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Firestorm over displaced kettle promises Hollywood ending
December 23rd, 2008, 6:30 am · 33 Comments · posted by Teri Sforza, Register staff writer
Last week, our colleague Lou Ponsi unleashed a firestorm when he wrote about how a gent
leman 
named Sean Thomas got the bell-ringers booted from their spot outside Brea’s Birch Street post office - where they had been ding-a-ling-a-linging for 25 years.
Since then, Mr. Thomas (and his church) have been flooded with phone calls and emails expressing extremely harsh sentiments, especially from people who call themselves Christians, especially at this time of year. Reporter Ponsi, too, has been taken aback by the vitriol; one email the reporter received advocated physical violence, in extreme detail, against Mr. Thomas, while other emails called Mr. Thomas names we could never print in a family newspaper (or even online).
That Mr. Thomas is gay, and attends the Unitarian Universalist Church, seemed to fuel the fires.
The Salvation Army kettle at the center of this maelstrom - whose proceeds, incidentally, go to other Brea-area charities - has moved to the Brea Mall, arguably a place with a great deal more foot traffic than the post office. And that kettle, poised as it is by the JC Penney store, promises to pull in more money than it did before. And Mr. Thomas will be to thank.
One man gave a check for $500, citing his disgust over the relocation. Many others sought out the kettle and tossed in money as a sign of support, said Cheryl Cooley, director of the Brea Family Resource Center (which partners with the Salvation Army on the Brea kettles) to reporter Ponsi.
Here’s the skinny, kids: U.S. Postal Service regulations prohibit any organization from soliciting on post office property. We’d like to point out here that Mr. Thomas was only asking the government to, er, follow its own rules.
For his part, Thomas is thrilled that the kettle is doing so well in its new spot. ”I think that is absolutely wonderful,” he said. “My whole intention was not to deprive the Salvation Army of those funds, but to uphold the separation of church and state.”
Next, he said, he wants to follow up on what happens to the money that goes into that kettle - it winds its way back to Brea charities via the city. “Where does that money go, who collects it, who counts it, what kind of account is it in, who’s authorized to sign on that account?” Thomas wonders.
Cooley, for her part, hopes to invite Thomas to the Family Resource Center to show him the kettle’s fruits.
Ponsi wants to be there. We can hardly wait to see the email on that.
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Oh yes Mr. Thomas is just a cute fuzzy bunny and he was only trying to do the right thing and the nasty Christians said some not so nice things about him and made him feel bad. Stowe it. You don’t know enough about Christianity or the history of the Church to even begin to tell me how I should act as a Christian. Remember, even Jesus knew there was a time to take a stick and whack people.
Time to boycott Teri Sforza? Seriously though, does it seem like Ms. Sforza’s article is just as vitriol as those callers? Even has a typo that we’ve come to love so much at the OC Register too!
This was certainly a win win. Though the 25 year tradition of being at the post office was ended, the Kettle got even more money and Mr. Thomas got what he wanted. And it is fair to ask about the handling of the money. I hope nothing scandalous is occuring…these days, you never know. In no circumstance should anyone advocate name calling or physical harm on someone that does not believe as you. That is ridiculuous. This is a great story of democracy. Everyone got what they wanted and without a riot in the streets, despite the riots via voice and e-mail. Shame on those of you who crossed the line.
CK, have you ever heard of grammar? It’s Christmas, why can’t everyone be more understanding.
Merry Christmas,
I don’t answer to you or anyone else for my behaviour, I answer to God. I don’t recognise any line you may have arbitrarilly drawn and if and when I do feel shame it won’t be because some earthly tribunal has conveined to adjudicate my thoughts and actions for I quake before no man.
Read the last paragraph in the article.
This guy has no intention of letting well enough alone. He states clearly he plans on pursuing what the S.A. does with the money. And I would ask to what end? Obviously it’s to create more controversy. attention to himself and try and create problems for the S.A.
This man’s anger runs very deep and I guarantee we haven’t heard the last of him.
How about before a woman?
Very often the “nuts” that make death threats etc. do so to get the “target” sympathy while building resentment against the opposition when it is publicized.
Sean Thomas is a good example of someone who is blinded by the letter of the law, rather than the spirit of the law. Sean…ever think of channeling your anger to help others less fortunate than you? Doubt many have suffered from a kettle at the Post Office. I suggest you get yourself over to the kettle at JCPenny and drop in a few bucks for the poor and disenfranchised. Try it, you’ll feel better for it, and you will have helped some folks out along the way.
So when you answer to God for your name calling and advocacy of physical on harm on another human being, what will he say. The God I serve has already spoken to this matter (Matthew 5, 6, & 7). I do not agree with this man’s church or his lifestyle, but he has the right to ask a Federal Agency to be fair in it’s execution of it’s own rule. Even though I see no harm in having the Kettle at the post office and I think this man was being petty, he did have a point. We may not agree with the government, but we still have to abide by its laws, after all, the scriptures do teach that those in authority are there by God’s hand. So, sure you quake before no man, but surely you quake before God. Don’t be so quick to defend yourself but better to examine yourself. You already have an advocate, let him defend you when its time. Meanwhile, seek clarity with your fellow man before insult. You may find a happier life.
TV, word. lol
that’s awesome…… good job whiner!!
Hmmmm…
“Where does that money go, who collects it, who counts it, what kind of account is it in, who’s authorized to sign on that account?” Thomas wonders.
Thomas is clearly not satisfied with his progress on this issue, and plans to involve himself further in answering these questions.
That the Brea Family Resource Center would have this creep into its facilities to show him how it uses the funds is a very slippery slope. What if he disagrees with certain ways in which the funds are used? The center is supported by many local churches, and their members receive services from the center. What if those churches do not embrace Mr. Thomas’ lifestyle? OCNewswatcher is right. This guy has an agenda which now has a media venue. (For the OCR to refer to him as a “gentlemen” is more than generous.)
He should chase a more worthy cause. Or he should be chased out of town.
I would not take the same actions that Mr. Thomas chose, but I would like to point out a few things.
1. The SA is a non-profit religious backed organization, and our government prohibits this type of organization from using Federal property for their activities. You may not like or agree with this, but that is the rule.
2. Mr. Thomas’s sexual and religious preference bares no relevance regarding the point He has brought to our attention. If you disagree with the point he has made, then make a valid argument why he is incorrect without attacking the person
3, There are numerous other locations that the SA could use to collect donations without being on Federal property. Apparently the entrance to the Brea Mall has been a successful location for them.
3. The U.S. Postal Service has regulations that prevent this type of activity, and Mr. Thomas is merely making them follow their rules.
I don’t agree with him, but Mr. Thomas is Right!
Happy Holidays to all!
Ms. Sforza ought to re-examine the content of her article!
obviously, she has never heard the term Righteous Anger!
All of the self-righteous banter and hostility in the Christian community is the reason why I left. Some of the creepiest freaks I’ve ever met are married, christian men who think vulnerable, single women are prey to inflict their perversion upon.
There are few things that are uglier than watching one of these holier-than-thou jerks preach and condemn, after having their sexual advances rejected!
Separation of church and state is vitally important to the integrity of our nation and our economy. BRAVO to the man who confronted the issue!
Once again we hear the false petard of “separation of church and state”. Another crock of nonsense. The Amendment prohibits the establishment of a State Religion. However it also says in the same breath the Feds cannot prohibit the practices of your religion. That should mean the Feds do not interfere with the practices of religions.
Having a Salvation Army donation made on Federal property rightly should not be hindered. Because of space constraints maybe.
The whole state religion clause needs a good going over by the current Supreme Court. Folks who read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as it was written, not how some leftist lawyer deemed it.
Having Mr Thomas warn everyone he is out to track the money next are the acts of an agenda, and a blatant threat. If things go right there will be no misuse of funds and any legal action brought by Thomas and friends gets answered by a return malicious practice suit.
I am glad it worked out. But I think Mr. Thomas has a big problem wanting to audit the Salvation Army. They are audited and they are an organization that has done good for so many years, not just lip service. It is the one place I know my donation goes to help people improve their lives. Mr. Thomas be careful what you wish for: Maybe your Church will be looked at next.
I would like to say that this year with all the bad press I have seen and had some pretty good things happen. There is a future. Let’s be glad for what we have and enjoy each other and the season.
By the way, the Post Office has reported a drop in activity, so from a business perspective, it was probably a good move to head to the Brea Mall. Marc960, you make a good point. This “separation of church and state” nonsense needs to be reviewed.
I’m sure that the Church Mr. Thomas belongs to has many traditions of giving to the needy and provides the same charity services as other churches and the S.A. do.
Also, to the Religion bashers -
What non-religious group (in the same scope and size) creates hospitals for the needy, runs Adoption homes, provides soup kitchens, provides homeless shelters, provides relief for abused Women and children, funds missionary work to help 3rd world countries get basics like fresh water, provides after school havens for children and countless other works of charity and sacrifice?
_
I’ll decline to say at what Post Office I dropped a fistful of coins into a Salvation Army kettle this morning lest Mr. Thomas decides to spread his holiday cheer elsewhere. Thank goodness scrooges like Mr. Thomas are few and far between and haven’t attacked all SA bell ringers!
Hi Top
#1: If his sexual preference bares no relevance than WHY WAS IT MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE.
#2 Most of the private property has rules against this activity as well, so if they can’t be on private property and can’t be on public property that doesn’t leave much does it. THERE LUCKY THE BREA MALL SAID YES, MOST MALLS WON’T ALLOW THIS ANY LONGER. WHERE DO THEY GO NEXT YEAR WHEN THE BREA MALL SAYS NO?
#3 Mr Thomas has an agenda
Who does this guy think he is, as if he has some kind of special authority, to see how an organization uses its funds?
I’m curious. The Salvation Army does a great deal for people that are hungry and cold. They provide food and comfort. Now that they are being persecuted by the Gay Community, using the legal system to attack them, they will likely have fewer resources to do this work.
So what is the gay community going to do for the poor and hungry? I’ve never seen a soup line that was run by the gay community.
lol all you wacky religious people
This is why I donate money to help animals and nature…specifically the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy, once in a while the Natural Resources Defense Council
Merry Christmas,
First I did not advocate any such thing, that is a case of transference on your part. And what will you say to God when asks where you were when the “Trumpet sounded loudly” and you didn’t answer the call. I don’t remember where Jesus said ” Can’t we all just get along?”. Oh yes Mr. Thomas is a member of the Unitarians a church founded by Roger Baldwin who along with William Z. Foster president of the CPUSA founded the ACLU. Interesting company he keeps.
Normancy,
Obviously you are a religious zealot in your own pantheistic way.
LOL hahaha No, but good word choice though.
Oh yes you are, tee hee roar, giggle snort.
MerryChristmas amd Marc960
Those of us that aren’t Christians and have issues with the tyranny of organized religions like things just fine the way they are. In the Middle East they believe in writing their religious beliefs into law; it’s called Sharia. I really don’t think we need the Christian equivalent here in the U.S.
“Once again we hear the false petard of “separation of church and state”. Another crock of nonsense. The Amendment prohibits the establishment of a State Religion. However it also says in the same breath the Feds cannot prohibit the practices of your religion. That should mean the Feds do not interfere with the practices of religions.”
absolutely. an example, there is no national (State) language, yet, the de facto standard is English. let us say for the sake of argument there were an amendment preventing the establishment of an official State language. would that then mean we all have to divorce ourselves of any/all use of English, in any government capacity?
that’s essentially the dilemma faced when things like “Separation of Church and State” are touted so frequently, they practically become a religion in itself.
“Thomas is clearly not satisfied with his progress on this issue, and plans to involve himself further in answering these questions.
That the Brea Family Resource Center would have this creep into its facilities to show him how it uses the funds is a very slippery slope. What if he disagrees with certain ways in which the funds are used? The center is supported by many local churches, and their members receive services from the center. What if those churches do not embrace Mr. Thomas’ lifestyle?”
exactly…
This guy is angry, nuts, and dangerous. He’s not satisfied - he wants CONTROL!! Let him “wonder” all he wants. No one needs to account for the $$ to HIM - he didn’t contribute any of it. This man needs to get a life and a soul. Understand they can be found if a seach is done. This reporter didn’t get laid off? Aw shucks.