[Dove]

First off, I'm just going to say that I have NO problem with the LGBT community. I think some of the most wonderful people are gay/lesbian/bi/etc.

But what really grinds my gears is when people who don't exactly agree with that life style get unneeded amounts of hate for simply stating their opinion. Yes, his first amendment right was violated. It is purely unconstitutional for a citizen of the US to lose their job/get suspended because they answered an interview question in full honesty. Reverse the situation: What if it was a gay man who was "bashing" the straight population? How angry would people be then? Not near as much as they are about Mr. Robertson.

Secondly, Mr. Robertson was very VERY civil in his admonishment of homosexuality. "However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.” Those were his exact words, within the interview. I think Duck Dynasty is literally the stupidest show in the entire world, but I really have to respect Mr. Robertson for speaking his true, honest opinion; knowing that he would probably be looked down on because of it. He did not say anything that was considered "violent" or "hurtful". Perhaps a little blunt, but when you live in a country that allows free speech, people have to learn to grow tough skin and get over it. Everyone has the right to say what they want. If someone were to go and rant about Christians or Atheists or Gays, that is their constitutional right.

And as someone who lives in the heart of Texas, I'm going to say that we are not violently hateful towards the LGBT group. Most of us simply do not agree with it due to our religion, but will treat them just as kindly as a straight person. Of course, there are always going to be extremists that do hate gays and quote the Bible as if they wrote it themselves, but I can assure you, as someone who lives in the South, the grand majority of us are not likely to ostracize a gay person simply because of their sexuality. To be quite honest, I'm a bit peeved at how people have the perception that the South is such a God-awful place to be simply because we are predominately Christian and like to own firearms. Just because we choose to believe something doesn't mean you have to, too. Just like if Mr. Robertson chooses to be anti-homosexuality, doesn't mean you have to be. I think the media needs to grow up and try and focus on the things that bring people together; because that is exactly what this nation needs right now.