Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Drink up

I took a stand yesterday for something I believe in. Drinking. I don't mean Mel Gibson drinking, I mean a glass of wine with dinner, or a couple of free drinks at the slots in Vegas drinking.

Why would I take a stand for drinking? I guess I thought it was a right that I didn't want to give up. Why would I think about giving it up? I was contacted about interviewing for a job at a very religious organization. First they asked me if it was ok that they couldn't pay me as well as other places because they are member supported. (well . . .) Then, they asked me if I could "submit" to their leader (a very conservative preacher/politician that I have often questioned) because they thought he was being led by God (snork. led where?). Then, they asked me if it would be a problem if I wasn't allowed to drink (or do drugs) - on or off the campus.

That was the last straw. I'm a religious person. I go to church. I pray. I drink. Jesus turned water into wine people! I'm not saying become an alcoholic, but geesh!

15 comments:

Anthony said...

I would have a problem with any employer that wanted to control what I did in my free time. Other than illegal drugs, of course.

But to say you couldn't enjoy a drink with dinner, or socially is way out of line.

Anonymous said...

Dang - judging by my emails from customers, I already need a drink this morning. Good thing the company I work for also likes the drink... we've got a bottle o' wine in the kitchen AND another of champagne in the fridge right now!!

As far as your "interview" goes.... they definitely have jurisdiction over ruling their campus however they want. BUT OFF CAMPUS??!!! Who are they trying to kid? Is this some kind of cult? Would they lock you in until you're brainwashed into singing "kumbaya" or handing out flowers in malls?

Run, Carmen!!

Jim McKee said...

I'll drink to that!

But seriously... good for you. I think they were overstepping their bounds in asking that of you.

Pink Chihuahua Princess said...

Tom Cruise should really stop trying to control every part of civilian life. ;)

Anonymous said...

I don't think Tom Cruise/the cult/the aliens would appreciate our jaunts to Vegas either! Gambling, the drinky drinky, the SPA. All sins in Sin City that we most definitely enjoy.

Anonymous said...

"submit" to their leader??? WTH is that?

Shannon said...

First of all, that "interview" seemed like more of a faux missionary kind of brainwashing thing. I mean as an employee there is a degree of deferring to your boss, but submitting? Na uh. I don't happen to drink but I'm hiring a writer, not a "religious sect member". Not that I'm bashing them for their beliefs. It was just not a good fit. That's all. You wouldn't have been happy, and they would have doubted unless you agreed to the requested submission. Were they also looking for a PR person, someone who would represent them in public? Then maybe that would be a consideration. But I think that would be up front in the advertisment for the position.

Katherine said...

Oh yea, stay far, far away from cults like that. By "submit" to their leader I wouldn't be surprised if that meant out of wedlock sexual relations. Can not stand "holier than thou" people. They never are. I'd say you dodged a big bullet not taking that job.

Melli said...

ROFLMBO! Carmen... I don't think this was an organization for YOU! **cheers** I think you took the right stand!

Amy said...

i totally agree with you..i wouldn't want people telling me what i can do outside of my job...drinking on campus, i can understand, off...find someone else!

Zeus said...

First, I love the new template! It seems more you somehow.

Second, in the words of my homo sapien brethren: What the ****? I believe you did the right thing, and what's sadder still is that someone out there will need to submit to this employer in order to make rent this month.

Renee Nefe said...

too weird! I don't drink (because I'm a control freak) but I don't keep anyone else from doing it...in fact I make a pretty mean Kaluha.
Glad you didn't submit. ;)

Red said...

What a bunch of nutters... I can picture you running away from the interview while they all chant "One of us, one of us".

I was reading a while ago about how the introduction of Prohibition is thought to have been related to stamping out Catholicism in the US, since wine is an integral part of the Catholic liturgy (the blood of Christ). Interesting (in a sad, fascistic way), no?

Anonymous said...

I'd just say creepy- but I hate to be controlled. and I am against controlling others in the name of religion. run, far far away.

Tonya said...

That's a little above and beyond the call of duty, if you ask me!

Less pay, "submission" to a questionable leader, and letting them control how you spend your free time? Three strikes and they're out!