Since January 1 there have been 300 murders in Chicago. The terrible violence in the city, often killing innocent children does not seem to make the news. But, when Rahm Emanuel heard about Chick-Fil-A being a company founded on Christian beliefs, suddenly it was “Stop the Presses!” This was a major news story.
Really?
Did you hear about this?
A quick background: The president of Chick-Fil-A Dan Cathy was quoted in the Baptist Press saying he was “guilty as charged” for supporting “the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”
In response the mayors of Boston and Chicago have published statements indicating that this business is not reflective of their communities and they are not welcome in their cities.
Chicago Tribune: Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement. “They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents.”
Emanuel was vowing his support for Alderman Moreno’s announcement that he would block construction of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in his district.
The owner of the only Chicago Chick-Fil-A store, like many, has taken offense at Emanuel’s statement. Silich has asked for a meeting with Emmanuel.
Chicago Tribune: Lauren Silich, who owns a Chick-fil-A franchise just off the Magnificent Mile that opened last year, wrote in a press release that she is dedicated to “serving all of our guests with honor, dignity and respect. . . . We alone created 97 jobs this past year and our passion is building leaders for future generations, regardless of sexual orientation or beliefs.”
Boston Mayor Menino said he would block the chain from opening in Boston because of Cathy’s opposition to gay marriage.
Yahoo News: “In recent days you said Chick-fil-A opposes same-sex marriage and said the generation that supports it has ‘an arrogant attitude,'” Menino wrote in a letter dated July 20. “Now—incredibly—your company says you are backing out of the same-sex marriage debate. I urge you to back out of your plans to locate in Boston.”
In response former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has organized a support Chick-Fil-A day.
“The goal is simple: Let’s affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a stand for the godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at Chick Fil-A on Wednesday, August 1,” Huckabee wrote on Facebook.
“If Chick fil-A forced its customers to sign an oath stating they are heterosexual before they could buy a chicken sandwich, the angry critics would not only have a point, but I would join them. I think it is great that Chick-fil-A is run by people with a Biblical world view and they operate it based on Biblical values, but there is a bigger issue. That’s not what this is about. The company sells chicken and doesn’t force a view on its customers or employees, but the owners shouldn’t be disenfranchised from their citizenship and rights of free speech, nor should they be kept from operating their business in cities across the country because a few “wanna be tyrants” disagree with their beliefs.”
Others agree. In an editorial the Los Angeles Times published their concern over the Chick-Fil-A President Cathy’s first amendment rights.
“We disagree heartily with Cathy, but are far more troubled by the reaction of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who vowed to block Chick-fil-A’s effort to open an outlet in that city.”
I am reminded of Chick-fil-A’s beliefs every time I drive past one on Sunday and see they’re closed. I respect this decision but each time think how much business they might have if only they were open. . . If I find this company’s prominent religious belief offensive I can choose not to shop there.
As a conservative I don’t have to believe what the Cathy family does but I will staunchly defend their right to free speech. If the company does not discriminate and follows the Civil Rights Code then they should have every right to build—or not build in an area. The mayors and aldermen blocking a business solely on its religion is appalling. There are many of us in the silent majority. We cannot allow the loud voices of the minority liberal take away our rights.
I don’t know about you but all this fuss makes me think I might need to, “Eat More Chikin.”
