Ducking the chicken chaos
I’ll be out today covering Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, an event that was organized by Mike Huckabee. On Friday, there’ll be a National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick-fil-A locations. That event is being organized by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
I probably don’t need to explain what prompted the planning of these two events. If you would like to participate in our poll, click here. If you are going to participate in either of these events and would be interested in being interviewed by me, please give me a call at 540-981-3343 or email me at lindsey.nair@roanoke.com
Meanwhile, if you’d like to be distracted from the whole chicken flap, how about a picture of an apple that kind of looks like a duck? This photo was submitted by reader LeeRay Costa, who got the apple in her fruit CSA from Good Food Good People. She says the cute apple was grown at Berrier Orchard in Cana, Virginia.
Photo courtesy LeeRay Costa.
August 1, 2012 - 5:15 AM
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Where is the poll? See your headline for article.
J Swift, I added a link to the poll in the blog entry above. Thanks for the reminder.
Great breakfast at Chick-Fil-A this morning. I support the founders stand on marriage BUT this issue goes much farther than marriage. The true issue here is FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Chick-Fil-A does not discriminate against employees or customers based on their lifestyles. Last I checked our freedom of speech was right in the US. I don’t understand why all the hate toward him but if a company comes out in support of gay marriage it’s all ok. I bet if a city tried to ban a store that supported gay rights the uproar would be unbelievable. Come on folks, everyone has the right to say what they believe. You don’t have to agree with them, but as US citizen you should support their right to say it.
Huckabee who used to weigh like 400 pounds pushing fast food…priceless.
Cathy hasn’t discriminated against anyone…he simply stated his personal belief.
But oh, no…we can’t have that!
Pathetic.
The bottom line is the fare ain’t that good. Give me a greasy cheeseburger with a gigantic slice of onion, tomato, and a mountain of mayo, please.
Dont we have bigger problems in the country right now? Lets figure out how to work together and fix things…
It’s junk food, and junk politics. Bunch of idiots on both sides ignoring real, entrenched, complex economic and societal problems and fighting over fried chicken.
Sigh… freedom of speech… I don’t think that term means what you think it does.
I don’t believe the issue here is FREEDOM OF SPEECH. You’re right that Cathy has the right to say whatever he wants and more importantly the right to spend his money on whatever donations he wants. Additionally, those cities have absolutely no right to using zoning law to keep them out – Just as they have no right to ban adult bookstores because they don’t agree with their views – it goes both ways. However, what Cathy does not have the right to is profits from those who see his stance as “unpalatable”.
Just as he has the freedom to say he is a “supporter of the biblical definition of family”, i.e. against gay marriage and equality for gays, those opposed to his view also have the freedom to say that they will not contribute to profits that will be spent on such causes. So, they can protest, and they can speak with their feet and stomachs and not eat there. Everyone who wants to give a middle finger to the equal rights movement thinking they have the cover of biblical superiority – go ahead and eat there today and everyday. Just know that is how it viewed, not as “supporting” anything, but as being against your gay brothers and sisters. And you do completely have that right, but again it goes both ways. If Chik-fil-A wants to publicly express their stance, they really shouldn’t be surprised that not everyone in the public will support them and their business.
This is about people being informed-yummy chicken, greasy burgers or whatever is being peddled. I don’t care what opinions the Cathy family have, but when they start using profits from the company to contribute to anti-LGBT groups, that’s when I think its gone too far. People have the right to know where their money goes. If you spend money at ChickFilA you are potentially funding hate groups-as defined by the Southern Poverty Law Center. That’s my problem with Chick-Fil-A. I knew they were a ‘Christian’ business,frankly how could anyone NOT know that, but I couldn’t care less about their religious beliefs…until those beliefs led them to funding hate groups. Sorry-no more Chick Fil A for me.
Lori, the issue is not people restricting Cathy’s message (freedom of speech). The issue is the meaning of his position (discriminatory). That’s why rational people are upset and calling for a boycott of the chain.
Liberal logic at its best. If you don’t think like me – be gone. I agree – pathetic!
Honestly, the real question here is why do we care what a fast food joint says? We’re not talking about genuises here, we’re talking about people who’s entire life revolves around a piece of chicken. Do we care what the drive thru worker at Burger King thinks? If these people were brilliant, they wouldn’t be working in fast food. Do eat there, don’t eat there, who cares? I care as much what some greasy fast food worker thinks about as much as I care about what my cat thinks. C’mon people. Seriously?
I am proud to live in a country where people have to right of freedom of speach and freedom to stand up for what they beleave in. I am sadden that so many americans have no respect for those people who are brave enough to stand up for those rights with out passing judgement on them. The man never asked you to beleave what he beleaves he simply stated his beleif. men have died to protect our freedoms. I dont understand why other protest the people who exersize them.peace and understanding to all who read this. a friend in christ jesus.
I bet Lindsey’s all excited to see her blog turn into Casey’s.
This seems to be a Dixie Chicks (to use the poultry analogy) situation, only in reverse. Natalie Maines made her George Bush statement, and it cost her group tens of millions of dollars.
Dan Cathey made his statement, and it ruffled the wrong feathers (more poultry references).
Personally, I think folks need to look at their own situations and interactions with those they so desperately want to defend when the ‘victims’ are anonymous.
A Chris – discriminatory? Please link for me where Dan Cathey said ChikFilA would refuse equal service to homosexuals. He made a statement about his belief concerning the religious aspect of homosexuality.
Feel free to call him an idiot, ignorant, or whatever you desire. He did NOT discriminate against anyone.
Heck, feel free to stop patronizing his restaurants. But let’s not stretch the truth too far, okay? It will ALWAYS come back and slap you down.
Lori has the right idea, agree with Cathy or not he has the right to his own opinion. But the idiots against him don’t understand this they can have their opinions but nobody else can. Maybe it’s time for the Christians who are the majority to side up and hollar a little bit.
with so many people out of work, and so many of our jobs shipped over seas, do you really want to boycot another american establishment and stop them from comming to your city or town. really? I beleave in putting america back to work any way we can. I would rather see american chicken born raised sold and eaten in the usa. then china or india like our clothes and everything else. united we stand devided we fall. and our own freedom is at stake look around you, and wake up, in ever store you shop. i challenge you to find anything from clothes to tooth past to the food you put on your table find something anything made in the U.S.A .and buy it,support it encurage it, no matter there beleif. before its to late.support any and all business that is in america. you only have to look at our history in the 1700 to see our future. history repeats itself if your not careful. put your focuse where it belongs united as one nation. for the common good for all that are american. thats not hate thats survival.
Chick-fil-A Tolerance vs. Acceptance
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http://roanokeslant.blogspot.com/2012/08/chick-fil-tolerance-vs-acceptance.html
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I just came back from having Chik fil A for lunch and I was overwhelmed by the number of cars and people there!! Some of the vehicles had US flags attached. Regardless of what your poll says there is tremendous support going on right now for Chik fil A in Roanoke. I’m so proud to live in Roanoke where people believe in biblical values and free speech!
Too bad that a chain such as C-F-A had to put their relious beliefs so openly and publicly on the business model. They’re entitled to say what they want, but perhaps Cathy did this to create plenty of free advertising? What’s next…a right chicken joint and a left chicken joint? I’ll be stopping at Bojangles tonight!
Can someone please give an example of Chick-Fil-A ever discriminating against a gay person?
Surely someone by now would have come out with such a claim.
The issue isn’t that the man holds an opinion. He has every right to his opinion.
The aspect I take issue with is the donation of such large sums of money to “Hate Groups” and various other entities who exist solely to discriminate.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-badash/chick-fil-a-5-reasons-it-isnt-what-you-think_b_1725237.html
That is discrimination, cut and dry.
He can have his opinion and the dissenters get theirs as well.
Looks like there a lot of “biggots” in the Roanoke valley? According to the Roanoke times. Who supported President Obama in his evolution in support of gay marriage. I encourage anyone with ” biggoted” traditional values to get their news elsewhere. Be sure to stop here once in a while though for a laugh and a good dose of leftist slander. I like the chicken flap…thank you. Yaaaaaay chic fila!
Here I sit eating Chick-fil-A…Freedom of speech lives another day…It doesn’t matter if you’re straight or gay, all people are welcome to EAT at Chick-fil-A.
Why am I not surprised that a town full of blue collar NASCAR fans hates gays? smh. This is why Roanoke will always be full of trailers and hillbillies. I’m embarassed.
Yes, the oh so tolerant of free speech right wing sure went to town on the Dixie Chicks when they dared to express their opinion…hypocrisy apparently has no memory.
Maybe some people who have been fighting for equal rights in this country are tired of religious based bigotry being applauded and celebrated with a “Day of Appreciation” for their hate. Using your “Biblical beliefs” to dismiss the equal rights and privileges of gay citizens is not a darned thing to be proud of that I can see and neither is “appreciating” it.
For here forward I will only do take out with you. My marital beliefs have nothing to do with the food I eat. It looks like you made a huge statement today but most of all you had a great business day. You benefited financially from this appreciation day and yet, I was not able to get into Starbucks due to your traffic. If I were you I would apologize to the Starbucks staff for their loss of business today – Hunting Hills Store
What a hoot! I see the Chick-fil-A in Roanoke was inundated at lunch. Personally I don’t have a dog in this hunt. My simple request is let people enjoy life as they see fit, while providing equal opportunities to all. I’ve been happily married to the same gal for 27+ years. If a worthy lesbian comes along, she can lure my wife away and marry her, if the money is right. Kidding, but a bit of levity is needed I believe.
Huh, and here I thought Roanoke was supposed to be a “a funky college town” to quote Ed Walker and the New York Times. Heh, heh got a little ways to go I see.
You are Free to pick your own parther(s), but you cannot just re-define marriage. Marriage is 1-man 1-woman, period. IMHO
I’m more concerned about the tons of chicken they serve everyday and the condition that these chickens have to “live” in before they are slaughtered. Who cares what the Cathy family thinks…I care that their whole life is mass production of chicken
I don’t eat there, and will continue that trend. I always thought their food was overpriced, and not worth it. Combined with allergens, there really isn’t a reason for me to go there, regardless.
But I think the issue is not so much their CEO speaking his mind, but the financial support the company gives to organizations that have some rather extremist views on the matter.
I’m sure there would be a great reception to a proudly gay couple inside of those restaurants today.
Social experiment!
This is NOT simply an issue of free speech!! Cathy can say whatever he wants (and I have the right to respond to that, too, as I see fit, but that is a separate matter). This is at root about a company using its profits to fund organizations that, among other things, promote the view that gays and lesbians can be changed. Study after study and reputable medical professionals all agree it’s not true and is in fact harmful. THAT is at the root of all this, not free speech.
How about some better journalism from you folks at the Roanoke Times making this clearer? Cathy’s comments to the Baptist Press were the tipping point, not the root cause, of this backlash.
And it doesn’t matter that they don’t discriminate as to who they hire and serve. They’ve institutionalized their discrimination with how they spend the profits. Just as bad. Maybe worse.
“…but the truth is that Chick-fil-A has been sued over a dozen times for employment discrimination.”
What large corporation hasn’t?
Wonder if Huckabeen will call for a “Mormon Appreciation Day” on November sixth?
I love me some Chick-Fil-A! If you don’t agree with their religious views and how they spend their money, then don’t eat there, it’s that simple.
Yeah freedom of speech is a good thing and Cathy can say what he wants.
With that said if you deny, or wish to have rights denied, to a group of people becuse of there sexual orientation your a BIGOT… I won’t menace words your a bigot. There were laws on the books to stop interracial marriage also and guees what years later we see the bigots for what they are. Good thing I teach my children to be tolerant and open to everyone regardless of race, creed, religion, and yes sexual orientation. I agree with another comment we have bigger issues in this country; However some closed minded bigots think if two men or women get married some how their marrage will be threatend or invalidated or hell I don’t know somehow it makes theirs less of one. Hey Cathy I also am with my first and only wife and guess what I don’t care if gays get married mine will still be fine.
I will never eat there again….prejudice is prejudice just the same even if your little fake book says so…equal rights for ALL not just equal rights for those you want to give rights to, more stupid republican gay bashers, I wonder how many closet homosexuals were eating at chik-fil-a this morning
When I ate at the Valley View store at 11.30 am, people were lined up around the store. I was happy to wait…and to spend another $50 on a gift card.
I suspect there will be crowds later as well, when I eat dinner there tonight.
I think the left has pushed this issue too far and people are sick of it!
Freedom of Speech means nothing to them. You cannot say you support traditional marriage (as do over 70% of Americans)without the usual slander of “bigot, homophobe”.
Obama’s support for homosexual marriage has emboldened the left to think they can continue to dictate to the majority.
Add to that the Democrat Party’s plan to put homosexual marriage in as a party platform desire, at their convention in September.
People are sick and fed up and I pray Obama and his socialists will pay dearly in November.
Like the lady on the WFIR promo, I just want this Obama era to be OVER.
Once again so called Christians are using another avenue to expess their hatred of those who don’t think/act like they do. Where did they learn about God’s love? Supporting an organization that publicly give funds to hate groups is not “loving your fellow man/woman”. This country needs to embrace diversity once again. It’s what built the USA.
The arteries of hate are hardening at greasy fast food restaurants everywhere today.
Such a weird statement for America –
worship hate speech and greasy, cheap food.
If the behavior is wrong, then call IT wrong. I’m not against people, but I AM against legitimizing perverted sexual preferences.
The poll question is wrong and reveals the pollster’s bias.
The “establishment” did not announce a “stance against same-sex marriage”, rather, the CEO merely responded to a question, saying that he supported traditional marriage.
There’s an old saying:
“Don’t judge another man until you walk a mile in his shoes.”
That applies here – for those of you lucky enough to be allowed to formally commit to the person you love with all of your heart, mind, and spirit. Those of you fortunate enough to be able to visit that person in the hospital should they be ill. To feel secure from violence, hatred of speech, bully of pulpit. For those of who who live a life that is not threatened daily by threats, or chicken restaurants I’d say you don’t understand what this is about and what this means to your friends and neighbors who are denied that right.
It is sad that you are unable to think and feel as an individual and know that every single one of you – whether you are aware of it or not – live in the presence of at least one gay person who is your family, your co-worker and your friend.
I hope that the GOD I know – who taught compassion and respect can forgive you for your hatred and your narrow mindedness.
Huh, and here I thought Roanoke was supposed to be a “a funky college town” to quote Ed Walker and the New York Times. Heh, heh got a little ways to go I see.
Comment by RoanokeIsRancid — August 1, 2012 @ 2:12 pm
I doubt that the people here represent the majortiy of Roanoke and it’s surrounding area’s views. No matter what their viewpoint, I’ll bet most that went did so for something free or cheap!
“I hope that the GOD I know – who taught compassion and respect can forgive you for your hatred and your narrow mindedness.” Whose hatred and narrow mindedness are you referring to – the one who merely voiced his opinion, or the ones who are up in arms because,gasp, someone disagrees with their agenda?
“Obama’s support for homosexual marriage has emboldened the left to think they can continue to dictate to the majority.”
Check your facts a MAJORTY, ~55%, of Americas support marriage equality. Now Math tells me that 100-55 is 45 not 70, but thats just fancy leftist math. I know the right now thanks 60% is a majority thanks to the senate. Also stop throwing around socialist like you know what your talking about becuse you don’t.
“Once again so called Christians are using another avenue to expess their hatred of those who don’t think/act like they do.”
Did Cathy say he hates gays? I don’t think he did…he simply said he doesn’t believe in gay marriage.
Let’s change that sentence: Once again gays and Liberals are using another avenue to expess their hatred of those who don’t think/act like they do.
See? It works both ways.
Click the link to get Info about chick-fil-a’s new anti gay sandwich and shake. Those folks crack me up. And yes they are making fun (in case y’all didn’t get that despite being a college town and all).
Hokie Hater….just curious. I know from your posts on various blogs and from your blog name you hate alot of stuff, as you mentioned a few of them on this blog. Anything you do like? Other than hating?
Cathy has the right to say whatever he wants….that fact is that he is taking profits from his business to support groups that have publicly called for the imprisonment and execution of gay Americans! One of the groups he helps fund spent $25,000 to lobby congress to NOT SPEAK OUT against Uganda’s so-called ‘kill the gays’ bill which would make homosexuality punishable by death. These same “Christian” groups want the same thing for American LGBT’s and Chick-fil-A is helping fund their goal…and by choosing to support CFA, you are supporting groups that are ACTIVELY trying to make homosexuality illegal and punishable in the U.S.A.
“If you don’t agree with their religious views and how they spend their money, then don’t eat there, it’s that simple.”
Why should I have to vet the socio-political opinions of every business I enter. It’s ridiculous to hijack my desire (or lack thereof) of a chicken sandwich into my approval (or lack thereof) of a lifestyle.
Can’t I just eat my waffle fries in peace?
“Whose hatred and narrow mindedness are you referring to – the one who merely voiced his opinion, or the ones who are up in arms because,gasp, someone disagrees with their agenda?”
That’s fine disagree, but it still makes him and anyone who would disenfranchise a gay person a bigot.
Main Entry: big·ot
Pronunciation: \ˈbi-gət\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, hypocrite, bigot
Date: 1660
: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group with hatred and intolerance
Sooooo how’s denying rights to a gay couple not bigotry?
Has Cathey violated a law by spending his money, or his business’ money? To OthersilentBob, what is the source for your information? Is it credible? That something might be published on the web does not necessarily guarantee its truth. If I want chicken or waffle fries, I’ll go buy them. If I want ice cream, I’ll go buy Ben & Jerry’s. I am an equal opportunity eater.
So tired of the need to pick sides. The day of appreciation is so silly. I dont give a rats behind what the owner of Chick Filet beleives hen it comes to same sex marriage. Everyone can have their own opinion and at the same time treat each other with respect! Concentrate on how YOU are going to improve the country.
The Liberals sure sing a different tune when the great “ignorant, unwashed” turn agsinst them. These liberal comments, and yes, it only takes a second to recognize their petty, chidish comments, really lift my spirits. The Left does not control the flow in truth and information anymore. Boo hooo ! !
Still learning…..
Sure I like lots of things UVA, equality for ALL oh and I love atheism, I like Obama, I like warm days spent by the river….should I continue or is that enough for your small mind for now.
Lindsey, I hate that Dan’s freaks hijacked your food blog. Please do not report on the “Kiss-in” Friday. Let Dan reclaim “his” people.
@Kf – good – you can block and copy from an online dictionary. Now, how is expressing one’s opinion the denial of another’s rights? That is where your argument fails. First, do you have any real evidence where the restaurant has refused to serve a gay person? Second, do you have any evidence (look that up in your online dictionary – it means more than unsubstantiated belief) that someone was fired because they were gay? Merely voicing one’s opinions, right or wrong, is by no means a denial of someone else’s “rights” although you probably should look up what truly is a protected constitutional right.
I support Chick-fil-A being able to say what they are without having to bow down to any group. I don’t eat there every day but once a week with some lunch buddies. Marriage is for a man and a woman only. Let the gays have civil unions and leave traditional marriage alone. the way some of the gays act turns off most people I know, and I know a lot of people in my business.
I like this place for lunch with my buddies. Don’t care what the gays think. Stay away if you don’t like it. My brother has a few restaurants and feels the same. Come in peace, eat in peace, and keep your nonsense to yourself.
Saw this on twitter and it seemed apt.
“Watching the “Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day” in 2012 makes me wonder if there was a “Woolworth Lunch Counter Appreciation Day” in 1960.”
The God I know — has a law that all will be judged by.
As you homophobes eat your greasy chicken sandwich for Christ your nonsense is only
hurting your cause and these actions only make us Gays even stronger.Surrender Dorothy!
@Reason
No, and I have never said that Chick-Fil-a has refused service to anyone. I have said more than once the CEO of Chick-Fil-A has every right to say it and has every right to be a bigot. I’m not a racist, yet I understand completely that everyone has freedom of speech guaranteed by the first amendment of the constitution.
No my argument hasn’t fallen apart. I dont agree with you, but I tolerate your ignorance and hateful view of people who have nothing to do with you or your family. Further more even if gays got married won’t make you less married(assuming you are). I also hold out hope that maybe just maybe you will see that refusing rights to gays or anyone is just wrong. The difference is Im willing to at least hear you out and try to understand your point of view. I doubt you will change my mind much in the same way I doubt I will change yours. The bigger issue is that no one is trying to take away or refuse to give you right. Let’s rework DOMA to make adultery a felony, make divorce illegal, and you have to put it up to public vote to get married.
I belive that Chick-Fil-A is ran by simple minded bigots. I refuse to give my money to a company that supports organizations that try and disenfranchise the rights of American’s. I will not stop calling anyone who refuses to give homosexuals the same rights all hedrosexuals have a bigot. The right loves family values only if their type of family.
With that I’m done…. This is why I stay off Dan’s blog.
I was amazed at the fine, upstanding CFA customers exercising their free speech and shouting slurs & vulgar gestures. Keep it classy, Roanoke.
People keep saying “the gays” like they’re second class citizens or just objects, how bout I start calling you “the bigot right wing crazy Christian nut jobs” seems “fair and balanced” to me.
This has totally gotten blown out of proportion,
What I am seeing is a lot of finger pointing at Cathy who expressed his right to freedom of speech and declared his opinion in answer to a question. He didn’t go on national television and preach about it. He answered a question with personal belief. Also what I don’t see in the comments is the fact that he did not create this day of support. As stated in the story “Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has declared today “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” a day to have a meal at Chick-fil-A and stand behind the restaurant.”
@Jane, I just want to jump in here and make a clarification to your remark. If you are talking about the shouted slurs I reported in my article this morning, those shouts came from passing vehicles on Valley View Blvd. and not people at the Chick-fil-A. Now, whether they had just finished consuming a meal there and then left and circled back around, I have no idea.
Whatever the case, you are correct: It certainly was not classy.
Many were slur-slinging CFA customers were leaving or entering the restaurant; others were not. My point was the hatefulness directed at people they knew nothing about.
HokieHater
That’s a good start. Glad to know you have it within you to say something positive, first time I’ve seen that side of you. Makes my small little mind feel better. Peace
Hokie Hater
And for what it’s worth we agree on this issue. I bet you just hate that.
Liberal dictionary
Hate = standing up for Christian values.
Love = defending diversity unless that diversity happens to be Christianity.
Women’s rights = killing innocent babies 180movie.com
Charity = take from the productive and make dependants of the non-
productive.
Truth = whatever you want it to be
Absolute truth = non-existent
Freedom of speech = as long as it is “Politically Correct”
Freedom of religion = unless it’s Christianity
God = man
Discrimination by political officials = OK as long as it’s a business who’s leader happens to believe in the traditional definition of marriage.
Profiling = assuming all the people who showed up at Chick-fil-a yesterday were Christians. We all know there couldn’t have been some who wanted to support free speech and traditional marriage just because it’s the right thing to do.
Wow KF – from my questioning why another person’s expression of their opinion constitutes a violation of someone else’s rights you deduce that I have a hateful view of someone who has nothing to do with me or my family? Brilliant. Good luck friend – wish you the best.
Based on the tenor of the comments here, it is no surprise that people were hurling insults as they drove by the protestors (how COWARDLY by the way). SW Virginia is a backwater and will remain so for the foreseeable future (the next Asheville–I don’t think so), unless half of the population (if not more) decides to relocate elsewhere.
Glad to hear they are filling up on saturated fat filled crap.
This business owners plan to increase his bottom line using the under-educated seems to have worked.
Here’s a question for you liberals who are so offended by everything under the sun. How could you have supported Barack Obama in 2008? He was anti-gay marriage when he ran for his first term. And the problem with liberals is that you lie about and smear anyone who disagrees with you.
How can I put this…I dont care about the issue
Kathy was not the one that called the day. Any time you make a stand for the Lord you will be blessed.