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Today's Poll: Would you boycott a business if you disagreed with the owner's politics?

By Howard B. Owens
Doug Yeomans

Certainly, but it would depend on the political issue. For the most part, though, I think the owner of the Chick-fil-A was just grubbing for free advertising and was quite successful.

If you own a business in the bible belt of America and make a statement against gay marriage, every bible thumper and cousin loving redneck will come out in droves to buy your product. "Them dayum gays is thuh downfall of Amerkuh. We don't need no gays round heeyar."

Aug 3, 2012, 8:21am Permalink
tim raines

@ Mr Yeomans........Reading your post...i would guess you have never been in a Chick-fil-A.

I would also guess you have no idea who the owner is or the history behind the company. They don't need "free" advertising. They aren't even open on Sundays, the 2nd busiest day of the week.

If you do ever stop in to a Chick-fil-A........

I'm sure they would welcome you to buy their product...

Aug 3, 2012, 9:06am Permalink
Justin Burger

I would boycott, not necessarily to try and make their business go under, but because I wouldn't want my money indirectly going toward causes and organizations I don't agree with. I understand that lots of places I patronize probably give money to or support things I don't like, but the difference is my Ignorance of the fact...If they don't publicly announce their beliefs/leanings, then I can claim Ignorance and keep buying/using services. But if I know that the proceeds from my payment are going towards something I feel is wrong, I don't shop there.

Aug 3, 2012, 9:41am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

There is a reason I am not with Progressive Insurance. Its not just a name.

That being said, the outrage the gays have should towards a man sticking to his moral religious values has set the movement back.

If more of the country stuck to the values they learn in church, this country would be a much better place.

Aug 3, 2012, 10:34am Permalink
Mark Brudz

We need to keep thi in perspective.

1. The CEO of Chic-Fil-A made his comments to a Christian group, it was not a press release, it wasn't even intended to hit the media.

2, Controversy began when first Rahm Emmanuel, Mayor of cChicago, followed by the Democratic Mayors of Philly and San Francisco picked up on the statement and implied that they would not welcome Chick-Fil-A in their communities.

The issue in the news is one of free speech and government officials threatening to block a business on the basis of the CEO's personal beliefs. This got both sides riled.

Bottom line, the Mayors in official capacities crossed the line, NOT the CEO. It was Rahm Emanuel's statement in particular that spurred all the protest and counter protest, if he did not politically grandstand, most people would not have even heard about this.

Aug 3, 2012, 10:47am Permalink
John Roach

Peter,
There actually has been very little outrage by gays. And good number of them support the right to free speech, which they also want. The fuss has come from some of the far left Democrats, like the mayor of Chicago.

If you don't like the owners views, fine, don't buy from them. But these far left Democrats don't even want the guy to be able to open and for you to have the choice of buying or not.

Aug 3, 2012, 10:47am Permalink
Mark Brudz

Peter, The gay activist are gearing up in retaliation to the massive out pouring of support Chick-Fil-A received yesterday in the nationwide Buy in.

It doesn't change the facts, or what John said, it was Rahm Emmanuel that inflammed the situation by his politcally motivated statement.

Frankly, it is just one of several outrageous statements by Liberal Democrats to distract voters from the failing economy prior to the election.

I know there are those that might think that a conspiracy theory, but all you have to do is look at the mass of BS, key democrats are spewing in the last few weeks. No different then the phony war on women, it is becoming clear that this is orchestrated to gin up Democrat base support.

Aug 3, 2012, 10:58am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

I am not saying it wasn't Mayor Dead Fish (look up Rahm and dead fish) and the other idiots, but to say the Gays aren't up in arms is ridiculous.

Aug 3, 2012, 11:01am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

You're correct, I've never been in one and had never heard of it until recent news reports. I know they're not even open on Sundays and of course, what business would turn away a paying customer? I'd almost certainly eat there regardless of their silly, bigoted beliefs.

Aug 3, 2012, 6:17pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

Peter they weren't until all those folks organized the big chicken buy. NO ONE on that side expected the overwhelming support that Chick-Fil-A received nationwide.

Dead Fish, has pretty much created this social battle. And if you think about it, it looks like it back fired

Aug 3, 2012, 11:06am Permalink
Ed Gentner

Which values are you referring to? The anti-gay values? The anti-freedom-of-choice for women values? The anti-Muslim values?

Aug 3, 2012, 11:58am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Ed why the generalizations? Not all churches are anti gay as you put it. They frown upon homosexuality but the frown upon other things as well, like tattoos, cursing, adultery, lying, cheating, dishonesty as well its all sin. How many churches are anti freedom of choice for women or anti muslim. Thats a very broad brush your painting the church with. I dont agree with Peter on lots of things but he is right on this point.

I am a Christian, however I don't go protest military funerals like certain fanatical basptist churches do, nor do I agree with their basis for protesting.

Aug 3, 2012, 12:49pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Yeah, because religious values are not moral at all...

Pro-choice is a synonym for Murder.

Anti-Muslim, until they fix their own religion, you bet your ass I am anti-Muslim.

Anti-gay, They aren't fighting for equal rights, they have equal rights, they can marry someone of the opposite sex just like I can/did. Sorry its weird for Men to have sex with Men and Women to have sex with women. If you don't want to be ridiculed, don't be weird. Its that simple.

Aug 3, 2012, 12:49pm Permalink
Amanda Rumble

The majority of people I know opposed to CFA are not outraged because the CEO is Christian or holds Christian values (which is why they aren't open on Sundays since it is supposed to be the day of rest). They're mad because CFA donates to openly anti-gay groups.

n 2009 alone, WinShape (Chick-Fil-A’s Charitable Arm) donated $1,733,699 to multiple anti-gay groups:
Marriage & Family Legacy Fund: $994,199
Fellowship Of Christian Athletes: $480,000
National Christian Foundation: $240,000
Focus On The Family: $12,500
Eagle Forum: $5,000
Exodus International: $1,000
Family Research Council: $1,000

In 2010, WinShape donated $1,974,380 to a number of anti-gay groups:
Marriage & Family Foundation: $1,188,380
Fellowship Of Christian Athletes: $480,000
National Christian Foundation: $247,500
New Mexico Christian Foundation: $54,000
Exodus International: $1,000
Family Research Council: $1,000
Georgia Family Council: $2,500

Source: http://equalitymatters.org/factcheck/201207020001

Aug 3, 2012, 1:40pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

People have a right to choose where they spend their paycheck. Did anyone dispute the righteousness of our local action against a purveyor of synthetic amphetamine? Personally, I find it odd that a fast food restaurant has become the focal point of debate over (as characterized) "Christian values." I believe the namesake of Christianity would be somewhat perplexed by the mixed messages inherent to not only the Chick Fil A discussion, but any number of campaigns launched under the banner of Christianity. Be that as it may... This nation (to whatever degree) was born of a boycott of British tea. I don't think there is anything more intrinsically American than the notion of civil action in the wake of injustice. Of course one person's injustice is another person's measure of profitability.

Aug 3, 2012, 2:02pm Permalink
Justin Burger

Amanda, i think you're spot on. I personally couldn't care less if the guy is mega christian, or doesn't agree with gay marriage...however, when people like him group together to pass laws telling others they have to abide by their "morals", that's where I get mad and will boycott a business. Allowing gay marriage hurts no one...NO ONE. Gay marriage has been legal for just over a year in NYS, I haven't seen anyone hurt, forced into gay marriages against their will, and I haven't seen civilization unravel into unrest. Quite the opposite has happened, many new couples and families have been born...not to mention tax and tourism $$$, who could hate that?...oh yeah, that's right.

Aug 3, 2012, 2:07pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

Amanda the real issue why this is in the news is because 4 Democrat Mayors are proposing blocking Chic-Val-A from expanding businesses in their cities.

Not withstanding beleifs, donations etc. The slippery slope is what is the question here.

Frankly, I do not care one way or the other whther an individual or group boycotts a business, that is every bit a first amendment right as the group is claiming in the statement and the donations. The Controversy is that public officials suggest barring a business because of political and religious belief.. That is a dangerous path to follow.

We would not even of heard of this had it not been for the threats against Chick Val A by these Mayors, and likely there woould have been no protest by gay groups today, had not tens of thousands bought chicken from the company Wednesday to protest those threats.

It's funny, except for a few eerant gay groups there isn't much gay support for what those Mayors did, in fact some gay groups condemed Rahm Emmanuel for saying it. And judging from the relatively small turn out in the Kiss in nation wide today as opposed to the massive turn out supporting Chick Val A Wednesday. It is pretty evident that most people truly understand the real issue.

This is another ginned up controversy

Aug 3, 2012, 2:16pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Businesses do have a right to donate to whomever they chose. Where is the definition of anti gay groups in these organizations? They may not condone homosexuality as it is a sin in the eyes of God according to the Bible> Some of these organizations are overzealous but they have the right to follow their beliefs. There is a distinct difference in a marriage performed by justice of the peace or a judge or other govt offical. However the demand that Churches peform and sanctify homosexual marriages is out of line and a ridiculous expectation of LGBT's

You see its my opinion that God's greatest gift to us as well as what our govt's intent when it was formed is Freedom. God gave us the gift of free will, to chose what we want to do, in this country we enjoy that freedom as much as we can lately. But neither promises us freedom from the consequences of excercising those choices.

Equality matters is labeling these groups as anti gay because these group dont think the LGBT lifestyle is moral. But then why not go after the Boy Scouts for exluding females or the Girl Scouts for exluding men? How about the disrimination in our Govt as well unless you have money you cant run for office or be taken seriously? If you scrutinize long enough you will eventually see that you begin to hamper clubs and organizations rights to have people of a common interest or cause get together and mett and share ideas because they might not want people of conflicting or opposing viewpoints or interests disrupting the flow of the original group.

I say Kudos to Chik Fil A for standing on an unpopular principal and stick behind it even though it's not a popular stance. Political correctness and the desire to be so have changed life for us, and not always for the better. It has homogenized life and once people get out into the big bad world and deal with the reality that not everyone is a winner, that fairness isnt always the way things are and being right doesnt mean winning.... it wont be such a shock to them, and they wont have to relearn what life is really like all over again.

Aug 3, 2012, 2:21pm Permalink
Shannon Laurer

Dan Cathy's actual quote........
"Some have opposed the company’s support of the traditional family. “Well, guilty as charged,” said Cathy when asked about the company’s position. “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. …

“We are very much committed to that,” Cathy emphasized. “We intend to stay the course,” he said. “We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.”

Now if it had been reported as such and where it was said and not as "I'm against gay marriage" do you think things would have been different, I'm thinking so!

Also I am so over these politicians opening their mouths before they actually get the facts, as has already been stated the Chicago mayor did nothing but make a bigger a** of himself then most already thought he was!

Now if a prominant(sp)gay business owner stated "I don't believe in the biblical definition of a family unit" do you think people would be trying to destroy his business.......

Amazing how the double standards work now a days!!!!!!!!!!!

Aug 3, 2012, 2:59pm Permalink
John Roach

The bigger issue than a boycott was that some extreme left Democrat leaders, like the mayor of Chicago, said they want to deny a business the right to even do business. People have the right to support or not support any business, but for the government to pick who can or can not operate, based on only the owners beliefs should be condemned.

Aug 3, 2012, 3:29pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Oddly enough, Chick Fil A employs many gay people throughout it's ranks. It has shown no discriminatory practices against homosexuals and as a bonus every employee regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, etc. enjoys every Sunday off courtesy of Dan Cathys commitment to honoring the Sabbath. I've not heard one instance of an employee filing a complaint that they are forced to NOT come to work on Sunday because the outrageous, bigoted beliefs of the CEO

Aug 3, 2012, 4:02pm Permalink
Cheryl Wilmet

Maybe it's just me but who else read all the posts and all they could think about is eating chicken? BTW I am all for everyone's freedom to do what they want unless it causes bodily harm. Plain and simple.

Aug 3, 2012, 4:18pm Permalink
Sam Tambe Jr.

Sam Walton was a Christian too....how many of you don't shop at walmart? Why is it that the only beliefs in this country under fire are Christians beliefs? Do you not buy from a corner store in the city because the person who owns it is Muslim and supports Islam?? Remember 9-11 anyone?? The man has a right to his beliefs and the right of freedom of speech! I personally fought for all of your rights and beliefs...whether I agree with them or not. Several people from Genesee county have also served and some even died for each one of your freedoms and rights to free speech and beliefs. Remember that as you all get caught up in the liberal medias "firestorms".
Ps. My belief is We are all sinners not one of us is better than the other!

Aug 3, 2012, 4:57pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

Again, the only reason why this is in the news is because Rahm Emmanuel Mayor of Chicago, in a purely political move threatened to prevent the expansion of Chick Fil A in chicago, because CEO Dan Cathy and the companies charitable arm supports organizations who are against gay marraige.

Over 600,000 people respond to Mikle Huckabees Facebook account shortly after and staged a buy xhicken protest, in fact the link that Amanda posted to equalitynow.org a LBGT group wasn't even posted until after the actrual protest began [July 02, 2012 9:26 am ET] and was clearly in resp[onse to the protest in favor of Chick Fil A's right to free speech and against Emmanuel's and other Democrat Mayors attempt to gin up their base by following suit.

Even Bloomberg, the one who wants to regulate salt and soft drinks, this morning said on a radio show, "It is perfectly fine to speak out against Cathy's statement, but you cross the line when you use your position as Mayor to prevent them from doing business because of it"

What is happening to this country when politicians are so careless that they blatantly disregard everything this nation stands for to score political points, and how sad are we that we are caught up in the minutia of differing beliefs at the expense of both sides right to have them.

Who the hell heard of this before over 600,000 people nation wide Wednesday bought chicken to let Rahm know that this is still a free country, free for Cathy, free for the 600,000 plus that protested, and free for the estimated 30,000 gay people that protested against Chick Fil A nationwide today.

If some individual or group wants to boycott Chick Fil A, hell go for it, if you want to eat there, gor for that too, but does no one see the problem with an elected official, wait 4 democrat Mayors threatening not to allow a business to expand because of a religious belief and political donations?

Does no one find it ironic that the CEO of Google donated even more money to groups promoting gay marraige, last I looked the country is still split 50-50 on this(I looked this morning at the polls)

I don't care about gay marraige one way or another, I DO CARE when an elected official sees fit to block a business because of political beliefs, even if I don't agree with those beliefs.

Aug 3, 2012, 5:39pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

You knos Mark, your right, maybe we should use the internet to start an act of defiance, I think Chik Fil A should attempt to start businesses in each city a mayor told them they would prevent it in. Then if such moves are taken against the company then take legal action on the discriminatory preactices of these mayors, otherwise they can flout the facts that these mayors are windbags who bluff and bluster about banning a company but lose their political cajones when it comes time to put words into action. Either way its good pr for Chik Fil A and another notch in the public's defiance of these politicians saying we arent gonna take crap anymore and begin calling their bluff.

Aug 3, 2012, 5:52pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Being gay isn't a choice, Peter. I have a lot of issues with religion in general. In my opinion, religion divides people, breeds contempt and hatred, escalates prejudices, it's generally bigoted and contradictory in many ways.

When I was a kid I had to go to church and even at that early age, I was bewildered and put off by what was being taught to me and what I was expected to take seriously. I like the 10 commandments but those are just common sense rules to live by whether anyone believes in god, zod, jesus, mohammed or the myriad of other religious deities.

I know plenty of gay people and have a nephew that has been gay since the day he was born. It was strongly apparent at an early age and I know he has no choice in the matter. Gay might be weird to you and to me but it's not weird to people who are gay. If two people of the same sex want to get married then in my eyes they hold the same values that a straight couple does.

I'm not pro abortion for myself (lol) but I'm a supporter of not telling other people what they should or should not do based on religious beliefs. Religious beliefs should only affect the believer, not other people that the believer wants to tell what to do. Life starts at conception, not in the sock puppet (sorry, couldn't resist that one).

I believe that religion is the basis for just about everything negative within humanity. All I have to do is look all around the world for evidence to support my belief. I don't believe that all Christians or Muslims or Jews or Buddhists are bad people any more than I believe that all gay people are weird. I don't believe that two people of the same sex who are in love and get married negatively impacts anyone else and it's really not the business of anyone else what those two people do.

My life is full, rich with love and satisfying without the need for religion or the belief in a supreme being. For me, I know there is no such thing. People will disagree but that's supposed to be the beauty of living in America, believing whatever you want to believe. I believe in common sense and treating other people the way I want to be treated.

You and I agree on a lot of things and I'm not trying to pick a fight here. I just can't stand it when someone wants to use religion as a weapon against other people.

Aug 3, 2012, 6:39pm Permalink
Rich Richmond

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, and in regard to Rahm Emanuel, does the word hypocrisy come to mind? Rahm Emanuel campaigned for 2 Presidents who originally opposed Gay Marriage and then changed their positions when it became convenient. Why do so many in the media or some people in general give him a pass?

Aug 3, 2012, 6:23pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Richard, the media continually fails to hold fellow liberals to task on any inconsistencies, they are too busy focusing on major issues like horse showing, dogs on vacation, and high school report cards....anything but legitimate debate.

Aug 3, 2012, 6:45pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

You're actually correct, but not for the reasons you think. If more people of this country were more tolerant, more understanding, less inclined to ignorant hypocrisy, hatred and bigoted beliefs, we would all be better off. Those are all things that religions claim to teach but the vast majority fail to practice.

Aug 3, 2012, 6:58pm Permalink
bud prevost

I found it humorously ironic that Rahm Emanuael stated Chicago and ChicFiLa don't share the same "values". The mayor of a city where shootings happen multiple times of day, more children than not are born out of wedlock, and politicians routinely spend lots of time in federal prison. I would hope Dan Cathay doesn't build in Chicago, Philly or Newark. They don't deserve the waffle fries.(HMMMMMMMM...waffle fries)

Aug 3, 2012, 7:53pm Permalink

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