Posted on 08/03/2012 6:35:44 PM PDT by scottjewell
WASHINGTON (BP) -- Seventeen members of the House of Representatives have signed a letter to Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy, saying they welcome his company's business in their district and are appreciative of the way he and his company have reacted to opposition in recent days.
"We write today to show support for the manner in which you have defended your values and reputation in the face of unfair and malicious criticism," the letter, originated by Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R.-Miss., and co-signed by 16 other Republican representatives, reads.
"... We are bewildered by those who would take offense at your values and would block the expansion of your business into their communities. We welcome Chick-fil-A's investment in our districts. The example of quality, hard work, and charity demonstrated by Chick-fil-A is one that others who, when faced with opposing views, resort to hate would do well to emulate."
The tone of the letter stands in stark contrast to the reaction by some political leaders in light of Cathy's comments supporting the biblical definition of marriage. The mayors of Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., all have made comments critical of the restaurant, implying or saying the company is not welcome in their cities. The mayors of Boston and Chicago backed off their original statements. Attorneys from across the spectrum, though, say a city cannot legally block a restaurant because of the company president's beliefs.
On Wednesday (Aug. 1) thousands of Chick-fil-A supporters packed the company's 1,600 restaurants, with lines stretching outside the doors and often topping 100. In some locations, it took well over an hour just to place an order. The drive-through lines often backed up traffic on main roads, and police sometimes were called in to help direct cars.
Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's executive vice president for marketing, said in an Aug. 2 statement at the company's website, "We are very grateful and humbled by the incredible turnout of loyal Chick-fil-A customers on August 1 at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country."
Robinson said Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day "was not a company promotion; it was initiated by others," but he acknowledged, "While we don't release exact sales numbers, it was an unprecedented day."
"We congratulate local Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators and their team members for striving to serve each and every customer with genuine hospitality," Robinson said. "The Chick-fil-A culture and 66-year-old 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."
The U.S. representatives, in their letter to Chick-fil-A, said the company "represents an American success story."
How many people actually ate there for the first time, *because* of this attempted tyranny?
Hubby stopped there when I said to tonight and for the first time, *ever*, did *not* have a single complaint about a fast food sandwich.
He wouldn’t shut up about how big it was and delicious!
We now have a “I Love Chick-Fil-A” sticker on the car.
[and I don’t “do” bumperstickers]
The homo-rage earned CFA a brand new loyal customer.
Surely we aren’t the only ones.
Thanks sodomites!
The food is great!
Good for you/bumpersticker and all! I liked the remark ‘unprecedented day’.
Yes, we want more Chic-fil-A in Texas!
Only sorry I can’t get chicken sandwich on Sunday.
I remember when all stores closed on Sunday.
But that’s okay, some stores still close on Sunday, like HobbyLobby.
Why didn't they say that THEY BUILT? Let the resident eat his words every day.
Thanks scottjewell.
Did they do this before or AFTER the success of Wednesday?
We were first-timers too. It is a bit far from our home, and by the time we got there the line was STILL 1.5 hours long and we were hungry. We’re going tomorrow on our way out of town. And next week, on our Oregon Trail/ Wyoming leg trip, we will search them out.
Now that was a very nice thing to do. Chic Fil A deserves an applause.
Let's hope their blessings continue to multiply. After what they've been through, they deserve them.
I did, even though I’ve been around them for years. Went 4 times this week and in the mood for a Spicy Chicken meal right now.
The representatives who co-signed the letter are Spencer Bachus, Ala.; Marsha Blackburn, Tenn.; Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey and Lynn Westmoreland, Ga.; Dan Burton, Ind.; Renee Ellmers and Walter Jones of N.C.; Randy Forbes and Frank Wolf, Va.; Gregg Harper, Miss.; Andy Harris, Md.; Vicky Hartzler, Mo.; Jeff Landry, La.; Donald Manzullo, Ill.; and Jeff Miller, Fla.
http://m.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=38406
Yes. Good point. I'd like to know who did NOT defend the right to free speech and expression.
Who are the RINO Republicans who want people censored for their beliefs?
How many people actually ate there for the first time, *because* of this attempted tyranny?
Guilty. And proud of it! I didn’t even know there was a chick-fil-a in Minnesota. Now I know there are 3 with 2 more coming.
I can’t wait till the one not behind the TSA wall of hands or inside a college campus.
How many people actually ate there for the first time, *because* of this attempted tyranny?
Guilty. And proud of it! I didn’t even know there was a chick-fil-a in Minnesota. Now I know there are 3 with 2 more coming.
I can’t wait till the one not behind the TSA wall of hands or inside a college campus opens.
We didn’t go there until tonight.
The place was friggin’ PACKED.
Hubby remarked that while he was in line, the manager was going to every table, asking if their food was good, did they need aything else, etc etc.
He’d couldn’t get over it.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!
Wicked.
They should make new stickers that say “Follow Me to Chick-Fil-A”....;D
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