‘Duck Dynasty’: Phil Robertson Suspended Indefinitely Following Anti-Gay Remarks

[MoonSister75]

Originally Posted by Macfanforever

I understand .Will you have not miss much without watching TV.Reality shows was one of the major reasons I dumped extended cable here.If the industry will go back to pre-1990's TV programming .I will reconsider getting more cable channels.

That will never happen due to TV nets do want to pay for quality TV programming anymore.

I didn't have a TV for 5 years and definitely don't feel like I missed anything. I got one again once my daughter was about two, as it became essential in giving us both a break. I was worried about exposing her to bad TV, but actually there are some good programmes for kids over here, if you are careful what you chose. Its rare that I find much that I want to watch, there are some really REALLY awful progs. But there is some enjoyable, interesting stuff too, if you can find it.

[I'msoAfraid95]

I must be the only one us that has a tv in his/her bedroom. My mom and I don't agree on what to watch and I like ti be by myself. There's some great stuff out there to watch. You just have to sort through all the junk. 250 channels and I watch about 100 on a weekly basis.

[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.

[Dex]

Originally Posted by Dove

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.

I have been dying to ask this question, but don't often find myself in conversation with someone who uses this phrase. What is "that lifestyle"? Serious question. I want to know what my "lifestyle" is. And what about it is objectionable to people. To be honest, I mostly work and sleep and eat, and dabble in social media. That's my lifestyle as far as I can see. I'm not trying to be confrontational. I like you, Dove. I'd just like to know what you actually mean when you say this.

There is much in your post that I find well-meaning but problematic. But I think I'm just going to get repetitive at this point.

[Dove]

Originally Posted by Dex

I have been dying to ask this question, but don't often find myself in conversation with someone who uses this phrase. What is "that lifestyle"? Serious question. I want to know what my "lifestyle" is. And what about it is objectionable to people. To be honest, I mostly work and sleep and eat, and dabble in social media. That's my lifestyle as far as I can see. I'm not trying to be confrontational. I like you, Dove. I'd just like to know what you actually mean when you say this.

There is much in your post that I find well-meaning but problematic. But I think I'm just going to get repetitive at this point.

And I like you too! And I really, in all honesty, am not trying to offend anyone.

When I say "lifestyle" I mean engaging in a romantic relationship with a man. I understand that aside from your romantic preferences, we are basically the same when it comes to how we live our common lives. We have hobbies, we eat, we have friends, and we have our own beliefs we pursue.

[Dex]

Originally Posted by Dove

And I like you too! And I really, in all honesty, am not trying to offend anyone.

When I say "lifestyle" I mean engaging in a romantic relationship with a man. I understand that aside from your romantic preferences, we are basically the same when it comes to how we live our common lives. We have hobbies, we eat, we have friends, and we have our own beliefs we pursue.

It doesn't always matter whether you are trying to offend anyone. But my offence is pretty inconsequential at the end of the day. Romantic preferences are a huge part of adult life and they are something that I am demonstrably unable to change. When you say you don't agree with my lifestyle, what I hear is that you don't agree with my entire life. "Lifestyle" is a misleading term, because it implies that I am actually doing something. But no matter what I do, I will always have a "gay lifestyle", because I am gay. And when people have a problem with that, it permeates into my relationships and interactions with them. How I am treated at work by colleagues who do not wish to recognize the most important moments of my life, as an example. People's opinions are not just opinions when they affect me every day. And that is why people get "hate" for stating such opinions.

I do not think I will change your mind on this, but I am trying to paint a fuller picture for you.

And I just want to emphasize a point made in several previous posts, that it is not unconstitutional for a citizen of the US to get suspended from his job for statements made in the press. That happens every day. The constitution only protects them from being arrested for such statements. An elementary school teacher who releases a press statement saying he thinks children are basically stupid and annoying would be very likely to lose his job. And a reality star who's career is entirely based on being liked and makes controversial statements that may make many people like him a whole lot less faces similar trouble.

[I'msoAfraid95]

Another thing that gets me upset and I don't understand it, is why do some "christians"(quotes used for a reason) act or think like we're trying to force them to be like us? All most of us want us to be viewed as equal human beings. I also can't believe that some people think that this is a choice. Why would a person choose a life like this where hate and misunderstanding is common? One other thing, how does two people getting married or having cconsensual sex adversely affect another person's life?

I'm sorry if this sounds like a rant (it kinda is one) n but those 3 things are pet peeves that are all too common the general opinion here.

[MoonSister75]

But how does a church that doesn't believe in anything other than heterosexuality, then look after members of their community that are biologically gay, transsexual etc? It seems clear that its not a choice, its just how you are born. Are you not allowed to go to church if you are gay or transsexual for example?

[I'msoAfraid95]

Originally Posted by MoonSister75

But how does a church that doesn't believe in anything other than heterosexuality, then look after members of their community that are biologically gay, transsexual etc? It seems clear that its not a choice, its just how you are born. Are you not allowed to go to church if you are gay or transsexual for example?

It really depends on the individual church itselfn how the pastor and congregation feels. I doubt that most churches would deny a person access, but they might not be very welcoming. You might be singled out.

I've been wearing boys clothes(I'm physically a female, mentally a male) since I was old enough to pick out my own clothes and thw church I went to growing up was ok with it.

[Dex]

Originally Posted by MoonSister75

But how does a church that doesn't believe in anything other than heterosexuality, then look after members of their community that are biologically gay, transsexual etc? It seems clear that its not a choice, its just how you are born. Are you not allowed to go to church if you are gay or transsexual for example?

Churches that I've spoken to that do not condone homosexuality say that they "welcome" gay members. Just as long as they are not actually having sex. It's pretty classy. Celibacy has obviously worked so well for Catholic priests over the centuries, I can see why other denominations and religions would want to hop aboard that gravy train.

I don't know. As I've said earlier in this thread, if people believe that I am going to hell because their religion tells them to (which is really all the original post and controversy was about), I really don't care about that. It's when that belief starts to practically affect their operation in an officially secular society that I have a problem. Logic and reason need to rule in those contexts, and the "because of my religion" defense doesn't hold water. People have used religion to defend racism and slavery, too, let's not forget. And when those opinions affected secular policy, it was a problem.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by I'msoAfraid95

Another thing that gets me upset and I don't understand it, is why do some "christians"(quotes used for a reason) act or think like we're trying to force them to be like us? All most of us want us to be viewed as equal human beings.

because if you do not follow their belief, then you are evil, vile, etc...Take it from me, up until recently I attended a Methodist Church, but I quit attending for the simple fact that many of those who attend are nothing but pure, unadulterated H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E-S!!!! These "people" don't want anyone in this town to be nothing, unless it is just like them...I am the triangle peg in their circular board, just isn't going to work for me. I'm not a "liberal" (I loathe the Clintons & Obama too much for that) but I sure as hell will NEVER be considered a "conservative"

When I was a child, I had religion FORCED upon me, it does NOT work for me now and to be honest I see that it never will (I once described my attending church as a child to "how some of the victims of the Holocaust must have felt arriving at Auschwitz"). You cannot force will upon someone with freewill - and I will do what has worked best for me for the majority of my adult life...Be spiritual and that is all! I'm not going to start hating someone who has a different lifestyle than mine because SOME RELIGION makes me...or FORCES me too!

A few years ago, before Debbie passed, we were two of the only three votes in this town against the defining marriage law that passed in Oklahoma - which outlawed same sex marriage...BUT, being that I am ALSO a Native American, I laugh at how tribes here in Oklahoma will ALLOW same sex marriage licenses to be issued as long as one of the two people is of Indian Blood and a tribal member, thus pissing off the STATE OF OKLAHOMA because each tribe is a recognizable NATION and the state of Oklahoma cannot do a DAMNED THING about it.

[I'msoAfraid95]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

because if you do not follow their belief, then you are evil, vile, etc...Take it from me, up until recently I attended a Methodist Church, but I quit attending for the simple fact that many of those who attend are nothing but pure, unadulterated H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E-S!!!! These "people" don't want anyone in this town to be nothing, unless it is just like them...I am the triangle peg in their circular board, just isn't going to work for me. I'm not a "liberal" (I loathe the Clintons & Obama too much for that) but I sure as hell will NEVER be considered a "conservative"

When I was a child, I had religion FORCED upon me, it does NOT work for me now and to be honest I see that it never will (I once described my attending church as a child to "how some of the victims of the Holocaust must have felt arriving at Auschwitz"). You cannot force will upon someone with freewill - and I will do what has worked best for me for the majority of my adult life...Be spiritual and that is all! I'm not going to start hating someone who has a different lifestyle than mine because SOME RELIGION makes me...or FORCES me too!

A few years ago, before Debbie passed, we were two of the only three votes in this town against the defining marriage law that passed in Oklahoma - which outlawed same sex marriage...BUT, being that I am ALSO a Native American, I laugh at how tribes here in Oklahoma will ALLOW same sex marriage licenses to be issued as long as one of the two people is of Indian Blood and a tribal member, thus pissing off the STATE OF OKLAHOMA because each tribe is a recognizable NATION and the state of Oklahoma cannot do a DAMNED THING about it.

Up until about 4 months ago, I was a semi active member of a Baptist church that I had been going to since I was 3. When I started coming to terms with myself and realizing who I was, I also realized how stupid and unrealistic some Christian beliefs are. I have to fake it because of my family. I hate having to keep my mouth shut.

I'm in the middle politically. I can't stand most politicians. I think that any loophole you can find to br with the one you love is a goodthing.

[KarmaContestant]

Originally Posted by Dove

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.

No offense intended, but this is wrong.

A&E has a constitutional right to not be a platform for ideas they don't agree with, and Mr. Robertson's rights to speak freely were not infringed. He can go on saying whatever ugly mean-spirited things he'd like to say.

Mr. Robertson is not employed by A&E - he's a business owner with his own company that will contine to go on long after this controversy blows over.

Freedom of speech does not mean you can speak without consequence.

I work for a Department of Defense contractor, and believe you me, if I got interviewed and said what i really think of the DoD and the NSA and our bloated military, I'd be fired because my views are in direct opposition to my employer.

[WildHearted]

Originally Posted by KarmaContestant

No offense intended, but this is wrong.

A&E has a constitutional right to not be a platform for ideas they don't agree with, and Mr. Robertson's rights to speak freely were not infringed. He can go on saying whatever ugly mean-spirited things he'd like to say.

Mr. Robertson is not employed by A&E - he's a business owner with his own company that will contine to go on long after this controversy blows over.

Freedom of speech does not mean you can speak without consequence.

I work for a Department of Defense contractor, and believe you me, if I got interviewed and said what i really think of the DoD and the NSA and our bloated military, I'd be fired because my views are in direct opposition to my employer.

Exactly. It's not a constitutional right to appear on an A&E television show. He's not in jail, he's not being censored by the government... his freedom of speech is not in jeopardy. He can say whatever he likes.

[louielouie2000]

I think the actual shocking part of this guy's remarks was when he declared that blacks were happy before desegregation. To top it off, a GOP congressional candidate has said that this Duck guy is "the Rosa Parks of our generation." Right, Rosa Parks would have LOVED being compared to a man who said Jim Crow laws made people of color happy.

http://www.thewire.com/politics/2013...ht-say/356384/

What I find most interesting is the fact that conservatives are always calling liberals cry babies. Yet, whenever anyone shines a light on conservatives public ignorance, they are the first to cry that they're being victimized. Conservatives are all about personal responsibility... this Duck guy calling out blacks & gays publicly wasn't very personally responsible. Obviously he won't suffer legally from his remarks, but he may just suffer financially. However, I doubt even that. The same people who have rallied behind Chick Fil-A will be right there with him. His income in the next year will probably triple from people snapping up his paraphernalia.