Chick-Fella

Today was Chick-fil-A support day.  We drove by one this afternoon and the line was crazy, and the restaurant parking lot filled to overflowing.  We didn't know what was going on, but thank goodness Wendi didn't have a lemonade tooth today or who knows what would have happened.  Later tonight I heard about it on the news.

It all started when Dan Cathy, the president of Chick-fil-A, publicly affirmed that the openly religious family that owns and runs the chain does not support gay marriage.  Not only this, but that the company contributes funds to groups that openly oppose gay marriage.  Dan stated in part "We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit...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."

Since then Chick-fil-A has been the recipient of a firestorm of scrutiny by the press and pro-gay marriage groups around the world in an apparent attempt pressure them into changing their views.  The openly christian company became the target of protests and public ridicule by the mayors of Boston and Chicago and others, who have threatened to abuse their power to block attempts by the chain to enter their cities.

Apparently today was designated a day for people to show their support for Chick-fil-A and here in Utah people showed up in droves to show their support for the company with their wallets.  Whether you agree with their views or not, you have to respect them for having their beliefs, and sticking to them even in the face of criticism and attacks by those with opposing views.  Those who cannot apparently not bear the thought of others having a view that differs from theirs.

In the opinion of this journalist, religious freedom and the freedom of speech are among the most important freedoms upon which this great country was founded.  The ability to have an opinion and to express it, stand by it and defend it as you choose.  This is time when this freedom is squandered, where many of our leaders are swayed by public opinion or pressure from contributors.  Even the parties are guilty of trying to make themselves more appealing by embracing the popular horse carcass of the day.

I applaud you Chick-fil-A, for standing for what you believe in!  For closing on Sundays because you believe it is the right thing to do.  For having the best mission statement I have ever heard "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."  Thank you for not sacrificing your morals and beliefs in the name of profits.  I truly hope that your example will influence others to do the same.