A&E not oppressing Phil Robertson with suspension

Mercury News ^ | 12/19/2013 | Tony Hicks

[Battle Hymn of the Republic]

I'm tired of people getting in trouble for expressing their opinions, popular or not. A person should say what they believe, and we should support their right to say it, whether we disagree or not. This is America. Then again, I don't own a company that depends on revenue generated by quirky Louisiana duck hunters, who look like ZZ Top and believe homosexuality is wrong and Southern blacks were a lot happier back in the good old days.

[Battle Hymn of the Republic]

From my own Mercury (marxist) News. Funny thing is I didn't know who Robertson was till yesterday. I had heard of the show but no idea about his background, bradshaw, etc.

[kcvl]

ROBERTSON FAMILY STATEMENT ON Duck commander website at 7pm

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.

[umgud]

Ole Phil can say anything he wants. This is not a freedom of speech issue as A&E is not the gov’t and can take any action they want.

I hope and pray A&E pays dearly for this unfair action on their part.

[Gene Eric]

>> This is not a freedom of speech issue

It is certainly a freedom of speech issue.

[McGavin999]

I figured they would stick together. A&E made a big mistake.

[dragnet2]

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.

___________________________________________________________

What is there to discuss?

[uncitizen]

That’s a terrific stand the family is taking. Screw A&E!

[donmeaker]

My understanding is the family was already cheesed off at A&E because they added bleeps to simulate vulgarity.

I would like DD to be on a network that didn’t feel the need to try to paint good folks as vulgar.

[BunnySlippers]

That should be a post of its own.

Thanks for posting it.

[BenLurkin]

“He ain’t from around here.”

[Sophia777]

I cant find that you have a link?

[JoeProBono]

https://www.facebook.com/Philrobertsonsupport

[Gabz]

>> This is not a freedom of speech issue

It is certainly a freedom of speech issue.

Actually, while I see it as a First Amendment issue, I do not see it as a speech issue as much as a religion issue and discrimination based on religion is illegal by an employer.

A&E was well aware of this family's deeply held religious beliefs and unless they had a clause in the contract forbidding interviews with other outlets, A&E is not going to come out the winner here.

[Alberta's Child]

They already have the next season filmed, so the “suspension” is ludicrous. They’re probably discussing how to put an end to the show on that cable channel.

[Carry_Okie]

I figured they would stick together. A&E made a big mistake.

Liberals cannot fathom people who won't sell out their principles for money and power. After all, they do it all the time.

[colorado tanker]

I suspect there are quite a few networks who would love to get that show.

[HarleyD]

A&E also has the right to decide whether they want to be associated with him and his opinions. Companies exist to make money, not to allow employees to chase away advertisers and customers. If you stood in front of your office tossing around similar "opinions," would you be surprised if your boss came out and told you to hit the bricks?

I've heard this wrong sentiment expressed on The Five tonight. If one goes to work and, when asked, say they believe homosexuality is OK, there is no repercussions. If one goes to work (in many places) and, when asked, say that they believe homosexuality is wrong, you stand a very good chance of being demoted, past over, or even fire (as Phil found out). This isn't expressing an opinion as much as being truthful about one's moral value.

Society can't deal with the truth because of coercion. And, yes, people have the right to boycott A&E. People have just as much right to decide who they're going to support with their money as companies have in worrying about their customer base.

[imardmd1]

This writer puts Sodomy/Lesbianism in the same class as prejudice due to skin shade or epicanthic fold, or even gender. Choosing to be a pervert is not the same as genetic differences.

Sodomy is not sexuality. It is a choice of method of gratification in spite of genetic differences. It rejects one's body functionality, and rejects the plan of one's Maker.

This Robertson is likely quite righteous as well as being right; and the crudity of current social conventions is wrong, IMHO.