As many of you know, I love food.  Some of my love for food has subsided, both during and after cancer treatment.  Though I still love some pizza, I haven't had a lot since I have regained my taste.  I am thankful I can taste everything.  I was able to drink OJ again, and I loved every second.  This post, however, is not about what I can taste.  This post is actually about one particular food, and the firestorm surrounding the actions of the venue that makes said food.

I REALLY LOVE the chicken the Chick-fil-A provides.  It can be the strips, sandwich, nuggets, or even the chicken salad sandwich.  Though not big on the fries, I can understand how people like them.  Their brownies are fantastic as well.  I am not sure how there are those in this world who have consumed food there that does NOT like their food.  But, to each their own and I will not complain about those who choose to dislike their food.

This also is not a blog about their food.  This is however about the statements they have made regarding their beliefs.  As many of you know, I support their right to express their beliefs.  They indeed have the right to express their beliefs.  Regardless of their belief, they are ensured the right to speak as they believe.  Why would I believe this?

First, Chick-fil-A is a business, founded here in America.  The first amendment right is freedom of speech.  Every person, no matter their social status/faith/age/race, is guaranteed this right.  Currently, this right has not be taken away from anyone.  This right is not exclusive to the right or left side of a political agenda, social movement, or anything else.  If you believe something, you have the right to speak your mind on that belief (even if it is just between you and a friend, or in public for the whole world to hear).

Second,  CFA is a private business.  They have no public board of directors dictating how they run their business.  Their board is made of up those hired by the owners.  Their is no public stock, no shareholders to answer to, and no federal regulators dictating their funds.  Even if this were a publicly held company, they still have the right to say what they desire, and spend their money as desired, as long as their profit/loss statement was reported as mandated by law.

My beliefs aside, here is what is puzzling me with this whole thing.  Why is everyone up in arms about this whole statement?  Both parties, left and right, are up in arms over the statement made by CFA.  The left is upset because they don't agree with the stance made.  The right is upset because the left is upset.  The left believes there should be some form of punishment administered to CFA for showing a hate towards others (which they did not do).  The right is upset because there are mayors blocking CFA from building in their cities due to hate (a double standard).    What is going to make anyone happy?  When will either side come to an awareness that there can be a happy medium?

Let me put this "controversy" into a different light.  Take Perez Hilton, or the Muppets, and have them say something anti right beliefs.  Sure, there are those on the right that will boycott those 2 entities.  If by chance someone squaks loud enough, maybe the whole right will here.  Again, this type of situation will create anger on both sides for the very reason seen in this CFA instance.  Perez and the Muppets are private entities.  They too are afforded the right to say as they believe.  Though they believe differently than you may, it doesn't mean they are hating anybody on the right or left.  It only means they have an opinion.  One does NOT have to agree with their statements, but the do have to afford them the decency of being a company (or person) making their business in America.

All this said, could someone please have a level head and accept the fact that, agree or not, Chick-fil-A has the right to state their business principals.  Just because they believe differently than you may, does not mean they hate you.  They are glad to serve people who believe differently than they do.  They do not have a sign out front limiting who they serve.  They only stated a belief.

Please, for the sake of those who think rationally, and logically, listen to the words being said and not what you desire to hear.  I am not saying you have to agree with any one belief, but at least be civil enough to respond better than people currently are.  Remember, we do live in America, where we have the right to speak as we believe, and there are people fighting for us for that right.