Faith

‘I Can’t Do That’: Boston Mayor Backs Down on Chick-fil-A Threat

Ever since he made his well-publicized threat not to allow the fast food chain Chick-fil-A to open a franchise, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has found himself at the center of a controversy of some magnitude. Menino’s letter has become a viral wonder, racking up condemnation from free speech advocates at roughly the same clip that it gets applause from gay rights activists.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino Walks Back Chick Fil A Threats After CriticismUnfortunately for Menino, in recent days, the tide has turned against him. The Boston Globe has published an editorial slamming him for ignoring the free speech rights of the owner of Chick-fil-A, and the ladies of The View have condemned the move on much the same grounds.

As such, Menino has taken a rather rare step for a politician and actually recanted his initial fire-breathing statements. From the Boston Herald:

 Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino repeated today that he doesn’t want Chick-fil-A in Boston, but he backed away from a threat to actively block the fast-food chain from setting up shop in the city.

“I can’t do that. That would be interference to his rights to go there,” Menino said, referring to company president Dan Cathy, who drew the mayor’s wrath by going public with his views against same-sex marriage.[...]

The Herald first reported last week that Menino warned “it will be very difficult” for Chick-fil-A to obtain licenses for a restaurant in Boston.[...]

“Some people might not like these positions, but as mayor of the city of Boston, you can’t run and hide, and I’ll always protect people’s rights,” Menino said. “I’m right out front there and if people don’t like it, I feel sorry for them. But I’m the mayor of Boston and I get elected to make my opinions known.”

It’s a relief to know that Menino will “always protect peoples’ rights,” but at the same time, one has to wonder why Menino raised the threat in the first place if he couldn’t actually do anything. Did he seriously think this type of stunt would persuade anyone of his position, and if so, why? As gay conservative blogger Rek LeCounte explains below, there is more to this issue than a simple conservative Christian vs liberal gay dichotomy at work here:

In fact, I do agree wholeheartedly with the officials’ sentiments—we should not encourage or tolerate discrimination against our fellow Americans. Indeed, many conservatives have opposed discrimination from the days of classical liberalism to the Civil Rights Era—not always well, of course, but the history is there. Regardless of your political persuasion, we should be able to agree that undo discrimination is un-American and should be stomped out wherever found.

Which brings us to Chick-fil-A: what evidence suggests that the franchise discriminates against gay people? Neither the Mayor of Boston nor the officials in Chicago have cited any cases. They have not even suggested that they know of any, anecdotally or otherwise. These publically proposed bans are entirely ideological—that is, the president of a private company that provides private services has expressed an unpopular (in Chicago and Boston) political view. This is no better than if a town in the Bible Belt—where opposition to gay marriage remains high—had decided to ban Target or Bank of America for their support of gay rights. Both actions would blatantly contravene the spirit of our free-speech protections, even if the bans are somehow effected legally.[...]

We aspire to be a nation ruled by laws, not by men. Our elected officials should trust that the residents of their communities are capable of deciding what matters to them regarding food, politics, religion, or any other private matters.

If even a gay man and a gay marriage supporter, albeit one with Republican sympathies, can‘t quite see the point of Menino’s act, then what are the odds of his persuading anyone who was already against him in principle?

Comments (185)

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  • Texanbyluck
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:49pm

    As a liberal who supports Gay Rights, I think the Mayor of Boston was out of line.

    Any person, any business, has the right to believe anything that they choose, and communicate it. The Founder of Chick-fil-A has that right, the same way that I have the right to tell someone that they should not be fearful of the Gay community. As consumers, we can all choose whether to patronize a business because of proclamations they make, and a business that takes a position has to live with the consequences. But there is no room for local politicians to limit business because of a belief of a business owner.

    For that reason, Muslims are free to open and operate businesses here.

    As a side note, before anyone labels me a troll, because I’m a liberal on this site (which happened on another story), I made an agreement with a good friend that I‘d get news here for a month if she’d get news on Huffington Post for a month. Been a valuable experience so far.

    Report Post »  
    • T-2
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:59pm

      Welcome. thanks for your honesty.

      Report Post »  
    • nocalifornia
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:00pm

      The problem is there are politicians who would deny someones liberties in order to get money and votes from the gay community. You are not the norm when it comes to the right of someone to disagree with the gay lifestyle, if anyone dares to state their opinion against this lifestyle they are called the most vial names in the book and the liberal press and socialist politicians try and do what this jack wagon did and try to destroy his business (and the much needed jobs that would come with that business).

      Report Post » nocalifornia  
    • Bum thrower
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:01pm

      Good to have you here; I’m a Texan by birth…..

      A good friend of mine once said; “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.”

      Report Post »  
    • right
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:24pm

      Welcome, glad to read your comments. It’s always good to hear another opinion. And to the name callers, back off and grow up. I mean that for those on both sides of an issue. Let’s act like the adults that we are.

      Report Post »  
    • RobertinTX
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:27pm

      While I don’t support gay marriage, I do believe that if gays or heterosexual couples are in a committed relationship they should have many privileges that have been denied over time like hospital visitations, adoption and ability to purchase assets and insurance as a couple. I also do believe that this country has moved into a new plane of “not valuing free speech”, much of this led by liberal groups such as gay rights activists, la Raza, and many race oriented groups. These groups exist for money reasons only, they are jobs for the so-called leaders. These “leaders” must forment trouble to justify their existence. Their actions have little to do with “rights” of those they say they represent. We all must stand against bigoted comments and authoritarian rule as demonstrated by the Boston Mayor. Only then will we truly be free.

      Report Post »  
    • svan71
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:27pm

      Im sorry other than redefining marriage, what exactly is a homosexual right vs a heterosexual right?

      Report Post » svan71  
    • formerdemdummy
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:37pm

      As long as your posts are truthful and you don’t call us names, I say you are welcome here. I for one always want to hear the other side of every issue., My problem with typical liberals is that they are usually upset and their facts are ALWAYS wrong. You sir are a breath of fresh air and again I welcome you!!!

      BTW I don’t know any conservativet that is against gay rights. We all believe that the laws should apply to everyone equally. This whole argument is about symantics. The word marraige has meant a union between a man and a woman for hundreds of years and we simply don’t want to change the meaning of the word. We believe you should have ALL the rights and privleges of a married couple with a civil union. My question to you is. Why is it so darned important to take a word that means so much to us and change the meaning, especially when it will afford you nothing but the word? And because we want to keep the word as it has been we are called haters? Please explain that to me, I would very much like to understand.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:41pm

      @ TEXAN…welcome and we apologize for the name calling. Unfortunately it happens to me when I go to the HP. I don’t large groups by the actions of some though. All opinions and comments are welcome as well as lively but courteous debate. BTW I agree with what you stated including the statement regarding Muslims. Good day…

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Grey Eagle
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:54pm

      The Boston Mayor also went on Facebook and trashed Chick-Fil-A too. I expect his lawyer warned him to back off. The Chicago Mayor needs to back off too. Chick-Fil-A treats every customer with respect. I have been a customer for over 20 years and nothing these Mayors say or the Henson corporation says will change my mind.

      Report Post »  
    • mopman64
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 7:16pm

      @Texan, yours is the best post I have read anywhere today. Good for you for being honest.

      Report Post »  
    • Al Gator
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 7:27pm

      “The Founder of Chick-fil-A has that right, the same way that I have the right to tell someone that they should not be fearful of the Gay community.”

      I don’t wear my lifestyle on my sleeve. But my lifestyle (don’t ask about it, I won’t tell you) has been very tolerant of the Queer Nation (I can use that term, I have the right.) for many, many years. Live and let live.

      But things have changed now, and I am steady becoming antagonistic to the nation and ALL its proponents. Trying to jam your lifestyle on others through thuggery is a sure way to create hatred and bigotry against you where none existed originally. “Nothing to fear” from the Gay Community?” What a joke, what a laugh. Tell that to the BSA, who have had a SUPREME COURT DECISION that they can choose with whom they wish to associate. That wasn’t GOOD ENOUGH for the “GAY COMMUNITY” who has made it their mission in life to destroy that venerable institution. NOTHING TO FEAR? Really?

      Tell that to CFA. Or the people who had their PERSONAL INFORMATION, ADDRESSES, NAMES OF THEIR CHILDREN outed by the Queer Nation when those people supported Prop 8 in CA.

      Yes, people have A LOT TO FEAR from you now. Once I was your friend, now, you have taught me that I cannot be your friend, because by your stubborn, intolerant, hateful, bigoted, HETEROPHOBIC
      actions, YOU MADE ME an enemy.

      Report Post » Al Gator  
    • lookatthefactsjack
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:21pm

      this is such BS. This isn’t about gay marriage or anything like that, the mayor said that any business owner that had a derogatory opinion of any citizen in their district, then he would oppose their business ….. What about company owners that feel pedophiles are wrong in their lifestyle? should they be banned too? I could go on, but the whole thing sickens me. What an abuse of power

      Report Post » lookatthefactsjack  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:44pm

      One of the pillars of this nation’s creed is the right to pursuit happiness, why are the good Christians and christian organizations like the Boy Scouts and CFA opposed to that? Another pillar is freedom of religion, Americans have the right to either accept or reject any and all religions, why do Christians insist that the laws of a secular nation conform to their Bronze Age superstitions? Why do Christians hate America?

      Report Post »  
    • DLV
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:09pm

      Enicom congrats on reaching a new level of idiocy nevermind you were already there…

      Report Post » DLV  
    • Al Gator
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:14pm

      @encinom

      So, in your world, everyone MUST agree with your perverse lifestyle or be branded a bigot?

      Hey Clown, whatever happened to “live and let live?” Yo fool, if I don’t AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOUR STUPID LIFESTYLE demands, then I’M INTOLERANT?

      Like I said in a previous post, YOU CREATED AN ENEMY, WHERE THERE WAS NONE BEFORE.

      Deal with that, A##hole.

      Report Post » Al Gator  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:26pm

      @Encinom

      “One of the pillars of this nation’s creed is the right to pursuit happiness, why are the good Christians and christian organizations like the Boy Scouts and CFA opposed to that?”

      Chick Fil-a is equally entitled to open a restaurant where they want and bring happiness to those who eat there. Why would this mayor be opposed to that? This is a freedom of speech issue, plain and simple.

      You leftists seriously need to get some new material. You’ve become incredibly boring.

      Report Post »  
    • abwehragent
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:43pm

      I may not agree with your politics, my friend. However, it appears we both have the maturity to ‘agree to disagree without being disagreeable about it.’ That is so refreshing in the divisive climate our nation is suffering today.

      Report Post » abwehragent  
    • no_more_harkin
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:45pm

      Al Gator – well said, sir. Encinom is the the mindset I see far, far too often. Freedom of association means nothing to these people, because they are so embroiled in their ideology. If homosexuals want to start their own “Boy Scouts” let them, more power to them. But they don’t. They want to tear down any freedom they don’t agree with, and they’re only argument is “it’s hate”. I’ve learned much in the last 6 years: Liberals are intollerant. They do not want freedom, they want everyone to see things their way only. If you don’t, they’ll label you with the most vitriolic insults this side of Howard Stern.
      It was never about accepting the ‘gay community’, it was about prefered treatment, and forcing people to, not tollerate, not accept, but embrace their lifestyle.
      I’ll be hitting the local CFA on August 1st and encouraging everyone I know to do so. Idiotic Mayors be damned.

      Report Post »  
    • scootervanneuter
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:57pm

      Extremely well said, especially for a gay liberal
      (sorry, couldn’t resist!)

      Report Post » scootervanneuter  
    • kekrystek
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 10:04pm

      Mayor of Boston is out of line. Should be voted out of office. Chick-fil-stand is their 1st amendment right

      Report Post »  
    • dirtydog1776
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 10:11pm

      Watch it……your remarks indicate you could be a closet Libertarian with your views on tolerance and limited government.

      Report Post » dirtydog1776  
    • Mimi24
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:01pm

      Sounds fair to me. We should all be so open minded.

      Report Post »  
    • TMP
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:39pm

      @FormerDemDummy…

      Although I am not gay, and I don’t agree with the choice to be gay (I am not one to buy into this “I was born gay” crap…it’s a choice…period), I would have to ask you the same question: why is it so important to cling to a word? Part of the reason the militant gays are so determined to take the word from us is because it *is* important to us. If we shrug and say ‘have at it’ then they have to STFU and find something else to bitch about – and, believe me, they will, because for that particular loud-mouthed group of ********, it isn’t really about being gay…it’s about destroying traditional values.

      I have gay friends and they are nothing like these people. They are quiet, don‘t shove their sexual choices in anyone’s face, and all they want is to have the same rights, as a couple, that a hetero couple has. In other words, they are good people…the ones bitching so loud, are not. Personally, I think “marriage” should not be a legal issue, but a religious one, and if they join the “Church of Butt Reamers” then they can be married there. But other churches should not be forced to participate. But the government doesn‘t want that because they can use this issue to divide us and screw us ten ways from Sunday while we’re running around arguing about this BS.

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:41pm

      Note to Mayor “No excrement, Sherlock”!

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 12:03am

      Enicnom – Hate filled display???? Did you even bother to read the article? Did you look at the PDF embedded in the article — the one with the seal of the City of Boston on it?? Did you happen to notice whose signature was on it???

      Not only did Menino clearly state that CFA was not welcomed in Boston (although I have seen him referred to on other boards as “Mumbles”) but he wrote it on City letterhead. His Corporation Counsels or City Attorneys must have been apoplectic!!!! Talk about signed, sealed and delivered. Any lawyer will tell you it couldn’t get much better than that! That was a slam dunk and the attorneys knew it. Major litigation here and major settlement. People have gone to jail for less.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • stumpy68
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 12:11am

      Get government out of the marriage
      business, have cohabitation agreements for any 2 or more people
      who share a home and anyone who wants to be married can then go to
      their religious leader for a marriage ceremony.
      If Government
      doesn’t want church interfering in matters of state why is government
      interfering in a religious institution like marriage??

      Report Post » stumpy68  
    • wntsmallgov
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 1:19am

      Texan, . I for one would like to see an even more Seperation of Church and State by the State going to a Civil Union for all and then if a Church wants to bless the union by marriage vows it is up to the church, Until the Liberals decide to be 100% for Seperation of Church and State then I will stand against it, just because it is a double standard the liberals hold.

      For the record I do have family members that are gay.

      Report Post » wntsmallgov  
    • williaml
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 1:19am

      I would like to know, why do gays groups attack christians and not muslims.
      Muslims ARE anti-gay. just sayin’

      Report Post »  
    • HumbleMan
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 7:57am

      You make a good point. I’m glad your here.

      I have an honest question concerning Islam and the gay community. Why is there so little outrage toward the Muslim Brotherhood and companies or organizations which support it? Does their declared intent to exterminate homosexuals not “count”?

      Report Post » HumbleMan  
    • Steve28
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 9:57am

      An honest opinion appreciated. I think most conservatives have no big problem with civil unions, but do with marraige of same sex people as they see marriage as a vow before God versus some secular act. At it’s base marraiage is formed for procreation.

      Report Post »  
    • ERP
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 10:02am

      “As a liberal who supports Gay Rights”

      The Gay have the right to free speech, the right to vote, the right to bear arms, the right to work, the right to swim, the right to own their own business….you get the picture.

      What are they still fighting for, marriage? Where in the U.S. Constitution is marriage mentioned?

      Marriage is and always will be One Man and One Woman, period. The only reason The Gay want “marriage” is for the benefits. Guess what? Civil Unions solved that problem. I personally think there should be no extra benefits given by the government for real married couples but that’s a fight for another day.

      The Gay have all the rights under the United States Constitution. However, they do not have the right to redefine the term “marriage”. They already did that with the term “gay”.

      Report Post » ERP  
    • ERP
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 10:05am

      @svan71

      Exactly my sentiment.

      Report Post » ERP  
    • ERP
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 10:06am

      @Texanbyluck

      ” I made an agreement with a good friend that I‘d get news here for a month if she’d get news on Huffington Post for a month”

      You obviously got the better end of the agreement.

      Report Post » ERP  
    • ERP
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 10:08am

      @Al Gator

      Dan Savage….enough said.

      Report Post » ERP  
    • ERP
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 10:10am

      @williaml

      Easy to answer you’re question. They don’t go after groups that have the capability and the will power to kidnap and behead you.

      Report Post » ERP  
    • ERP
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 10:55am

      @encinom

      See, this is how much of a fraud you are. You post you’re dribble but when anyone challenges it, you are no where to be found. Like I said to you before in another story, YOU ARE A COWARD.

      As much as I can not agree with or stand @JZS, at least he has the guts to stand up and stand by his comments.

      Report Post » ERP  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 11:16am

      TexanbyLuck

      Welcome. I appreciate your input. I hope that you find value in participating.

      I believe marriage is a religious rite between a man and a woman. I fully support civil unions that are not connected to religion. I know many Protestant faiths now offer same sex couples a religious ceremony. I beleive that ceremony should be civil only.

      You will find support, an effort to understand and, unfortunately, some very strong language.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 11:50am

      Texasbyluck, Welcome as you can see there are liberals that bring something to the table

      and then…

      *sigh*

      There is Encinom….

      I have no problem with a liberal stating their view, I only have a problem when they state their view while backing it up by calling mine moot.

      So in short… Welcome to the Jungle.
      (We’ve got fun and games!)

      Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • rexyloveslilly
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 4:35pm

      The bad news for Gays: The impostor Obama gave his support to Gays, “only” to get their MONEY and VOTES. The MUSLIM Obama and The Islamic Brotherhood, secretly, are planning to turn USA in an ISLAMIC Country. Under Islamic Law, all Gays will disappear (assassinated) as happen in other Islamic Countries. Obama is a great manipulator with the same Charisma that Hitler had, to control the masses. LIES is Obama expertise. Unfortunately, there are many ingenious people in this country, that buys his lies and false promises.

      Report Post »  
    • dodgedart1966
      Posted on July 28, 2012 at 8:06pm

      At the end of the month, when you see the error of your ways(liberal thinking), you will be welcomed to the ‘right’ side

      Report Post »  
  • jungle J
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:48pm

    boston is full of …they don’t eat chiken…they eat….

    Report Post »  
  • ThePostman
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:41pm

    It does not surprise me that liberals are willing to kill jobs that their constituents could have had otherwise. Liberal mayors running jobs out of their OWN towns. That’s the kind of hope and change our president is talking about! I hope Chick Fil A stays away from those cities.

    Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:03pm

      GOOD GRIEF!! WHO KNEW??? I thought Liberals were the most open/all encompassing/open-minded/generous people around… that was when I was 11. Now I know that they are COWARDS/LOSERS/MEAN-SPIRITED/CHEATERS/CHEAP/SELFISH/CHILDISH. I hate that some Republicans (like McCain) have mimicked them. I am a PATRIOT. The only people invited into my home are PATRIOTS. We all give of our money, our time, our effort to help in any way we can for our beloved country.
      AFTER 9/11 people either REALIZED how PRECIOUS AMERICA was or they just got more greedy.
      People like those silly women on the VIEW (Except for Elizabeth) will have lived this life, but what have they done for their country besides try to ruin it? PRAYERS FOR GLENN ET AL (and I mean ALL of the people, his crew, workers, visitors and volunteers. Put on THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD ! Start with GOD, End with GOD. Keep GOD in the Middle! Have a safe, meaningful, smashing success!!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • Quiata
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 7:42pm

      It’s funny where the mayors of Boston –and now Mayor Rahm of Chicago who joins him in this idiotic mess– choose to draw their lines in the sand. They both pledge to ban Chick-Fil-A from their fiefdoms, but surely these mayors allow the adult “bookstores”, topless bars, and other corrupt and smut-ridden establishments places to thrive. Weird.

      But to allow their own vassals — oops, citizens — the option of patronizing a thriving fast-food chain which happens to honor traditional marriage? It’s about denying citizens their right to vote with their own dollars…

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 12:13am

      Oh, but Quiata, there are moments that we treasure and this is one of them. Mayor Menino wrote a letter regarding this on City stationery with the Seal of the City of Boston on it. The attorneys for the City probably all had near catatonic strokes when they saw that. Talk about handing the prosecution team (that would be CFA) a victory on a silver platter. We’re not just talking local law breaking, we’re talking Federal anti-discrimination regulations.

      And as for Chicago, well, I would hope that Rahm Emanuel has more sense than to do something boneheaded like Mayor Menino. But, hey, one never knows. He may very well kick it up a notch. And it remains to be seen what the group out in California does.

      Stay tuned for the next exciting episode.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • lylejk
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:39pm

    Not my call, but I would still deny the folks of Boston a Chick-fil-A. They don’t deserve it. :)

    Report Post » lylejk  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:57pm

      Keep the bigots chicken in the bible belt, there is no need to pollute the rest of the nation with this religious poison.

      Report Post »  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:10pm

      @ENCINOM- Go fish….

      Why don’t you “tolerant” Libs open up your own chain? Tofu-R-Us or Lesbi-Friends serving raw fish or Tube-Steak-Heaven serving footlongs for the Gays?

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • checkmate0831
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:15pm

      @encinom – You’re a bigot for calling someone else a bigot about their right to free speech. Logic says you can‘t be tolerant of people until it doesn’t fit what you like.

      Report Post »  
    • mensa141
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:29pm

      Encinom is a waste of fingers hitting keys.

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:41pm

      @checkmate0831, The CEO of CFA can spew his bible based bigotry all day long, I am well within my rights to point at him and others and call them out for their displays of hate.

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:44pm

      Encinom – You Marxists have no room to call anybody else hateful when you’re hateful against Christians and capitalists.

      Report Post »  
    • lylejk
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:44pm

      The guy’s an obviously paid Obama guy so why entertain the guy with a rebuttle. There‘s a lot of government paid annihilators here at the Blaze and it’s easy enough to see who they are. Appreciate the defense though. Did my weekly visit to my favorite Chick-fil-A earlier today and if I could afford to, I would eat there much more often. Take care folks and God bless the Cathys. :)

      Report Post » lylejk  
  • Midwest Blonde
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:37pm

    The owners of Chick-fil-A are Christian, family oriented business. They chose their doors on Sundays. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with saying they are FOR family values and gay marriage isn’t in their definition of “family values”. I‘m sure they don’t discriminate against gay couples who choose to eat their chicken. They don’t ask what your sexual orientation is when you place your order. There IS no discrimination. All that was done was an expression of beliefs and an opinion.

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
    • williaml
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 1:27am

      I wonder, if Chic-fil-A were a muslim business, would the **** community react the same way

      Report Post »  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:34pm

    If you have not seen it, RUN to see Scott Browns ad “Let America Be America Again”. This how to WIN.

    Report Post »  
  • westtitus
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:34pm

    He showed his true colors when he responded the first time, why the change all of a sudden? What a total idiot, I can’t believe he ever even got into office. Apolgy not accepted because they did nothing wrong in the first place you sack of dung.

    Report Post » westtitus  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:32pm

    Uh, does Whoopi dress herself? Are there no mirrors in her house?

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • donh2
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:35pm

      DAT’S SO RACIST for da Whoopie to tie up her cotton ball hair with pink pickaninny ribbons, put on her granny mammy shawl, and pound the table for some plate full of Fried Chicken ! She never miss a chance to play the race card yet she’s willing to act out the most backward stereotypes of the black people.

      Report Post »  
  • therealstory
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:32pm

    The Mayor of Boston and Chicago are fools! I will no go or send business to eather one of these places from now on. Boycott the cities that have mayors who set policy such as this! Sorry for the people but they need to throw these guys out of office ASAP!

    Report Post » therealstory  
  • BillJ4321
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:28pm

    “If even a gay man and a gay marriage supporter, albeit one with Republican sympathies, can‘t quite see the point of Menino’s act…”

    Wow. Even a GAY MAN can see it. Even a GAY MAN. I had no idea they were supposed to be blind or incapable of critical thinking.

    Wow. Even a GAY MAN can see it.

    And with that, Mytheos Holt, you reveal your own bias here making it difficult to take seriously all the words that came before an ugly statement such as that, and all those that are likely to come after it.

    Heck, even a GAY MAN can see THAT.

    Report Post »  
    • ThePostman
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:38pm

      I take it you are gay?

      Report Post »  
    • Chutz30
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:18pm

      Wow, way to be thin skinned and totally misread the statement. It is the comparison of the Mayor “protecting” the gay community and the gay blogger seeing it as less than protection. Thanks for that knee jerk reaction .

      Report Post »  
  • Not going to take it anymore
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:25pm

    First, the mayor needs to read what he signs. Whoever wrote this letter needs to take an English class. Secondly, RELIGIOUS BELIEF IS A FREEDOM. Lastly, Do onto others as you would have them do to you…It is obvious that there is hatred in your heart. Would you like a mirror.

    Report Post »  
  • rpa1121
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:24pm

    Sounds like some little mayor got himself a scolding and now is trying to save face…

    Report Post »  
  • OniKaze
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:23pm

    Boston, and Chicago… Two Places that I will go out of my way to NEVER go to… Towns that elect morons deserve the problems the morons bring..

    I get my Chicken sandwich somewhere else..

    I think in 50 years (if the debate on gay’s marrying is settled by then) we will all be able to look back, and realize that the argument about gay’s getting married had little to nothing to do with a delicious chicken sandwich…

    Report Post » OniKaze  
    • Al Gator
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 7:55pm

      Uh, Yeah,

      A christian who DOES NOT discriminate in hiring or serving queers is to be TRASHED just because he believes in traditional marriage.

      Hey Rhom, you bozo, how does that square with Calipso Loui, who HATES queers, discriminates against them at all turns and thinks they should all be relieved of their lives?

      CFA can’t go to your shining city in a sewer, but Calipso Loui and his pathetic, hate mongering nation of izslum can, and open their restaurant that was closed for all kinds of reasons?

      This isn’t even a bad joke, its criminal.

      Report Post » Al Gator  
  • TESLA
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:23pm

    Guess the mayor was just barely smart enough to realize that he wouldn’t be able to prevent the president of Chic Fil A from being open about his Bi-Christianity! : )

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:21pm

    I Am THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ.

    Oh, wait…don’t look..er…ignore the man behind the curtain.

    I guess Rahm and Tweedledee put on a great show, and it will be interesting on how many “Health Inspections” Chick Fil A will fail in the city of Chicago and Boston, if they build franchises there.

    Just because we think we won a battle, doesn’t mean we won the war.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:34pm

      WAYNER..once you get outside Joberg or Cape Town it’s the wild west in South Africa. It’s just as lawless as your Somalias, Chads and Congos. Mandela improved nothing for them.

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:49pm

      DARMOK AND JALAD AT TANAGRA, When this crap hit the fan I pulled up Mapquest looking for Chick-Fil-A in Boston. There are none, but there are two a short distance north of the Boston city limit. I do wonder if the Cathy family will attempt to open any there. From the looks of the map, they may have already run into problems with the city of Boston.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:40pm

      @RJJinGadsden
      Well, in the northeast, I guess a Chick Fil A with good wholesome values won’t sell, but if they were to start a gay themed “Barney’s Hot Dog”, with a surprise toy in Barneys pants contest. I bet Bostonians would stampede the place. In one of my buisness classes, Chick Fil A was one of the case studies and showed why it is such a successful buisness model.

      Maybe if he just took the govt bailout, everything would be OK. (ha).

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • Ghengas
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:21pm

    Is bigotry a lifestyle choice or were we born that way? Wheres our
    rights?

    Report Post »  
  • SocialistSlayer
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:21pm

    Freedom is under attack from every angle. The left wants to be free to do as they please but anyone with different views they will not tolerate. Give me Liberty or give me Death ! We will take our country back you Commies!

    Report Post » SocialistSlayer  
    • rafa2design
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:36pm

      I’m with you. I will do everything I can to fight and inform people. I don‘t want to see our country fall as long as I’m alive… but I’m also wondering if this is all the beginning of the end. The U.S.A isn’t mentioned anywhere in biblical prophecy. I believe one of two things will happen. Either we will destroy and cause the republic to fall, or we’ll be taken over.

      Report Post » rafa2design  
  • kaydeebeau
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:20pm

    Apparently the Mayor also didn’t actualy read or listen to any of the actual interviews Mr. Cathey participated in either (as least based upon his letter to Chick-Fil-A)

    Here’s another thought – The owners of Chick-Fil-A didn’t invent the definition of marriage, they just follow the One who did……

    Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:56pm

      And who would the inventor be? Since cultures around the world have defined for themselves the relationships between adults. Christians, especially the American Taliban Christians are binding themselves to bronze age myths, yet the Constitution clearly blocks these backward thinkers from forcing their ancient superstitions on the rest of the population.

      Also, in this ancient book of myths, rape is a form a engagement, provided that you pay off the farther, or being forced to marry your brother’s widow. Actually, we have redefined marriage since the ink dried in the bible.

      Report Post »  
    • DLV
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:20pm

      Enicom can you please go back into your hole, you’re making me sick trolling on here with so many false statements. You’re a lie machine.

      Report Post » DLV  
  • woodyl1011fl
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:18pm

    He raised the threat in the first place because he is a democrat that is the moral and intellectual character of the democrats, the party. is a totalitarian party, tyrannical to it its core. Fascist in its political operation, and expressions, violence, hatred, intimidation, harassment are part of the party’s SOP. In our time it has become a Fascist Marxist lawless revolutionary party. Every democrat senator is a lawless individual, hater of liberty, freedom and the constitution and the founders vision but you can expect nothing more or less from these people who are without honor, integrity or devotion to a free society.

    Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:29pm

      He’s a typical liberal…reactionary, shrill, autocratic, arbitrary. Look at Bloomberg…tells every policeman in the country to go on strike mere hours after the Aurora shooting then the next day after being repeatedly told what an idiot he is..he walks it back saying he didn’t say to go on strike..yes..he did say it by the way.
      Similarly…liberals have been trained now to coddle homosexuals. Homosexuality is seen as noble and a paramount state of mind by liberals today. I dare say..the day is coming when liberals will openly say that homosexuals are better than heterosexuals. You see..liberals don’t see a person for their character..they see the person through secondary prisms..race, sexual orientation, political ideology, where in the country they live..etc. And liberals are being told to coddle homosexuals and will always react defensively, reflexively and arbitrarily to any sentiment outside the liberal point of view of homosexuality. Compound this with the liberal penchant to be cruel, arbitrary and reactionary and you have dolts like Menino.

      Report Post »  
  • VoteRightDammit
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:14pm

    “but as mayor of the city of Boston, you can’t run and hide, and I’ll always protect people’s rights,” Menino said.”

    UNLESS IT’S A CHRISTIAN.

    Report Post » VoteRightDammit  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:12pm

    these nazi mayors in chicago and boston and elsewhere…are learning the hardway that just because they were elected mayor they can do squat about chic fil a or any other buisness from opening up shop..lol we the people are in control not the wee lil dicktaters occupying a seat at city hall….and doesnt whoopie look like she smells of nicotine and cheap wine?

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
    • Winedude
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:24pm

      What the hell is the matter with you? You open with calling the mayors Nazis because you disagree with their policies and finish with calling Whoopi smelling of nicotine & wine. Rational thought and fear can not coexist, one rises at the expense of the other. You are certainly proving this maxim to be true. And don’t forget, courtesy of Samuel Johnson: “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” If the shoe fits…

      Report Post »  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 6:09pm

      Pretty ignorant not to be able to distinguish the difference in a person’s lifestyle and the “idea of gay marriage” being two entirely different things. Never have I personally been anywhere in any eating establishment and been asked what my sexual preference was before being served. Or if I believed in gay marriage. Usually a business is about good service and good food for the patron and profit for the establishment. How is it you deduct that Whoopie smells like cigarettes and cheap wine? Another ignorant remark.from the grand stand. Her costume was different but thats show business and there is no business like show business I know. My gosh I do not believe in gay marriage myself but having good friends no matter who they are is just the greatest.

      Report Post »  
  • normalmom
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:12pm

    These peoples reaction is so childish. He has his views, I have mine you have yours, ect. These liberal force your opinion on everyone or you are a bad person attitude is getting real old. If you disagree SO THE HECK WHAT. If you want people to be tolerant of you and what you like than be tolerant of theirs.

    Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:59pm

      Just don;t call yourself a patriot if you are not willing to give all Americans equal protection under the law. The bible is not a law book, keep the bronze age myths out of government.

      Report Post »  
    • Quiata
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:04pm

      @ENICNOM —> “Just don;t call yourself a patriot if you are not willing to give all Americans equal protection under the law.”

      Whatever happened to the right to CHOOSE? (Never mind the freedom to associate…)

      These mayors are limiting the rights of ordinary citizens to make their own daily decisions. That’s at the heart of what freedom IS, buddy, and they’re out to trample that.

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:47pm

      The problem is Christian have demanded that their religious views be the basis of the laws of a secular nation. Keep your bronze age myths in your churches and out of government.

      Report Post »  
    • Quiata
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:58pm

      @ENCINOM The ball goes back to you, Enciwenci. This has nothing to do with any particular belief system; the point went right over your wee head. Dictatorial mayors are setting a dangerous precedent. Assuming you even have two brain cells connected, you should be very concerned.

      Report Post »  
    • Al Gator
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:31pm

      Hey Encinom,

      You CANNOT BE as stupid as your posts make you out to be. I think maybe you are a mudslime. Because if you are NOT, you have to know that they will make short work of you if they get control.

      Come clean, let us know if you are just a stupid Stalinist or if you are a for real mudslime.

      I am a dedicated enemy of the mudslime. I am a lifelong enemy of the communist. I know which is which.

      Be honest, meet me face to face.

      Good night

      Al Gator

      Report Post » Al Gator  
    • The0bserver
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 10:51pm

      Encicom, I don’t have to be a Christian to think that your “lifestyle” is disgusting. In fact, I don’t have to be religious at all. I can just appeal to Natural Law. Your so-called lifestyle does nothing for society or government. It is a deadend. Were everyone to convert to it, it would be the end of **** sapiens.

      Report Post »  
    • The0bserver
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 10:52pm

      “If you want people to be tolerant of you and what you like than be tolerant of theirs.”
      There is no virtue in tolerating a vice.

      Report Post »  
    • jvlag3
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 6:52am

      @encinom actually it was God that defined marriage…it’s been that way for over 2000 years. This country was founded on Christian principles …sorry you can’t seem to understand that.

      The pilgrims came to this country in order to practice their religion w/o being hunted down by the government. If it wasn’t important the first amendment to the constitution of this country would not have included the mention of religion. The only reason the country is going secular…is that stupid people like you don’t want to be responsible for your soul…you think that if you deny God you can live and party as you want…

      As always if you want to live an unmoral lifestyle, live an unmoral lifestyle…no one needs to know it. Along that same not keep your intolerance to yourself…

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:09pm

    Mayor mumble mouth sticking his fat head where it doesn’t belong,hey mumbles you don‘t need to kill jobs Barry’s doing a great job all on his own in that department.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:08pm

    So tax revenue and jobs trumps the coddling of homosexuals now for Menino? Much better…

    Report Post »  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:06pm

    and the crowd goes wild……

    Report Post »  
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