If you haven’t heard the news regarding Chick-fil-A, then you have been living in a cave, or, like Corey – who I had to educate last night on our late night phone call – you are in NFL training camp. But I am going to make a safe assumption you cannot use the NFL as your excuse.
Facebook is flooded with people’s opinions on the matter; from pledges to stop eating Chick-fil-A to pictures of their favorite chicken sandwich in support of one of America’s beloved fast-food restaurants.
What astounds me are all the messages throughout social and traditional media that are attacking the personal beliefs of Dan Cathy, the owner of Chick-fil-A. Cathy was being interviewed by a Christian publication and was asked his beliefs regarding the definition of marriage. But when people didn’t agree with his response they reacted in hatred. Cathy and Chick-fil-A have been attacked in many areas, even down to complaints to where they give money. A man is being attacked for giving millions of dollars away to great causes? What happened to freedom of speech? And cities across the U.S. are saying they will stop Chick-fil-A from building within their limits? So. . . now cities can dictate who has a business where?
One of the same groups fighting for equality is the same attacking a man for his personal beliefs. That doesn’t sound equal to me. They don’t believe Cathy should have his own opinion. People who are against Cathy’s beliefs feel that freedom of speech is only applicable if others believe what you believe.
I don’t choose to shop at a store based on their religious beliefs. I don’t care if the owners are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, or any other religion. I just care about the product and service.
I watch The Ellen DeGeneres Show weekly. I have begged Corey to take me to her show (maybe now that I will be living in California, he finally will). I don’t watch her because of her beliefs or her personal life. I watch her because she is the best at what she does. Ellen is a talented woman, who brings Corey and me to tears because we are laughing so hard. I love her and I love her show. I definitely don’t protest where she gives her hard-earned money.
I also eat Chick-fil-A weekly. (Yes, I will admit that publicly, but my diet is not the issue here. Thank goodness.) I don’t go to Chick-fil-A because of the founder’s Christian beliefs. I go to Chick-fil-A because of its quality food. It will always be clean and the service is hands-down the best you will find. I am actually craving an Original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich now just writing about it.
Whether or not you agree with Dan Cathy’s beliefs, you should agree that a man has the right to have his own. Because isn’t that the beauty of America?