Soap Box: Phil of Duck Dynasty

There has been controversy over a TV show called Duck Dynasty.  I don't watch it although I think Todd and I might enjoy it if we did.  We don't watch a lot of TV.  But I wanted to state my two cents.  For two reasons, one of them being so that when my children are faced with similar problems they know where I stood and what I believe.  And two, I think that to often christian conservatives wish the fight to just go away.  We want to be tolerant and loving.  We are not out looking to fight.  And because of that, we have been bulldozed by those who are vocal but who are few.  It's time to politely stand up and say enough is enough!

You can look up the articles I'm sure.  But the shortened condensed version is that the actor said some remarks about gays.  And now A&E network has banned him from the show.  The official statement on that from the family is "We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E's decision. 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.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family."

I have two arguments.  First off, A&E is a private business.  It is not run by the government.  They have the right to stand up and say we don't agree with your anti gay statements or beliefs so we are going to suspend you. It needs to go both ways though people.  The one thing that bugs me more than anything else is the hypocrisy.  It's great that A&E has suspend the anti gay actor.  But when the local flower shop said we would like to respectfully not do the flowers for your gay wedding there was a lawsuit from the state.  They did not say you couldn't shop here.  Just that we do not want to support your wedding.  It's a private business.  Hobby lobby should have the right to do business the way they believe.  A&E should get the same shake.  When I have an opinion, I stick to it with both sides.  I do not want to take A&E's right away.  I say to A&E if you really believe that way--stick to it.  Don't be bullied into and then slack off because of the money.  Do it for principle.
BUT I want to also say I think it's hypocritical from the gay activist.  We are preached to about being more tolerant.  But tolerance is only a one way street right now.  There is no tolerance for those who are old fashioned.  Anyone who still believes in bible based values: there is no tolerance for those who want to speak out about those values.  We have a freedom of speech until we give it up.  I WILL NOT GIVE IT UP WITHOUT A FIGHT.  And there is a war going on to suppress Christian, bible based, conservatives.  I will fight for your right to play R rated movies on the TV.  I got rid of my TV, atleast for now. You are free to state how backwards you think Phil is for saying that sodomy is sinful, but shouldn't he be free to express his opinion as well?  He was crude, but Phil was not hateful.  He was not vindictive.  He was not violent.  And He wasn't being a bully either.  Read his statements.  Look at how he treats people.  If he was treating people badly or being violent, bullying, or the such--then it's a different conversation.  But he wasn't, he isn't, and he has a right to state his beliefs just like everyone else.  Even if those beliefs seem to be outdated.

To this point I haven't stated how I believe on the subject of gays--but I say it now.  I agree with him.  I think it's sinful.  Having said that, we had a lesbian couple as next door neighbors. We were polite and friendly.  We gave them gas money when they needed it.  We offered a cup of sugar, and we borrowed salt.  We tried to be good neighbors and treat them with the respect that as a human being they deserved.  However, their smoke made me sick.  And it annoyed me when it came in my house.  I was glad they moved out not because of their sexual preferences but because of normal neighborly things like their smoke and a water issue.  But we tried to be good neighbors.