CFA Boycott in Philly - A Response

07/30/2012

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So a wonderful friend of mine left a link on my wall this morning regarding the proposed boycott of Chick-Fil-A that has now extended down to my hometown of Philadelphia.

Blah.

I had read about it here last night, but it was about 2am and I didn't have the energy to find words for the irritation I felt.

Luckily, Nicole found someone who did it for me and was kind enough to share his words this morning.  I'm returning the favor by sharing it with all of you.

Please take a moment (especially if you appreciate Mr. Mendte's common sense) to drop him an e-mail at Mendte@aol.com to let him know.  I certainly did. 

And remember - this is NOT just about gay rights, this is not about a chicken place, and this is not about our righteous indignation regarding either side of the issue.

This is about our freedoms and how politicians, pundits and yes, even some journalists, are going out of their way to cloud the fact that our liberty is being threatened.  Not only is it being threatened, but it's being bullied, battered and spit upon - all in the name of "tolerance."

Again... the hypocrisy... it hurts.
Dear Mr. Mendte,

I'm typically ridiculously verbose - pointlessly so.  However, your article in the Philly Mag regarding the proposed Chick-Fil-A boycott has left me absolutely speechless.

You, my good sir, are brilliant.

I've thought this many times about your reporting, but I've never felt compelled to reach out and actually tip my hat your way through an e-mail.  Now, I am compelled.  Your poise, fairness and clarity are so necessary in this confused climate of rhetoric and indignant anger.  Thank you for being a voice of reason.  Thank you for having the brass tacks to confront the tide of folly and for calling others to do the same.

We need more men - real men - like you in the world (and ESPECIALLY in the field of journalism).  May you be blessed immensely in all you do.

Sincerely,

Gina Guarnere
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On Chick-Fil-A

07/27/2012

4 Comments

 
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I'm simply going to repost my FB status here with a few points since I don't see it necessary to re-invent the wheel.

Anyone who thought that Chick-fil-a didn't adhere to the Christian morality it calmly demonstrates in all facets of its existence is a fool.

CFA founders have never forced their beliefs onto others. They simply live out their faith and have made no bones about it. It's folks who are just realizing the founders are Christian that are making a mountain out of a mole-hill.

Everyone's up in arms because the Jim Henson Company pulled out. However, they didn't pull out because they support same-sex marriage. If that were the case, they never would've stood behind CFA to begin with.

Instead, they pulled out because it's a smart PR move considering the massive amount of publicity they're now getting as a result of the gay-pride lobby.

Smart move on their part, but I don't see why folks are coming down on CFA for simply doing what they've always done. Serve delicious chicken and try to model their business in a way that adheres to their particular belief set (which, again, they're not forcing on anyone).

They still hire folks regardless of sexuality, they won't refuse service if you and your gay lover walk in, and they certainly won't attempt to herd you off to concentration camps (which has been proposed as fact by more than one individual). 

Ugh.

If you're going to boycott them, great!  I'm in full support of you utilizing your God-given intellect and putting your purchasing dollars behind your particular belief set.

However, what I won't support the complete betrayal of intellectual honesty.  If you want to boycott them, boycott them for valid reasons.  Don't just jump ship and declare CFA to be minions of Satan.

Don't boycott them because you're mother's brother's friend's sister told you that they hate homosexuals (because no one ever said that). 

Don't boycott them because you were told by someone on TV that they are secretly funneling money into a top secret organization that is actively working to kill homosexuals (because they don't actually do that).

And certainly don't boycott them because you read somewhere that they wish cancer upon anyone who walks through the doors to eat there.

Oh wait... that was this classy, tolerant and loving homosexual marriage supporter who did that.  My bad.

Point is, do what you will under the prudence of your own conscience.  No one should judge you one way or the other for it.  However, just make sure that you've got all your facts straight and you aren't going on a bender accusing this company and its founders of being evil, monstrous people when - in all reality - they've done nothing but live by the same faith they've always lived by.

And that faith does NOT call for death of homosexuals.

So to all you folks calling for CFA to burn in hell for supporting well-documented beliefs (that don't interfere with business) take a moment and consider the hypocrisy of that little gem.

Also (and thanks to Cam from A Woman's Place for this one) take a moment to ponder this one while you're at it:
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