Chick-fil-A and hate? Where's the proof?

The Vallejo Times-Herald ^ | August 11, 2012 | Kemper C. Stone

[2ndDivisionVet]

Newspapers reported that "only a few" same-sex couples showed up at Chick-fil-A to "counteract the hundreds ... against same-sex marriage." There are two major reasons for this.

The reason there was such a large turnout at the Chick-fil-A "buycott" was not in opposition to same-sex marriage or in support of those who do oppose it, but to protest the dishonest, vicious and unconstitutional outbursts of those who are leading and joining the attack on Chick-fil-A. I can't deny that many do oppose marriage for same-sex couples, but American history is replete with other situations in which defenders of the First Amendment step up in defense of the rights to free speech and freedom of religion, even in cases where the speech in question is disagreeable or obnoxious, and in defense of a religion that's dubious.

I certainly favor marriage equality for same-sex couples, as well as free speech and freedom of religion. I also prefer that we officially differentiate between civil and religious marriage, and make civil marriage more of a legal, domestic-partners arrangement for couples without regard to sex.

I'd hope that the numbers of us who support the religious and free speech rights of Chick-fil-A's management, and supported and participated in the buycott, include many who support marriage equality for same-sex couples, and would participate in demonstrations in favor of such policies, especially if they weren't contaminated by high-profile, outspoken liars who are as hate-filled, ignorant and bigoted as the old Klan.

I'd hope that the absence of any significant turnout for the kiss-in is due to the decency of many who favor same-sex marriage, and have the sense and decency to realize that top management's opposition to redefinition of legal and traditional marriage doesn't justify concentrated attacks on them or their franchises. I would also hope that the vast majority of advocates of same-sex marriage are exceedingly fair-minded and informed, and are aware the Chick-fil-A does not discriminate against gay applicants, employees or customers.

I'm particularly respectful of these "opponents" of legalized same-sex marriage because it's so apparent that unlike so many other opponents, they're sincerely committed to Holy scripture as they understand it, unlike so many who quote scripture to condemn and oppose gays and marriage equality, but apparently do not oppose any other deviation from obedience to the Ten Commandments or so much of what Jesus said and stood for.

Chick-fil-A could generate additional millions in annual income if they were not closed on Sundays, but it's apparent that they'd prefer to observe the (their) Sabbath, and enable and encourage their employees and customers to do the same. That the Sabbath decreed by God through Moses was and still is Saturday ain't worth quibbling about, and those who so casually invoke Judeo-Christian tradition in their arrogant against same-sex marriage don't have a scintilla of the integrity that Chick-fil-A does, because virtually none make a sincere effort to obey the Commandments, which Jesus clearly instructed his followers to do in Matthew 19!

The original, primary purpose of this letter was to express frustration with the absence of any specific facts or evidence to support the oft-heard accusations that Chick-fil-A's management "hates" gays or contributes to anti-gay "hate" groups.

My question remains open to your readers, reporters and those who have accused Chick-fil-A executives and the groups they donate funds to. Who are these groups, and how do they "punish gay people in other countries"? When there's such a virulent smear campaign as this, with an overwhelming quantity of extreme accusations and insults but nothing resembling facts or credible evidence, I'm inclined to conclude that it's just another barrage of the usual obnoxious, left-wing propaganda, from partisans who rely on lies, insults and cheap shots because relying on honesty, accuracy and reason would leave them with little to support their points of view.

[pepsionice]

When folks start to worry about chicken or ice cream establishments and their “hatred” of special groups....you know there’s something wrong in America. If that’s the biggest thing you got to worry about....maybe you’d best start to look around the neighborhood.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

When folks start to worry about chicken or ice cream establishments and their “hatred” of special groups....you know there’s something wrong in America. If that’s the biggest thing you got to worry about....maybe you’d best start to look around the neighborhood.

I went to Chick-fil-A for the second time a couple of days ago, and along with my order I tried to strike up a light conversation with the “host” about August 1. He shied away from saying anything about it other than that 8/1 "was not a Chick-fil-A event or promotion” (not that I had any intention of putting him on the spot in any way politically - who do you think I am, Adam Smith?).

Clearly the CfA management has less than no interest in promoting divisions among its actual/potential “guests.” But inevitably they will learn that “liberals” politicize restaurant dining - ”liberals” politicize everything.