RANTS & RAVES: Home Depot's treatment of Christian employee deserves a boycott

Business should never involve politics and religion. It's just not good business. They risk alienating either or both sides of issues and losing business.

It was also Home Depot who fired an employee, I think on Jachsonville's westside, for wearing an Obama t-shirt at work in 2008. I think that was a good move on HD's part but really don't see a problem with the button.
Our currency has "In God We Trust", so I don't see the problem but I guess HD is trying to avoid all sticky issues.
I do believe that a retail business should use "Christmas" (certainly in Jax)though out their stores and for promotional advertising as well for the season.
The use of "X-Mas" as a replacement for "Christmas" is a "guarantee" overall loss of business for most any retailer.
I remember, maybe it was last year or '07, that Walmart did not carry Christmas cards that actually mention "Christmas".
When I read this in the news, it was clear to me that Walmart would lose saless, especially in the south.
Many, many Christian churches stress to their congregations NOT to support retailers who want to "dis" Christ at Christmas time. That's a fact.
The Christian faith represents the majority of customers...I wouldn't want to lose their business. I would rather lose the Atheist and political nutcase business, which by a poll conducted by a mid-western University not long ago, concluded that "atheist" are the most hated group in America.

Crimson Dynamo wrote:

It was also Home Depot who fired an employee, I think on Jachsonville's westside, for wearing an Obama t-shirt at work in 2008. I think that was a good move on HD's part but really don't see a problem with the button.

Home Deport is not a church, nor is a place for politicizing or personal demonstrations. I wouldn't feel comfy shopping anywhere like that. It was a Home Depot policy - the employee was warned numerous times - he refused to obey company policy - and so he was fired.

Christmas is a federal holiday, and everyone feels the brunt of it, including Jews and others who do not agree with its meaning. It is no longer a religious holiday, because of the crass commercialism it is truly all about.

I never knew atheists were "the most most hated group" in this country. Where did you find that info, please?

I also find it interesting that some people feel that stores need to agree with their religion or politics, or otherwise they are "offended." Good lord! Worship at a church or mosque; shop somewhere where you are protected from religion or politics. There's enough of ranting in the churches alone.

Crimson Dynamo wrote:

It was also Home Depot who fired an employee, I think on Jachsonville's westside, for wearing an Obama t-shirt at work in 2008.

Actually I believe it was in Okeechobee City.

jesus didn't have to shop or use business services...
He just made stuff appear and healed people.

what happened to the church......

Good for HD. I wouldnt want to have to hear some bible thumper spewing his crap at work every day

Bad enough non-Christians have to put up with Christmas stuff shoved down their throats 3 months out of the year (October through December). I don't see Christians honoring Jewish holidays, which, by the way, aren't nearly as commercialized or politicized.

LOL wrote:

jesus didn't have to shop or use business services...
He just made stuff appear and healed people.
what happened to the church......

Religious Zealots

I actually support Home Depot on this. They have the right to dictate what their employees can and can not wear. Not to mention that once you allow one religious symbol you must allow them all. Its easier for them to say no to everything and their right as an employer.

Now as for Christmas. Christmas has taken a greater meaning in this country than simple religion. While to me the greatest point of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it has other aspects. No I am not talking about the commercialism. Christmas is a time for getting together with friends and family. Peace, love, and hope. A time for thinking about others and giving of your time to spend with those you love. If for you it is nothing more than commercialism then shame on you for allowing it to be so. It is a traditional American holiday which we once held dear and has value for those who are not religious for the same reasons I mentioned before. As a kid you lived for the presents and as an adult you treasured the time together with family. America used to be called the melting pot because people came here from different cultures and melted into our society sometimes bringing new traditions but they merged into our society. Now we are told that because others are offended we must stop our traditions and accept their traditions instead. We can no longer call it Christmas because it may offend someone from another culture (or even sadly here). Christmas is a part of our American culture. So while I support Home Depot's decision I, like Crimson said, will not shop at a store that fails to recognize the tradition and meaning of Christmas.

Westside conservative wrote:

I actually support Home Depot on this. They have the right to dictate what their employees can and can not wear. Not to mention that once you allow one religious symbol you must allow them all. Its easier for them to say no to everything and their right as an employer.
Now as for Christmas. Christmas has taken a greater meaning in this country than simple religion. While to me the greatest point of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it has other aspects. No I am not talking about the commercialism. Christmas is a time for getting together with friends and family. Peace, love, and hope. A time for thinking about others and giving of your time to spend with those you love. If for you it is nothing more than commercialism then shame on you for allowing it to be so. It is a traditional American holiday which we once held dear and has value for those who are not religious for the same reasons I mentioned before. As a kid you lived for the presents and as an adult you treasured the time together with family. America used to be called the melting pot because people came here from different cultures and melted into our society sometimes bringing new traditions but they merged into our society. Now we are told that because others are offended we must stop our traditions and accept their traditions instead. We can no longer call it Christmas because it may offend someone from another culture (or even sadly here). Christmas is a part of our American culture. So while I support Home Depot's decision I, like Crimson said, will not shop at a store that fails to recognize the tradition and meaning of Christmas.

Winning wars, protecting citizens, a president that valued the constitution and simple freedom used to be a part of america's culture also......

Well, so much for american culture......

Westside conservative wrote:

So while I support Home Depot's decision I, like Crimson said, will not shop at a store that fails to recognize the tradition and meaning of Christmas.

Why should any store have to recognize what you (or I) believe in? Hey, what if the store was owned by (OMG) a Democrat!! What if a manager had had an abortion? Would you find that as a reason not to patronize? Why are some people offended by *everything* these days? As a person from a Jewish family, should I not patronize a store that doesn't recognize Chanukah (that runs December 12 to 19 this year)? Any why does the so-called Christmas Spirit end on December 26? No more free meals for the homeless until 11 months later, at Thanksgiving? Give me a break, my friend.

Christmas is a Christian event so why don't they just keep it to themselves and not shove it in the faces of non-religious people at every chance they get? That's all I'm asking. Celebrate it and enjoy it, but keep it out of my face, just as Jews (Hindus, etc.)don't shove their holidays down yours.

I say that in a non-sarcastic way, and in a loving way; sorry that emails like this often come across as cold and emotionless.:)

Forgot to add: Recently, I went to our local Home Depot and, as usual , received excellent advice from an experienced pro, which helped me repair a prob;em at the house without having to call someone else (expensive option). He was kind, polite, anxious to help, all of that without wearing any religious or political pins, telling me God loves me, or to have a blessed day. If I want to hear that, there's always a church located nearby.

When I go to Publix, I am greeted by and helped by good and decent people, who realize they are not there to present their political or religious views. One reason why Publix makes shopping a pleasure.

Oh and I wonder why Christians get away with telling everyone else that "they" are going to hell unless they become Christians (of their denomination, of course). Is that a nice thing to tell people? Is that the Christmas spirit?

If Home Depot has a problem with "One nation under God" ... then surely they reject "In God we trust" .. We can help them there.

Scooter wrote:

Oh and I wonder why Christians get away with telling everyone else that "they" are going to hell unless they become Christians (of their denomination, of course). Is that a nice thing to tell people?

Some christians will tell you to go to hell just because they don't like you and want you to go.

Scooter wrote:

Forgot to add: Recently, I went to our local Home Depot and, as usual , received excellent advice from an experienced pro, which helped me repair a prob;em at the house without having to call someone else (expensive option). He was kind, polite, anxious to help, all of that without wearing any religious or political pins, telling me God loves me, or to have a blessed day. If I want to hear that, there's always a church located nearby.
When I go to Publix, I am greeted by and helped by good and decent people, who realize they are not there to present their political or religious views. One reason why Publix makes shopping a pleasure.
Oh and I wonder why Christians get away with telling everyone else that "they" are going to hell unless they become Christians (of their denomination, of course). Is that a nice thing to tell people? Is that the Christmas spirit?

So ... "One nation under God" is political to you?
Perhaps you could point out a politician who rejects "One nation under God" as you do?
We would be interested to know.

Mao Depot should reconsider declining someone to wear our national Motto on his shirt.. They better not let any of that Muslim crap to be allowed.

Glasnos wrote:

<quoted text>
So ... "One nation under God" is political to you?
Perhaps you could point out a politician who rejects "One nation under God" as you do?
We would be interested to know.

All politicians reject "one nation under god".......that's why they shit on the people that have elected them.

and they also reject "in god we trust".....they have put their trust in their respective parties.

Scooter wrote:

<quoted text>Why should any store have to recognize what you (or I) believe in?

They don't but then why should I support a store that does not support my values? Why should I support a store that devalues something that I hold very dear? Should I be forced to give my money to a store that supports things I don't believe in? No.

Scooter wrote:

<quoted text> Why are some people offended by *everything* these days?:)

I am neither offended by Home Depot's decision nor the stores which do not choose to voice Christmas. All I am saying is that they are not getting my money. After all why should I spend money at a store that sells "Holiday decorations," and yet denies the Holiday they are for. What sense does that make.

Scooter wrote:

<quoted text>As a person from a Jewish family, should I not patronize a store that doesn't recognize Chanukah (that runs December 12 to 19 this year)?:)

That's your choice and the freedom we have in this great country. However I can tell by your post that Hanukkah has little meaning to you so why would you be put off that stores doe not celebrate it? That's comparing apples to oranges. Its their failure to attract customers.

Scooter wrote:

<quoted text>W Any why does the so-called Christmas Spirit end on December 26? No more free meals for the homeless until 11 months later, at Thanksgiving? Give me a break, my friend.:)

For me the Christmas spirit goes year round but Christmas is a special time to gather and reflect. It often allows us to reflect on if we are doing the right thing, reaching out to others, being there for the poor and broken hearted, and giving thanks for the things we have. If your Christmas spirit ends on Dec. 26th than that is on you.

Scooter wrote:

<quoted text>
Christmas is a Christian event so why don't they just keep it to themselves and not shove it in the faces of non-religious people at every chance they get? That's all I'm asking. Celebrate it and enjoy it, but keep it out of my face, just as Jews (Hindus, etc.)don't shove their holidays down yours.
I say that in a non-sarcastic way, and in a loving way; sorry that emails like this often come across as cold and emotionless.:)

No sarcasm taken Scooter and I know no harm nor hate meant. How would we keep it out of your face? Should we practice it in the closet and not be able to embrace it in the day? Should we hide it to keep from offending others should they perceive our joy? If the majority of this country celebrates Christmas how will we do it and keep it out of your face? What you reason for is the tyranny of the minority. As I have read your posts I know you are very angry with religion. Understandably so. However to deny those the freedom to embrace their religion so you can embrace your absence of religion is not right either. You are exchanging one banishment for another. You are free to practice atheism or agnosticism however you like. You are not forced to "convert" by penalty of death. You can chose to only shop at stores that carry no Holiday products. If your beliefs against religious practices are so strong you could even pursue stores which sell no Christmas products. That's the freedom that we have here. However to force others to keep their celebration away from you because it offends you is the opposite of freedom. Especially when the majority embrace, celebrate, and love Christmas.

Does any of this have anything to do with paint and plywood?

NO!

Selecia Jones- JAX FL wrote:

Does any of this have anything to do with paint and plywood?
NO!

Where do you think churches get their supplies for their nativity scenes.

They will get them from the cheapest source....even if it's from Red Devil hardware store......or Home Depot.