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Friday, July 27, 2012
August 1 declared Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day to show support for traditional marriage
Rockwall City Council member Michelle Smith supports the effort.
After the Mayors of Boston and Chicago and elected officials in other cities vowed to block efforts to open Chick-fil-A restaurants in their cities because the company’s president told reporters that he supported the traditional definition of marriage, thousands of Christians are mobilizing efforts nationwide to support Chick-fil-A – led by Fox News Channel host and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee has declared August 1 “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.”
“Let’s affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a stand for the Godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at Chick-fil-A on Wednesday, August 1,” said the former Republican Presidential candidate.
Huckabee said the company has come under attack from militant homosexuals and is being “smeared by vicious hate speech and intolerant bigotry from the left.”
“The militant homosexual advocates have launched an all out assault on Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-A,” he said. “The attempts to hurt or destroy Chick-fil-A are nothing short of economic bullying.”
What do the Rockwall Chick-fil-A franchise owners Tim and Melissa Moseley think about the controversy and how Appreciation Day will affect their location at 2835 Ridge Road in conservative, traditional, family-oriented Rockwall? Unfortunately they are currently on vacation and couldn't be reached for comment.
But Chick-fil-A did issue a corporate statement regarding the protests from Donald Perry, vice president Corporate Public Relations:
Chick-fil-A is a family-owned and family-led company serving the communities in which it operates. From the day Truett Cathy started the company, he began applying biblically-based principles to managing his business. For example, we believe that closing on Sundays, operating debt-free and devoting a percentage of our profits back to our communities are what make us a stronger company and Chick-fil-A family.
The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.
Our mission is simple: to serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
Rockwall City Council member and Lake Pointe Church member Michelle Smith supports the effort and publicly questioned whether such attacks by the gay lobby are right on her Facebook page July 25. She referred to an editorial on TheAtlantic.com entitled “In Defense of Eating at Chick-fil-A”: “This is about the right of a private business to operate as it wishes," she said. "Do we really want a country where people won’t do commerce with those who have beliefs different than their own?”
“This country was founded on freedom of religion, not freedom from religion,” she added. “I strongly support the first amendment right to free speech.”
Chick-fil-A is privately owned by the Cathy family. The company president, Dan Cathy, angered gay rights advocates and supporters when he made recent statements that some have alleged are anti-gay.
Cathy told Baptist Press that the company was unapologetically in favor of traditional marriage.
“Guilty as charged,” he said. “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”
In a separate interview on the Ken Coleman Show, Cathy suggested that the nation could face God’s wrath over the redefinition of marriage.
“I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,’” hesaid. “I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we would have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is all about.”
Boston Mayor Tom Menino was the first to state that the Atlanta-based company would not be welcome in his city.
“You can’t have a business in the City of Boston that discriminates against a population,” he told the Boston Globe. “We’re an open city. We’re a city that’s at the forefront of inclusion.”
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also condemned the fast-food chain, vowing his support for Alderman Proco Moreno’s announcement that he would block construction of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in his district.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement to the Chicago Tribune. “They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents.”
“If you are discriminating against a segment of the community, I don’t want you in the First Ward,” he told the newspaper.
Mountain View California, a bedroom community of San Francisco, has temporarily blocked the chicken chain from opening there after a homosexual couple spearheaded an effort to launch a zoning challenge.
Threats to ban Chick-fil-A have drawn fire from editorial pages across the nation.
The Los Angeles Times condemned the decision, calling it far more troubling than Chick-fil-A’s support of traditional marriage.
“Public officials have a responsibility to carry out their ministerial tasks fairly and evenhandedly – and to uphold the principle of free speech – whether or not they like a business executive’s social or political stances,” the Times opined.
The Boston Globe wondered “which part of the First Amendment does Menino not understand? A business owner’s political or religious beliefs should not be a test for the worthiness of his or her application for a business license.”
Donald Wildmon, the founder of the American Family Association, is backing Huckabee’s efforts saying he hoped it would generate the largest one-day sales in the company’s history.
“I have been incensed at the vitriolic assaults on the Chick-fil-A company,” Wildmon wrote in an email. “It’s a great American story that is being smeared by vicious hate speech and intolerant bigotry from the left.”
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, was especially disturbed by the actions of Boston’s mayor.
“This is really outrageous when you see this is the train that follows same sex marriage,” Perkins told Fox News. “This idea of the loss of religious freedom – the freedom of speech — and it’s on perfect display in Boston with the intolerance of this mayor.”
Perkins noted that Americans have overwhelmingly endorsed the traditional definition of marriage – 32 times in 32 states.
“Chick-fil-A is in the mainstream,” he said. “The mayor of Boston is in the minority.”
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John Turner-McClelland, verified:
These people should support "traditional marriage" by trading in their wife for a bounty of chicken sandwiches, a chest of doubloons, and 2 hectares of fine farm land.
And since I live in a capitalist society --- the wet dream of most conservatives -- I choose to no longer spend my money at Chick Fil A so long as they continue to use it in ways that damage minorities.
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lakewoodhobo, anonymous:
First they opposed gays in the military and now they fear "militant homosexuals"? P.S. Support for Chick-fil-A comes with support for other things, like Exodus International's reparative therapy to "correct homosexual behavior".
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damn yankee, anonymous:
Well, I guess I'll be celebrating August 1st at a strip club. That's pretty dang traditional.
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cookito, anonymous:
For real? These are the only comments?! Wow.. Chick-fil-A, I stand with you (along with most of America)! Marriage is between one man and one woman! See you Agust 1st!
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tbrooks, anonymous:
I support Chick-fil-a. At least they take a stand for what they believe in. It is ashame that people feel that what they want should tear the fabric of others beliefs. I have no hate or dislike for homosexuals but I believe marrige is something between a man and wife. Give them the legal rights they want by way of civil union, but somehow I believe that is not the end goal for them?????? I will be at Chic-fil-a on aug 1 and continue to support them.
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dlrelnslfhutch69, anonymous:
I think that the ignorance of some people shows through their comments....Is it now that NO one can express their opinion without prejudice? I can not have my own beliefs and be open about them? Chic-fil-A is a business, family owned business at that...not a "party" such as Democrate or Republican.
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damn yankee, anonymous:
> I support Chick-fil-a. At least they take a stand for what they believe in.
Me too. I believe in gay marriage.
> Is it now that NO one can express their opinion without prejudice? I can not have my own beliefs and be open about them?
You can express your opinion just fine, but that doesn't mean that it's a magical sacred statement that can't be criticized. Chick-Fil-A expressed their opinion, and we're criticizing it. You're criticizing our criticism. I'm now criticizing yours. Nobody is putting a ball-gag in anyone's mouth.
Living in America means that you're free to publicly hold an opinion - it does not mean that that opinion cannot be criticized.
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pvltabares, anonymous:
Lies are sinking this country. So, you hate me now because I am heterosexual? I believe this society needs more men of principles, honest, faithful, loving of their wives and protecting of their children. Mr. Cathy also believes that and he's simply exercising his right to constitution-given free speech. He was in no way discriminating or hateful; those criticizing him and even attempting to block his business are hateful. I'll be at Chick Fil-A with my wife and children on Wednesday.
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damn yankee, anonymous:
> So, you hate me now because I am heterosexual?
What? Where are you getting that assumption from?
> Mr. Cathy also believes that and he's simply exercising his right to constitution-given free speech.
I'm exercising my constitution-given right to not eat at Chick-Fil-A. It's not economic bullying, it's basic capitalism 101, vote with your dollar.
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BrandonR, anonymous:
It's idiotic for any company to polarize the public like this, and I won't spend another cent at Chik-Fil-A. I always hated their in-your-face religiousness (closed on Sundays? really? what is this the friggin 1940s?) but to then come out and publicly be against gay marriage is plain moronic. Of course it's free speech, it's just hateful, bigoted free speech to say you're against equal rights for a significant portion of the population.
And the most heinous thing of all is for the people who sit here and say gays don't deserve equal rights and THEN say the "left" are the intolerant and bigoted. Huh? That's akin to the KKK saying everyone else is intolerant because we don't support slavery.
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BrandonR, anonymous:
And don't get me started on how stupid "traditional" marriage is. What's traditional about an obscenely high divorce rate and a country that is willing to hand out marriage licenses to teenagers that won't last a month yet deny loving, life-long gay couples the same rights? Religious nuts just need to come out and say you don't like gay people and stop this BS about how God defines marriage. If you're going by other stuff the "good" book says it also states if you eat shellfish you're an abomination and to stone your children should they disobey. If you're going to follow one moronic Bible verse be sure you follow them all at least...
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swirlit64, anonymous:
awesome! now I have good excuse to eat at chick-fil-a more often! i love chick fil a and even more now for standing beside their values, unlike most people today!
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swirlit64, anonymous:
brandonr obviously you have never read the new testament
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lakewoodhobo, anonymous:
swirlit64, when you get Type 2 Diabetes from eating all that Chick-fil-A, see if they'll stand for universal healthcare too.
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mistajmccurry, anonymous:
Chick-fil-a's sandwiches taste like garbage and their fries are to crunchy but I'll be there august 1st anyway to show my support for the first amendment and my disgust with those who normalize an unhealthy (check the cdc aids page) psychological disorder.
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BrandonR, anonymous:
Wow, so much unbelievable ignorance in this thread. I love it when people totally misunderstand science and distort facts to make it fit in with their hate-filled agenda. But then again, that's what happens when you barely make it through high school and don't attempt to get a proper education.
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Jason Rice, verified:
REALLY?
You are going to blame this on a chicken sandwich?
REALLY?
The dude answered a direct question honestly.
"I have money. I think 'this.' I put my money where my mouth is."
Here, let me help:
All you need to do is explain to people you shout down as blithering idiots that there is the outside chance that maybe a little bitty bit of politics might have slipped into their philosophy early on. Specifically, that this original group of folks, oppressed to the point of be made cat food for public sport by this emperor and that for a couple of centuries may have over-reacted to some of the practices of their oppressors, namely the general promulgation of immediate gratification of the upper ruling class at the expense of the governed. Perhaps the then accepted norm of relegating women to house chores and reproduction, more so than even your wildest dreams of chauvinism (eg, "Women for childbirth, boys for pleasure" - although attributed to Greek origins, indicative in the writings of freeborn Roman men who often wrote of love and sex with other men but never about female sexuality), though not improving upon it significantly in practice for millennia, did recognize it as less than optimal for prosperity.
Perhaps they witnessed the litigious theft by the upper ranks of governance feeding upon the lower ranks and thought that an extension of the tradition of orgiastic selfishness of the privileged, who could by law take pleasure at their expense with unwavering impunity. Perhaps, unable to separate this larger selfishness and short-sightedness from the perceived lack of legacy (perhaps as ascribed "responsibility" in a communal sense) defined by non-procreative relationships, and assumed such practices to be a distraction, either contrived or happenstance to the benefit of the not entirely benevolent rulers, from the overarching practice of plunder and subjugation across the globe for momentary gain but resulting in depletion of the civic coffers supporting armies across the globe for little reason more than arrogance and temporary gains in mercantilism for the highest elite of the governing class.
Just explain to them that none of that really should be taken into consideration, is very outdated and distant, and could never ever happen again and I bet they'll fall right in line with your open mindedness.
Glad I could help.
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Jason Rice, verified:
On the other hand,, could we maybe get them to trade "Gay Marriage" for "Hollywood Marriage."
I think we can all agree the latter is a major time-waster.
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marywiley, anonymous:
I will be supporting Chick Fil A at every opportunity. That is where I will stop whenever on travel and when I want some good chicken and service locally.
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loveislove, anonymous:
I'm gay & I work at Chickfila. I've been accepted with open arms. I understand the company's views because it is a Christian organization but we need to stay out of politics. We sell chicken guys. That's it.
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tabletop581, anonymous:
I think the mayor of Boston has made a bizarre statement. How are Chick Fil A discriminating? Do they refuse to serve a certain segment of the population? No, they serve everyone. CFA simply support the classical view of marriage. The mayor's comment, at its best, is hypocritical. And, as its been pointed out, when its come down to the vote, 32 states out of 32 have sided with the classical view of marriage. I think the Mayor needs to think a little deeper.
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BrandonR, anonymous:
tabletop, it doesn't matter that "32 states out of 32" disagree with gay marriage (which doesn't make sense by the way, do you know this country actually has 50 states?), this country was built around the philosophy of protecting the rights of minority groups and providing equal rights to all. According to your logic, slavery is A-OK since before it was repealed there was widespread support for it. And of course the restaurants aren't discriminating (they'd be shut down if they did). But it's still disturbing and laughably dated that they come out as a company that supports bigotry and unequal rights. In 15-20 years people will look back on this and shake their heads in disbelief that there was still such hate despite our advancement in other areas. Is that where you want to be? You're akin to the embarrassing grandparents who still refer to black people as "colored."
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amicore_sf, anonymous:
As an atheist would tell you - we are all just an evolving species that requires reproduction to sustain life. There are physiological attributes to humans that engage in homosexual behaviors. One example of this is an observation that the average size of the INAH-3 in the brains of gay men is approximately the same size as INAH 3 in women. Some would get offended at me calling them defects, but the fact is homosexual behavior does further the species which is the purpose of our existence….
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amicore_sf, anonymous:
but the fact is homosexual behavior does NOT further the species which is the purpose of our existence….
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BrandonR, anonymous:
Yes I understand that, but I don't get why it's relevant to anything we're discussing here. Whatever genetic mutation that causes homosexuality (which IS natural and not a "choice" as its been observed countless times in other animal species) has no bearing whatsoever on why religious bigots should prevent gays from getting married. Preventing gay marriage is just another way religious people try to force their own beliefs down everyone else's throats.
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amicore_sf, anonymous:
Why do gays "need" acceptance from another group and to insist that this other group change there views? (which will never happen) Just try to have as much fun as you can and die with no children...
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Jason Rice, verified:
Maybe not "further" but in some early studies it was more prevalent in animal populations suffering severe overcrowding, famine or drought.
How that could explain Oak Lawn and Uptown is beyond me, however.
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Jason Rice, verified:
This just in....none of the species studied were allowed to marry in the state of Connecticut.
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John Turner-McClelland, verified:
I would glady eat Chick Fil A again if they didn't take my hard earned money that I provide them for a simple value meal and then hand it over to organizations that promote treatments to un-gay people and fester hate crimes and ignorance. All I wanted was some deep fried chicken on a bun and some waffle fries. But noooooo. They had to then take their profits and slap that soggy chicken bun back in my face. No more, sir. No more.
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Jason Rice, verified:
Your pain is palpable, John.
My thoughts are with you.
ok, mostly with you in terms of how to give you a bad time, but nonetheless....
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Debbiejean34, anonymous:
I did visit chick fil a to show support. I am not a meat eater so i had carrot raison salad and a fry with a fruit bowl
I am also a christian., but, i have quite a few gay friends.
The God. I believe in tells me it is not my job to judge people, but to love every one.. As Jesus Loves my unperfect soul..
I realize what the bible says about this social issue. I also know that i am commanded by God to love and not judge.
I do not judge Mr. Cathy for his conviction. I do not despise those who do not share his believes.
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Jason Rice, verified:
Shoulda tried the peach shake.
They only do them late summer and not for very long.
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lambchop46044, anonymous:
You liberals who condemn Mr. Cathy for his conviction - get a life!
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nurture77, anonymous:
I believe this restaurant is known for its food and service not for sexual orientation. I don't see how their beliefs should affect how we feel about the food. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs are rules for their life. I support chick fil a for standing up for their beliefs and not letting CHAOS change who they are... BTW your chicken rocks and I WILL BE THERE tomorrow :)
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Jason Rice, verified:
Ok, great.
So tomorrow Chik-fil-A will look like an In-N-Out opening.
(I'll grab my peach shake this evening before the rush)
Indian Buffet, anyone?
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chinob07, anonymous:
Freedom of speech.I agree God will judge this country for turning their backs on him and allowing same sex marriage.i stand with mr cathy and chik fil a.im on my way to buy a value meal at chik fil a.Mmm I will enjoy.I vote democrat,but I stand with gop on this one.I LOVE JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!
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John Turner-McClelland, verified:
I wasn't aware this was a Democrat Republican issue. Clearly not since you disgrace the Democratic Party with ignorance and intolerance, Mr. and/or Ms. Anonymous Chinob07.
I ate at KFC today. Their parent company Pepsico supports equality and doesn't throw myths into the equation.
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MasterMP, anonymous:
Except it isn't about regulated marriage, it is about free speech. nothing like playing loose with the facts with your headline...
Chik-fil-a does not hold a position in this matter, it was the owner that expressed his opinion.
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lakewoodhobo, anonymous:
Here's a brilliant idea: you can support traditional marriage AND ALSO support the right of loving gay or lesbian couples to wed. Why has the argument devolved into an either/or situation?
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lakewoodhobo, anonymous:
@MasterMP, this is not just about the opinion of a CEO. Here are the organizations that Chick-Fil-A (through its WinShape Foundation) contributed to in 2010 alone:
Marriage & Family Foundation: $1,188,380 Fellowship Of Christian Athletes: $480,000 National Christian Foundation: $247,500 New Mexico Christian Foundation: $54,000 Exodus International: $1,000 Family Research Council: $1,000 Georgia Family Council: $2,500
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Jason Rice, verified:
John, I agree. I don't see how it got split. That's dumb.
And you KNOW the parties both compete like crazy for Darwin Awards.
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dumbdumb, anonymous:
I support free speech whether I like what others are saying or not. I'm not intolerant like every other person commenting on this page.
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ryanpbauer76, anonymous:
To everyone out there who has decided to go and buy Chick-Fil-A today, congratulations on choosing a platform. It’s great to see so many Americans energetic, passionate, and actively trying to change the country. However, out of all the platforms to devote that energy, passion and enthusiasm to…all the issues available and at your disposal to speak out about…world hunger, racism, child bullying, poverty, educational reform, teen suicide, domestic violence, world peace, eating disorders, child abuse, rape, sex trafficking, drug/alcohol addiction, global financial crisis, 3rd world genocides, and the list goes on. Out of all the causes for you to devote your time, your money, your energy to, is this the one that means the most? The one that at the core is actually about love and two people’s human right to define what that means to them. Is this really the one? If so, wow…how sad for the millions of other people in the world suffering from the above issues that need your help more just to survive.
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damn yankee, anonymous:
> I support free speech whether I like what others are saying or not. I'm not intolerant like every other person commenting on this page.
wat.
Nobody here is taking away anyone's first amendment rights. In fact, unless someone here works for the government, it's literally impossible.
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Jason Rice, verified:
I am curious. By "every other" does that mean every even numbered comment is a knuckle-dragging bigot or that every odd numbered one is.
And, yes, the Indian Buffet was excellent today. They didn't have the little funnel-cake looking honey things, but other than that it was almost as good as a peach shake but without the wait.
So when is the "kiss" thing so I can get my peach shake before all that happiness, too?
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John Turner-McClelland, verified:
I'm curious if most of these people willing to stand in line when it's 112 outside to get a chicken sandwich, will take the time to vote in November. Based on the turnout in Tuesday's election, I am going to take a stab and say no.
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oldwillys_91320, anonymous:
It is so nice that gays DO NOT believe in freedom of speech!
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Jason Rice, verified:
John, look at it as a solution, not a problem.... Free Chicken Sandwiches with your "I Voted" sticker....
Dude - you'd clean UP.
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What do you think?