 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  |
 |
|
It's not inherently hateful in any way to believe that gay sex is wrong. We all sin in life somehow. I don't love gay people any less because they sin, and they shouldn't love me any less because I sometimes sin in other ways. Hate the sin, not the sinner, as they say.
There's no such thing as 'sin'.
Now what?
Sure, there is a thing as sin. Take away the one concept of sin as an act against God and you are left with an act against morality per Webster's in which sin is defined also as an offensive against moral law. As human beings in general have a moral compass that guides them, think of that sick feeling most people get when they are doing something that they know is wrong but doing it anyway, sin is still a real thing. Of course, the question of homosexuality being a sin is a religious matter and not neccessarily one that is a core issue of morality, as say lying, theft, and murder. Even our secular laws are at core based upon morality if you think about it and they all stem from the big three just mentioned.
The understanding of right and wrong came long, long before religion was invented.
'Sin' is an invention meant to control and shame people. It's nonsense.
Bob,
With FAR FAR MORE Christians guilty of adultery through divorce and remarriage than the total number of gays, why do so many Christian HYPOCRITES pick on gays instead?
It sort of depends on what you mean by "pick on". Does it imply that adultery is not a sin to say that homosexual sex is a sin? I don't think so. Of course, if someone defends their sin and rebukes the sins of another, they need to check themselves, but it's silly to say that nobody who sins is ever qualified to know and point out what a sin is. People are so defensive these days that they confuse discernment with judgement.
Bob,
"it's silly to say that nobody who sins is ever qualified to know and point out what a sin is". I didn't say that. I said it is HYPOCRISY and Christians seem to excel at that.
Yet sooner or later, the religious burn the "sinners". Every time and place where Christians have had the power of the government in the same hands as their priests, people die, usually horribly in great pain and torment.
By your fruits shall ye be known and the tree of Christianity always grows hatred and fear and torture.
Your anti-Christian hatred and bigotry is showing...your ancestors would be ashamed.
His ancestors likely referred to christians as 'atheists' back in the day – the Roman empire called them that for not believing in all the Roman gods.
Funny, isn't it? Atheist?
Heretics, they were called heretics not Atheist.
All of us have sinned at some point or other (basically done something you know to be wrong). I don't judge you and I have no problem eating with you at CFA. I don't see what the big deal is. CFA is excersizing their freedom of speech. You've always known they were very conservative Christians. I don't judge them and I don't worry if they judge me. That being said, their food is pretty good and that's all I care about. I would like to the get a CFA sandwich on a Sunday especially if I am travelling but that's their right not to be open. Why do we care so much what others think?
It's inherently judgemental. And that belief leads to the oppression of others and the funding of organizations that promote beliefs.
Don't look now, but everyone pushes some belief or another...and all are judgmental. In fact, you are doing both as am I.
That doesn't really take away from what religious people claim or is it really any different. Hating the sin not the sinner is different for you as it is to gays because being gay or a lesbian who they are and I don't mean that in a bad way. You hating the sin of being gay is no different than you hating them directly...
I ate at Chick-fil A once before all the hoopla and thought it was just OK, so it was no big deal to me not to support them afterward. But I have to say, it could come out that In n Out used puppy meat in their burgers, and I'd still be hard pressed on whether or not to eat there.
The owner of Chik-Fil-A has a right to support any organization he wants. I plan on supporting the very organizations that this Gay Pride group did not like. These gay-activists have a right to boycott. I will be starting a business soon. I hope that gays always boycott me and my businesses. We don't care if you don't eat at Chik-Fil-A. As a matter of fact that is quite a relief to parents everywhere.
You're not taking any kind of stand, you're just taking the opportunity to be a jerk.
F.R.E.A.*K.....
And....so?
Religion is a cancer. It must be destroyed. It provides legitimacy to division, hate, control and even killing. It attacks science. It attacks non-believers. It brain-washes children and people who are in pain. It actively works to infringe on the rights of others. It fails to self-examine. It demands full obedience. It is writhe with hypocrisy and hypocrites. It gives income to people without any redeemable skill, other than an opinion. And it is the largest entitlement the government has– 100% tax free. Religion must be destroyed as it will be the undoing of this world.
You're an idiot...JustSayin.
If you can find a reason to not eat fast food, take it immediately. It's like you people are debating whether or not to boycott Marlboro.
Stereotypes and generalizations are wrong, regardless of the target.
As a practicing Christian, I believe that people are born with free agency. This means, simply put, we have the option of choosing how to live or not live our lives. It is the choice that destines us to one fate or another and we will answer to that some day. I am no theologian, but my understanding is that the prospect of forcing choices upon God's children is why Lucifer was cast out of heaven. Christ advocated our free agency, and teaches us forgiveness and understanding.
Further, I do not believe that God has charged us with judging our peers. That role is his and his alone.
I have associations of all manner, and I respect their choices and treat everyone as I would my own. The only exclusion would be those who make a lifestyle of preying on the weak and vulnerable, hopefully that goes without saying, but there it is.
Anything else I feel would make me not just a bad Christian, but also a bad person.
So when did you choose to be straight?
No, I was born NORMALLY straight..
Equalizer357,
So your orientation was already determined when you were born. At least you agree with gays on this.
It's good that you are normal and not left-handed.
For some reason I doubt that your idea of 'normal' is in line with anything good...
The road I have traveled has been winding. At differing times I have lived on all three sides of the fence, in a manner of speaking. Ultimately, I made a choice that I felt was healthiest and happiest for me. That doesn't mean I have strictly one feeling, or attraction, or urge (quite the contrary) but I choose the life I now live – and it works for me. Everyone should do what works for them. I believe that everyone in their own time will find the right path, whichever that path may be.
Lucifer was cast out of heaven and from God's graces because he exhibited FREE WILL. The rulers of Christianity call their minions "their flock". Is that obvious enough? So sheeple believe as you will, no one but YOU controls you.
when a F.R.E.A*.K. gay tries to interpret the Bilble (Satan uses his freewill) 100% they always screw up. Satan's minions will always try to pervert it.... Just for your info..Satan was cast out of heaven because of rebellion and pride..He wants to overthrow God..Now pray to your god satan the original G.A.*Y...
Honey, do your mommy and daddy know you're playing in this part of the internet? The big kids are trying to talk, maybe you should go outside to play.
So you are saying this Satan did NOT have free will? Then what he did was God's will was it not, he was merely a puppet acting as directed.
DO angels have free will or not? Your holy book says only humans have it so whatever goes on in "heaven" is merely a puppet show for god's amusement.
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,"
Revelations 12.
If there was no free will then this was a show, like putting on a joust for the entertainment of the King. If there was a real battle, how is it "god" allowed it to get this far since "he" could stopp it with less effort than you swat a mosquito.
Equalizer357,
God and the bible support:
slavery
discrimination against women
discrimination against the handicapped
discrimination against gays
It never discriminate against child molesters.
At least it is consistent.
Riddle me this – if God is 100% good and created everything, then where did evil come from? If you say Lucifer, then how did that happen if angels have no free will? If you buy into either or both of those assumptions, then the logical conclusion is that God created evil, which blows the whole God being good/perfect thing. Doesn't that blow your narrow little minds?
Your interpretation is inconsistent with that of those of us who actually study and follow the word of God and Christ. It was the suppression of free choice that defined the rebellion, defined the pride. Lucifer said he would force God's children to his will, and they would all make it to heaven, but in so doing Lucifer asked that he share in the glory of God. Fail. Christ on the other hand offered free agency, which was consistent with God's plan. If there were no choices involved, there would be no basis for hell.
You've based your life on a fairy tale written by peasants and embellished over hundreds of year. There is no talking snake. No apple. No ark with two of every species of animal. There is no great god that can hear your thoughts, or intervene in your life. You've just simply chosen to believe an old story, without any scientific evidence, and you have decided to push your beliefs on others, band together in piety, participate in the great and profitable rouse, and criticize and vilify people who do not bow to your way of thinking. You are a bully who has not the guts to ask hard questions about your so called religion. If you were more discerning, you would realize that things just don't add up. Despite knowing things don't add up, you continue on and call it faith. What a sick way to live your life.
Or there is your misguided belief that life spontaneously emerged from space dust in a vacuum. That's so much more plausible. When those space dust particles sprang into life, why did it stop there with that one custom design. Why aren't the space dust particles still to this day spontaneously creating new different forms of life all around us in every corner of every planet, perfectly suited to the environment on that planet? Why isn't there life on every planet in our solar system? I mean, if life can spring from space dust, adapting and evolving to the whatever conditions exist, why isn't it doing just that? Man, that's not even a fairy tale, it's bad storytelling.
Give up the hate, you'll live longer.
I never said life was based from space dust. I never said I didn't believe in a god. (Ever heard of Deism?) You may have, but since you are brain-washed and indoctrinated into your world of monotheistic fairy tales, you'd never discern, care or respect what anyone else believes. To you, it's just easier to ignore facts and label others.
We'll probably never know the origins of existence. Not in our lifetime. What I can very safely say is that the universe is very much directed and dictated by the laws of physics. ALL evidence so far leads to evolution rather than creationism. If your only proof in a Christian god is 'we exist', then I can only respond by saying, 'yes, you're right'. No, I don't know the origins of the universe. Neither do you. There may be a god. However, I am 100% certain that there is not a Christian god. The story just doesn't pan out.
There's zero physical evidence of immaculate conception, talking reptiles, zoo arcs, resurrection, walking on water, transforming water into alcohol and hell, to name a few. Where is hell? Seriously, where is hell PHYSICALLY located? Why don't you ask yourself these questions? You don't, but you still believe in a hell.
Christianity is either an outright lie, or a horrible embellishment 2000 years in the making. Either way, undeniably it has cost millions of lives pain and an early death. So I stand behind my assertion that you have based your entire life on this series of lies– a spiritual ponzi scheme. You are banking on eternal life in reward for a lifetime of servitude. As part of your servitude, you appear here argue about gay people and chicken sandwiches. Now that's insanity.
Finally, yes, you are right about one thing. I am angry (or a hater). I am sick and tired of people like you pompously wrapping yourselves in this convenient religion that's based on exclusion, and spending your time infringing upon the rights of people who aren't like you. I reject your religious beliefs. I don't even respect them. Any person who believes in talking snakes is not smart enough to pass judgement upon anyone.
I believe in America. You can believe anything you want. But you may not force me to believe, follow or respect your bigotry.
Are you that jaded and blind to what goes on around you? Try reading my posts before you swooped in with your labelmaker. It was nothing but tolerance for all religions, or lack of, gay or straight. Go pedal your hate speech elsewhere.
Now you're trying to 'suppress my free choice'... my free speech to call out your scam of a religion and your pompous defense of bigotry. Quite a contradiction from your first post. You cannot champion a value when it's convenient, then eschew it when it's not. You label me a hater rather than answer my questions about YOUR religion. Where is hell physically located? Where is this Lucifer guy now? You referenced these things. Educate me.
I'm not suppressing anything, just reminding you, however painful for you it is, that you're making an ass of yourself and are an embarrassment to anyone with the misfortune of sharing religious or areligious belief system. Enjoy the high blood pressure.
Where is hell physically located? Don't dodge the question. You quote your scripture so elegantly, yet you won't answer a basic question. WHERE IS HELL PHYSICALLY LOCATED, SIR?
You can eat the breast, not the nuggets.
I can't wait for the day in which advances in science will allow us to detect h0mosexuality in a fetus. Once detected that fetus will be prompted aborted and eventually the gay problem will go away.
In a court of law, In a US court of law, the Catholic Church announced and defended this position: A fetus is not a human being until it is born. Don't believe me, read it for yourself.
Catholics will change their views on abortion and contraception so fast, our heads would spin. They'll be passing out two for one coupons, because life is so sacred...but only if it's white, straight and christian.
Otherwise, though, gays aren't going away until straights do. It's the straights that keep having all these gays babies. Wonder what your god's trying to tell you.
They let Anderson Cooper eat there...if he pays his bill
Yes. You can even eat there.
Andersson likes HOTDOGS..
If your gay and you want to know if you can eat at 'Chic-fil-A', I guess you'd better check with your significant other and other friends, because 'Chic-fil-A' doesn't discriminate.
What about the TV news stories about the gays that were refused service and asked to leave?
thats a myth...
God and 'satan' are myths.
"I refuse to believe that God doesn’t love me because I am gay. I refuse to believe that God made a mistake."
I agree that God doesn't stop loving you because you are gay, much like I wouldn't stop loving my child if they had premartial s-e.-x, but that does not mean that I apporve of my child's decision , even though I still love them. People have a false preception of love. Loving someone does not mean you agree with everything they do and it also does not mean that you can't tell the person you love that they are wrong or should do something different. Don't be decieved by what culture tells you love is, because it is a false love.
"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."
With all do respect, this is your opinion, you have no right to pursume that your opinion about people you have never met, is in fact truth.
A rose is a rose and shall never change. Same for those who fit the profile as homophobic. Maybe Jesus was gay and those weren't his disciples but lovers. They all said they loved him and that's just plain homosexual talk.
"I agree that God doesn't stop loving you because you are gay, much like I wouldn't stop loving my child if they had premartial s-e.-x, but that does not mean that I apporve of my child's decision "
But would you torture your child for eternity for disobeying you? Plunge him or her into the lake of fire that burneth forever and is not quenched? Then allow all the "good" people who obeyed to you to stop by and watch your child suffering those tortures?
"In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ Luke 16:23-24
Would you even build a set of such torture devices in advance of having children so you *could* punish them forever? "God" did all that and more.
I am a conservative Christian with similar views to Mr Truett. I am a business owner myself and allow my faith to direct my business decisions. I do not however boycott businesses run by those with opposing views or lifestyles different than my own. I patronize those that are superior in quality. I hope you will do the same.
I don't believe that bigots produce superior products, nor do I wish to support any company that will use its finances to support hate groups. That's not me squelching your free speech. It's me exercising mine.
ok, now bend-over you F.R.E.A*.K....lol
View are one thing. Actions are another. Chick-Fil-A takes action against equal rights for gay people in the way of donations to anti-gay organizations. I don't want my money going to fight equality.
what about Gay money donated to Hate Groups that dislikes Christians..?
Boycotting businesses with ideals that oppose my own is one of the only ways I have to stand up for what I believe in. Decisions made by a business owner should and do have repercussions, and that is not an infringement of rights afforded to us by the first amendment; rather, it is the natural system of cause and effect in a capitalist economy. I refuse to eat at Chick fil A because of the ignorance they perpetuated by funding hateful groups. Their product is superior, but not enough so that I should compromise my values to eat there.
Likewise I will never ever support any group that supports G.A.Y.s... they are pushing their A.B.N.O.R.M.A.L. agenda to kids and I hate that...
You allow faith to run your business? Do you have the same views as a Senator with your belief?
FYI – We didn't boycott because we didn't agree with their views. We boycotted because our money was going towards limiting the rights of people we love. Plenty of us knew exactly what Chick-fil-A believed for a long time and continued to give them our business. Once it was made known that our money was going to hate groups, THAT is when we boycotted. Please get that straight.
Straight people will never "get it straight".
Just like g.a.y.s. will NEVER EVER BE normals....
I am a Christian. I believe God loves everyone including gays but he hates sin. IThe Bible is very clear about homosexuality, calling it a sin. However, Just like you have the right to be gay and no one can stop you from that, Chick fil A also has every right to believe whatever they believe. in addition to that, you and i have no right to tell Chick fil A where to donate or not donate their hard earned money. They have every right to do with their money whatever they want to do with it. I hate sin, but i love the sinner because i too am a sinner and have fallen short of the glory of God.
A I call BULL on everything you said. Especially the last sentence.
It seems ironic the author would lament workers' rights and wages at fast food restaurants. I've worked in 2 of the highest rated (LA TIMES) restaurants in Los Angeles and all the chefs made either mininum wage or a dollar or two above it. They often had to come in early to set up their stations as well, without pay, off the clock. The last place I worked at is owned by Tom Colicchio, a judge on top chef, and they came in over an hour early to do that or they would be fired.
They are on their feet for the whole 8 hour shift. No 15 minute breaks, which is illegal. Their lunch break was at the beginning of their shift before service, which is illegal as well. Most of the fancy restaurants I've worked at didn't provide health insurance or it was very poor (expensive for not good coverage). Furthermore, they were constantly degraded and verbally abused by the top chef.
I'll tell you what though. When I was 14 and working in a fast food restaurant I was taken care of. I had breaks. I felt like there was a code of conduct. So let's be honest and not criticize fast food establishments for their wages and rights, when they overall tend to be better than workers in private fine dining establishments. (And don't get me started on the use of illegal, undocumented workers in these places)
Steve-O is right. Believe it or not folks, there are likely many past contributors to Eatocracy (one I know of for a fact) who violate labor laws or skirt them through loop holes.
Yes you can wee one, its called a free country, put on your big boy panties on and eat some chicken
PLEASE ANSWER:-
1) DEAR BIG COMPANIES .......... you are too afraid of gays so you stop supporting organizations that has clear vision and God fearing What if we straight people start boycotting you then? who is the majority? did you ever realize that?
2) If supporting Anti-gay organizations has a backlash .. what about supporting gay- friendly organizations? ..
3) UPS and others used to support boy scout for its work. now they are blackmailed by gays and stop supporting. But they support the cause .. not the means it use to promote the cause and that has been the same all the year round.
4) is it not a good idea to have ONE CITY just for these people . so they can do what ever they want?
sam,
The Bible supports discrimination against women and the handicapped.
Is this what you want big business to do?
Did you have any point at all?
My point is, when a F.R.E.A.K....G.A.Y. tries to interpret the Bible trouble starts..how could Satan's children know the things of God...not in a billion years...
Again, if you're going to post under this name, try and be somewhat coherent, it would be nice. Protip: easy on the ellipses. Less is more.
There is backlash for supporting gay-friendly organizations. That's easy to google. Fundies love to put out lists of organizations they don't like.
Asking for less hate and more equality is not 'blackmailing', btw.
This is more silly rhetoric. Try again.
What a broad stroke you painted with, to assert that "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."
Really? You know that how?
I love how the Left knows only one definition of "tolerance." That's why the Boy Scouts will be ruling this week to let gay men sleep in tents with boys, because AT&T and UPS are putting pressure on them to change their beliefs. It's all about the pressure, baby. Push, push, push. But that's for a wonderful cause so it's OK. Right?
What's funny and sad is that the author admits in her waning paragraphs that Chick-Fil-A appears to have been pushed, pushed, pushed to change its giving, and even now she can't quite bring herself to drink their tea. Apparently she's intolerant of their new tolerance because of their past intolerance. How can people really tolerate such silliness?
PHUK IT! These communist liberals are sensoring everything I have to say. TO HELL WITH IT! I should sue the bast ards!
Psst: there's an automatic word filter that kicks out certain letter combos.
Feel free to sue over it, though. After you're done having a fit and yelling about liberals and commies or whatever.
Oops.
Who cares you eat or not ? We just dont want to see you acting as gay. Do your stuff in your bed room , why people tell us they are gay? did we tell us we are straight? God made you Man and Woman. Do you think God made mistakes?
If you're going to post under this name, could you at least try to make sense?
And uh, of course god made no mistakes. He made gay people, too.
Jesus was gay, his 12 boy friends all said they loved him. What does that say about monogamy and gay men?
Another HIV tainted G.A.Y. brain... warped..
Oh no must have been a slow day for gays and lesbians, I guess no one dissed Glee this week, so they don't have any artists to attack and smear so it's back to old news and bringing up Chic Fil-A. How about just eat where you like and don't discuss your personal preferences? is that too easy? Should I go to a local fast food restaurant go inside and start blabbing about my political, or religious feelings and ask them how they feel about it before serving me my big mac, or chicken biscuit? Grow up, put on your adult pants and just order the freaking food, the staff have lives and really could care less about your personal choices in life.
You didn't read the article but decided to post anyway.
@JESSE; wrote, " is that too easy ".
Welll, lets see ... Jesse walks into his favorite fast food restaurant. And in that restaurant they have a tv screen which just so happens to be airing the restaurant owner speaking about how he has never liked people named "Jesse". He says people with that name shouldn't be allowed to marry. For the most part he says people with that name are stupid ... and ugly. Jesse hears this and walks out without buying anything. Is that too easy Jesse? Or did you forget to put on your adult pants?
the most stupid comments ive ever read... HIV tainted brain, I believe,...
I LOVE chicfila food. I, however, don't want this to be confused with supporting the anti-gay topic. Chicfila did itself a huge disservice by mixing a business of selling a darn chicken sandwich, with supporting their own political/bigoted agenda. Of course this conflicts anyone with MORALS and a brain, if they should continue to eat at such a place. I don't understand why others CANNOT understand this. I totally appreciated the author's point of view, and I am NOT a Christian. I am sad, however, that religion, and bigotry even have to enter my mind when wanting that original chicken sandwich- the reason why anyone wanted anything to do with Chicfila to BEGIN with! Sigh.
So youre not a Christian? So TRUE, there is no such thing as a Christian G..A.Y....
I'm sorry, but I'm really disappointed in the way America is functioning. Personally, I am neither for nor against gay marriage. I have pretty much no concern. In my opinion? Abolish federal and state level marriages. Everyone gets civil unions. Move along in life. I understand that this is a more complex issue. But, at this point, it is so emotionally polarized there is no good solution. So perhaps the best solution is to simply avoid and squish the issue. Then all of the "bigoted" people can decide to marry whomever they want. The "progressives" can marry whomever they want. Life will continue on.
2nd Amendment: fix background checks, allow semi-automatics. Extended clips or not doesn't matter, takes 2 seconds to reload. Automatics are unnecessary. Even if the gov't were to start attacking citizens... citizens wouldn't stand a chance.
3rd: ObamaCare. Did anybody ask the health industry? No... sadly not. So please ask doctors and see that they are overwhelmingly against it. (per Forbes)
4th: Immigration: all people to become citizens. Actually, the senate plan is pretty much spot on as far as a balanced approach that involves sacrifices on the part of illegals to become legal.
5th: Can we please figure out something about mental health? It obviously is terrible in this country. Have we lost the ability to consider someone truly mentally disturbed (besides of course people that you disagree with fundamentally).
6th: Why oh why did we avoid the fiscal cliff? It would've been the best thing financially we could've done... sadly we are now still piling up debt at record rates and even if we taxed America at 100% it would take more than a year to get out of the national debt.
7th: All of the above problems are the problems of ALL Americans on ALL sides of the isle. Republicans and Democrats and Independents and Conservatives and Liberals and Christians and Agnostics and Atheists and Hindus and Buddhists and Muslims and Jews and everyone else. It's our problems. The only thing I'm sad about is that we do not have a president who is willing to work with others. In fact, he's not willing to lead. If you argue with me, go ahead. But FACT: he has not passed a budget in years, not only that, his last one was UNANIMOUSLY, let me repeat that: unanimously shot down. Not by Republicans only, as he would probably say, no. Democrats, Republicans, and others all shot down his budget. The senate hasn't passed a budget in years. FACT: His aide said he is "out to destroy the GOP." How is that bipartisan Mr. President? I respect you because of your office, but we elected you to be a great leader, do it.
I'm not saying Romney would've been better. I felt like last... 3 elections we've been voting for bad vs. worse. Maybe soon we'll find ourselves a real leader.
"We all want progress. But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case th mean who turns back soonest is the most progressive man."
I don't know if on every subject we need to about turn or not. I'm just a college kid. But I do know that almost everywhere we're currently at and currently going is not good. Here's to progress
Disappointed: most of what you said I agree with. I am a born again christian, but I hate no one. I have a gay brother I love dearly. He also knows where I stand....he voted for Obama, I think Obama is the worst president in history.....My beliefs tell me that my Christ died for everyone of every color, gender, creed, belief, and sexual orientatation....It is not my place to judge what He does with those who refuse his salvation....You may not believe as I do....but nevertheless, you write as one with maturity and wisdom beyond your years.....I hope you will use your life to advance some of the ideas listed here.......If America can produce students like you, then we still do have a fighting chance....God bless
You pretty much say whatever comes in to that pretty little head of yours, don't you?
Good point. Marriages are for the religious. Federal and states should only recognize the civil union.
Gay chickens every where hate the founder of Chick-fl-a. Why shouldn't gay chicks hate him too?
btw, there are no more gay chickens they are all dead of HIV..
As a lesbian, you'd think she'd prefer fish instead of chicken... be she loves long-john-silvers too.
No, you can't eat there anymore.
Chick-Fil-A did NOT change their stance and having lived in god-awful Charlotte NC for 3 years, I was sick of seeing how people flocked to that place when THE FOOD IS TERRIBLE. I don't care if it's fast food or a college/university – never go with something that's based in a religion. Religion is what's wrong with this world, causing all of the problems that does. It's time for RELIGION TO GO!
Now I will have to actually agree with some conservatives. Im gay, and won't shop and CFA until maybe now that they have changed where the money is going. Now to address your assinine comment. Religion can "GO" when people stop wanting religion. If you claim to know science then you know that the god gene was found recently. That we are preprogrammed to believe in a creator. Now weather you think that it's simple survival instinct we don't need is another subject. However for religion to "GO" it goes against most peoples genetic drive. That's very complicated. Secondly not all religion causes all the evils of the world, that is very ignorant. People are naturally agressive, and if it wasn't religion it would be science or what have you. The Utopian ideals that lots of Athiests strive for at this time are not, nor is it time for that sort of thing. Take away religion right now and the guilt/morality it espouses you will have a LOT more crime because of no moral consiquences IE the fear of Hell and so on. It's a pipe dream at this time to think that great thinkers who would love world peace and the like could make up the slack. Think end of the world here. I would like it if Religion would evolve a bit, but remember it's perfectly natural to believe in something greater than themselves (after all it's in your genome).
You can't stand the fact that you are really ALL ALONE. You were born and you will die as a single entity, ALL ALONE. No one is going to hold your hand and walk you to your death.
thats the trouble with you, when you s*uc*k Pen*ise*s with HIV...your brain gets warped..
"Why should one mans religious principles affect how people use, go to or eat at??"
Simple: that man uses the money people spend at his restaurants to promote hatred and violence, including the funding of bills in several African countries mean to criminalize homosexuality and make it a capitol offense. I don't want my money being used for such purposes, and neither do a whole lot of other people. Nice to hear that he's at least being more cautious about his direct contributions, but his stance has also made purchasing from Chik-Fil-A an act of overt hatred, something else I won't be associated with.
I can't wait for the day in which advances in science will allow us to detect homosexuality in a fetus. Once detected that fetus will be prompted aborted and eventually the gay problem will go away.
Your remark reveals a lot about yourself. You need professional help..., and I am not kidding.
Dem, youer still alive? your parents should have aborted a F.R.E.A.K. like you..
I didn't like Chick-Fil-A before all the noise because I don't like their food.
When I found out what kinds of organizations they supported (long before the boycott), I promised I'd never give them one red cent. I did it on principle, not because of groupthink. If you like Chick-Fil-A and don't have a problem with where they stand on the issues, then by all means, eat at Chick-Fil-A.
I will. And keep your AIDS epidemic between the Homosexuals! Keep it to your self!
Just as many straights have AIDS...but don't let facts and logic get in the way of you being a dumbass.
gay*s are E...COLI tainted monke*YS.
what a stupid article and stupid headline.. OBVIOUSLY written by an idiot!! good grief people GROW UP and eat at Chick fil a... Why should one mans religious principles affect how people use, go to or eat at?? I eat at Middle Eastern Restaurants and I'm so not middle eastern or believe their philosophy.... i still enjoy their food... give it a rest...Another so called journalist trying to justify their jobs by writing a useless article....
So let me get this straight – you don't agree with it, so it's stupid, and the author is stupid? This is your stance?
Eating at a Middle Eastern restaurant in spite of the owners' religion isn't really the same thing. If that restaurant was sending funds back to jihadists, then you'd have a point.
It isn't about one man's philosophy, it's about suddenly knowing that your money is being used to support hate groups. If Chik-fil-A started donating its money to Al Qaeda, you wouldn't be the only one who started to question the morality of eating there.
I'm sorry, are you drawing a line of comparison between aggressive lobbying and suicide bombing? Quite the leap in logic....
Elizabeth doesn't get it. It's not a viewpoint espoused on Faux News.
The only idiot here is you Elizabeth. You should understand the facts before posting. The boycott is not about the CEOs views, it's about him and his company's funding of hate groups that are against equality. Your middle eastern example is ridiculous. Like someone else said, if you found out your middle eastern restaurant was supporting Al Qaeda, would you continue to support them by eating there and giving them your money?
I have to admit, I never had tried Chick-fil-A until this garbage came up. Since the owner is perfectly within his rights to express his views, I ate there, because I am sick and tired of Christians being persecuted for what they believe. Christians don't hate gays, but they do not agree with their lifestyle.
It's funny how liberals always pride themselves on how tolerant they are, but they don't want to tolerate Christian views. A bit hypocritical, don't you think?
Chick-fil-A has delicious food, and I will continue to eat there and support the owner's right to voice his personal opinions, whether I agree with them or not. He's not a bigot, racist, pedophilie, etc. He is just a man expressing his religious beliefs, and he should not be persecuted for it..
Disagreeing with the silly behavior of fundamental christians is not 'persecution'. That's cute, though. I'd love to hear more about how people who regularly vote to keep gays from marrying are being 'persecuted'. Do tell us more.
Plenty of us don't agree with the christian 'lifestyle'. Does that mean we're persecuting them? Oops!
You fight for your rights by eating that fast food, though. Go you!
Sam,
What's really stupid are those who really think that they're making a positive impact for their cause by boycotting a fast food restaurant or mom and pop shops (as was the case for one in Ca). My perception is that this childish behavior by your group makes you look way less intelligent than I know you are. If you're looking for support, you don't burn bridges...does that little pun make sense to you?
(your group)
I'm not part of a 'group', but no worries, you seem to be comfortable making assumptions. You have zero idea what you're talking about – 'childish' was all the people who stood in line for a chicken sandwich just to make sure those pesky gays know where they stood.
Your attempt at passive aggression was laughable. Run along, tiny person.
she asked a great point though, which you failed to answer.....liberals are supposed to be tolerant, but they show NO tolerance for the beliefs of christians.......why is that?????
Very few have any problem with beliefs. It's the application of beliefs that starts to cause a problem: donating to hate groups because the bible says something is wrong; trying to pass laws based on biblical morality; marginalizing groups of people who do not share the same beliefs, etc etc I could go on and on.
Yet you try and explain this to some people, and they decide they're just being persecuted because someone thinks they're wrong.
Many Christians are liberal, and many liberals are Christian, so to say that liberals do not tolerate Christian beliefs is just ignorant. Besides, nobody who boycotted CFA did so because of the owner's beliefs. We just don't want our money spent on organizations that promote inequality under the law. I've been boycotting CFA for years – long before the recent controversy. I never expected that my refusal to eat there would cause them financial difficulty, I just don't want any portion of my hard-earned money to go toward hate groups.
Intolerance of bigots is not, in itself, bigotry.
And saying you "disagree" with someone's existence is the very nature of bigotry. Nothing moral about it.
Who is questioning anybody's existence? It's the lifestyle choice we disagree with.
So when did you choose to be straight?
I disagree with your lifestyle 'choice'. But I'm not going to fund groups to try and stop you from living it.
Your logic is flawed, as is so many others.' Christians can disagree with the homosexual lifestyle all they want, but their speech becomes hate the moment they attempt to curtail others' equal rights under the law.
BULLSEYE! well spoken, well said
actually thats not the case. you are pushing HO.MO. lifestyle even to our NORMAL kids..
Equalizer357,
What's a "normal" child? Is that one who believes in talking serpents and unicorns? Is it one who supports alavery and discrimination against women and the handicapped?
Your almost right.. but you don't understand the meaning of persicution. He can personally believe whatever he wants. However he put his money where his mouth was and started paying groups that were actively taking a stance against gay rights. Bad move.. That resulted in lots of Gay people excercising their rights to not shop at CFA. When you start actively involving yourself in politics and rights with millions of dollars expect a reaction. This should be no surprise? It's not persecution it's cause and effect.
Exactly. Liberals are enemies of the state.
Trolls are armchair warriors with tiny dicks. There, are you happier now?
Conservatives are really liberals. They are liberally bullying people trying to force them to think as they do. Conservatives are bullies. BULLY BULLY BULLY
You should understand the facts before posting. The boycott is not about the CEOs views, it's about him and his company's funding of hate groups that are against equality. Why can't people understand this? I'm guessing you're Irish, so would you monetarily support a company that supports hate against Irish people? Supports groups that say Irish people can't marry?
"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. "
That's amazing that you can read minds. In the future we should forgo the expense of elections and you can just tell us what everyone is thinking. Think of the money we'll save!
If the author were to read this comment: I personally am ashamed that there are so many people that really do have hatred against gays, women, different races and religions, etc. I believe it is wrong. However, the only way to help people is to try to find a way to teach them. You will never reach everyone.
Now: I disagree with quite a lot of what she said, however. I do not believe that most people went to Chick fil-A because they hated anyone. I was in a Chick fil-A in Utah at the time and purposely spoke to several customers who appeared to come from many backgrounds: The cleaned up suit and tie guys, the average teenagers, old people and yes, blue-haired people with facial piercings.
Not one person mentioned gays as a reason for showing up. Answers included "supporting a business that was unconstitutionally attacked by radical politicians," "supporting the right to freedom of religion," "supporting freedom of speech" "supporting the Constitution," "preventing a good business from going under regardless of what they believe," "showing politicians that the people will not support an attempt to bully and take control of the majority." One person said "I don't care what Chick fil-A, my favorite bands, actors and athletes believe. I spend money to be eat good food and be entertained. I know if I find out what they all believe I may disagree. But good business is good business."
Maybe it takes online forums and anonymity for cowards to express their bigotry. But in Utah that day, I felt like hatred was far from the minds of any of the people I spoke with.
I still have a belief that the majority of America believes in God. Wants to be good. But we are human and have very ugly flaws no matter what. By definition, a believer in Christ is someone who is trying to be the most friendly, kind, loving and least judgmental person you can find. But many of them get confused and don't live that way.
We do not live in this ugly world where most things are conspiracy and hate thrives. It is the lie of a small minority of elitists who are trying to make it look like this is our world. In the process they gain recruits. We need to stand against it and teach in non-judgmental ways. Then be forgiving when not everyone agrees or falls well short of perfection.
I believe that each person came into this world as a child of God. But not as God's perfect creation. We all have weaknesses and tendencies. All of us are tempted to do things God does not want. Some crave alcohol. Some are attracted to the same gender. Some are judgmental. We all have problems. But making choices that increase our integrity make us safer and happier. We are not God's mistakes. We are just trying to improve on what we already are.
I'm sorry that the author feels as though the Christians are out to get her. No doubt, some of them are, but as for me I went to the Chik-Fil-A appreciation day because I felt a company that I liked was being trampled on due to their CEO's beliefs. I am not against gays as the author implies. I have no doubt that my gay friends would support that statement. I applaud Dan Cathy and Shane Windmeyer for doing something that most people won't. They opened the doors of communication and decided to respect each other even if they don't agree. I wish there were more people doing that on both sides.
The company was being "trampled on" because the company was using company funds to make donations to anti-gay groups. Dan Cathy's open bigotry in an interview was just a catalyst for the boycott.
Where exactly does she say she feels that christians are out to get her?
@Deadlyserious: and it was revealed that many of the groups in question weren't even being funded at the time of the boycott. A little communication goes a long way.
@Sam: Third paragraph from the bottom. "I believe they were showing that they are united against same-sex marriage and against gays, in general".
Uh...that's not the same thing.
Maybe they deserved to get a little trampled? The organizations they were funding are hate groups.
@PaulR: I don't think Exodus Int is considered a hate group since it's voluntary to attend their 'conversions'. I could be wrong, though. As for the other groups, I am not familiar with them as much, but even Sahne Windmeyer stated that the groups he had the biggest problems with were not being funded at the time of the boycott.
You dumb cracker. She said she was Christian.
Worrying about what Chik fik A does with their money?????? Yet I'll bet you continue to buy gas/oil with monies that are eventually used to kill us.
I'm pretty confident that your "Angry Whopper" or Big Mac or anything bought at Hardees/CarlJr is a bigger and more urgent threat to you than what Shell pays its stock holders in earnings.
Excellent point Dean... We spend and send billions (if not trillions) to people who would love to see us wiped off the face of the Earth just like our Israel brothers. Does anyone complain about that? Hell to the no. If you do not want to eat there then fine by me.. Less of a crowd when I get there. I assure you... Boycott them.. Go ahead.. They will not miss the numbers that were never there in the beginning. I love the people who go there.. They are kind enough to hold the door open, ask you if you are in line and are polite in the parking lot. Behavior you see no where else. My kind of people.. No doubt a minority and it is a shame. See you there next Saturday for my weekly YUMMY Visit.
You defeat your own argument here. Clearly you would opt to purchase your gas elsewhere if you had the option. So would anyone. The point is, when you know your purchase is being turned into a contribution for a hate group, you have the choice to not care and continue supporting that behavior, or stop supporting it. If Chik fil a were supporting Al Queda, would you still eat there. Doubtful. And if you did not know they were, wouldn't you want someone to let you know? That's all that happened here. A group of people responded to the knowledge that this company was funding hate groups. The people defending the company are only doing so because they do not care. If it was them though, they would. So it just goes to show how selfish they are really.
Too bad the oil companies are doing everything they can to squash new and better fuels. If you have followed the evolution of hydrogen powered cars and hydrogen fuel cells you'd know exactly what I'm trying to say. They are much like the Chick-fil-A except far more worse. EXXON – the name isn't even calming. Remember the Gulf of Mexico. Remember the Exxon Valdez. How could our government coverup for them? Because they all eat at Chick-fil-A.
This has to deal with the food how?
It's barely even food to begin with.
NO,
you definitely cannot eat at Chic-fil-A first.
You must repeat MUST understand this concept, so you must have a large bowl of Kellogg's fruit loop cereal first so then you can understand the principal of getting "looped" :)
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not decieved: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate(homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
you can eat wherever the f.. you want.. juust don't try to impose that I must approve and/or promote homosexuality. FF that!
Guess what – this is a free country. If you don't like CFA, then go eat somewhere else. But shut up already and stop making a big deal about it. I don't see Dr. James Dobson rallying to prevent people from buying from any of the 1000's of organizations that support gay-friendly agendas. Go eat somewhere else if that's what makes you feel better.
Actually, anti-gay groups try to boycott businesses all the time. See: Nabisco, JC Penney, Archie Comics, Starbucks, etc.
Exactly!
AMEN Brotha!
It sucks to be that wrong, doesn't it?
I believe any company has the right to donate a portion of its profits to any organization it likes. I am a straight man. However, I maintain that gays or anyone else have every right to – and in fact should – boycott any organization that supports any hate-filed organization, and that in my opinion includes virtullly *any* religious organization. Another good reason to tax them.
I've never understood why people will boycot a business because of it's political or religious affiliations. When I pay money for a service or product and I get that service or product to my satisfaction, it is no longer my money. It doesn't matter what the business chooses to spend it on, I have been compensated fairly for whatever I paid for and no longer have a claim to it. How would you like it if your boss payed your monthly salary, then turned around and told you what you could and couldn't spend it on? Same thing in my opinion.
I don't see why you think anyone should feel like that they aren't able to choose to spend their money elsewhere based on social/political concerns.
You're right. Once I give my money to a business, I forfeit control of it. That's why I choose to not give my money to Chick-fil-A (granted, I made that decision a long time ago, because anyone with half a brain knew that this was the company line).
Because it should be about the food. If you enjoy it, eat there. If you don't, don't. The irony of all this is Chick-fil-A had one of their biggest quarter earnings thanks to the so-called "boycott". As with any politicial/religious issue, there is always another side. And who knows how many people who previously never ate there started to after all that mess. Free publicity!
I don't understand your position.
If you liked to eat at McDonald's, but you discovered that the company was donating money to terrorist organizations, would you continue to eat there?
Another posted just said it perfectly. If Mcdees started funding Iran would you eat a Bigmac? The Boycott worked... they clearly changed direction for a reason. I for one will enjoy this place this weekend for the first time since last summer to show them that they made the right choice (and because lets face it those Christians cook some mean chicken).
If a company uses it's name and visibility to promote and adgenda then follow your beliefs. If individual members of the board support an adgenda privately fine. It is no different than refusing to patronize a company due to malfeasance.
So you would have bought items from the Nazis? You can't turn a blind eye to the companies you patronize. There should be consequences for poor decisions, and what better way to make a point than to withhold your money from businesses who support, or have supported, bigoted entities.
But some things do matter. Why would I spend my money at a place that uses the proceeds to fund something I feel strongly is not right? You say that all you care about is that you receive a quality product in exchange for your money and that "it doesn't matter" what the seller spends it on. I find it difficult to believe that there is NOTHING that would cause you to stop patronizing a particular establishment. The purveyor uses the proceeds to fund his kiddie porn habit? Not my issue. To support terrorist organizations? None of my concern. That makes no sense to me.
I don't recall anyone ever being refused service at Chick fil A, you bigot.
I don't want to eat where AIDS spreading sodomizers are, so stay away sickos.
You are obviously the sicko
According to the CDC, AIDS is being spread more by heterosexuals than homosexuals. The 80's called, it wants it's ignorance back.
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm/index.htm
So you never eat at home, then? Must get expensive.
Chris,
Since millions of heteros engage in sodomy and spread AIDS, looks like you'll have to eat all your meals at home if it is safe.
You sound like my husband when one of our relatives announced that he was gay. My husband said the guy would no longer be allowed in our house because he didn't want to be exposed to AIDS. After reading a variety of articles I found for him online and printed out, my husband understands that being gay doesn't mean one has AIDS. If you truly feel threatened do some research. If you were just trying to be offensive, never mind.
BTW, I don't eat at Chick fil A because I like what other fast food places offer better. I don't choose my fast food based on anything except convenient location and flavor.
Who are you even talking to ? Did you read the article?
Your article is well written and I can understand how you might take a personal stand against Chick-fil-a. I recall the owner saying that he was against gay marriage because he believed in traditional values. That statement does not constitute hatred of gays. If you recall, Pres Obama was against gay marriage until the last few months of his first term in office and no gays ever called him hater of gays. The owner of Chick-fil-a was never accused of discrimination in his hiring practices and never said gays were not welcome in his restaurant. However, if you as a gay person felt uncomfortable you and whoever else felt uncomfortable have every right to stay away from his restaurants in order to not support him. The real problem came when the GOVERNMENT , in the form of mayors of various cities, started to say that they would not let Chick-fil- a open in their city and these officials said to boycott chick-fil-a. It is absolutely a violation of our rights if the government thinks it can strong arm people simply for stating a personal belief. It is different if Chick-fil-a violated laws by being discriminatory but they didn't . I think the big protest and the chick-fil-a appreciation day arose out of the people's indignation over the government trying to dictate what people can believe in. I don't think you should judge all those people who came out for the appreciation day as being anti- gay. I'm sure there were some but I can tell you that for me personally the protest was about how the government was trying to interfere and ruin that man's business.
Does chick-fil-a taste good to you?
a) Yes
b) No
Solutions:
a) Eat at chick-fil-a
b) Don't eat at chick-fil-a
Why does everyone insist on overcomplicating things?
Here is a quick question for those who love Chic Fil-a. The oil companies have many political agendas that would likely offend a lot of Americans. Are you going to stop buying gasoline? Who gives a flying crap what someone's PERSONAL political agenda is. That is why I am a proud libertarian. Don't tread on me. And I won't tread on you. You are entitled to your own beliefs as I am mine. I am not going to penalize you or anyone for having your own beliefs. I applaud you. It shows you have a brain. Good for you! *Pat yourself on the back* And as a libertarian I believe in free markets. And if I were gay. I would not boycott Chic-Fil-A as they have not personally treaded on anyone. Just expressed their belief. Be offended and whine about it. Or move on and find a better cause to get excited about. *Eye roll*
From the looks of her picture, Ms. Willis needs to lay off the fried foods anyway.
Wow lol that was just funny!
For the bigger picture I'm not a gay supporter but I think they should be treated with respect for thier choices. On the other hand if any current group should respect the rights to free speech and the ability to live freely they you want, it should be the gay community. From what I have seen they are often practicing the we deserve to be heard card yet they totally don't when people speak out against them. I actually read the transcript of the interview that started this fire storm. Cathy was VERY respectful and NEVER said a negative word towards the gay community, he simply said this is what I believe and this is how my company will operate.
This argument that the owner was never against gays is wrong. His company on HIS request donated money to the most vicious anti-gay groups. They pump edmillions and millions of dollars into lobby groups, and defending traditional marriage. They have a right to do this yes, and we have a right to boycott as I did. There is nothing wrong with either of these approaches. It's simple cause and effect. They learned that the funding practices they were doing was costing them money so they stopped. The boycott was successful. This is how the entire thing works.
There's nothing GAY about it. The definition is QUEER.
There's nothing 'queer' [deviating from the norm] about a dude doing another dude
I don't want to eat where AIDS spreading sodomizers are, so stay away sickos. Disgusting
That's good. We don't want to eat with you as well. Sicko.
There's noithing BiG about BIGOTS, especially intelligence.
This is ridiculous. It is very easy to understand why this country is on the decline when so many Americans get bent out of shape over these meaningless social controversies. The owner of Chick-fil-A never said he was anti-gay, he just said he was against the idea of gay marriage. We should be worried about our economy, our deficit, the lack of job growth, our obligations to our foreign allies, and the turmoil in the Middle East. Yet, we Americans love to bicker among ourselves about gay marriage and abortion rights. Those issues should not even be discussed at the federal level, these are suppose to be state level decision. Furthermore, social issues are the only a tool for the politicians to gather support for the politically ignorant. Politicians have no intention of actually addressing such issues on the federal level but they know that they can stir the emotions of people who are ignorant to the urgent problems we face in this country. We don't have the luxury to sit around and waste time and money on these meaningless arguments. Gay marriage and abortions (or lack of) will not alter the direction of the economy, create jobs, defend our allies, or pay off our debts. Shut up, and start becoming productive members of society instead of wasting time and money on this nonsense.
To bad the voiceless and innocent babies murdered in the womb will never get a chance to become productive members of society.
Nor will they grow up being unwanted, unloved and a burden to society.
You should be old enough to know that murder can never be justified – nice try though
Does that apply to old unwanted elderly people as well – they drain society of money and produce nothing.
To bad that the US Supreme Court has decided life does not start at conception.
jack, every time you post more of your idiot rhetoric, I'm going to donate $10 to the nearest abortion clinic. In your name.
Donating to organizations such as the Family Research Council IS saying that the owner is against gays. Period. Actions speak louder than words. I do not donate to things that I do not believe in and by donating to groups that are not just anti-gay marriage but anti gay is a statement, in and of itself.
This argument that the owner was never against gays is wrong. His company on HIS request donated money to the most vicious anti-gay groups. They pump edmillions and millions of dollars into lobby groups, and defending traditional marriage. They have a right to do this yes, and we have a right to boycott as I did. There is nothing wrong with either of these approaches. It's simple cause and effect. They learned that the funding practices they were doing was costing them money so they stopped. The boycott was successful. This is how the entire thing works. Now to say that gay rights isn't important or won't change at the federal level is beyond stupid. It already has??? DOMA was dropped and created at the Federal level (maybe you should read before commenting on things). The SCOTUS is about to rule on several things affecting Federal levels.
Actually, the owner of Chick Fil A said that gay people and straight people who support marriage equality were "sick and twisted." So it would seem that HE is the one lashing out at people he doesn't like. Folks like him and Mike Huckabee who cheered on the thousands of folks bussed in from as far away as 180 miles never considered how my son felt, seeing the long lines of people who apparently think he is sinful to the core because he wants someone to love and love him. It was just free speech then? Then explain to me why there would never be an Appreciation Day if Chick Fil A donated to a White Supremacist group?
Why are we still talking about this? Does the Left really have nothing better to do than bring up extremely old news? Slow week huh?
It is an opinion piece. Nobody is claiming it is breaking news. Too bad the Right would rather ignore problems instead of talking about them. I guess it is okay though, because that strategy lost the Presidential Election for them last year. Continue on.
You just weren't designed to marry and have babies if you are gay. Chrstianity states that a life of sacrifice for a family is a calling, a vocation, not a choice. Sex is sexual intercourse between a man and a woman that can produce life. "Sex-ish" things such as gay sex, masturbation, slamming your junk in a door for pleasure, and other things like that are all considered a deviation of what is considered to be the most revered and sacred act two people can perform together. Gay people act like Christianity somehow singles them out as the highest evil and greatest threat to Christian thought, but they give themselves too much credit. They are lumped in with any of us who participate in sex that dishonors the miracle of creating life. It used to be more widely believed that marriage and kids wasn't for everyone, but nowadays, people are so self centered and narcissistic that they believe they should have whatever they WANT, not whatever they were CREATED to have. Gay people are simply people who were designed for something else very important, just not making life, and therefore, not sex.
I agree with you, however, I think that the "marriage" thing revolves around more legal issues than personal ones. Regardless of religion, I think that allowing people to be legally "married" should be a no brainer, and allowed without question. How you and your religion feel about it is your opinion. Live and let live.
I agree with you as well. I don't really think there should be a legal/government term called "marriage" at all. I think people should be free to have a civil union with any person, animal, or object they want, and they should be allowed to reap whatever benefits that come with such a union, or even better, relly simplify things so as to take any financial or legal benefits of marriage away completely for all. The problem is, that's not really what the gay lobby wants. They want people to embrace the notion that a gay "marriage" is actually a real marriage, and if my only choice is to buy into that or not, I am obliged to not.
That is so off kilter and explains a lot of what has caused controversy through centuries. You are attributing your own "churchy" ideals to Christ. Its as though the church ladies decide what is biblical over tea. The opinions and values of church going groups don't get to decide what is biblical and at the same time claim absolute right and wrong based on the bible.
So, let me get this set in my mind. Marriage is just for procreation. Sex is just for having kids. So, if someone can't have kids, does that mean they shouldn't get married? When people pass child-bearing age, should they get divorced? Is it wrong to enjoy sex? This whole line of religious bullsh*t is ridiculous. The point is simple: if you do not agree with where the company gives its money, it's ok not to spend your money there. That's the free speech issue. Saying that you disagree with a "lifestyle" and trying to deny someone legal rights are not the same thing. Bigotry dressed as religion is still bigotry.
Of course you can, you always could. All they said was that they are a Christian company and they back traditional families. They never said no gays allowed. They are allowed to disagree with you.
Actually, it was way more than a simple disagreement about the definition of marriage (which, btw, is not a concept created by Christians, so they should not be able to define it by the backing of laws. But that's another subject), Chick-fil-a funded groups that specifically say it's not right, or okay, to be gay, they in fact say it's a disgusting abomination and that there is something wrong with people that are for a number of reasons. It's hateful and divisive no matter which way you cut it.
VERY nice piece, Ms. Willis...well-written and thoughtful. My wife and I have boycotted Chick-fil-a as well since the controversy erupted as well, because we don't want to support any organization that promotes intolerance and prejudice in any way. There's too much of that going around as it is. But if a repesentative of the group being singled says it's time to move on and be the "bigger person" here, I might have to go try one of those half-and-half teas after all!
I thought of responding to some of the ignorant clods who've made comments here, but I realized that I'd likely end up spending the rest of the day on it, and in the end that it would be about as productive as trying to teach a pig to fly.
Still not letting my son join the Boy Scouts, though...
"Still not letting my son join the Boy Scouts, though..." why not, are you afraid some gay [pedo] will get his hands on your son?
No he is probably afraid his son will be taught that inequality in America is acceptable, which is exactly what the Boy scouts believe. Also, it's the men living "straight" lives who are the leaders that are the pedophiles.
You're right – they are living 'straight' lives, cause a real straight guy couldn't be attracted to another guy's parts
I don't know if you or I took that out of context, but clearly this person is for gay rights. I read this just as I would have read "still not letting my son be a choir boy at a Catholic Church"... there is a HUGE amount of scandal and sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts that has been covered up. Obviously pedophiles and gay men are not the same thing.
**sigh**
I SO did not want to to get dragged into the garbage being spewed by many of the posters here, I just wanted to show my support for the writer of the opinion piece.
I would not let my children join the Scouts because I don't want them to think that intolerance in any form is acceptable. I am not worried about them being molested in either casse, though. A little research will show that 90% of pedophiles identify as "straight." It's truly unfortunate that SO many seem to think that gay = pedophile, when that's far from the truth. If a gay man is automatically seen as a threat to young boys, then you could just as easily state that a straight man is a danger to young girls. My wie and I have many gay friends, and many of them have families and children. You couldn't ask for more doting parents. (Plus, the kids have SPECTACULAR wardrobes!)
Lefty thought process: "the only way you can be open-minded is by agreeing with me!"...they say w/o a hint of irony.
No one banned you from anything or even said anything to you. You demnad they respect your beliefs while you trample theirs.
Trampled? They don't look trampled, standing around in the hot sun, eating as much chicken as they can.
Jack your hillbilly education is showing here. Pedophiles and Homosexuals are different. If you had an education you would know that. Strangely enough lots of Pedophiles are attracted to little boys and little girls. Or watching little boys and little girls go at it. This isn't something Gay people enjoy. Gay people enjoy normal aged relations with the same sex. Pedophiles do not. Every educated mental health expert could tell you this, books and studies have proven it. However because you actually tried to think, or you let someone of equal intellegence do it for you–you think they are the same. Go back to school and study.