If you are one of few who has not heard anything about this yet, head to Google and search for "Duck Dynasty GQ article" to get caught up on things.
In the end, this comes down to whether or not you see Phil's comment as "free speech" or "hate speech". That's pretty much the big rub most folks have.
Does Phil have the constitutionally-protected right to say what he believes, or can he not?
That's the issue. Not the whole A&E firing him thing. They are a business and can do exactly as they please. Whether you see that action as right or wrong, justified or unjustified, doesn't really matter.
What matters is the backlash he is receiving across the media spectrum for what he said.
It was his opinion.
It is what he believes.
There's a witch hunt going on folks.
We, as a nation, have no more a right to censor his speech, which some found offensive, than we do to censor the speech of others that some find offensive.
Jesse Jackson.
Paula Deen.
Louis Farrakhan.
Al Franken.
Jeremiah Wright.
Rush Limbaugh.
Harry Reid.
The Dixie Chicks.
And on and on and on.
What a mess! Here's some of the quotes that I've seen regarding this.....
"Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil's lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans—and Americans—who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples.” (Wilson Cruz)
"The militant homosexual movement immediately went on the attack, demanding Robertson be fired from the show. This movement, which has wrapped itself in the language of tolerance, is in fact intolerant of men and women of faith and is determined to punish anyone who dares to speak up for biblical values." (Gary Bauer)
"We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Robertson Family)
"Why is our go-to political strategy for beating our opponents to silence them? Why do we dismiss, rather than engage them? One of the biggest pop-culture icons of today just took center stage to “educate” us about sexuality. I see this as an opportunity to further the discussion, to challenge his limited understanding of human desire, to engage with him and his rather sizable audience — most of whom, by the way, probably share his views — and to rise above the endless sea of tweet-hate to help move our LGBT conversations to where they need to go." (Brandon Ambrosino)
“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck Dynasty.’ His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.” (A&E Network)
"I love mistakes, its the best way to show that Christ is working in us. We cant always stand on the, "well its in the bible so im allowed to say it because I have free speech" Sometimes we have to apologize and say although it says its in the bible, i should have gone about it in a different way" (Doug, one of my friends)
"The reason that so many Americans love Duck Dynasty is because it represents the America usually ignored or mocked by liberal elites: a family that loves and cares for each other, believes in God, and speaks openly about their faith." (Ted Cruz)
"I think they were incredibly stupid, they overreacted and misjudged the audience of the show and probably killed their largest cash cow. But they are within their rights to be stupid and make bad business decisions." (Brian Byers, WSOY)
“Mr. Robertson, I believe, made a mistake by the condemnation line. And here’s why. It’s not about the Bible, or believing or not believing in the Bible. It’s singling out a group, it could be anyone, and saying to that group, ‘Hey, you’re not worthy in the eyes of the Lord… because of who you are.” (Bill O'Reilly)
"It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended." (Bobby Jindal)
"I'm gay and I don't care what others think, nor should other people. This guy did not offend me. Some people have different beliefs, and I respect that. Let the guy stay on the show. There is something called free speech! Our freedom of speech is slowly being taken away from us, when it was once considered a huge part of the foundation of this country." (Sue Dimaio)
"To the Left, it doesn’t matter how Robertson actually treats real people. The thought that homosexual acts are wrong is enough to make him a bad person who should be fired. He’s literally guilty of a thought crime against humanity even if he is literally tolerant of gay people every day of his life. There is no room for tolerance of him." (Mary Katharine Ham)
What are we, as a nation, turning into?
A bunch of stupid whiny sissies, that's what.
A bunch of folks who think only about "me! me! me!" and cry like babies when we don't get our way or when our feelings get hurt.
Where is our backbone?
Where is our tolerance? And respect?
Where is the love??
Do you have to agree with Phil?
No.
Does Phil have to agree with you?
No.
Do you have to watch Phil's show?
No.
But we all need to make a step back, take a breather, think about what we're doing and where we're taking our nation.
Then pray.
Out for now.....
Matt