Story and Photos By Tom Lemons
RealNewsRealFast.com correspondent
After controversial statements made by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, regarding Chick-fil-A and its opinion of what represents marriage and family, public outcry began to pour in from both sides of the issue.
Today, Chic-fil-A was unofficially named “National Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” by former AR. Gov. Mike Huckabee, who called for American’s to show their support by purchasing meals at their local Chick-fil-A restaurant.
I stopped by the Brooksville location at 13143 Cortez Blvd. and spoke with several residents regarding today’s event. Cathy Mara, a Spring Hill resident said “what people don’t know is that Chick-fil-A owners are big supporters in the community, especially with Big Brothers and Big Sisters”. She went on to say that “their values are in line with mine”. Walter Kozak said “Politicians are trying to dictate which private businesses can operate” and one patron shouted out “Chicago’s got enough blood on its hands to be worried about this issue!”
Bernie Paradise had this to offer regarding Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno’s statement, calling for a boycott of Chick-fil-A, “Alderman Moreno offered a tax incentive for a proposed Mosque to be constructed in Chicago, Islamic law strictly prohibits homosexuality and it’s an offense punishable by death in some countries; so why aren’t denouncing them?”
John Mitten, owner of the Spring Hill location, declined to comment on the controversy, but he did provide a written statement from their corporate headquarters; it says in part “The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity, and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation, or gender…” it went on to say, “…our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.”
I walked across the street to Starbucks, to see if I could find those who opposed Chick-fil-A’s views and opinions. One woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said “I don’t know much about it, but I’m sick of these religious people trying to push their three thousand year old beliefs on us”. Kevin Gemthner had this to say “I believe they have a right to voice their beliefs as long as they don’t discriminate… I also believe people have a right to boycott them as well.” GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamations, held their own event in opposition of Chic-fil-A’s stance, by calling for supporters to donate $6.50, the average value of a Chick-fil-A meal, to their organization. GLAAD is calling for people to “Skip the sandwich, support equality”.