 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 |
  Recent Posts
Visit Eatocracy’s new home Recent comments
Pinterest  |
 |
|
i disagree with the author's statement that Chick-fil-a appreciation day was intended to be anti-gay. To me it was about the support for free speech. While I am supportive of gay rights I strongly object to the nazi-like attempts to stifle free speech by some gay-rights groups. Such tactics don't help their cause; it just makes them look like jerks.
Exactly, she is wrong about this. It is all about free speech.
To the author: extremist views are not okay on either side of the issue, and I think you've missed that message from the people supporting Chick-fil-A on what was supposed to be a boycott day. I fully support your rights as my sister or my brother, I think it is not up to me to judge other people's deeds, I have plenty of my own sins. That being said, I thought that the outrage against the respectable head of CfA was uncalled for, everyone deserves to have their own views without feeling threatened or boycotted. You have unfortunately mis-characterized a lot of people through one "stroke of the pen," and that's a pity.
Never heard it spun that way, Dan. Very well put!
@kls817: When anti-gay rights organizations boycott and protest JC Penny’s, Ellen Degeneres, DC Comics, Electronic Arts, Starbuck’s, the Lifetime Networks, Toys R Us, etc., they are exercising their freedom of speech. But when gay rights activists boycott Chick-Fil-A, they are infringing on the company’s freedom of speech???
Who is Campus Pride? And who said they speak for the LGBTQ community? I boycotted CFA before these folks came along, and I'll continue to do so. And as for the writer's self-important French sensibilities, whatever. CFA's chicken is nastily sweet. The slaw is not made daily... if it is, it's made with old cabbage. And if she can't explain that she wants tea that isn't syrup, perhaps she could get unsweetened and make it perfect herself. Man. I could do better as a columnist.
I had eaten there twice in my life ... took me several months afterwards to figure out the odd taste in their chicken.
it was some sort of chemicals.
The owner of Chick-fil-A never said anything bad about gays. People need to listen. The owner was just agreeing with Jesus Christ who says in the Bible that a union is between a man and a woman.
Remember people, tolerance works both ways. Most of the hate I hear come from gays.
I don't think you're really understanding what you're reading.
Disagreement is NOT hate and disagreeing with you does NOT make someone gay.
Amazing how the prior bullied become even bigger BULLIES
YOU REALLY BELIEVE THE CRAP THAT YOU JUST SAID?
The question is, are you on the side of right, or on the side or wrong? Homosexuality is an abomination. It is a very, very evil thing. Those who practice homosexuality are very, very evil, whether they are a senator or an actor or a businessman or businesswoman. They are very, very evil. We will not stop saying that homosexuality is evil, because our dear God's holy word tells the truth and says that it is evil. We believe God rather than you blowhards. And, mark my word, you can blow as hard as you want, but you will never change the reality of right being right and wrong being wrong. If you believe homosexuality is ok, or if you are a homosexual, either way, you are a sicko. We are not sickos. We know what is right and what is wrong. We will not be sickos. We will stand for the Lord and the holy Bible. We stand on the side of righteousness and of the Lord Jesus Christ. You stand on the side of wickedness and of the devil.
The author of this OpEd is just as much a traitorous piece of trash as Shame Windmeyer. She should be ashamed of her support of Chick-Fil-A, based on her very own writing she clearly defines the real problem with the CFA day and Cathy's true homohatred. Appalling that a LGBT ANYONE chooses to *support* Bigot-Fil-A. So very sad.
Virginia – Aren't you operating out of fear? You typify this countries inability to work through difficult issues and move on. Sounds like Chick-fil-a thought about what organizations they wanted to support and did what you would consider "the right thing". But, your hurt is deeper, and its not chick-fil-a. Its everyone who ever didn't accept your values – and didn't respect you as a result. All the people that lined up outside chick-fil-a aren't these same people – but for some reason they all made you feel bad – they all supported the policies degraded you, hurt you. Humans are a little more complicated than that. Sounds like chick-fil-a is willing to meet you in the middle, but you will carry your hurt to the end. Really, you are OK and wanted in this world, surely even by some that lined up outside chick-fil-a. When your doleing out forgiveness on your personal Gooding Day, be generous with it, your life will surely be longer and happier as a result!
Ever since last August – when the owner made his comment about marriage – I have now become a devoute patron of Chick Fil A – best chicken , best fries, best cold slaw. And my position has NOTING TO DO WITH BEING GAY WHATSOEVER.., My position is totally and always about FREE SPEECH! The owner had every right to say what he said and if he had said the reversse – i would have defended him. This event – Appreciation Day had nothing to do with Gay Rights – If i boycotted all the companies that gave money to groups i didn't approve of – i might have to leave the country. I pay no attention to that silly stuff. I shop where i want and eat where i want.
When, exactly, could you NOT eat at Chick-Fil-A?
".. religious conservative groups that abhor my existence."
They don't abhor it, they're afraid of it. They are afraid that if they don't denounce it publicly they may be seen as accepting it thereby losing their sought after brownie points for God .. and that self serving scares them more than anything.
Sure you can eat there, just be sure to eat in the f@ggot section.
Meki,
Grow up. Ignorant bigot. Get an education.
Nice of them to have a "f@ggot section" .. I'm sure it's right next to the love thy neighbor section or the I believe in fairy tales ball pit & playground.
Oooooh...do they have a f@ggot section?! Sign me up! Probably filled with pretty people who take better care of themselves and don't smell like dried up sh!t...
thats where i saw you eating recently
Hey, I got 4 hits from the f@ggot supporters.
5, ya troll.
Chick-fil-A leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth.
What a stupid question to ask. Writer is a whiny biatch.
"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." So, when I say I'm opposed to same sex marriage, the issue is not about my freedom to say so, but about my supposed homophobic intolerance?
Jesus does love you. It doesn't mean that gay marriage or being gay is right. It's morally wrong and is a sin according to the Bible. He loves you regardless, he loves everyone and wishes all to be saved – but that doesn't mean you automatically are. Will be prayin' for you.
The bible also says that I can't associate with women while they are on their period, slavery is okay, and that wearing clothing of different threads is prohibited. The bible is flawed and not the true word of God.
What you wrote proves to me you know nothing about the Bible. The things you mentioned are in the Old Testament, which consisted of civil, priestly and moral laws. The New Testament came to be because of Jesus Christ and the civil and priestly laws were removed but the moral laws were not.
The interpretation, RE-interpretation of the Bible is nothing more than religious evolution for the purpose of remaining a solvent business. Keep spinning it, you're doing a great job! Brownie points from God(s) for Yvette.
Hey, Yvette, ever read 1 Timothy 2:10? Shut up.
Dear Yvette, Hi sister. God bless you.
Yvette spoke the truth folks. If you want to be bitter and to continue following Satan, that is your choice. If you think religion is a racket, or a business, the that shows you are bitter and hard hearted. You believe lies from Satan. Satan is a liar and is the father of lies. We believe the truth, Yvette and I, and all people who know the truth. Anyone who would not believe there is a God is a fool. Therefore, if you do not believe there is a God, you are a fool. Lay off Yvette, she said nothing evil at all, but you are full of evil. God is real, and anyone who is honest will understand this; also, anyone who is honest and reads the Bible will realize it is the word of God and they will believe on Jesus and be saved. We will not listen to your useless words which come from hell and try to deceive. We know the truth. We know the Lord God.
According to the Bible, playing football is a sin since the ball is made of pigskin (to say nothing of it being played on SUNDAY). So is eating shellfish, pork, rabbits and birds of prey, but locusts are some goooood eatin'. It's also forbidden for men to shave their beards; anything a woman touches while on her period is "unclean and impure"; telling your female friend she doesn't look fat in that dress is an express route to hell, and finally, the list of "offenses" that warrant the Death Penalty include homosexuality, adultery, astrology, being a disrespectful child, being a drunken son, blasphemy, breaking the Sabbath, perjury, incest, bestiality and witchcraft.
Do the folks at Chick-fil-A kill the people they hear swearing in line?
Chic-fil-a is a great place to eat and welcomes everyone with great service. Shame liberals can't give tolerance in the same manner that they demand it from others. Those who trash the eatery have obviously never eaten there
I have eaten there... guess what, I don't like the food and after a couple tries... I have not been back. Who can mess up chicken?
Why are you criticizing the liberals? The people at fault here were the the gay hating owners of the restaurant. Not gay myself but the fact is that homosexuality is present in the animal and planet kingdom. Therefore it is natural and God created it since God created everything. Do you people really claim to know more than God? Such nerve! Such preemption!
Dumbest comment of the year....Animals have no morals ya idiot. A guys crank does NOT belong in another man's muffin, end of story. It's an abomination whether you choose to believe it or not. END OF STORY.....
Mr Johnson doesn't belong in a woman's mouth either .. but I'll bet you've never said no to that "sin" have you?
Do you think the Universe is perfect?...that something DOES exist does not mean that it SHOULD exist.In any sexually dimorphic species,homosexual attraction is a flaw,and for any reasoning species,homosexual activity is an error.I am neither religious nor conservative politically,but the entire pseudo-intellectual edifice on which the claim of a right to escape censure for engaging in homosexual activity is based is offensive nonsense.
and i bet you consider it a gourmet establishment homer golleee
he can eat where he wants, it's a free country. i do find it strange to financially support a company that actively tries to interfere in your personal liberties and civil rights, but he can choose to do that if he wants. kind of like a black person frequenting a place that says blacks shouldn't be able to vote - you can do it, but it does give money to company that is trying to keep you from voting.
no one is stopping this guy from eating at chick filet. he's worried about the hammering he'll take from other g.ays and people in support of g.ay rights. and they have every right to tell give their opinions of him supporting an organization that hates him. he should stop crying and go eat at chick filet. obviously, his love for their chicken sandwiches trumps not supporting a hate group. but he shouldn't cry when he gets railed either...
You might want to read the story again. A woman wrote it!
The headline said "I'm Gay – Can I Eat At Chick-Fil-A Now?" You're welcome to eat at any restaurant you want to eat at, but why would you need to expose your sexuality? Who gives a damn if you're gay? Only you do – and you're SO INTENT on forcing everyone around you to accept the fact that it's just wonderful that you're gay, that you JUST HAVE TO MENTION IT? Why? Why can't you just shut-the-hell-up about your sexuality – like normal people do? I've eaten in restaurants all my life and I can't once remember stopping someone and making sure they know that I'm heterosexual. JUST SHUT UP ABOUT IT!
EXACLTY!!! I've never walked into any restaurant or store and said that i was straight. Who on earth cares!?! Only knob gobblin' dudes and tongue flicking lezzie's care!! As for what org's they financially support, how about those that financially support the gay community? Double standard once again of course! Get lost freaks and go back to the closet you came out of.
love your statements. I agree with you 1000%
Because, you muppet, the majority of people ARE heterosexual, so they don't NEED to tell people that fact. If God made someone gay, the only way most people are made aware of that fact is if that person uses their words and tells you.
It will be too late for all of you once you realize that homosexuality is a sin and that you lived your lives in spiritual darkness. Then you will be in hell. Now is the day of repentance. Today is the day of salvation. Those people you ridicule as narrow minded will be in heaven, and you will be in hell. Is that what you want? If you hate the fact that they say homosexuality is wrong in this world, how much more will you hate the fact that they are enjoying the glories of heaven while you are burning in the lake of fire. If you have a structured settlement and you need cash now. Oh, no, that wasn't what I was going to say. If you are not following Jesus Christ, repent, and turn to Him. It's not too late. Harvey Milk is not who you want to be with in eternity. Trust me. He would like a drop of milk now, but he won't ever get one.
Such pride and arrogant presumption. Be careful with your bold, hateful claims–you claim to speak as though you definitively know God's Will. You, like many others, might just be surprised who winds up where at the end of the day.
It's a free country and the Cathy's can run their business however they see fit. I applaud them by for adhereing to their Christian values, however I must live by mine. Since the whole issue became public, I haven't eaten there and don't plan on it. Perhaps that makes me a conscientious abstainer?
I have a hard time applauding anyone who lives by any values that discriminate against a group of people. We don't applaud islamic extremists for killing "infidels" and suppressing women and treating them as property. So, why do we applaud Christian extremists that tell gays they're going to burn in hell and try to prevent them from having the same rights as everyone else? I don't applaud him at all for his "Christian" values.
When "a group of people" define themselves by their desire to engage in an activity,the desire of others to discourage that activity is not denying them "the same rights as everyone else".We don't repeal laws against stealing as "discriminating" against kleptomaniacs,or laws against drunken behavior as "hate" for kleptomaniacs.Same-sex sex acts make no sense for anyone,and standards of conduct apply to everyone,not just those who wouldn't violate them in the first place.
Don't worry about going to hell. Religion is just a bunch of made up nonsense.
Yeah, I don't believe in air either, because I can't see it. Idiot air-believers!
Uhh, you can see air. You of course would have to understand basic aspects of science to be able to comprehend that, but yes, you can see air. A scientist can show me air. Heck, I can turn on hot water and see the steam in the air. I'm still waiting for someone to show me evidence of God, or of Hell, or of Heaven, or any of it. Except you can't, that's all faith. So we have to have evidence that air is real, but faith that God is real. You really have your concepts of reality backwards there, pal.
Jeff, you are wrong on that point. When you see the steam in the air you are not "seeing the air" – you do not see steam – you see water vapour – which is no longer, technically, steam. You cannot see air, but you can see it's effects if you look. Sometimes those effects are good but sometimes they are bad (gentle breezes vs tornadoes, e.g.) Likewise, you cannot see faith, but you can see its effects. Sometimes they are good. Sometimes they are bad. (Helping a poor person vs standing on a street corner and screaming "Repent" at people).
@ArchieDeBunker: Um, you can see air if you lower its temperature. Liquid oxygen, nitrogen, CO2, and all other components.
Not aware that any deity appears near Absolute Zero.
Jeff – the point being that there are things in this world that we cannot see, yet we know to be real. You say you see no evidence of God. I see evidence of God everywhere I look. Science studies God's work and pats itself on the back for figuring out some of the details of how He did it. But where did the breath of life come from? Can you take a batch of chemicals and make a living, breathing creature? Better yet – can you make the chemicals from nothing? Who made the chemicals – where did they come from? We can look at something as simple as a pencil and understand it came into being by intelligent design. Yet we look at a DNA strand and declare that it created itself – that its development could not have been guided by a force greater than us. I don't buy it. You are right about faith – it is required for believe in God. But also required to insist you know exactly what happened 4.5 billion years ago.
If people dont want to hear an honest answer.. they shouldnt ask any questions. The founder was asked how he feels about gay marriage.. he stated wht he believed. He didn't say he was anti gay or hated gay people. Why is it that a person is homo-phobic if they dont agree with gay marriage? Why are people bullied for their thoughts or beliefs... this whole world has gone NUTS . It is like asking a man if prefers blondes or brunettes and if he said blondes.. all the brunettes inthe world called him names and said he was anti-brunette! what a jerk! its just a matter of peoples preferences..
I agree with you Lexi. Gays want to spin this into some hatred thing against gays and its not. The owner said nothing about hating gays, he does not discriminate nor does he talk ill of them. The owner simply agreed with Jesus Christ. That was it. The intolerance from gays towards this owner is awful. The media is also to blame.
Your analogy is a little off. It's more like if a guy said he doesn't believe brunettes should be allowed to marry. Then he would be called anti-brunette. And rightly so.
Idea for Chick Fil A to make billions:
Offer Organic fried chicken sandwiches:
No Butter – or only organic butter
Fried in healthy oil – no tricks – no gimmicks
Organic Chicken – free roam, no hormones, anti-bodies, nor preservatives or additives, pesticides nor insecticides
Whole Wheat (or whatever healthiest) Non-Bromine – Iodine Based Bread – no preservatives, additives, pesticides or insecticides – pure cane sugar only
Organic pickles – tomatoes and lettuce (no preservatives, additives, bromine pesticides nor insecticides)
Get Pepsi to make an organic regular Pepsi with same honest high standards and market with this new product – they can make billions too
Don’t lie – do it right
You could truly increase and keep your customer base with this.
Definition:
"Organic" – guaranteed to spoil before you can use it.
Anything with carbon in it is Organic, by definition. Nearly all foods except salt and pepper are "Organic." The entire "Organic" thing is just a fad – guaranteed to cost a lot more than "normal" food.
for an organic fried chicken sandwich.
are you kidding me – millions would be interested
Pepper has carbon in it.
I think Chick-Fil-A is doing just fine. I don't remember them declaring bankruptcy or anything recently. ... Why don't you start your OWN food chain? It sounds disgusting, and I will never slow down if I see one on the interstate, but ... go for it. This is America, and you can start any business you like.
.
In a word.... NO
I'm a southern vegetarian so I don't eat at Chic fil a, nor do I drink sweet tea...probably the only person in the south that doesn't. But, every restaurant and fast food business in the south offers both sweet and unsweet tea, so, anywhere you go you can make half and half....therefore, your problem is???
it is EXACTLY the stand they took that has my family going there more often than not. Only leftist causes may be supported and spoken for in this sick country of ours. I can name five institutions off the top of my head whom have shown support for Abortion Rights and if I don't like it, I don't support them, but I don't waste your time and mine legislating for their punishment and campaigning for a boycott of them. I just don't support them.
Of course, even if I was inclined to publicly call for that boycott of the AbortionRights Institutions (no position more in line with HATE than that one, no?), CNN would never provide a forum for that boycott, as they have here.
In the spirit of what I've written here, my family of six is headed to Chick-fil-A right now for lunch.
when you get death threats for stating you believe in only heteros having the right to marry, let us know. when you have someone shot through their kitchen window, let us know, when you have daily bomb threats (that have to be taken seriously because of these homocidal maniacs) let us know.
You can't be a christian and a lesbian at the same time, read the bible, for as it is written:
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders" – 1 Cor 6:9. God meant it, period. I hate homosexual because it is a SIN! I don't hate the people in whole.
You're lying. I have checked your 'quote' and in every version of the Bible (King James, New International, English Standard), the texts specifically targeted men who have sex with men. In other words, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transexuals are a-ok in God's eyes, right? I don't know if you made up your own 'quote' intentionally or was just plain ignorant of what the Bible actually said but either way it makes you look rather foolish.
Oh and by the way, here is a reality check for fundamentalists like you. You are not God (assuming he/she exists). You are merely a member of the flawed species known as homo sapians. As such, you are neither qualified nor capable of passing judgement in this matter because you cannot possibly comprehend the entire scope (scientific or otherwise) behind the words and thoughts of a supposedly omnipresent being equipped with divine intellect. It would akin to an ant trying to understand the rationale and thought process behind the action/words of a human.
If you wish to put all of your faith into a superior being then you must accept all that comes along with it. You don't get to pick and choose and any attempt to do so will only cast you in an hypocritical and obtuse light.
"Chick-fil-A controversy leaves a bitter taste for some longtime fans." This comment opens up a whole different subject. If a restaurant takes a stand on an issue and gets boycotted over it, so be it. The corporation has to take that on in the shorts. If you dislike their position, don't eat there. It is a free country the last time I looked. Just stop making it a big deal.
It goes beyond the level of opinion. Chick-fil-a directly funds political campaigns. They spent millions fighting gay marriage and paid the FRC to help the Ugandan nation pass laws that put homosexuals to death, laws that led to a mass hysteria, withchunt, and public mob executions. Chick-fil-a endorses murder and actively tries to squash civil and employment rights for same-sex couples.
I love chick fil a. I miss them SO much since moving to the west coast. Apparently they won't come out here because we are all "heathens and homes".
"heathens and homos". spell checker got me.
There is one in San Jose, CA.
long drive from Portland
Sure why should you do without the chicken just because the guy would restrict your very human rights....? Why shouldn't you give your money to someone who would treat you like a second class citizen... chow down. .. you obviously have no self respect beyond that which allows you to have a delicious piece of chicken... chow down you spineless beech. .
Blah, Blah, Blah...................
I hear they're going to make a movie called "Harold and Kumar go to Chik Fil A"
The author is a hypocrite; she’s applying a double standard by claiming that all of the people who patronized Chick-fil-A on Chick-fil-A appreciation day were NOT defending the company’s First Amendment rights, instead she stated in her editorial that she believes they were showing that they are “united against same sex marriage and gays in general.”
First of all, she’s entitled to her “opinion”, but by applying a broad brush over ALL of the patrons – without proof – is no less offensive and just as ignorant as a CFA supporter insinuating that ALL gays are morally corrupt and deplorable.
There’s no doubt that “some” of those CFA supporters are indeed homophobic and I’m sure that some wish gays would just die off, but she’s being completely dishonest if she refuses to admit the fact that others are welcome to their personal opinion just as she is welcome to hers. In other words, does she truly believe that all people who patronize CFA are against gays? Does she truly believe that in order for people to “accept” gays that they must boycott Chick-fil-A?
There are heterosexuals who loathe the gay lifestyle just as there are heterosexuals who accept them as they are. And there are religious people who believe that homosexuality is a sin and those who have no opinion one way or another. Case in point – look at all the opinions posted on this article.
As for me, I can’t honestly say that gay marriage is the same as “traditional” marriage, but I strongly support everyone’s right to free speech – gay or straight – that includes Chick-fil-A.
It's imply... IMPLY.
I stand by my use of the word "apply" (actually, I used applying) as I clearly explained.
B.S. There was no infringement upon the right to free speech taking place. The CEO of Chick-fil-A offered an opinion, gay rights group responded by calling for a boycott. At no point was the CEO's free speech denied. Freedom of expression doesn't imply freedom from consequence in any form, so protests and boycotts were a legitimate reaction. So people turning out for Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day weren't there to "support free speech." It takes a disingenuousness bordering on willful ignorance to believe they were simply there to support the poor ol' CEO's basic rights to say what he wants. The writer showed no hypocrisy, only basic common sense, in asserting that the preponderance of the support was a function of reactionary homophobia. To any rational observer, the fact that you personally don't approve of gay marriage has badly colored your reaction whether you admit it or not. Such is the price for proffering your "PtoVu," Bill - you're allowing yourself to be open to being called on its inanity.
Spare me your B.S, Sweety. So, since you obviously agree with the author’s OPINION, you both are “assuming” that each and every person who patronized CFA that day were either anti-gay or homophobic? And you call me disingenuous and ignorant? “To any rational observer…..” Oh really? It’s inarguably irrational to jump to any conclusion without facts, but as I stated initially, you are entitled to your opinion (as long as you don’t paint with a broad brush, as the author did). And my stance on gay marriage does not adversely affect my ability to apply common sense, no matter how much you disagree. One could easily analyze your post and “jump to the conclusion” that you lack objectivity and apparently believe that only those people who think and believe as you do (on this topic) are rational and of sound mind. I suggest you rethink that “rational observer” claim, Sweetea.
Since you (apparently in all seriousness, which boggles the rational mind) think this is a free speech issue, the only cogent response is "b.s." You're proposing, I take it, that a bunch of people woke up, read the news and went, "This person, whose opinions mean nothing to me, has been denied his right to free speech. I must fight back"? If you honestly believe these exact same people would have made a point of counterprotesting if the same CEO had come out in favor of, say, banning Christians from marrying, you really need to re-evaluate the deductive process you use to arrive at conclusions. This was never a free speech issue simply because the topic in question was never free speech, and I would suggest you take a sincere look at the counterexample and tell me you still believe these people would have come out in support of this ostensible "free speech" had it been something contrary to their beliefs rather than congruent to it.
@sweetenedtea. Actually, you failed to remember or didn't realize that actually the appreciation day was in support of the company's owner's first amendments rights. You see the appreciation day was in response to some mayors forbidding ChickfilA from opening up any restaurants in their cities. I believe CHicago was one of the cities. Anyways, google it,... if you want the details.
The organizers can *make* whatever claim they want. That doesn't prevent the rest of us from using basic common sense. As I said, free speech was not being infringed on in any fashion. Nobody forced the CEO to stop talking or prevented him from expressing his opinions any more than he prevented anyone from calling for a boycott. As for the ostensible actions by mayors, if such is the case, it's utterly irrelevant. Again, freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequence. If a town or its representatives want to prevent a business from opening in city limits, it's entirely their right (subject, of course, to the approval of their constituents.) This isn't an infringement on free speech issues either, for exactly the same reasons as noted above. It's merely a consequence of the speech, not a silencing of it. The CEO made his opinion known. People who found the opinion odious made their opinion known and used economic methods to emphasize it. Too many people fail to grasp this point. Cries of oppression in this case aren't merely illogical, they're actually ridiculous.
Look at it like this - if the same CEO had come out in favor of gay marriages and some mayor had decided he didn't want a business led by such an "immoral" (by his lights) executive in town, he is equally free to say so and equally free to try to convince the voters to agree. Does that help clarify the situation?
I love the title "Campus Pride has suspended their protest of Chick Fil A". The chain is experiencing record sales. did anyone even notice they are protesting? Calling it off is the only press they are even going to get.
Wow, always the victim huh? It is the LGBT community who started this, not Mike Huckabee. All Chick Fil A said was they support traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Despite what the LGBT community seems to thing, you do OT have a constitutional right to get married. So because someone has the audacity to think differently than you, your community called for a boycott. Problem was the vast majority of people agreed with Chick Fil A and turned out to support them from LGBT bullying.
You must get your info from Faux News. You are 100% incorrect. The vast majority of American support gay marriage in poll after poll and that majority is only growing. Your argument that religious institutions should be deciding who can get married when marriage is a civil commitment shows your ignorance. It is that state that decides. In the USA we have separation of church and state, thank god. You use the same hateful argument that racists used in the 1960's to try to prevent blacks from marrying whites. Do you believe that is ok? Is that traditional marriage? The church was against it. The only majorities that currently opposes gay marriage are either very old people or ignorant religious folks (the Earth is 6000 years old and dinosaurs co-existed with humans!). And those 2 small minorities together still don't make a majority. So keep watching Faux News and continue to know less than other folks.
no one has a constitutional right to get married, unless you count that pesky pursuit of happiness thing
* declaration of independence, not exactly the Constitution but still pretty important
If, as you argue, one does NOT have a constitutional right to get married, and the argument is about constitutional rights and not about equality, why not tell heterosexual couples they can't get married? It's NOT a constitutional right for heterosexual couples to get married, so why aren't they just happy having civil unions?
The problem was not that Chick Fil A is against marriage equality. The problem was that it was uncovered that they were donating millions of dollars through the corporation to fund anti gay initiatives
.
Okay, what are you talking about? The insitution of marriage (the practice of bonding one person to another) predate any religion or political ideology. It is a fundamental human right and the U.N. declaration even devoted a section to it. Your religious or personal beliefs has no relevance or standing when it comes to determining who can get married and who can't. Christianity (or any other religion) can not claim ownership to the concept of marriage nor is it required to be part of the ceremony . When me and my fiancee have our ceremony, while certain cultural and eastern religious motifs may be included, rest assured that Christian symbols/texts and 'God' will not make an appearance. She wouldn't have it any other way either. Just go ahead and try to convince us that our marriage is somehow less sacrosanct or valid than your 'traditional' marriages as defined by hardline/fundamentalist Christian right.
If gay people wants to take that next step, they should be able to do just that without interference from those overzealous fanatics who are *barely* a step above the Islamist fundamentalists or Taliban. Don't like it? Tough.
"wasn’t as aggressively homophobic" but is still homophobic and still funds Hate Groups (though less hateful Hate Groups). Shane Windmeyer is being played and used as a tool by Cathy and other Christianists. Dan Cathy is of course entitled to his opinions and entitled to express those opinions – including expression by funding Hate Groups. But I will not allow that Christianist hate monger to use MY money to fund those hate groups and I will continue others to withhold their money as well. I'll continue to eat elsewhere.
"You HATE me!" is the same response my kids give when they don't get what they want. The adult equivalent is people calling organizations "HATE" groups who have a difference of opinion than them. We don't all have to agree that homosexuality is sin or that it is perfectly fine, but stop acting like a child and saying everybody who doesn't agree with you "HATES" you. It's ludicrous and immature.
Rick: Get a clue. These groups don't disagree with me. The groups Cathy supports actively promote persecution, discrimination and hate towards LGBT persons. They are listed as Hate Groups by SPLC. They exist for one reason – to repress and ultimately subjugate and eliminate the LGBT persons in this nation. They are Hate Groups.
Willy – Anybody who believes in the biblical definition of marriage is labeled a "hater" by the LGBT movement. That is plain truth. There is no nuance. You label anyone who disagrees with you as "haters," which devolves the whole conversation into a childish "you all hate me" rant. I'm not saying that strategy isn't working – it clearly is – I'm just saying it's immature and childish.
You are sadly clueless, Rick. Not surprising since the Hate Groups you are defending probably represent your mental status. Cheers, hate monger...
It would be nice to be able to edit... I really don't care how some Christianist or how you define marriage. That's your business. But when it comes to the law, I take issue. You can marry the person you love and in turn get ~2000 rights benefits and privileges associated with that marriage. The Groups in question that Cathy and other Christofascists fund are actively working to prevent me from marrying the person *I* love and deny me the rights you and other Breeders are granted. So, Ricky, don't try and paint this as just me or others being upset that a group disagrees with me. This is about the LAW and about RIGHTS.
Don't care. Homophobia must be why their food tastes so good.
"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."
Clearly you've never been to the Pacific Northwest's Burgerville: Local, seasonal food, excellent preparation, a commitment to sustainability, and happy employees. They are a model for what fast food SHOULD be.
You actually answered your own question about what the REAL problem is.........................
You said three times "I REFUSE TO BELIEVE" and one time, "I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE TO BELIEVE.
My question is this,..........Were you born that way to refuse, or did you just make another bad choice?
bryan,
She said "I refuse to believe God made a mistake".
Apparently, you disagree and believe that God isn't perfect. That's your BELIEF.
We arrive in rusty 1964 motorhomes.
We bring our bibles and loaded assault weapons.
We wear ridiculous clothing and have teabags dangling from our earlobes.
We carry misspelled racist signs as we stomp all over the White house lawn.
We eat Chick-fil-A and wash it down with Everclear.
We are Sarah Palin's real Americans.
We love the baby jesus but we love to boink our cousins even more.
We believe that the earth is only 6,000 years old and that early man walked with the dinosaurs.
We believe that nascar is a real sport and that Dale Earnhardt was a great American athlete.
We are the birthers. We are tea party patriots.
We are bigots and inbreds. We are morons and we are proud.
I have chosen to boycott CFA for many years due to their use of the term "Dwarf House"and the display of a miniature structure at some of the restaurants. Dwarfism is recognized as a growth hormone related condition. Dwarfs are allowed to compete in Paralympic competition, most notably they specialize in Equestrian events. CFA's denigration of this segment of population is inappropiate. It would be nice to see more attention given to this slight perpetuated by CFA. Shame on the Cathy family.
You sure do have it all figured out. You must have a huge brain! Now, if you could just figure out which hole to stick it in....
The world around you is easy to understand. It's the world inside your head that's tough. (sarcasm)
No, seriously. I went to Chik-fil-A that day and I support gay marriage. I also support freedom of speech and find the vitriolic left vile with their hypocritical castigation of anyone who disagrees with them. They're so "tolerant"....unless you share a different opinion. Hence, I went and ate a big fat chicken sandwich for all those tired of being labeled for speaking up. As an example, just see how the author characterized that day: an anti-gay conservative lynch mob. Whatever. 1st amendment. Read it.
This issue has NOTHING to do with the 1st Amendment, because there is NO govenmental intervention...You may read it...But do you understand it?
I've always wondered, if you believe in Darwin's thoughts on natural selection and that 'being homosexual is not a choice', i.e you are born gay. Then eventually the genetic material that makes on gay will cease to exist. Seeing as a gay man or woman cannot naturally pass on their genetic code, eventually the code will die.
Then, the Fundies should want every gay person to come out of the closet, securing no further genetic generations. However, since sexuality is a continuum, i doubt that the genes will disappear. Also, as overpopulation occurs, the gene may re-appear as a way to continued survival.....
Plenty of gays and lesbians reproduce.
Virginia must be really groping (no pun intended) for an article to write if all she can come up with is she not going to buy a chicken sandwich ..... please !!! Jump into the depths of saran wrap !!!
If you can afford to eat Chik Filet, you can help yourself (unless, of course, hizzoner mayor Bloomberg is lurking around). Your being a customer should change no one's opinion about your aberrant behavior. That homosexuality occurs at a certain percentage in the population means what? So do many other types of genetic abnormalities. This is the only one people celebrate; for the rest, they try to find a cure.
And I firmly believe we should find a cure for ignorance O-dumb.
"wasn’t as aggressively homophobic" but is still homophobic and still funds Hate Groups (though less hateful Hate Groups). Shane Windmeyer is being played and used as a tool by Cathy and other Christofascists. Dan Cathy is of course entitled to his opinions and entitled to express those opinions – including expression by funding Hate Groups. But I will not allow that Christofascist hate monger use MY money to fund those hate groups and I will continue others to withhold their money as well. I'll continue to eat elsewhere.
You hit the nail on the head. The boycott was never about punishing someone for having an opinion and speaking their mind. I strongly believe in freedom of speech. It was simply about not wanting MY money to go towards a cause with which I very firmly do not support. In this way, I exercised my freedom of speech.
No one cares whether you go to CFA or not. They already have, by far, the highest Unit Sales of any QSR restaurant in America.
QSR 50 Rank [19] Company/Chain Name [20] 2011 U.S. Systemwide Sales (millions) [21] 2011 U.S. Average Sales per Unit (thousands) [22] Number of Total Units in 2011 [23] Total Change in Units from 2010 [24]
10 Chick-fil-A $4,051.0 $2,893.5 1,606 69
1 McDonald’s $34,172.0 $2,500.0 14,098 71
13 Panera Bread $3,400.0 $2,304.3 1,541 88
41 Krispy Kreme* $531.7 $2,290.0 234 5
39 Jason’s Deli $534.1 $2,200.0 233 12
17 Chipotle Mexican Grill2 $2,270.0 $2,013.0 1,225 150
44 In-N-Out Burger* $498.5 $1,925.0 266 14
24 Whataburger $1,311.2 $1,801.0 728 11
32 Culver’s $747.1 $1,712.9 444 20
30 Steak ‘n Shake* $823.9 $1,650.0 491 4
Eat where you want to eat and quit whining about it!! I have decided to quit supporting Hollywood and their violent, anti female agenda. So sick of strip pole dancers! portrayed in every movie. Will you join me???
Yes, by all means I will support you...but can we still have the strip pole dancers in all the movies?
So you're gay and worried about eating at Chick-fil-A? Really? That's your concern? What a fool.
"I really hope gays permanently boycott chick-fill-a and maybe even waffle house and Ihop"
Chik fil a, Waffle House and Ihop.
The trifecta of stupid redneck quisine.
Hopefully those pesky gays will boycott NASCAR, Marlboro, and Busch Lite too.
"Stupid redneck quisine". You're dumber than the dumbest redneck, who doesn't know how to spell. The only real "quisine" you've ever had was the brown spot around a dude's anus. Go crawl in your gay hole.
As opposed to gay cusine of raw hotdogs, breaded clams, and hersey bars? LOL
A place to enjoy a meal and gay free. Great idea.
I hope one day, your life depends on the kindness of a "gay" nurse or physician... perhaps you could enjoy an emergency "gay free". Jerk.
So professional!
Ladies and Gents,
I was at a Chick fil A Thursday night. It was packed and I could not even find a seat at 7:30. Honestly good food, great company and great employess. The bible is clear about what is sin and what is not. There is at times vagueness that we mere humans cannot comprehend. There is much truth, love, hate, violence and sin listed in both the old and new testament. Yes, we will all be judged when God returns to this earth to judge the living and the dead. I guess we will learn at the point if we are right or wrong based on our needs, thoughts and desires. We can blog and whine all we want, but that is the truth.
Kathy: How do you type with a straight-jacket on? There are no gods. Including the one you happen to believe in. On the planet inhabited by the rest of us virgins don't have babies and dead people remain dead. Why don't you join us in the 21st century already?
Kathy looks forward,with glee,to the time of his/her return.She delights in the fact that her and her like-minded friends will sit in it's company and enjoy the torture of billions.Now,if you don't see something sick and perverted about that...go with your god and..Have a nice day !.
LOL....you better prey you are right.
Why do atheists find it necessary to knock every single persons religions belief?
Are you trying to convince yourself?
Even if you ARE an atheist (whom I don't believe in) you spend an awful lot of time putting down others' beliefs while you supposedly need no god to be moral good people. It doesn't seem to me that you are setting a good example or being a very likable face for atheists. Try being tolerant.
Gustav: Deeply religious people are the most intolerant and selfish people I know. They're all for religious freedom as long as its the religion or god they happen to believe in and not somebody else's. I've never had an atheist come to my door to cold-call their beliefs on me. Go ahead and eat your hateful chicken. I hope you choke on it.
Congrats on the Chick-fil-A thing, Kathy. You sure showed us.
Too bad you just lost the heterosexual purity of the Boy Scouts of America.
Add to that the reelection of the first sitting pro-marriage equality president, four gay marriage victories in the November election, a plummeting membership in your churches, and more and more evangelical youth supporting gay rights all the time...
The past year really hasn't been much of a victory for fundamentalist Christians, has it?
That will be the title of my new book: Finding God in a chicken sandwich. What a pickle.
Virginia must be really groping (no pun intended) for an article to write if all she can come up with is she not going to buy a chicken sandwich ..... please !!!!
NO! Because your money then will be used to harm yourself! Its like being a gay republican or a black KKK member!