Posted on 12/20/2013 5:20:49 PM PST by rightwingerpatriot
The fallout over the ongoing Duck Dynasty saga continues. As everyone not under a rock knows that A&E has suspended Phil Robertson from the tv show over his remarks given in an interview with GQ. This situation has become ground central in the struggle of free speech and religious freedom in America. Millions of Americans are rallying to the Robertson cause and are expressing outrage over A&E's decision. It seems that almost every hour some new story crops up in the news feed concerning the ongoing drama.
The Robertson family has released a statement where they fully stand behind their patriarch. It reads, "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."
It does appear that the current boycott by fans against A&E is having some effect. While A&E is saying that Phil Robertson's statements do not conform with their progressive values (an oxymoron if I ever heard one), they are running marathon blocks of Duck Dynasty on their network. However, the viewership numbers are way down. According to the ratings for a one week span, viewer numbers dropped from 8.885 million viewers down to 2.521 million. This is a whopping 71.6% percent drop and is probably putting some fear into A&E network executives. On the other hand though, fans are stripping Walmart bare of Duck Dynasty gear. While some are grabbing items hoping to cash in on the current fiasco, most are fans who are wishing to show their support. Sadly, such actions are misplaced as official Duck Dynasty gear bought in the stores puts money into the pockets of A&E. If you truly want to financially support the Duck Dynasty family, go to their website at duckcommander.com to buy something.
Some celebrities are coming out for or against Phil Robertson on twitter. Nikki Six of Motley Crue bashed him and then deleted his tweets. On the other side, TMZ editor Harvey Levin, who is openly gay, came out in support of Robertson. He tweeted, "I'm gay and I don't agree with Phil, but he has a right to his believes...it's not hate-based...it's religious...misdirected, but his right."
As for GLAAD, who is on a bullying rampage, is looking to target advertisers of Duck Dynasty, despite A&E's suspension. However, some companies are refusing to back off their support of the show. Under Armour has said that while it disagrees with Phil Robertson, they will continue their relationship. It'll be interesting to see if other companies stand by the show or cave into the intimidation by GLAAD and other "tolerant" groups.
The homosexuals will claim the viewer drop is because of Phils cments.
ACTUAL apple to apples comparisons between last night's episodes, and last Thursday's...
This week (source: Tv By the Numbers (Thursday Cable Ratings 12/20/2013 (date is day after showing))
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 9:30:00 PM 1.906 0.8
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 9:00:00 PM 1.862 0.9
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 8:00:00 PM 1.678 0.8
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 7:30:00 PM 1.349 0.7
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 7:00:00 PM 1.029 0.5
Last week (source: Tv By the Numbers (Thursday Cable Ratings 12/13/2013 (date is day after showing))
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 9:00:00 PM 2261 0.8
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 8:30:00 PM 1964 0.7
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 8:00:00 PM 1562 0.6
DUCK DYNASTY AEN 7:30:00 PM 1240 0.5
The show is not down in viewers. In some cases up, some cases down, pretty solid numbers for repeats during the holiday season.
What is there to disagree with?
Under Armour is trying to play both sides. Slimy and cowardly.
“while they disagree”
In other words they think anal sex between men is normal and not sinful.
Pretty sick stuff under armor.
Watch it or not, who cares? At least people aren’t fixating on the problems with my signature healthcare legislation.
This controversy is not helping 0bama or the Progressive Movement in general at all.
Hey, shouldn’t they be all for Phil’s “speaking truth to power”?
I just listened to the Bill Oreilly show. Him and his buddies Howard Kurtz and Bernie Goldberg were taking turns calling Phil Robertson’s ideas “ignorant”. Bernie and Howard were both for kicking him off the show. Bernie said there was a lot of things in the Bible including what Jesus said that was untrue. These northeast elitists are no friend of ours. Let’s stick with Phil and the “Old Time Religion” that will save us all from Hell. I dread to think where these relativistic pontificators will end up..
We’re being played so A&E can reap Duck-Fil-A for Christmas.
Anybody who calls God’s Word “ignorant”, claiming to know more than God Himself, is pathetically conceited.
Spot-on man! Look at it another way, when the SHTF (and it's going to happen, perhaps sooner than later), who'd you rather be standing with, Bill Oreilly, Howard Kurtz, Bernie Goldberg or the Robertson Family? I'm sure for most of us here on FR, we'd stand with the Robertson Family rather than the manicured, perfumed princes such as Oreilly, Kurtz and Goldberg!
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