here’s something from Eileen:

Back in May 2013, I got laid off from my job. July 2013, my husband who is a firefighter/emt in Barrow County, got injured on the job. We were living off of his workman's comp and my unemployment. We basically lived off of ramen noodles, hot dogs and Mac n cheese. We made too much for government assistance.
The salvation army helped with our utility bills. Also, the amvets as well I will always be grateful and pay it forward, when I can. I will never forget how much I appreciate it back then.

When I get paid tomorrow, I will donate $20 in Pam's name. I'm one of those struggling, but there are those that are in need more than myself.

And here is this from Greg:

I just wanted to say that after hurricane Harvey hit Texas myself and another pastor drove to Port Arthur Texas to see if we can help. We drove from Georgia. We found a salvation army truck feeding people in the parking lot of a church. They would cook 2,000 meals twice a day out of a food truck. The temperature there was between 100 and 112 degrees. Myself and the other pastor were encouraged by the salvation army members and workers to hand out the toys that they had gathered to the children there that would show up to eat. After spending a week working side by side with them we had such a great respect and still do for the work that the salvation army does. Thank you Mr Ericson for your attempt to help those in need.

And this from Glenda:

I love that you set up the program with Salvation Army to donate to those who are struggling these days. It was instilled in me from a young age to donate to Salvation Army whenever possible. I grew up on the MS Gulf Coast and my hometown was devastated by Hurricane Camille in 1969. I was two years old, and the only way my mom could feed me was with milk provided by Salvation Army volunteers. That made such an impression on her, and in turn, me. Fast forward to 2005. My hometown was destroyed again, this time by Katrina. Salvation Army was there again, with supplies, warm meals and so much more - and for much longer than other organizations. The Salvation Army's actions were so much more impactful than other groups. Thanks for getting the word out as to what a great organization they are - they don't get the press they deserve. And as far as that woman Pam and others who criticized your decision for partnering with SA, I can only say I hope they never need their services.

Y’all, we have a real opportunity to love our neighbors by providing a donation to the Salvation Army. One hundred percent will go to gas and grocery relief for Americans struggling.

I don’t expect everyone can or will help. But spare me your criticisms. Spare me your attacks on the Salvation Army. They’re doing the Lord’s work here and I’d kindly ask the critics to step up or shut up.

For the rest of you, I cannot thank you enough. Thousands of people across the nation are going to be helped by you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

— Erick