2009 President's Letters

February 26, 2009
A Letter from Seamus Boyle to
Spencer's Gifts

Spencer Gifts
6826 Black Horse Pike
Egg Harbor Twp NJ 08234-4197
February 22^nd 2009
Re- T Shirts

To whom it may concern,

As National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc. the largest Irish American Organization in this country, I must strongly protest the depiction of the  Irish people displayed on your T- Shirts. Representing over 200,000 members of Irish birth or descent through every state in our country it is appalling to see such disregard toward an entire race of people. Your shirts are filthy and the worst we have ever encountered anywhere in the country. I ask if you depict any other Nationality such as the Italian, African American or the Jew in the same manner. I don’t think so. Our people do shop in your stores in the Malls and shopping centers across the country and would you blame them if they stopped frequenting Spencer’s after seeing these slanderous and degrading shirts. Not far from where your office is located, one of our Divisions sponsors an annual 4 day Fall Festival in North Wildwood NJ, where I also have a home, attracting over 250,000 people each year. They have over 110 vendors selling shirts and other items which are acceptable to the people who attend. Since this festival’s inception fifteen years ago only once was a vendor asked to leave because of derogatory shirts and by your standards this shirt was squeaky clean.

The Irish people came to this country as poor immigrants fleeing starvation and religious persecution and have made very important contributions to America. They helped build the infrastructure of the cities, built our railroads, dug canals and started businesses. They have fought and died in every war since the civil war up until the present day, fought for decent wages and conditions for everyone and became politicians even ascending to the highest office in our country and you have the audacity to insult their heritage with the garbage depicted on your shirts

I ask that you re-think your decision to display these vile, derogatory items in your stores and remove them from your shelves. There are many items available to you that depict the spirit of St Patrick ’s Day without insulting a whole Nationality.

Seamus Boyle, National President
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America