To hate or not to hate, that is the abomination.
The recent uproar over the “hiatus” imposed on family
patriarch, Phil Robertson deserves at least a mention on everyone’s blog. Here
is mine.
At the beginning let me say that I have never seen an
episode of Duck Dynasty. Let me also say that I am not now, nor have ever been
a member of the homosexual community. That, at the least qualifies mine as an
unbiased opinion.
I would think from what I have read, and what I understand
about the show, that Ducky Dynasty without him would be akin to Honey Boo Boo
without the Honey, Pawn Stars without the Old Man, Survivor without Jeff
Probst, Lizard Lick without Bobby, or American Pickers without one or the
other. You get my drift?
It is important to note that this administrative action by
A&E Network got its legs from a question answered by Mr. Robertson, 67
during an interview by GQ magazine. He didn’t call a press conference and begin
bashing gays or blacks or anything.
Robertson was asked what he thought was sinful. His reply,
"Start with homosexuality
and morph out from there.
Bestiality, sleeping around
with this woman
and that woman
and that woman
and those men."
In a statement bent on distancing the network from the opinionated reality star, A&E said,
"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."
That should have sufficed to circumvent the certain onslaught of those who would proclaim wounds and torment at the hands...er vocal chords of Robertson. But no!
In point of act, most television shows have a visible
disclosure after all shows, which conveys that the remarks made by those on the
show do not necessarily reflect the feelings of the network and or its
holdings.
Robertson also mentioned that he never witnessed slaves
bad-mouthing Caucasians when he was picking cotton with them.
The Constitution of the United States has something to weigh
in with on the subject:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
- First Amendment to the Constitution
Funny thing, freedom of speech. It sounds great in theory
but apparently is worthless in reality. A&E just robbed Mr. Robertson of
the protection of 3/5 of the First Amendment. He was stating his religious
views, as well as exercising them. He was expressing free speech, to the press.
Former Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin and Louisiana Governor
Bobby Jindal quickly rose to the defense of Robertson. Politically I don’t care
for either of the two which further distances me from any modicum of bias here.
Let us get right to the heart of the matter. It isn’t about
homosexuals, blacks, beasts or religion. It is all about money. That is correct
sir, the filthy lucre. This is not a
run-of-the-mill reality show here, in its fourth season premiere in August drew 12 million viewers to become the No. 1 nonfiction series telecast in cable history.
As an aside, A&E is owned by Disney-ABC Television and Hearst Corporation. Disney's empire has been a staunch supporter of the gay community, even hosting 'Gay Days' at Walt Disney World.
I see it as nothing more than a pre-emptive strike aimed at the homosexual community and the sponsors of Duck Dynasty, to stave off a boycott. What they didn't anticipate was the outpouring of support for God and the lovers of free speech and the Constitution. As long as they preclude Robertson from filming with the rest of the family, they will see diminishing returns. On another front, homosexuality is alive and well on mainstream TV. It is no more frowned upon that having red hair or being over 40.
You may be a homosexual, have a relative or close friends who are homosexual. Good on ya! I mean that. That is your choice and I applaud you for making it. Because I don't carry a sandwich sign around deploring gays and or lesbians, does not mean I condone it or accept it. I live with it peacefully. It is a personal decision and those who make it are are forced to deal with it in the end. Alone.
Back to the issue at hand. Should Robertson be muted or fired? Of course not. A&E needs to wise up quickly. Duck Dynasty, the people not the show, have already made it, and they will continue to make it with or without the network.
I must say it or bust. Satan is alive and doing well. He continues to walk to and fro in the earth seeking whom he may destroy.
