 Chefs with Issues is a platform for chefs and farmers we love, fired up for causes about which they're passionate. Virginia Willis, a graduate of L'Academie de Cuisine and Ecole de Cuisine LaVarenne, is the author of "Bon Appétit, Y’all" and "Basic to Brilliant, Y'all." As a chef and food writer, I rarely eat fast food. The quality is generally atrocious and much of it is radically unhealthy. The menu offerings are the polar opposite of local and seasonal. There are dire implications concerning worker’s rights and wages, as well as animal welfare and factory farms. It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, every interstate exit is identical with the same usual suspects offering the same sad sacks of chemically laced, artificially flavored fare, all swimming in high-fructose corn syrup. Cheap, fast food is at the core of what is wrong with our food system. Yet, there’s one thing that trumps my French-training and chef sensibilities; I love Chick-fil-A. My favorite sandwich is the classic fried chicken sandwich on the buttered bun. The steam from the slightly sweet, golden brown chicken condenses inside the foil-lined package and wilts the bread, just enough. I prefer plain, no lettuce, no tomato, just mayonnaise, and the perfect pop of sour pickle. I’ve always known that founder Truett Cathy was a religiously conservative Christian. I applaud the fact that he’s closed on Sundays and strong in his faith. The outlets are part of the local community, supporting the schools and sports teams. I admire the work of Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation in regards to foster homes, scholarships and education, food donations for disaster relief, first responders and the military. Service, volunteering and giving back are at the heart of Chick-fil-A, qualities I aspire to, advocate and admire. I, too, am a Christian. I am also a lesbian. And while many religious conservatives think I am going to burn in hell and my existence is a crime against nature, I refuse to believe that God doesn’t love me because I am gay. I refuse to believe that God made a mistake. I refuse to believe that something is wrong with me and I need “conversion therapy.” I refuse to call those anti-same sex marriage groups "pro-family" because that doesn’t include my very real family, my love and my commitment to my partner. I also absolutely refuse to believe that if I choose to marry another woman that I am somehow harming the institution of marriage. Controversy erupted last summer with Chick-fil-A president and chief operating officer Dan Cathy's remarks about being against gay marriage, “guilty as charged.” It led to Mike Huckabee’s crusade, Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day and the subsequent boycott of Chick-fil-A by gay, lesbian and like-minded individuals, myself included. The Chick-fil-A website states that the corporate giving has been “mischaracterized.” Well, there’s nothing “mischaracterizing” about their – now former – funding of the ultra-conservative groups such as Family Research Council, Eagle Forum and Exodus International, all aggressively anti-homosexual. Just this week, gay rights organization Campus Pride issued a statement claiming that Chick-fil-A gave the organization's executive director, Shane Windmeyer, access to recent Chick-fil-A tax documents. After reviewing the company's 2011 and 2012 financials – which have not been released publicly – Windmeyer said Chick-fil-A no longer gives funds to “the most divisive anti-LGBT groups.” For a long time, I cast a blind eye towards Chick-fil-A's corporate giving and, through my patronage, contributed to the very religious conservative groups that abhor my existence. Ah, the power of a chicken sandwich. But, when it all came to a head last summer, I could no longer ignore it. I quit supporting Chick-fil-A and said farewell to my favorite beverage, the perfect thirst-quenching combination of a half-and-half tea. The truth is that Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was not about freedom of speech. It was simply a thinly veiled protest against homosexuals, period. Those swarms of conservatives weren’t lining up around the block getting waffle fries and chicken sandwiches to protest such lofty ideals as upholding the constitution and protecting the First Amendment. I believe they were showing that they are united against same-sex marriage and against gays, in general. So, earlier this week I drew a shallow breath of relief when the news surfaced that Chick-fil-A wasn’t as aggressively homophobic and had quit funding the groups. The company website states, “Our intent is not to support political or social agendas.” The recent news may have influenced me subconsciously stopping and picking up a half-and-half tea just this very morning, the first I’ve had since summer. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but going forward, I’m honestly not certain what I will do - if I will continue my renewed patronage of Chick-fil-A or not. Truthfully, I now have a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth and sadly, my once perfect half-and half tea just doesn’t taste as sweet. Previously - Opinion: Why I’m celebrating Chick-fil-Gay Appreciation Day and Fast food with a side of faith and Chicken and politics |
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Chick-fil-e is going to find out that sometimes politics and business doesn't mix very well. Chick-fil-e needs to realize that only 5% of the population are true conservatives that hate gays. 60-70% are offended enough by the bad press, that they will choose the Burger King next door to the Chick-fil-e. So they will loose. Gays tend to earn more money than hets, and tend to want to eat better, so gays would be more inclined to eat at Chick-fil-e, but they seem to be busy offending gays, so they will now tend to choose Burger King, or Mac Donalds out of principle. Chick-fil-e will learn a hard lesson in demographics.
Christian? Lesbian? You cannot be a Christian and a Lesbian. But you may be familiar with this one word. Repent.
Why sur you can. I know many of them.
What would Jesus do? Repent your hate.
What hate?
It's not hate of the person,it's hate of the sin.God hates the sinful nature.Homosexuality can never be accepted by God.Sorry,that's just the way it is.Always has been,always will be,because God never changes.
Phil-silly bigot-you forgot to add "My" in front of God-YOUR god is bigoted toward gays-not teh real god-the ible
Bob, that's a fine example of the logical fallacy known as "No True Scotsman".
CFA doesn't hate g*ys in the first place. Where did you miss where they changed their policy on donations to non-profits
Homer10.... The hate big boy is on your side of the fence.
Having an opinion and discriminating aren't the same thing. There is zero evidence, I repeat zero, that Chick-Fil-A has ever discriminated against anyone. Yet, you want to discriminate against Chick-Fil-A because you disagree with the owners opinion. I maintain you are the bigot and he isn't!
if by zero you mean the five million they agve to anti-gay hate groups then yes, they is zero evidence
I'm tired of this "Us vs. them" mentality. I understand that some people don't like how some for gay rights are aggressive and how some conservatives are aggressive in their beliefs as well. If you're gay and want to eat at Chik-Fil-A, have at it. I'm not going to judge. If you're straight and want to eat there, same thing goes. Same thing goes if you don't want to eat there, too. We as Americans, ALL OF US, are created equal. ALL OF US, are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Everyone's pursuit of happiness is different. Everyone's happiness is different. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE should be able to be with the person they love whether it be opposite or same sex (Consenting adults over 18). This is America. We are a free country and just because you may not agree with someone else, that doesn't give you the right to not allow them to be happy.
Well, I still don't go there. You cannot unring a bell. I'd rather not eat at a place that's run by someone who likes to spread hatred, then take it back once they realized they were getting backlash from it.
She is an embarrassment to the South. I hope someone beats the gay out of her
what's wrong with you?
This is what we are up against.
He's suffering from radical conservatism. It's a mental illness.
He's a hillbilly. Move along, nothing to see here.
Perhaps you could go thump her over the head with your Babble; perhaps that will work. Maybe you could pray the gay away from her; that's always an option.
I bet you drive a truck with the confederate flag painted on your rear window or hanging from your yard. Discriminate much???
so much bigotry in your post it is sad
It is not bigotry, it is common sense. Homosexuality is a detriment to humanity
@Ron: I was clearly being sarcastic. I was merely making fun of fundaMENTALists who believe that homo se xuality is immoral because it says so in the Babble.
@Joe: Homo se xuality is NOT a detriment to humanity. If you think that way, then I don't believe that you possess a health sense of morality.
There is nothing healthy in homosexuality.
Careful now how you write Bible. Atheist or not, . You will indeed give account before the Almighty for your words at judgement day. And all the words in the Bible are true. Pay your respects.
Even Charles Darwin believed that homosexuality was wrong. It does not benefit the society, whether animal or human. A homosexual couple can not produce a child. It is not a trait that would stand up because it could not contribute to the survival of the fittest.
You make me tired.
Or maybe people should stop calling Chick-Fil-A homophobic just because they don't support gay marriage. Let's face the facts. The only reason why a gay couple would want to be legally married is because it symbolizes society's acceptance of them being 'normal'. I got news for you. You're not normal, and you never will be. That doesn't mean I don't accept you as an equal. It just means if you and your partner were the last people on the planet, that would be the end of our race.
and the subsequent boycott of Chick-fil-A by gay, lesbian and like-minded individuals, myself included. <~~ Don't feel bad. Thats when I first started eating there. You are right, good food. Been eating there every since. I made up for your absence.
I like eating salad.
No, you didn't. There are far fewer of you than there are of them. However if you eat enough you will get fat, and die of obesity. Conservative problem solved.
I don't think obesity is a conservative issue. I think it affects most of the population equally regardless of CFA... I am not a conservative nor does it matter) and I think CFA has a great product, great service, they treat people well, they don't discriminate in service or employment, they do great works in the community.
People say: "Don't politicize." It's fair to say restaurants really shouldn't be political. It's food! But as a straight person who supports gay rights, and as a born-again Christian who supports the right to think for oneself, I cannot accept intolerant agendas being brought into the workplace, restaurants, churches, the Boy Scouts of America–even PETA and H$U$. I simply cannot see my way clear to funding such organizations/businesses with even a penny of my money. The minute I read Chick-fil-A was donating to extremist organizations, I stopped eating there. I suppose it's fair to say I am intolerant of intolerance, and therefore I am as guilty. But Christian though I am, I will not support extremists. I'm glad Chick-fil-A has retreated from their donations to such groups, though I'm sure the owners will never truly *support* gay rights.
The three groups the author referenced ar not :anti h*mos*xual" they are voluntary programs that people can go to for counsleling if they so choose. They are not discriminonatory and they are essentially supporting traditional family values. Encouraging traditional family values is not anti h*mos*xual. I can be proud to be an american and support america. that doesn't mean I discriminate against people who are not american
"Controversy erupted last summer with Chick-fil-A president and chief operating officer Dan Cathy's remarks about being against gay marriage, “guilty as charged.” It led to Mike Huckabee’s crusade, Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day and the subsequent boycott of Chick-fil-A by gay, lesbian and like-minded individuals, myself included"
The author is mis-stating the facts. THe boycott preceeded the appreciation day. Appreciation day was a response to the boycott and two cities who had city council members ttrying to block CFA from opening in their cities
Exactly what I thought when I read that. She's re-writing history. The throngs of people who participated in the appreciation day did so because they were shocked at the vitriolic response to a man expressing his opinion. But by re-arranging the order of events like she did, those people all look like bigots.
gay people fart a lot when they eat, I can't handle that.
If they're a bottom, though, you never hear it. :D
Lol
hmmm, wonder if they're still open tonight? time for some tasty eats!!
The author is libeling Mr.Cathey on same sex marriage Cathey. He never spoke out against "gay marriage" (more appropriately referred to as same sex marriage) last year. He said he supported traditional marriage and was guilty as charged. For instance if I said I am proud to be a US citizen and i am guilty as charged it does not mean I am guilty of being against other countries.
hey, eat where you want, just give me some warning so it is not next to me.
Hey closetcase,
If you're eating at Chik-fil-A, you are probably way too fat and ugly for a gay guy.
Now run home to your piggy wife.
x
'gay guy' ? I was hoping for a gay gal, no hemmrhoids please.
point made, case closed, you are an idiot.
Eat whatever and wherever YOU want. Isn't that the whole point? I'm not judging anyone nor do I wish to be judged by people who and who do not eat at a certain fast food chain restaurant. I stopped eating there, but I really don't care if you eat there. Such controversy.
I rarely ate at chick-fil-a prior to theg ay issue. I now make it a point to take my family there on a fairly regular basis.
Congrats, you'll make everyone in your family a fat@ss all for SUCH a noble cause...
Would you like a side of diabetes to go with your hatred?
well played, good sir. well played.
Glad to know you're spreading hatred to your kids as well.
I'm sure you're a wonderful parent.
If one want's to eat at Chick fil A go ahead if you don't want to then don't. Since when is it so important for someone to tell you what to do and where to eat?
But that's not good enough for the gays, they want....no demand that we accept them...please!
I could not care less if you accepted me. I just want my civil rights. period.
You have your equal, civil rights. What you are asking for is special rights, which will not happen.
HAHA, I cannot get married in a civil court in many states. I cannot enter a union with my partner that provides the same civil rights as you and your breeder wife. I want the same rights as you. How is that special?
And it will happen. It is inevitable. We will bury you.
Wow...calling my wife a "breeder"...I am sure you have even nicer terms for blacks, Jews, etc. How wonderfully :tolerant" of you.
Do you know what your porblem is? You are a Heterophobe. You are afraid of straights. Why is that? Perhaps because your preferences defile the laws of both God and evolution?
But don't worry Allen. LONG before you get your special rights, aids will take you away. Count on it.
I apologize to your wife. That was mean. She does, however, have questionable taste in men. Secondly, if homosexuality wasn't evolutionary helpful, or at least neutral, we would not exist. Gays are a combination of the best of both the sexes, and I have no doubt that we are the next step of evolution. With advances in science, breeders (in a scientific sense) will soon no longer be needed. As for AIDS, who knows? I do know that a microscopic virus has presented gays a bigger challenge than any dimwitted heterosexual has. I'm not against your kind, I just wont let you trample mine. Im happy to live in peace, but either you can give me my rights, or ill take them from you.
If you will, explain to me why they are special rights? And dont say 'redefining marriage for everyone yada yada?'
In a civil rights sense and public policy sense how are they special?
@ Snorlax
"Heterophobe" is not a thing. You are a "homophobe" though, in that you're scared that if other Americans get the right to marry they will SOMEHOW endanger your marriage/life..... GET OVER YOURSELF.
It may seem normal in the Bible Belt to hate on another American because of their sexual orientation, but the rest of the world and even the rest of America laughs at you and your neighbors.
In about 10 years time, you are going to be viewed the same as those hillbillies who discriminated against blacks not so long ago.
Just know that you won't have the last laugh.
Your aids comment proves that I should not have even bothered responding to your message. My mistake.
There's no helping you whatsoever, haha.
There's really not. They have no rational reason why they deny these rights. Put up a list of verses from the bible, or oppress woman, or condone rape for money, and they have no response. Yet, they use the same 'perfect' book to condemn gays. I don't know if its sincere or just an inherent mental failing .
bible that condones slavery* I'm sure you all know where to put that to make my post make sense. whoops!
Dave,
You said, "In about 10 years time, you are going to be viewed the same as those hillbillies who discriminated against blacks not so long ago."
Hillbillies from where? You need to look up the culture before spouting off uneducated nonsense, especially when you are calling a bigot, a bigot in the likes of Snorlax. Coming from a long-line of Hillbillies and Mountain-folk from VA, NC and WVa, I can tell you not a one of them would agree with your statement.
Now, discriminating against a smart ass, who makes assumptions.,, That would be an honor!
I rarely ate at chick-fil-a prior to the homosexual issue. I now make it a point to take my family there on a fairly regular basis.
Yep, because when we are having sex on the tables we don't want to see no gays having sex on the tables.
No one intelligent cares, stop running this trash story.
I have met Virginia and for people to start making accusations saying she is a sinner or stupid or whatever the name is upsetting. She is kind, smart, and lovely. An opinion is something to be heard and digested. If someone would like to call her stupid, have a discussion with her face to face first. Unfortunately it seems that people feel they can call people names on the internet and think it won't hurt the feelings of others. May God bless all of us for he is the true deciders of our fate, is he not? I hope Virginia continues living a long and happy life with her family and friends. I hope the meanies of the internet can figure out how to play nice soon.
I am also a gay Christian, and knowing that Chick-fil-A is no longer donating to anti-gay groups, I might partake of some of their waffle fries soon!
Don't be fooled by the deception. I guarantee its a lawyer's trick. As Clinton once said, "it depends on what the meaning of 'is' is. Stay the course, do not go yet. Our enemies have yet to fully reveal themselves.
I have never been to a Chick-fil-A, and after Cathy's remarks about gay marriage, I vowed never to eat at one. I do think it is important to forgive, and since Chick-fil-A no longer gives to anti-gay causes, I am tempted to rethink my stance. I have to admit I probably will not eat there because my gut tells me it is still not a gay-friendly company.
Welcome to America, where everyone has some social/political litmus test on the taste chicken.
anyone who is lgbt or whatever.....and eats at chick fil a.....needs to be killed....not because I am anti gay but because I am anti chick fil a for being anti gay. I hate hypocrites and people who don't understand what it means to stand up for your rights. YOU WANT TO EAT A PARTICULAR CHICKEN SANDWICH!!!!! I mean come on people!
Good for you. I'm glad that you are on our side; truly an honor and distinction. We WILL win. All it takes is determination and self-restraint.
Allen, you and "unaware" are the true hypocrites! Last I heard people had a right to their opinions and that includes not supporting gay marriage, talk about a joke! Until a few years ago I could care less about who married who but it seems that nowadays it's all you hear anymore "we want our rights...boo hoo!"You and people like you think you can force people to support you, think again! Eat elsewhere and get over it!
Your views are fine. It is your right as an American. It is a civil rights issue though. And it is not your right to get nice tax deductions and credits, while I cannot.
Crownman, I don't get why you guys beat around the bush. It is very simple, but you guys just don't want to acknowledge it. I am going to lay it out for you.
You can:
-Have an opinion (anti gay marriage or for gay marriage)
You can not:
-Force your opinion onto others.
Get it?
Needs to be killed? Really? One of the reasons that gay marriage is advancing so quickly in this country is because it's supporters come across as the reasonable ones in the debate. Idiocy like this sets the cause back every time it happens.
Its hyperbole.......I hope.
I like the zeal though. The other side has it. We do need soldiers of the cause.
Please don't start eating there again. I regularly bring my family to chick-fill-A now because I like it when my favorite fast food place is deviant free. Gays should stay out of Chick-fill-A
Not only do gays eat at Chick-fil-A, the likely also WORK there.
And some are republicans. Even worse. Moronic.
Agreed. Us gays don't want your foul taint anywhere near us. BTW, if you dont like gays, dont use anything we have invented like anything from Divinci, and oh yeah, computers. Also, youre welcome for decoding German communication in WWII. Perhaps if we hadn't you wouldnt be alive today.....what a novel idea.
yeah, so watch out for their secret sauce dude and your famileeeee.
Troll yes? Or not? If you're not a troll, I suggest you also don't dine with your family, if you wish them to have a deviant free dining environment. If you are a troll, keep up the good work.
BIGOT free dining is truly a joy.
It's sad that you don't view your deep-seated hatred, that you would verbally attack a person you don't even know, as "deviant." It is, you know.
I feel sorry for your family
I usually just go through the drive through because I can't handle the rampant sex of all kinds going on inside. People are just banging away on the tables and under the booths, its disgusting.
This is my opinion, I have said it before. Feel free to ignore me. If the LGBTQ community would like to make an astounding statement, we might all GO to Chikfila on a special day like one they planned recently, where a children's charity would recieve donations based on food that was purchased. We could make a huge statement. Or all go on the fre chicken sandwich day. Demonstrate the plus or the minus, that an accepting community can provide.
Free chicken day,
I have mixed views on Chick-Fil-A. On one hand, I applaud their family commitment and that they close on Sundays and keeping with their religious believes. While I think a company has a right to fund things they believe in, I happen to disagree with those groups that spew the most hate. But I have to confess that I am dismayed by the hatred and bigotry on this board. I can't decide if it is simple ignorance or something more sinister. So you disagree with gay people? Fine. But I don't understand the hatred and vile comments. How is that Christian or in keeping with Jesus' teaching? How ironic that some of you most supporting of hatred and bigotry are among the least "Christian" people on the planet.
Dan, I am totally with you. I respect those that stick to principle, but to me, discrimination is not a family value. Especially when it manifests itself in public policy. As a gay, I'm biased, but as an American I am dismayed at the idea of giving CIVIL rights to one group, and not another. I would be fine if marriage were not a civil institution...but it is. Therefore, it is a civil rights issue.
This blog is ridiculous. CNN, you're going on my official "crap news" block list. Good luck publishing a bunch of nonsense to get reader comments and ad impressions. Did you have to network around asking "Hey! I need a femme that loves chicken to start fights online like a corporate-sponsored troll!" Scummy. Real scummy. What did you pay the blogger? I bet under $300.
I am a gay man and I respect the views Mr. Cathey has. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I've known about Chick Fil-A's stance on gay issues for years and have chosen not to eat there, as is my opinion and right. The one thing that bothers me is that people claim to know that being gay is a choice. How would you know? You're not gay! Also, people saying being gay isn't normal. It's normal to me. I was born this way, just like you were born straight. Being straight is normal to you. Just get over it, Gay people will always be around. If you truly were Christian, you wouldn't be so darn judgmental. The Bible tells you not to be, remember?
Ed – Well said!
thanks Ed.
I believe gays are born that way, that while not the majority of the population there is nothing wrong with them. I support gay rights and gay marriage. I also recognize that not everyone believes what I do. The owner of Chick-Fil-A is a devout Christian who has a personal belief that homosexuality is wrong. His fast food joints have never been accused of discriminating against gays in either employment or service. They employ many gay people, who are very happy working for the company. I know many gay people who went to Chick-Fil-A on the appreciation day and frequent there more now then they used to because they felt the owner/chain were being unfairly targeted not because of anything they'd done but because of what they believe.
Ed, it's the media and the government that's tearing gay vs religion apart. For votes and money end of story. I'm a straight guy in the arts for 30 years. I've seen it all. There's good and bad in all of us. Catholicism is like driving 55 in a 65 mph highway. And it works. The rewards are significant. So are the rewards of other healthy lifestyles and beliefs. We are told your your Johnson doesn't belong back there, as does every other religion. But they also teach love and tolerance. To be a catholic and Christian means we follow God's laws. None of us are perfect. That's why we're here. I defend traditional marriage when asked, but still I believe in your right to be married, because it's your choice and you should be dually protected under the law. It's just that you can't be married in our church because of our laws. It doesn't mean we hate you, far from the real truth. All we hear constantly is anti this and anti that. Hated speeches and darn outright lies. For one thing and one thing only, votes and money. You can be married in any Episcopalian church in America for 10 years, and almost in any state. Why are we still hearing about this? Votes and money. The Episcopalian numbers are down significantly. They believed their church would grow because of allowing gay marriage and pastors. Guess what? No one showed up! Chick a Flick owner says he believes in traditional marriage. Oh no let's burn the guy at the stake. This country is being destroyed by the media and the government. Both should stay out of our pocket books and our bedrooms. Their what's destorying the country and keeping the truth hidden. God bless you and I hope you find your way.
Don't eat there. Show some pride in your people. Show self restraint. We must stick together as a people, and not put up with this nonsense. Do not sacrifice the cause because you want Chick fil Hate.
Bigots don't change. Ever! I agree, don't eat there. Not because your money will make a difference, it's because of your self esteem. You ain't going to feel good eating their food. And I love it too BTW. No way will I eat there again, no matter how cute and gay friendly those people appear. thanks
Yes. Show restrain. Specially restraint. Ban the chicken. The boy scouts. The empire state and the statue. Go fight in the streets for equality of the members!
CNN Gay AGENDA!
Blind hate is profitable I guess
NO! You are not allowed to eat there. unless of course you want to encourage and pay money to people who would probably like to see you dead out of blind hate....but yeah...if thats cool with you...go ahead....you hypocrite.
Fast food is disgusting, plain and simple. By the way I own three fast food restaurants, I will say fairly that what the industry sells eventhough that they market it as "fresh" or natural, is crap. Trust me on these one.
By proclaiming to know the "truth" about why folks supported Chick Fil A Appreciation Day and concluding that it was all about being anti-gay, the author simply illustrates she is guilty of the same narrow thinking and intolerance that she accuses her critics of.
Why can't everybody accept the fact that we all see things differently and get along? Why does everyone think
they can press people into THEIR mold? Most people disagree on mostly everything. I believe what God says
and everyone else can believe what they want to. Cathy has a right to believe Him too! If you people don't
think he has any rights to believe what he wants that is your problem. Go the extra 50 feet and buy you a sub.
I can't understand anyone who believes he or she has a right to MAKE people accept their behavior. Next
thing you know, we will be jerks for not supporting the idea of having sex with children or animals.
Yeah....thanks..... nice association. Gay and Lesbian with those who have sex with animals. I've never tried that.. is it fun, Georgia Boy?
Lee: Sin is sin, in the eyes of God; whether that sin be homosexuality, bestiality, or pedophilia. Sins don't have point values; you either sinned or you didn't.
That is right!
The issue here is not Christian, Gay, Lesbian – it is about those that cannot accept others for their belief – this is the Gay and lesbian community that is not tolerant. Christians state their belief and they are condemned – this is not just a chicken sandwich issue – it is an issue of those who claim to be tolerant and are not – those that cannot accept others and their beliefs and must attack them because of their beliefs – in this instance it is a Christian person stated his beliefs and for that they are attacked – very ironic that those that speak about intolerance are the very ones without any.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, flag on the play there skippy. The headwaters of a good deal of intolerance is the adherence to dogmatic belief systems and that's not a charge I think you could level at the Gay or Lesbians who just want to eat a chicken sandwich like anyone else. I absolutely respect the rights of others to express their opinion but there is no reason, after hearing their opinion, I should automatically respect their beliefs "just cuz" – especially if they are flawed, hateful and intolerant. So while it's interesting that you begin your comment by saying the issue is *not* a "Christian, Gay, Lesbian" thing... somehow you immediately say it is a Gay/Lesbian thing anyway. Neat trick there, but you're not fooling anyone.
Pick up your flag. No penalty after further review. It was the anti Chick Fil-A response by gay and lesbians, and opportunistic politicians who laid down the initial onslaught against the company just after an owners opinion was publicized in an interview. No law was broken to put your views out there. It was only the support of customers to the company after vicious attacks in the left media were made...Resume play...
Oh please, gays are not supposed to boycott a company that gives to groups that hate them? Imagine if it were neo nazis, do you think jews wouldn't protest? come on.
While you breeze on past the reason for the protest **in the first place** there Camaro; I'll simply point out that I never intimated, in the slightest, that anything was illegal. My point was/is there is no reason to respect beliefs simply because they 'exist' and someone professes them. That's just silly on the face of it. Your attempt to minimize the vitriol espoused by this restaurateur is no less illuminating that the tautological argument put forward by #1 Fan, aka Skippy. Game over.
So were blacks "intolerant" when they boycotted racist businesses and refused to sit at the back of the bus? I guess you could say they were- intolerant of injustice. It's the same way with gays. They demand and deserve equal treatment. The owner is free to be a conservative Christian, but when you serve the public, you must abide by laws and generally avoid offending your customers. I bet you'd be mad if they refused service to soldiers, and most would avoid a business that spouted KKK philosophy. Well, I'm straight, but I'm offended by their words and abusive treatment of gays. Human rights matter to me, so I refuse to eat there.
Tolerance of bigotry is no virtue.
I go to Chik-fil-a every chance I get. I use the drive through. I order about $50 worth of food. When I get to the window, I say, "changed my mind."
Not only is that nasty, it's illegal. You are a thief. It is individuals like you that drive up costs and cause companies to charge more and hire less. I hope that you one day you have a business at which others who do not agree with you steal resources from you in a way they can convince themsleves is OK.
My gosh...I feel very sorry for "Gibson".... to have such a low life for a Dad, are these the morals you teach your children?...yikes!
While it is a very wrong thing to do, I think it's worse to teach your children to hate on homosexuals.
You have no idea what Dan Cathy teaches his children, so clam it.
Maybe he teaches his children that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. What exactly is hateful about that statement??
" marriage is a union between a man and a woman. What exactly is hateful about that statement??" Depends on what you imagine God is urging you to do to people who violate your ideas about marriage. Do you throw stones at adulterers in the approved Biblical way? When you use that statement, which actually indicts a lot of Biblical characters as bigamists, you encourage low-down people to set fires and cut tires and actually harm gay people.
Being gay is wrong. It IS a sin. It is in the bible. As a Christian, that doesn't mean I'm going to like hate you or be rude to you or hurt you. That's not what being a Christian is about. Being a christian is about LOVING everyone. Yeah, you're gay. I still have to love you. I just do not like the sin. Famous quote type of thing: "God hates the sin, but loves the sinner." Therefore, I will respect you if you're gay. I will be kind to you. BUT i will not agree with your lifestyle. So if someone ASKS me MY OPINION, I will say that i'm against homosexuality. Period. I have a right to my opinion just like everyone else has a right to theirs and i'm not being "hateful." Why try to guilt someone into thinking like you?
And for the record, I LOVE CHICKFILAAA!!!!! Always will :) May God continue to bless Chickfila. that restaurant has experienced extensive growth. God prospers things that are his, just like churches. I worked at Chickfila and can say that they really are Christian (well, the one i worked in at least) in the way they treat both employees and customers. They're awesome!!<3
The bible you're referring to is a corrupt text founded on some men's wishes and whims, all mashed together without truth. They are stories and philosophical musings. Melodie, there is no gods.. Also, opinions are not fact.
I'm gay. I love you anyways, especially since I understand this world is a scary confusing place without god. Much easier to defer responsibility for just about everything.
Forgive her father, for she knows not what she does.
It is about respect here people. And I don't think any of you get it. If you are gay, fine that doesn't hurt me or infringe upon my rights as an American. If you are a Christian and you thing homosexuality is a sin, fine. Again, you views are not infringing on my rights. If you don't agree with what the upper management of Chik-fil-A says, then don't eat there. Take your money somewhere else. That's it. You don't need a article on CNN to tell everyone about it. Live your life, don't infringe on other people's rights and you'll be just fine. And maybe a bit happier!
You, sir, are wrong. I do respect other's views. However, I don't have any tolerance for denying civil rights. If marriage was not a civil right afforded to anyone, and purely religious, I wouldn't care....but it is a civil right denied to a certain group, therefore it is unacceptable discrimination in my eyes. Public policy is for everyone, not just a certain group of christians.
@allen.
And who is going to forgive you?
So your ever-loving-to-all bible says that we're all created in his image, and God is incapable of making a mistake. Guess either God made a mistake, your bible is wrong (PS – it told you to jodge others, right? Oh yea, it says not to, so are you impersonating God, or just playing God?), or you're just a 2-faced BS-er... Which is it, please?
The Bible says not to judge people, however it encourages people to judge between right and wrong.
The bible has been used to support every form of bigotry on the planet. Replace the word "homosexual" or "gay" with "black", and see how dumb you feel.
Melodie, suppose YOU go back and read in the Bible, "Judge not, lest YE be judged", and "love thy neighbor as THYSELF".
CFA does not serve "food". They serve trash, which my WIFE and I on the one and only time that we went there, tried. It was cold, greasy, and nasty, and the cfa employees REFUSED to right the situation.
You're being disingenuous, Melodie. You can't "love the sinner and hate the sin" because the two are inextricable. You aren't Melodie the person and Melodie the sinner. They are one and the same. Do you understand?
By this logic I could beat a person to death to prevent them from sinning, and still say that I did it out of love! After all, the impact on the person is irrelevant so long as they are sinning and I genuinely believe (or at least claim to believe!) that my actions will lead to the elimination of sin.
This is hate, Melodie. Not love.
You are correct Virginia in "refusing to believe God made a mistake." It is you who is making the mistake, and no effort to rationalize and justify your choices will ever make them morally right. The owners of CFA happen to believe that homosexuality is a perversion of human sexuality, as does a slight majority of the U.S. population, and have the good fortune of having God concur.
Where is your research that shows more than half of Americans believe homosexuality to be a perversion?!? The latest polls concerning gay marriage show a majority are in favor of it. They probably don't think we're perverted.
There's absoultely nothing 'bigoted' about Chick-fil-a. According to this writer, one of her 'rights' is to have everyone applaud her lifestyle, and if you dare to disagree, you're a hateful bigot. This argument is appalling, and should be treated as hate speech. Furthermore, there's nothing in the constitution that says one special interest group has the right to redefine marriage, while no other group enjoys that right. Its a hypocritical, absurd argument.
Frank – your post leads me to believe you don't know what the definition of "bigot" really is; be that as it may, your misrepresentation of the author's comments regarding her lifestyle – requiring that you, or anyone, "applaud" her – is patently ridiculous and completely hyperbolic. As for the Constitution I don't recall anything being mentioned about marriage one way or the other so puffing on about how there's nothing in it about special interest groups, while implying that it is inclusive of your beliefs, is intellectually dishonest and you know it.
No, the rights gays are claiming are freedom from discrimmination, freedom from persecution and the right to marry. They are not claiming the right to be applauded. This is why I cannot respect the Christian (and other religions) opposition intellectually. They cannot oppose gay marriage on its merits. They have to make up lies about what gays are asking for in order to oppose it. Stop lying about gays.
There's nothing in the Constitution that defines marriage. However, there is an equal establishment clause. Like the Bible, maybe you should stop waving the Constitution around long enough to read it.
I won't eat there because his profit is $1.50 a sandwich and he pays his workers pennies. I also hate to see glutinous slobs call themselves Christians. The marriage in the bible is polygamy too boot.
Dig a little deeper into what God said about the polygamy, he was against it.
Would you kindly provide a link to back up your assertions on profit margin and how CFA skirts the minimum wage laws?
Thanks!
Yep. Won't eat there anymore. Loved it, too. That smug jerk made it impossible for me to want to patronize his restaurant. I'm not of that persuasion but that's beside the point.
"I refuse to believe that something is wrong with me" – Well, if there was nothing wrong with you, then you would be normal and be attracted to the opposite sex. You're not. So, there is something wrong with you. Don't worry, one day, the problem will be identified and you will be repaired, whether you like it or not.
And one day, hopefully soon, humans will cure the mass delusion that afflicts billions of humans, currently known as religion. Don't worry tho. We'll fix your brain to think rationally. Whether you like it or not.
Idiot asshole. Crawl back under your bridge.
Don't worry, we'll figure out what mental defect being a bigot is, and fix that for you too. Of course, you probably can't help it, you were raised by drunk-armed-wifebeating dad and mom that taught you that it's God's way... Right?
@ jeff
""I refuse to believe that something is wrong with me" – Well, if there was nothing wrong with you, then you would be normal and be attracted to the opposite sex. You're not. So, there is something wrong with you. Don't worry, one day, the problem will be identified and you will be repaired, whether you like it or not.""--Code for: when I come to grips with my own sexuality, I will destroy your bunghole with my intolerant tiny penis.
I eat at Chick-fil-e every chance I get, if nothing else, to support a company who stands up to the "haters" and "bullies" and "discriminators" of the left-leaning socialists/communists/athiests. God bless Chick-fil-e!!
And yet no word of condemnation towards the bigots and those who discriminate on the right side of the political spectrum.
How many douche trolls are there going to be, on this one?
So far Sam, it looks like just you.
That was so clever. Have you been holding on to that one since 3rd grade, right along with 'I know you are but what am I?'
No one asked for your opinion, asshole.
You’re to obviously stupid. I don’t think you’re gay. I think you’re a hater trying to make gays look bad.
If it weren't for us, your people would never exist Samson.
Good word Joe.and Keith.
And lee clark, why dont you
Go eat some country else. Maybe in france or better. Indonesia.
And Eat your veggies and fiber
Good word Joe.and Keith.
And lee clark, why dont you
Go eat some country else. Maybe in france or better. Indonesia.
And Eat your veggies and fiber. Dont bring bruce
"Fried" anything is a nutritional disaster. Fried chicken may be healthier than fried Twinkies, but broiled, skinless, herbs-not-marinade white meat chicken–skip the bun, buttered or not–is the sensible choice.
Sensible tastes like cardboard. Give me flavor over sense any day of the week.
CFA offers healthy lifestyle options with 10 menu items with 10 or fewer grams of fat. Chick-fil-A cooks in 100 percent refined peanut oil which is naturally trans-fat and cholesterol free. In fact, the entire menu is free of trans fat. Try the chargrilled-chicken sandwich on whole grain bread, with a fruit cup and low-fat milk. The total meal is only 430 calories. Chargrilled chicken sandwich (290), fruit cup (50), low-fat milk (90).
Chick-Fil-A's bigoted business owner can cater to whoever his ugly soul decides. Not only is their food disgusting (their chicken is of the worst quality, cooped into torturously small pens and pumped full of antibiotics) but their attitudes are as well. All, of course, under the pretense of Christianity.
Then don't eat there. I will, however, continue to eat there and enjot their food. I also support the owners right to his opinion and beliefs.
you'll eat there until they come after YOU.
Alicia and lee should get married!
When they start serving human sandwiches and nuggets I'll worry about them coming after me. The owners opinion and how he spends his money is his own business. I don't have every business fill out a questionnaire about their opinions and spending. I like those fried checking sandwiches.
You have OBVIOUSLY NEVER eaten there. And I'm guessing that is your stock comment for all chicken being served, without actually knowing where they get thier chicken from. Nothing like blind ignorance from people who call religion irrational.
does anyone know where all of their food comes from and the process it took to get it to your belly... Folks use to shoot the pigs in the head and twist the chickens necks or chop them... Country people still do the same who raise their food. I could careless where the bird came from as long as it free of sickness... Unlike a lot of people homes who are full of germs and find themselves in the hospital sick because they fixed food on germs.
I've even there... it's not that great.
I don't eat a Chic-fil-a because I don't care to support my enemies in any way (devout atheist), their food is average at best and there are plenty of better alternatives. It is immature however to post nonsense lies like claiming their chicken is full of antibiotics since antibiotics are not allowed to be used in poultry.
This "article" is very misleading. Chick-fil-A is more popular than ever. Moooo-ve over CNN.
There is a copycat recipe for the chicken available on the internet and it's excellent. You never have to set foot in another Chik- fil- A again.
Do I have to Google this or are you going to spill it?
I'm not gay, and I don't even have close relatives who are. I don't have much of a dog in this fight– but I'll probably never eat at Chik-Fil-A again. Why should I? Their owner stands against a basic human right, and it's just SO easy to express my opposition to that policy. Walk 10 feet further in the mall or drive to the next restaurant 50 feet down the street. It's the world's easiest form of activism. If Cathy someday says, "I'm sorry; I understand that I hurt people," maybe I'll buy a chicken sandwich... But until then, why not just stir sugar into your tea yourself?
This is EXACTLY what I would write in a comment. Thanks for saying it so succinctly! I haven't been to a chick-fil-a since the incident and can do without my favorite shake. As you said, other restaurants also have shakes, AND I own a blender... I love my gay friends way more than chick-fil-a!
Thank you that is so nice to hear someone straight say that. :-)
Because I can't live without the chickfila nuggets ;) And trust me...more and more people are going to the restaurants than ever before :D And they are expanding and adding more locations. Thank God for the wonderful nuggets and strips <333
Thank god for your blind hate....jesus would be proud
wow. you're kind of freaking dumb, aren't ya?
It's not a God given right to be gay!
neither is being religious or spiritual
Since God created all people and makes no mistakes, God must have created gay people. Since the Bible claims bats are birds (just for example, and is rife with many other factual errors), God must not have created the Bible, because God would not make such mistakes. Therefore, the ignorance and prejudices that bible-thumpers say they get from that source must be equally mistaken, since even according to their own logic (to say nothing of basic human intelligence) the god of the bible must be a false god.
God doesn't give "rights". That's why all of your God-based arguments around rights are meaningless.
You uninformed people with opinions really get me!
Google :Dan and Me: My Coming Out as a Friend of Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-A
You are correct about your activism. Make your opinion known with your wallet. That's what the Chick Fil A supporters are doing!!
Also, if you are commenting that CFA food is disgusting, you haven't eaten there and your just a hater. The staff is the nicest in the business, and the top quality fast food is consistent at every restaurant.
If I boycotted every company because the owner didn't believe exactly the same thing I believed. I'd be living in Alaska living off the land and fending for myself. Who cares his "belief", as long as it's not forced onto others. Words people. Don't let them dictate your lives.
I don't think it is realistic to boycott every company who has policies you disagree with, but at the same time, I do believe that people in this country should think about who they are giving their money too. Foxconn comes to mind. The consumer has more power then people think. I remember when "pro-life" groups boycotted "American Girl Doll Company" because of it's association with "Girls Inc" who supported abortion and homosexual equality.
I'm gay and presume you straight, but I could've written the exact same words! Good advice.
Most rainbows in general circulation are not identical to the 'gay' rainbow. There are different colors and different numbers of stripes. Most adults don't 'wince' at children wearing or displaying rainbows. Perhaps it makes you uncomfortable but ther is absolutely no reason a child should be ascribed sexuality.
There is nothing special about Chick-fil-A. To me they are on par with Wendy's offering. And to be sure, that's nothing to crow about.
Being privately owned it their prerogative to give to their choice of charities. It is delightful to see their customers (and their bottom line) influence their charity choices.
The only thing I don't like the homosexual community for is that they stole the rainbow by making it their defacto flag and emblem. Now every little girls pictures of rainbows and rainbow costumes make adults wince. Rainbows are pretty and innocent, like little girls. But because of exposure from the news and TV, what does every adult first think of when they see one?
Modern Family – great show. They never go to Chick-fil-A type place.
On Oct. 3rd, 2012, Chick-fil-A was voted as having the best food in the sector among America’s quick-service chains. Also, they topped the lists for cleanliness, service and value; according to a survey of 38,000 customers.
Los Angeles Times, Oct. 3rd, 2012
So.... who cares? Eat at home where you know it's clean. Chick-fil-A DOES NOT LIKE US. You could possibly consider that they HATE us. Eat someone's food that you know they hate you? Stop it!
Let me see if I've got this right. Anyone who believes in traditional marriage between a man and a woman is a hateful bigot. I guess that means that practically all countries, kingdoms and empires since the dawn of history are hateful and bigoted, as well as all US presidents from Washington to Obama.
Remember it was Democratic President Bill Clinton, along with both houses of congress in 1996, voted and signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman.
And, it was President Barack Obama that affirmed the same when running for Senator in 2004 when he stated, “I’m Christian. I do believe that tradition and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman.” Later, he reaffirmed the same belief in 2006, and when running for president in 2008.
I'm with ya. I stopped eating there once I realized they were a hate group.
a hate group? yeah, that's right on the money. they support traditional family values and give all their employees Sundays off so everyone can practice their own religions if they choose. THOSE BASTARDS!!!
I consider a "hate" group as anyone who wants to take away my gun rights. So if you are Pro-Gun Control I think you should be labeled as a terrorist group who wants to reject the US Constitution/Amendments. Isn't it funny (eye roll) that I can label someone as a hate or terrorist group because they don't share the same beliefs that I do?
Let It Be:
The 2nd Amendment as ratified by the STATES, and not the Fed, and authenticated by Secretary of State Jefferson:
"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." U.S. Constitution
Pro-gun control is not synonymous with taking away gun rights. If the U.S. Constitution is strictly instructed, then the right to guns is reserved for only for "a well regulated militia;" therefore, the 2nd Amendment does not impart the right for individuals to own guns. However, the 10th Amendment does reserve those powers that are not delegated to the Fed to the states, as indicated by the following:
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." U.S. Constitution.
This implies that the power to restrict personal ownership of firearms is reserved to the states. Even in this case, an individual could still be denied the right to own a gun if the state were to decided that.
But let's say that we interpret the U.S. Constitution loosely and that it does give the individual the right to bear arms. That is all it says: "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Nothing more. It does not say that the people have the right to bear all types of arms; it says "arms." Therefore, being allowed to own only 1 gun could be constitutional because if you own 1 gun, then you're bearing arms. But arms seems plural, so let's say just 2 guns – you still have arms. Interestingly enough, in 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a ban on handguns in D.C., ruling that individuals do have the personal right to own handguns. But the ruling doesn't say individuals have the right to own all types of firearms. Okay, so then it goes back to the states, and again, the states could restrict owning a a shotgun, an assault-rifle, etc.
But wait, what about the supremacy clause? Here it is:
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding." U.S. Constitution
This means that Federal law trumps state law. If the Federal government were ever to pass the Defense of Marriage Act, then it would trump the laws in states that grant the right to marry to gays and lesbians. So, if states were to allow individuals to own grenade launchers, or even just shotguns, and the Fed passed a ban on individual ownership of those weapons, then it would trump state law.
More importantly though, what about your rights that are ACTUALLY being infringed upon? How about your 4th Amendment right? The Patriot Act passed under the Bush Administration runs all over that: wiretaps without warrants, police searching you without probable cause, being held indefinitely and with no charges brought, monitoring of your internet activity, etc. Congress just passed a bill that says the Fed can collect data on us without our knowledge and keep it indefinitely.
But by the way, if a government does restrict any gun ownership, that isn't terrorist activity; it's police state activity. And that's what we are becoming, a police state. And not because the right to bear arms is being restricted but because the rest of the Bills of Rights are.
Many say that gun ownership helps protect us from the tyranny of the Fed government. If there were ever a time when the Fed became tyrannical, then what do you think your shotgun would do against a tank?
Check this YouTube video out – "2nd Amendment Not Under Attack, Your Other Rights Are" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xod1ZuRc3rk
" And that's what we are becoming, a police state." Waaah, waaah, they are taking over and putting an elected president in the White House. Bills were proposed and voted on and were ratified in law. And all I can do about it is post on any website I please, carry a sign, buy lots of guns and ammo, buy property and move there, get a passport and leave, or set up my own website for fifty bucks a year, because my freedom has been stolen.
The whole world is filling up with argumentative, childish people; we lived in a golden age and it's over. Things are going to get tight, but as long as our culture doesn't transform into Hatfields and McCoys over these stupid political divides, we'll be fine. Your local cops aren't going to become UN Overlords any more than you are going to turn Commie. We are Americans together.
" Isn't it funny (eye roll) that I can label someone as a hate or terrorist group " On your own authority? It's actually scary, not funny. You have lots and lots of guns, right? Got a bunker too?
Keith, yes. Anyone who doesn't agree with marriage equity is saying gays are less human than straights and deserve fewer rights, but should still pay the same amount in taxes.
You are a bigot. Deal.
You can be #1 in your field and still suck... the others just suck more than you.
Kieth in the eyes of the sodomites. We NORMAL people are bigots and terrorists. Its those who have sex FOR FUN and cant produce offspring that are the normal ones in the eyes of the sodomites. Makes sense right? Its perfectly normal to get turned on at the smell of hot human feces while committing sodomy with another man!
Actually, I'm pretty sure that most of us humans have sex for fun. I'm sorry and somewhat sad that you only consider partaking in that excellent pasttime in order to create progeny.
Yeah, Frank, um, 1) very few people are into that. 2) most who are, are straight,
3) most people, gay or straight, have sex for fun
4) You are a religious right wing teabagger. Figure it out.
People who are obsessed with sodomy usually have a reason, Frank. You write about it all the time. Why not come out of the closet? Most gay men don't practice sodomy. What's up with your fascination? Are you latent?
Sounds like Frank is obsessed with gay sex... He probably thinks about it all the time and I wonder why :)
Hey, Frank, here's a newsflash. "Normal" people have sex for fun all the time. What "normal" people don't do is babble about "hot human feces." Could it be that the reason that sex isn't fun for you is because, like so many of your ilk, you're just another closeted, self-loathing homosexual in denial?
Think it over, Wide Stance.
" I don't like the homosexual community for is that they stole the rainbow" Maybe if you ask the Blue Fairy, she will help you find some Magic Teddy Bears who can take you to Jelly Bean Land so you can get a new one! Then Spaceman Spiff can help you fly it back up into the sky.
The day I start worrying about rainbow problems is the day I stop looking for pot of gold.
I never think that when I see girls wearing rainbows. I'm gay and don't even like that hideous rainbow . . . LOL.
Perfectly put!