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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

LV Tea Party Organizes Chic-fil-A Melee

Chick-fil-A has two location in the Lehigh Valley. One's off of Rte 248 in Lower Nazareth, while the other is at the Lehigh Valley Mall. So far as I know, neither location has been threatened with any dastardly repercussions as a result of owner Dan Cathy's questionable judgment in injecting himself into the same-sex marriage debate. No permits have been pulled. No variances have been denied.

But for some reason, the Lehigh Valley Tea Party feels compelled to organize some kind of demonstration of support of the free speech rights at both Chic-fil-As this Wednesday at 6 PM.

Here's my question. Isn't this a solution in search of a problem? If nobody is threatening to harm these local franchises, why the need to circle the wagons, unless the intention of the local tea party is to draw attention to itself?

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who supports marriage equality, has wisely stated, "You can’t have a test for what the owners’ personal views are before you decide to give a permit to do something in the city.”

Makes sense. But nobody is threatening the local Chic-Fil-As as a result of something their Chicago owner said.

By the way, what on earth does same-sex marriage have to do with limited government or tea party principles? I happen to know gay couples who are members of the local tea party, and can't imagine they support this.

In the meantime, Popeye's Chicken has denied PETA claims that it abuses its chickens. "Waterboarding is not torture," insists CEO Cheryl Bachelder.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't go to Chic-fil-A for their beliefs. They make a helluva chicken sandwich.

Hokie Joe said...

Everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs. I have never had a chic-fillet sandwich but I have always wanted to try one. Now is as good a time as any. I'll let you know if it is good or bad. sexual preference has nothing to do with giving the consumer a good product.

Anonymous said...

Bernie

This post has me thinking of the Laquinta inn Eskimo. The Eskimo turns to the camera and says, "Nobody needs a clue".

It is all political noise generated by the far left to distract from the poor economy.

The local TPs are showing solidarity with a company that is under attack by the nanny state pols who think they can rule by fiat.

Shouldn't these pols be more concerned about the ever growing economic discontent in this country than one man's opinion on a social issue? It is just ridiculous how we waste time as our country swirls around toilet boil.

GS

Anonymous said...

If you really want to stick it to the gays, stop listening to Rush Limbaugh. Ever wonder why all those wives leave him???

Just saying.

Anonymous said...

Dan Cathy was expressing his right to free speech. and he was right.

But there is no need for a local demonstration as you point out. Our political parties should be more concerned with the real issues of the day instead of trying to be butt kissing vote getter's.

Anonymous said...

Any reason to go to Chick-fil-A is a good one. I'll show up if the other side protests there as well.

THE observer said...

bernie
evidently you do not get west of allentown for there is a chic filA in trexlertown

Anonymous said...

Same sex marriage should be illegal as well as fatty, cholesterol filled processed foods that cost taxpayers billions in medical bills and diseases brought on by obesity.

Anonymous said...

Maybe they will ring bells and have a Chic-fil-A fortnight.

Bing you costume.....

Anonymous said...

Maybe the Teapartiers can swing by Staples and defend Bain Capitol and Mitt Romney's out sourcing of American job.

Anonymous said...

The Tea Party was hijacked by right-wing social extremists a long time ago. Actually, hijacked is the wrong word, it was like that from the beginning - just the taxcutters like you fell for it.

Anonymous said...

The Chik-Fil-A chain has been under attack nationally since the issue came up, and I certainly understand the desire to express support. I would question the method, however, as more protests are exactly what the chain does not need. The best way to express support for Chik-Fil-A, if you are so inclined, is to patronize the business frequently.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,
If you read the mailing, the notice says to support the right to free speech. The tea party supports those rights guaranteed in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. They (the tea party) also have rallied around the Catholic church's freedom of religion in regards to the attack against them thru the obamacare edict. While these issues may not seem like they effect us here in the Valley, these national attacks have far reaching implications. The gov't is trying to erode our unalienable rights. Once they are gone, what's to stop us from becoming a dictatorship? It's kind of sad, that people today hold a restaurant to a higher moral standard then the president of the United States.

Bernie O'Hare said...

The notice does say it's about free speech.

Anonymous said...

There are actually three CFAs in the LV - the other one is in Trexlertown. Their food is awesome!

Anonymous said...

Isn't the chain's owner over 90 years old? I, also, go to Chick-Fil-A for the food, not the politics. The chain is also closed on Sunday. That annoys me more that a 90 year old man's belief's.

Anonymous said...

From what I've seen, no one is denying the owners right to say whatever he wants. What they are saying, and what I also believe, is that I also have the right not to patronize their restaurants anymore based on those beliefs.

Anonymous said...

The owner of any business has the right to express their views...as long as those views are not put into practice in the form of discrimination, I have no problem with it...but in a free market society, consumers also have a right to express their views...if people want ot boycott a business for the owner's views, more power to them...as long as our local government entities are not involved, rock on free speech!

Anonymous said...

Was at Chic fil a for lunch today. It was packed!! This is a lot to do about nothing.

Anonymous said...

I have an idea, I'll start a business... And then make idiotic comments that will alienate 40% of my potential customers... I've been avoiding those "closed on Sunday " Jesus freaks for years... And as for the catholic church.... Practice whatever beliefs you'd like... All you have to do is start paying taxes. See, it's the tax exempt status that makes your stupid magic beliefs MY business

OwenB said...

That's the problem. Their beliefs, of homophobia and hate, are fueled by the prophets from there "helluva chicken sandwich.".

OwenB said...

That's the problem. Their beliefs, of homophobia and hate, are fueled by the prophets from there "helluva chicken sandwich.".

OwenB said...

That's the problem. Their beliefs, of homophobia and hate, are fueled by the prophets from there "helluva chicken sandwich.".

OwenB said...

That's the problem. Their beliefs, of homophobia and hate, are fueled by the prophets from there "helluva chicken sandwich.".

Uncle Remus said...

I think I will start a business only selling non kosher white meat chicken parts and pork. (I know where I can get a pig) That will keep the jews and the rag heads out.

No watermelon, chitlins or dark meat- that keeps the blacks out.

No dog - that eliminates gooks and slant heads and ass-ians..

It will have sign that says

"ENGLISH ONLY"

- that will keep out the ricans and other "no speaky the english" welfare drugies.

I'll only hire catholicer pervert priests as servers. That will keep little boys and girls out.

A person in slutty and cheap high heels will be banned just for the hell of it.

We'll use more-mans, in funny looking underwear as bouncers. That will keep the gays away.

All dinnerware will be plastic or paper plates with the rebel flag embossed on each set.

The AMERICAN FLAG will be displayed proudly as well as the TEM COMMANDMENTS. That will eliminate bleeding heart liberals, judges and atheists.

All management will be dressed in white sheets. Cooks will also wear white hoods.

Old country music will blare from 20 surrounding speakers as continual NASCAR races will be shown on the 52 wide screen tvs.

Pabst Blue Ribbon will be the only beverage served.

We will serve moonshine at the drive in window only.

We will be open 24 hours a day except Sundays. Sunday we will open at 12 PM sharp so the saturday night sinners can go to sunday school, hear the same old sermom, attend bible study, repent, sober up and then come to the bar with a new soul.

Rooms will be available by the hour.

This will are be accomplished without government grants or subsidies.

And the name of the dive will be..........................................................................................................................................


"IF YOU AIN"T WHITE, YOU AIN"T RIGHT

JoshLCowen said...

I wonder how many people who have Progressive Insurance policies know that the company was named for the political beliefs of its founder? Perhaps they should cancel their policies? Or do you think if they did that the media would be calling it economic terrorism?

Anonymous said...

The issue boils down to two sides. Which one are you on? One, you agree with the CEO and believe gay marriage should be banned. (This is akin to banning interracial marriage.) Two, you support the rights of gay people to marry. There is no other position. Don't try and sell that you are supporting free-speech. What you are supporting is bigotry. The free market will decide what happens to Chick-Fil-A and buying food to counteract the protest is just trumpeting your bigotry and not some first amendment protest. And you know it.

Anonymous said...

If you read the mailing, the notice says to support the right to free speech.

Who in the hell is challenging this guys right to say bigoted things? People are challenging his business in a free market. That's what the tea party should support. No one is telling this guy to keep quiet - that is a business decision and he decided the path he wanted to take.

Anonymous said...

I wonder how many people who have Progressive Insurance policies know that the company was named for the political beliefs of its founder? Perhaps they should cancel their policies? Or do you think if they did that the media would be calling it economic terrorism?

Um no. People make those decisions every single day. It's called a FREE market. Besides, conservative blowhards boycott things all the time. Freedom Fries anyone? Bwahahahaaa!!

Brett Heffner said...

Actually, there are more than two Chick-Fil-A locations in the Lehigh Valley. There is one on Hamilton Boulevard in Upper Macungie Township. That's three. and if you count the one north of Quakertown, you get four.

Chris said...

Bernie said.
"...owner Dan Cathy's questionable judgment in injecting himself into the same-sex marriage debate."

I am pretty sure he answered a question. So if that is "injecting himself into the debate, WOW! I can pull up the Baptist Press articles if anyone cares to read the transcripts. What is apparently appalling to some is the willingness to respond honestly to a loaded/charged question. Maybe there is no local oppression against the restaurants, yet not too long ago a store in or near Reading came under HUGE fire from homosexual activists because of the restaurant there actually supporting a traditional marriage conference/meeting. Horrifying! Companies like CFA need our support. And try getting the same pleasant response from the workers at other fast food places. Right, it doesn't happen.

Anonymous said...

Chick Fil_a....goofy owner....best fast food chicken in the business. Hands down. Have you been there lately? Seriously. The chicken is tasty as all get out, well-prepared, the atmosphere is great...the milk shakes are to die for. I mean, they are like three steps above any other fast food.

I may think Dan Cathy is a goof.....but the food is sooooo good.

I also shop at Walmart.

Anonymous said...

I supported gay rights and had a giant kilbasa this afternoon.

not so casual observer said...

This has nothing to do with Gay mariage. It has to do with the bigotry of mayors and elected officials who would deny Mr. Cathy his right to his beliefs. He does not discriminate against gays in his business, these are his PERSONAL RELIGIOUS beleifs and there are those who would shut down his livelyhood (and his employees jobs) becasue of it. This was about his and our constitutional rights

We are all entitled to our beliefs and the freedom to express them. No elected official has the right to castigate business enterprises and citizens based on what he may decides is ethical. Not everyone agrees with them

Mr Cathy's rights were infringed. That is why people came out in force, and they were pleasant, courteouus, left the lace immaculet and were of all ages and ethnicities. The were defending the first amendment It belongs to all Americans, even the mainstream conservatives.

Anonymous said...

THREE LOCATIONS ONES IN TREXLERTOWN...UNLESS BERNIE YOU DON'T THINK TREXLERTOWN IS PART OF THE LV.