It’s summer in Phoenix. And hot, hot, hot.
Assuming you’ve not been on a remote island the past month you know about the controversy with Chick-fil-A’s company owner and his statements of belief. City mayors have decided to take matters into their own hands and refuse these restaurants based solely on the owner’s free speech. In response former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee organized a ‘Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.’ But would people show up? Would anyone stand in line just for a chicken sandwich today? How strong would be the conviction of people in showing their support? We wondered how crazy it would be at our local restaurant. After all, we are not in the East and most people don’t consider Arizona to be in the South. So, would there be a crowd? In a word. Yes.
Son and I decided to see how busy it really was. We had a good idea as soon as we got on the main street. Then we saw the helicopter circling the area. The traffic was all headed the same direction. Thinking we were clever, we zipped around the back way only to discover the police were directing traffic. Our little Chick-fil-A was barely visible for the traffic.
Truthfully, it was a surprise. It’s over 100F here in the Valley of the Sun today. And it’s humid. Nobody stands outside. Well, except today. The line wound around the building and through the parking lot. It was a mixed age of people and there was a definite party attitude.
If you didn’t make it out today Chick-fil-A here are a few pictures from Twitter friends around the country. You don’t have to go right now. They’ll still be there this week. Oh, but not on Sunday.
A short P.S. I am now enthused about this signal being sent from the ‘silent majority’. I don’t think they’re going to be silent any longer. I also think these people who are willing to brave the heat will also be willing to stand in line for the November election. It’s time to get excited!
Local paper’s comment?
“People lined up at the York restaurant today to show their support and to protest comments made by Mr Cathy…
THERE WAS NOT ONE protestor, not one political shirt or sign- just hundreds of folks enjoying a crispy chicken with a tangy pickle sandwich.
The media, even in York , Pennsylvania, simply cannotSTAND that we love God and chicken!!! And that we are willing to what in line to show our support fort a company assaulted by hideous lies and hateful claims…by the left. I have 2 lesbian friends who want to join me for the kiss-in own Friday- to eat sandwiches, NOT to protest free speech, freedom of religion or anything else!
Thanks for your update Kathy. At first it seemed all the stories were coming from Chick-fil-A’s homeland in the south. Good to see that this appreciation day spread across the country.
We had one restaurant locally that ran out of food at 3pm and people still stood in line to buy drinks just to show their support. I was impressed. I had some friends who were going to the restaurant Weds as a show of their Christian faith and others who were very concerned about the free speech aspect. I think these two groups combined will be a force to be reckoned with in November.
Kathy,
When a company donates money to intentionally cause another group pain it is not something that should be brushed off. When that company makes the claim they are doing it because of Jesus, that makes them repugnant. I’m pretty sure if someone has a problem with gay people getting married it doesn’t have anything to do with Christianity, it’s more to do with that individual thinking homosexuality is gross, and they don’t want cooties. Which is fine. But justifying that feeling with Christianity is really not what Christianity is for. I will continue going to Chick Fil A, because they employ a lot of people, and they do things that actually reflect Christianity (like treat their employees with respect), but I will also give a matching donation to a group that promotes gay marriage.
I think averyone should go again on Friday just to confuse the other protestors.
I think that’s a good idea. We’re thinking breakfast sounds good.
Enjoy your breakfast. If you would like to make a matching donation to a group that works to legalize gay marriage here is a list:
The Southern Poverty Law Center
American Foundation for Equal Rights
Americans for Democratic Action
Amnesty International
Center for American Progress
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights Watch
Freedom to Marry
Marriage Equality USA
National Organization for Women
Planned Parenthood
Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
People for the American Way
Rainbow/Push
If you want to only contribute to a Christian organization, these churches support gay rights, especially the right to marry.
The Episcopal Church of the United States
United Church of Christ
Liberal Quakers
If you are Jewish, these groups also work to legalize gay marriage
Conservative Judaism
Reconstructionist Judaism
Reform Judaism
I know you are only going to Chick Fil A to support a company you like for the food, not their backwards and rather hateful attitude towards homosexuals.
I love Chick Fil A’s peppermint milkshake that they come out with at Christmastime. It is incredible.
Thank you John for your comments and for sharing the list. Perhaps there are some who read this post and would be interested in contributing to your cause.