I have been following the Chick-Fil-A drama with avid interest. For those of you who have been living in a cave for the past two weeks, Dan Cathy, the CEO of privately-held Chick-Fil-A, was interviewed on a Christian station as a private citizen, one whose views are protected by the 1st Amendment (so far). It is unfortunate that his paid position came into play. Immediately following the airing of the interview several governmental figures came out against not only Mr. Cathy, but also Chick-Fil-A. Some of these figures, most notably Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, Tom Menino of Boston, and Vincent Grey of D.C., went so far as to say that Chick-Fil-A was no longer welcome to set up shop in their towns. This is rather cavalier of them considering the high unemployment rate in each of these towns (9.8%, 5.7%, and 9.0% respectively as of May 2012). I wonder how the people themselves, especially those who may have benefited from those lost jobs, feel about the possible loss of jobs attendant with this stand.
There were also plenty of people who came out in support of Chick-Fil-A, such as Mike Huckabee, the former presidential candidate. It was he who gave birth to the idea of a Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day to give everyone interested a chance to show support for the food chain and its first amendment right to voice their opinions. I was overjoyed by the number of people who responded to Mike Huckabee's call. According to Facebook, over 668,000 people indicated that they would attend the event. From the lines reported all over the country, most if not all plus some actually did. My family also attended and enjoyed a really good meal. I must say that we do not eat out much, but that Chick-Fil-A has always been one of our favorite places when we did. The atmosphere at the restaurant we went to was very courteous and upbeat. No one was upset at having to wait and I must admit that the service was absolutely wonderful. Especially in comparison with other fast food restaurant's service I have received. I was very impressed, both with Chick-Fil-A and my fellow Americans.
I have not been as impressed with the behavior of those in opposition to Mr. Cathy's views. It seems that the only response the left can come up with is playing the "hate" card, much like their overuse of the "race" card. There was no sign of "hate" or even "intolerance" at any of the sites I saw reported on. There appears to be a major difference in the definition of "intolerance" between the two views. I also hold the belief in Biblical marriage, that of 1 man to 1 woman, as do apparently the majority of people in 30 other states in our union. I have been known to donate to groups following my belief system, as do Mr. Cathy, Chick-Fil-A and 100% of all other people. It's called "putting your money where your mouth is" or "walking the talk". Why would anyone give money to a cause they don't believe in? Does this mean that I "hate" those groups with whose ideas I don't agree? No. The ability to allow others differing points of view without lowering one's self to petty confrontations and declarations of hatred and mistreatment is part of what defines a mature adult.
America was founded on the idea that all people should be able to express their views without fear of the government. It was never intended to force everyone to support views with which they do not agree. Several years ago a major country singing group voiced their disgust with the sitting president. They had every right to do so. After their opinion was aired on major networks, radio stations, music stores, and a number of individuals declared that they would no longer play/buy the groups cd's. These people also had the right to pull their support from a group they did not agree with. "Hate" never came into play. These people were simply using a tool at their disposal to, in a mature manner, show their disapproval of the band's actions.
I support the right of parents to homeschool their children. This does not mean that I "hate" public schools or those who attend them. I don't agree with most of the left's views, but I will always defend their right to express them nonviolently. I just wish to be treated with the same respect and dignity that they want for themselves.
Respect, dignity, tolerance.......really are a two-way street.
May Yahweh bless you in this new day.
Laurie
There were also plenty of people who came out in support of Chick-Fil-A, such as Mike Huckabee, the former presidential candidate. It was he who gave birth to the idea of a Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day to give everyone interested a chance to show support for the food chain and its first amendment right to voice their opinions. I was overjoyed by the number of people who responded to Mike Huckabee's call. According to Facebook, over 668,000 people indicated that they would attend the event. From the lines reported all over the country, most if not all plus some actually did. My family also attended and enjoyed a really good meal. I must say that we do not eat out much, but that Chick-Fil-A has always been one of our favorite places when we did. The atmosphere at the restaurant we went to was very courteous and upbeat. No one was upset at having to wait and I must admit that the service was absolutely wonderful. Especially in comparison with other fast food restaurant's service I have received. I was very impressed, both with Chick-Fil-A and my fellow Americans.
I have not been as impressed with the behavior of those in opposition to Mr. Cathy's views. It seems that the only response the left can come up with is playing the "hate" card, much like their overuse of the "race" card. There was no sign of "hate" or even "intolerance" at any of the sites I saw reported on. There appears to be a major difference in the definition of "intolerance" between the two views. I also hold the belief in Biblical marriage, that of 1 man to 1 woman, as do apparently the majority of people in 30 other states in our union. I have been known to donate to groups following my belief system, as do Mr. Cathy, Chick-Fil-A and 100% of all other people. It's called "putting your money where your mouth is" or "walking the talk". Why would anyone give money to a cause they don't believe in? Does this mean that I "hate" those groups with whose ideas I don't agree? No. The ability to allow others differing points of view without lowering one's self to petty confrontations and declarations of hatred and mistreatment is part of what defines a mature adult.
America was founded on the idea that all people should be able to express their views without fear of the government. It was never intended to force everyone to support views with which they do not agree. Several years ago a major country singing group voiced their disgust with the sitting president. They had every right to do so. After their opinion was aired on major networks, radio stations, music stores, and a number of individuals declared that they would no longer play/buy the groups cd's. These people also had the right to pull their support from a group they did not agree with. "Hate" never came into play. These people were simply using a tool at their disposal to, in a mature manner, show their disapproval of the band's actions.
I support the right of parents to homeschool their children. This does not mean that I "hate" public schools or those who attend them. I don't agree with most of the left's views, but I will always defend their right to express them nonviolently. I just wish to be treated with the same respect and dignity that they want for themselves.
Respect, dignity, tolerance.......really are a two-way street.
May Yahweh bless you in this new day.
Laurie
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