Let me start out by
stating that I don't have all the facts. I have only heard rumors of what
really happened and one specific rumor stating that the whole jumbled
controversy didn't hold water. So with that being noted, I have to throw in my
own two cents about the dreaded Chic-fil-a issue. At first with the minimal
amount of information I had, I was brandishing my pitchfork and getting my
torch ready to burn every last chicken hut to the ground. However, after briefly
browsing the issue and what was posted in the news I had a 180 degree turn on
the whole thing.
To start, this is what I
have heard to be true:
· Muppet toys were to be distributed in the
Chic-fil-a equivalent to the happy meal.
· The CEO was asked what his stance on
multiple subjects, including gay marriage.
· The CEO owning the rights to the Muppets
took the payment given to them (payment for the Muppet toys) and gave it
entirely to GLADD (Gays and Lesbians something something).
· Chic-fil-a then recalled all of the toys,
claiming that they were unsafe even when there were no reported incidents
involving the toys.
I have nothing, but
respect for the CEO of Chic-fil-a for stating his point of view honestly when
asked directly. I think especially in today's world of wishy washy values that
just "go with the flow" of whatever is popular at the time, it is refreshing
that someone is standing up for something.
Now while I think that
it is absurd that gay couples don't have the same rights as straight couples
do, this doesn't mean that the CEO of Chic-fil-a is an evil man. It means that
he has an opposing viewpoint to my own. I can't get upset that he is using his
free agency to choose a stand point just as I am using my own. I am so thankful
that I can be with the one I love and not be afraid to let others know. That is
just one of the reasons why I love America. I don't have to agree with him and
he doesn't have to agree with me (but it would be nice if he did).
Now with that being
said, I don't find it laudable to recall the Muppet toys (due to some alleged
accidents that were never reported or recorded anywhere) after the proceeds
were given to GLADD. I think that kind of undercut isn't Christ-like and
actually polarizes people. This kind of division only perpetuates the struggles
we face today and sets us (mankind) back a couple steps.
I have never been turned
away from Chic-fil-a, no matter how big of a lisp I ordered in, and that right
there is a sign that they aren't discriminating against me. I have never known
any gay or lesbian who was denied their waffle fries and I even heard that they
hire many gays and lesbians alike. So from where I am sitting, this was the
opinion of one man (which doesn't even matter) that got blown out of
proportion, to the point of his fast food chain being the symbol of hate
towards gays everywhere. Let's all please take a step backwards, do a little
homework and think with the left sides of our brains first.
Sure I know that they
have given monetary contributions to organizations dubbed "anti-gay"
as quoted in the following paragraph:
The
fast food chain has taken heat in recent years for its political donations,
including $1.9 million to Exodus International, the National Christian
Foundation, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Family Research Council,
the Marriage and Family Foundation, and the Georgia Family Council in 2010,
according to a recent article in the Advocate.
Most of these
Organizations are being villainized because of the fact that they don't agree
with gay marriage due to a religious stance. THIS IS WHAT MAKES AMERICA GREAT.
The ability to create private organizations like this and enjoy the similar
freedoms is what is keeping my feet planted here. Do we (homosexuals) not have
numerous organizations of our own where we can seek support to our own beliefs?
Yet it has to be Good vs Bad from whichever side of the fence you're on. I
don't get it. How can both sides be so pro love and acceptance only to hate and
reject each other. I am so grossed out at this mess all in the name of love.
Its a joke, but I could go on and on about that.
Finally, just to show
that you never can trust a bunch of hear say, I have been reading that the
whole thing wasn't even related to the Muppets, being as of 2004 when the CEO
of the Jim Henson company sold the rights of the Muppets to Disney (who I guess
still hasn't commented on the whole mess). So who even knows what the truth is.
My final point is even if the CEO of
Chic-fil-a was skipping down the street with Rick Santorum (who I can safely
say is one of the biggest douches I know of) that doesn't change the fact that
he makes some damned good chicken (even if chicken little didn't have a beak and was tortured all of its life).
If you're curious here's a link to a backed
up source.
BE OPEN. BE UNFALTERING. STAY
HUNGRY.
