Chick Fil-A debate missing the point

[umbertino]

by: Ryan C. Ebersole

August 2 2012

The debate over equal rights for LGBT Americans has recently focused, bizarrely, on an American fast food staple: the chicken sandwich. Specifically, Chick Fil-A, the Atlanta-based fast food giant that purports to follow "Christian values." Chick Fil-A's President and COO, Dan Cathy, recently proclaimed his support for "Biblical" marriage. A war of words arose, with those of the left boycotting Chick Fil-A, and those on the right tweeting pictures of themselves eating waffle fries. However, the real point of this debate has been lost in the rush to score political points.

It is not Cathy's statements, however ignorant, that are the fundamental issue; it is Chick Fil-A's financial support of blatantly, and often vehemently, anti-*** organizations.

First, let's look at Cathy's comments. In an interview on The Ken Coleman Show, Cathy stated, "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.' And I pray God's mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is about."

Liberal and LGBT-rights groups immediately decried these comments and encouraged their supporters to avoid the chicken sandwich chain. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted, "For the record, I prefer Kentucky Fried Chicken." The Democratic mayors of Boston, Washington D.C., Newark, Philadelphia, and Chicago all spoke out against the company in favor of LGBT rights. New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, a Democrat, launched a petition, joining a New York University student-led petition with over 15,000 signatures, asking the university to remove the restaurant from the campus. The Jim Henson company pulled its toys from Chick Fil-A's kid's meals. "Kiss-ins" in front of Chick Fil-A restaurants were called for.

Not surprisingly, the response from the conservative spectrum was the opposite. Former governor, Fox News host and failed presidential nominee Mike Huckabee praised Chick Fil-A, called for a "Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day," and called the reaction by LGBT groups and allies "economic bullying." Sarah Palin tweeted a picture of herself buying Chick Fil-A.

However, the real reason that those who support equality should avoid the chicken sandwich chain is who Chick Fil-A donates money to. Chick Fil-A donated at least $5 million to anti-*** groups between 2003 and 2010. In 2010 alone, Chick Fil-A, through its charitable arm, donated $1.9 million to anti-*** causes. These include organizations such as Exodus International and the Family Research Council that actively work to spread disinformation and prejudice about gays and lesbians.

Exodus International is a religious organization that, under the guise of therapy, promotes the idea that non-heterosexual orientations are disordered, perverse, diseased, and immoral. This organization operates by reinforcing societal prejudices in vulnerable individuals and claims that, through "reparative therapy" including therapy, prayer, and medical treatments, gays and lesbians can become heterosexual. However, this notion that sexual orientation can be altered has been thoroughly condemned by multiple medical and psychological organizations including the American Psychological Association, which condemns the practice as unethical, ineffective, and harmful. Exodus International also participated in a 2009 conference in Uganda discussing how to "wipe out" homosexuality in that country. That conference including appalling discussions of psychological and physical torture of gays and lesbians, and not long after, Uganda's Kill The Gays bill was introduced by a participant of that conference.

The Family Research Council has an anti-*** track record that is cringe-worthy. In fact, it has been labeled a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its repeated heinous and inaccurate statements about LGBT Americans. Prominent members of the FRC often publicly make wildly prejudicial statements against LGBT Americans including, among other things, that being *** makes one more likely to be a pedophile, that repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell would lead to an increase of same-sex rape, and that homosexuality ought to be criminalized. Tony Perkins, president of FRC, wrote an ugle article in the Washington Post following public suicides of *** teens after intense bullying. In his article, he blames their suicide on their "sexual conduct," calling the teens mentally disordered for being ***. This group lobbies against any rights for LGBT Americans including non-discrimination laws, and any legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

Again, the point is not Cathy's words. He, like every American, has the constitutional right to make any such statements, regardless of how insulting they may be. And no, there shouldn't be a boycott over his statements, for if we boycotted a company every time their leaders said something insensitive or bigoted, there would hardly be a company for Americans to spend their money at.

The point is, as many media organizations seem to have conveniently forgotten, the donations to anti-*** groups that come from Chick Fil-A's profits.

So if you decide to eat at Chick Fil-A, do so with the knowledge that some portion of your profit goes to fund efforts to spread prejudice against gays and lesbians and deny them equal rights. Some of that money may go to a group that shames *** youths into thinking that they are disordered or perverts and in need of therapy. Or it may go to a hate group that goes on television and falsely claims that "pedophilia is a homosexual problem."

Personally, I find that their chicken sandwich just isn't worth it.

http://www.peoplesworld.org/chick-fil-a-debate-missing-the-point/

[cris]

So whats the problem?....The anti Christian Liberals

are getting a dose of their own medicine....Its about time

[sandstorm]

Mm.mmmm.....mmmm....i love that spicy chicken. go chic-fila

[Rockstarr]

We understand the debate perfectly, thanks.

Chick-fil-A Has 'Record-Setting' Sales on Appreciation Day

Some folks waited in line for 2 hours. One store had to close early because they nearly ran out of chicken. More at link.

[thegente]

I just don't see what the big deal is...the man expressed his personal beliefs, his 1st Amendment RIGHT...too bad some folks in this country still seem to think it only applies to their beliefs alone...whether or not I agree with him, I still respect the fact he spoke his mind, and I support that 100%.

[sandstorm]

We understand the debate perfectly, thanks.

Chick-fil-A Has 'Record-Setting' Sales on Appreciation Day

Some folks waited in line for 2 hours. One store had to close early because they nearly ran out of chicken. More at link.

We have planned for chic-fila now twice a week. I might even tell them to keep the change.

[dhr05b]

Are we supposed to take blatantly Communist People's World seriously? When they're 'About us' section proudly disclaims, "The editorial mission is...to popularize the ideas of Marxism and Bill of Rights socialism..."? Hmm. Could there be an agenda here??

http://www.peoplesworld.org/about-us

[caz1104]

They put there money where they're mouth is,I think thats cool.Today too many hide they're true feelings. As a consumer we each have a right to pick and choose where we spend our monies,so if u disagree so be it,visit another establishment. I stopped going to another chicken establishment(popeyes) because of reverse discrimination,and I have'nt lost any sleep over it. Lifes to short and the hater list is long for me to worry about something so minut.

I just don't see what the big deal is...the man expressed his personal beliefs, his 1st Amendment RIGHT...too bad some folks in this country still seem to think it only applies to their beliefs alone...whether or not I agree with him, I still respect the fact he spoke his mind, and I support that 100%.

We have planned for chic-fila now twice a week. I might even tell them to keep the change.

[bamagirl]

Eat More Chicken!!!

[blugrass60]

There was a chick fil-a on my campus.. honestly the foods not that great. Hardees makes a much better chicken sandwhich. Actually, I do to because it's not that hard to make something tastier and healthier.

I like to look at this from a logical perspective. Perhaps not totally objective but at least as logical as I can be. Hate speech is hate speech, and it does nothing good for anyone. While I find the belief some have that LGBTs are evil, freaks, the work of the devil, dangerous, or as having a mental illness to be.. medieval and factually incorrect there is one thing I can count on to be true. That is that no matter what the truth of a situation is, there will always be those who disagree. Whether they are right or wrong doesn't matter. We all have beliefs and opinions. We all want to hold on to them dearly. I don't get the whole left-right, conservative-liberal thing. People using little inflexible boxes to describe and contain themselves.

That said situations like this are pretty scary. I mentioned hate speech above.. Eventually this will come to a head and get nasty if cooler heads do not prevail. For those of you who lived through it do you remember the insanity of the racial tension of the 50s, 60s, and 70s? This is potentially not that different given enough time. And it's still happening in its own way. A cycle continues. I don't want to live in a country.. or planet, where this kind of stuff keeps happening. I don't want to see history repeat itself, but seriously? Promoting hatred and discriminating against others for what ever reason leads down a dark path. What are people really expecting?

We can believe in and what ever we want.. but please understand these are peoples' lives, we all share the same flesh and blood.

Peace.

[desimo]

Allow me to help the point. A man with ******** fortitude made a statement of what he believed and had some people totally enraged that anyone might hold that opinion that marriage is between a man and woman and that he felt that America has lost its vision in the face of Liberal mentalities. The president of the US made basically the same statement less than a year ago and found the Left to be silent. Recent the president makes a statement, for the first time from the office, that same sex marriage is fine. He makes this statement as the leader of the free world and under the microphone that is heard around the world. Whether America likes it or not, to the world the views of the president is taken as the position of America. Now a businessman makes a statement contrary which is taken not as his personal stance but the stance of a restaurant chain so Left liberal leaders such as the mayors of Chicago, Boston and D.C. come out with an edict as to how they are not welcomed in their cities because of the statement made by the business owner. These mayors holding this position is without regard of the jobs that these restaurants would be bringing into the communities during a time a job crisis. My ancestors who came over on the Mayflower did so to get away from a region where the leaders were telling people how to think and punishing them for having a counter view point. My ancestors who fought in the American Revolution fought and died to break free from a leader who was telling people how to think and punishing them for having a counter view point. Americans have, it was seeming, lost the sight of our ancestors; our roots; our traditions; our Constitution. Finally the bully pushed one too many times and people pushed back. People got their bellies full of the pushing and of having other people's opinions shoved down their throats and finally said enough. THIS IS THE POINT OF THE CHICK-FIL-A ISSUE! Americans are waking up. Americans are saying enough of telling us how to think. Enough of telling us what is an acceptable perspective and what is a forbidden thought. Enough of punishing people who disagree with the liberal mentality. Enough of people who are trying to force change on religious perspectives and of trying to telling people what is right and wrong. Enough of other using bully tactics in forcing their sense of moralities. If a church would have responded in such a manner to a pro-alternative lifestyle issue or event the liberals would have bled from their bellybuttons in outrage. Well, enough is enough. American is waking up and the liberals need to take notice!

[okane]

Eat More Chicken!!!

There were reports from all over Nashville of traffic lines. I spoke with the Lebanon TN ( a small town outside of Nashville ) Chick Fil-A this morning. They ran out of salads and other "cold stuff" first and then also ran out of "hot food". They had to close one hour early. It was packed all day.

[AbaddonRev911]

As a Unitarian Minister I’d like to provide my thoughts. First a few things you should know, the Unitarian Universalist was the first major church “to approve religious blessings on homosexual unions”. Also based on my peruse of this form, I think I probably am far to the left of most Christian views, but I hope you will hear me out.

The premise of this debate seems to be that Christians believe that “marriage” is a relationship between a man and woman which is sanctified by God. That is, many of you believe that only a relationship that is approved of by God should be called a marriage.

May I ask a few questions? Do you believe that ONLY Christians should be allowed to marry? Yes or No?

Specifically, if one is NOT a Christian, instead let’s say a Hindu, should they be allowed to be married? Yes or No?

Lastly, do people of different faiths than Christianity marry? That is, in India, when two Hindu decided to join together to become life partners, is this called Marriage? Yes or No?

Now a few facts. Christians and Hinduism are vastly different. Christianity is a monolithic faith, one God (although He is made up of the Trinity), while Hinduism has many Gods. In Hinduism, reincarnation is essential, but is inconsistent with Christianity. Therefore only one of these beliefs technically can be right. As a Christian, I presume to believe Christinty is, as I’m a follower of Christ. But, I highly respect people of different faiths.

However, as you can see, the argument that marriage can only be a union blesses by God, starts to fall apart when one grasp that almost all faiths, be they Christian or non-Christian allow the unity of two individuals. Thus, if you answered above that you agree that non Christians (like Hindus) should be allowed to marry, then you simultaneously acknowledge that their union is not under a Christian deity. It is also important to point out that there are well over 1 Billion Hindu in the world so as a Christian do you wish to void all of those marriage? Or now knowing what I have presented to you, do you now wish to recant any answers to the question I posed above?

Now, lets look at the definition of Discrimination.

Discrimination -is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on his or her membership - or perceived membership - in a certain group or category. It involves the group's initial reaction or interaction, influencing the individual's actual behavior towards the group or the group leader, restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available to a group, leading to the exclusion of the individual or entities based on logical or irrational decisionmaking.

If you are basing your decision to limit homosexuals from marriage based on religion, then your logic is flawed as I have shown above and you are discriminating.

If you read the New Testament, the teachings of Christ really boil down to: Be Nice and love each other.

[desimo]

As a Unitarian Minister I’d like to provide my thoughts. First a few things you should know, the Unitarian Universalist was the first major church “to approve religious blessings on homosexual unions”. Also based on my peruse of this form, I think I probably am far to the left of most Christian views, but I hope you will hear me out.

The premise of this debate seems to be that Christians believe that “marriage” is a relationship between a man and woman which is sanctified by God. That is, many of you believe that only a relationship that is approved of by God should be called a marriage.

May I ask a few questions? Do you believe that ONLY Christians should be allowed to marry? Yes or No?

Specifically, if one is NOT a Christian, instead let’s say a Hindu, should they be allowed to be married? Yes or No?

Lastly, do people of different faiths than Christianity marry? That is, in India, when two Hindu decided to join together to become life partners, is this called Marriage? Yes or No?

Now a few facts. Christians and Hinduism are vastly different. Christianity is a monolithic faith, one God (although He is made up of the Trinity), while Hinduism has many Gods. In Hinduism, reincarnation is essential, but is inconsistent with Christianity. Therefore only one of these beliefs technically can be right. As a Christian, I presume to believe Christinty is, as I’m a follower of Christ. But, I highly respect people of different faiths.

However, as you can see, the argument that marriage can only be a union blesses by God, starts to fall apart when one grasp that almost all faiths, be they Christian or non-Christian allow the unity of two individuals. Thus, if you answered above that you agree that non Christians (like Hindus) should be allowed to marry, then you simultaneously acknowledge that their union is not under a Christian deity. It is also important to point out that there are well over 1 Billion Hindu in the world so as a Christian do you wish to void all of those marriage? Or now knowing what I have presented to you, do you now wish to recant any answers to the question I posed above?

Now, lets look at the definition of Discrimination.

Discrimination -is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on his or her membership - or perceived membership - in a certain group or category. It involves the group's initial reaction or interaction, influencing the individual's actual behavior towards the group or the group leader, restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available to a group, leading to the exclusion of the individual or entities based on logical or irrational decisionmaking.

If you are basing your decision to limit homosexuals from marriage based on religion, then your logic is flawed as I have shown above and you are discriminating.

If you read the New Testament, the teachings of Christ really boil down to: Be Nice and love each other.

Again...this is NOT the point. The point is that a man made a statement of his position and powerful political leaders thought they could squash him. But the people stood up and said NO! I personally do not give a rat's left butt cheek if you think marriage is between a man and a chipmunk. This whole thing was about an abuse of political power that the American people finally found their voice again!

[caz1104]

Again...this is NOT the point. The point is that a man made a statement of his position and powerful political leaders thought they could squash him. But the people stood up and said NO! I personally do not give a rat's left butt cheek if you think marriage is between a man and a chipmunk. This whole thing was about an abuse of political power that the American people finally found their voice again!

[AbaddonRev911]

Again...this is NOT the point. The point is that a man made a statement of his position and powerful political leaders thought they could squash him. But the people stood up and said NO! I personally do not give a rat's left butt cheek if you think marriage is between a man and a chipmunk. This whole thing was about an abuse of political power that the American people finally found their voice again!

Well, let me see if you can turn the other rat's butt cheek, then.

Does he have the right to voice his opinion? Yes

Do you have the right to agree or dissagree with his opinion? Yes

Those are matters of choices.

Is his opinion based on facts or logic? No. As I have shown above.

[desimo]

Again, you miss the point. I do not really care if he said that he felt people were made of goat's milk and that they are going to commit suicide by cookie....the issue is that the American people got tired of an abuse of political power.

[Heavyduty053]

Mr. Cathy voiced his opinion of his view according to his faith in God. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and everyone can use their freedom of choice to do as they please. This man prefessed his faith on the air waves and it hit the fan, why, i say again why, because he went against the grain of what this nation is heading into. In my opinion a man can marry another man or woman marry another woman if they want to as long as it don't effect me and they don't try to push that moral decay my way. I don't believe that way, never have, never will. The Bible speaks of these times coming and who would've thought scriptures written centuries ago would foretell what is here today but they did. God inspired these scriptures because it is Gods word and anyone who wants to defy him will find it to be true when they draw their last breath on this earth.I stand with God on this issue.

Edited August 3, 2012 by Heavyduty053

[pattyangel]

Again...this is NOT the point. The point is that a man made a statement of his position and powerful political leaders thought they could squash him. But the people stood up and said NO! I personally do not give a rat's left butt cheek if you think marriage is between a man and a chipmunk. This whole thing was about an abuse of political power that the American people finally found their voice again!

Desimo...Yes your absolutely correct to say that the American people finally found their voices and stood up. It backfired on the politicians. They didn't think it would in up this way. When you hit a nerve in what is morally right. We will stand and defend. And marriage is one to be defended.

Heavy you are absolutely correct. I also stand with God on this issue.

[littlefeet]

WTF ?

Edited August 3, 2012 by littlefeet

[skitealwedrop]

Thanks for your post Umbertino. It's nice to see members that have the balls to post regarding a controversial topic on this forum.

I gave you a plus. Peace U. Rock on!

[stronglilly]

WTF ?

Take a look people....this is a perfect example of a reprobate mind!

[Marj1st]

Regardless of whether you support *** unions/marriage. I agree that people are missing the point.

Hate mongering is wrong. I was floored that Umbertino was negged so many times. I was also floored that everyone jumped right onto the hate mongering bandwagon.

I expected better from all of you. Perhaps I misjudged the clientele frequenting this site?

Especially in a site devoted to a minor global currency, we should have a more worldly understanding of the human race and more tolerance for different cultures, religions, etc.

I am not ***.

I do not care who does whom or why - as long as they are consenting adults, it's none of my damn business.

I love Chik fil A.

I also think their policies are disgusting and their owner is an old, prejudiced, hate mongering fool.

I was very disappointed to find out how many are here as well!

How telling that G A Y keeps getting automatically asterisked out, but I can say damn all day long! WTF?

[securityguy]

If you want to debate the Hindu marries a Budest issue, go ahead. You answered your own question. Yes, the bible says you should not become unevenly yoked. Sooooooo..A christian should only marry a christian.

[skitealwedrop]

Regardless of whether you support *** unions/marriage. I agree that people are missing the point.

Hate mongering is wrong. I was floored that Umbertino was negged so many times. I was also floored that everyone jumped right onto the hate mongering bandwagon.

I expected better from all of you. Perhaps I misjudged the clientele frequenting this site?

Especially in a site devoted to a minor global currency, we should have a more worldly understanding of the human race and more tolerance for different cultures, religions, etc.

I am not ***.

I do not care who does whom or why - as long as they are consenting adults, it's none of my damn business.

I love Chik fil A.

I also think their policies are disgusting and their owner is an old, prejudiced, hate mongering fool.

I was very disappointed to find out how many are here as well!

How telling that G A Y keeps getting automatically asterisked out, but I can say damn all day long! WTF?

I expected better from the members as well. I'm shocked that Umbertino took such a beating. I have taken my own beating on another thread regarding this topic. I'm straight too. One's sexual preference has nothing to do with their core being and acceptance in the corporate community. The cheap chicken topic makes me want to through up. Peace U!