Chik-fil-A Filleted?

            I am not one to weigh heavily on controversial issues one way or another for a simple reason:  It’s about the Grace of God.  However, I will just say what I have always been saying and that is that I am intolerant of intolerance.  And really, I don’t think I need to say any more than this.  Statements that powerful people make about moral issues can motivate others to do harm to those with whom they disagree.  I would simply say that Mr. Cathy’s remarks are going to galvanize both those who agree with him and those who disagree with him.

            Whether these comments he has made regarding the moral stance of Chic-fil-A against gays and lesbians will affect the bottom line of the company remains to be seen. It’s going to galvanize their customer base and will more than likely alienate others.  It’s no different from what politicians do.  And there isn’t much difference between running a business and politics.   In this case, Mr. Cathy has addressed a moral issue that he feels is detrimental to America.  He has a right to speak his mind, just as there will be protestors at his stores.  He has at least done one thing and it’s possible it’s what he wanted his comments to do.  He has drawn a LOT of attention to his company.  And really, as they say in Hollywood, bad publicity is STILL publicity and ANY publicity isn’t bad.

            He just might use the gay and lesbian issue to increase his bottom line believing that those who agree with him will now flock to his restaurants.  The problem that I see that he faces is that a majority of people in this country knows someone who is either gay or lesbian and I would have to ask whether his business base is growing or shrinking.  My own feeling about the company is such that I think his remarks are inflammatory and that too I think he has added to the animosity that some people have to the gay and lesbian community giving others a just cause for discrimination on ALL levels of life and living.  Even Billy Graham, the senior pastor of the US, has weighed in saying that we need to fight the moral decay of America.  Well, from my observations, that boat has sailed a long time ago.  If we can’t agree to get along as a people, animosity will NOT be a unifying movement, but one that divides.  Peace.  Brother Ralphie for The Angels of Life Institute.