'People stood in line since 5:30 am' for the right to be able to say what they believe and to show support for someone who said what he believes. They stood in line to show the politicians that it's wrong for government (Rahm & supporters) to tell someone they can't open a business somewhere because of their beliefs....that's called discrimination and it's wrong!

Right. And the crates thrown into Boston harbor were just full of tea.

Rahm "chewie" Emanual, .Him being a full fledge jew by putting his little weasel butt into this matter, ,this was a violation of the Constitution and a hate statement against people with religious beliefs something his ethnicity or religion suffered thru during the 1930;s.

E.L. it's the freedom of speech that let's you voice your opinion in opposition of what Mr. Cathy said....aren't you glad you have that freedom? How then is it right to take away the freedom of speech of those in opposition of what you say?
Just a tad hypocritical, no?!?!
Chick-Fil-A doesn't discriminate in it's hiring practices etc. The owner of the company simply says that he supports traditional marriage. How is that wrong but saying you support gay 'marriage' is ok???

The First Amendment allows people to speak their mind, regardless as to whether it's good speech or bad speech. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right for whackos to spew hate speech (Louis Farrakhan, for one). If you do not think this was government trying to silence a business because of what the company owner believes, you have not been paying attention. This is ultimately a constitutional issue, not a gay-straight issue.

Well said E.L. and it didn't take a long line of people to get your point across. Mr. Cathy can state his opinion but it's just his opinion. If people don't like it and choose not to patronize the establishment then that is also a choice. However every time an opinion is stated that doesn't mean it should lead to an organized stance. Really people, he was discriminatory weather you admit it or not. He is entitled to his opinion, or "Free Speech" if that is what you want to call it, but he is not God who gets the right to judge so maybe this is a situation where some things are better left unsaid.

Exactly...if you were to replace the word "gay" with "jewish," this debate would have a whole other meaning. I think it's so sad that people are supporting Mr. Cathy's discrimination and calling it "freedom". And it's disgusting to think these people are literally in my neighborhood. Although I'm not gay, I understand that this debate is about PEOPLE.....you know, with feelings, and I think this is what the public forgot about. I refuse to give my money to a place that makes people feel ashamed of who they are.

You could not be more wrong. And Moreno and Emanuel know it too. That's why they are backpedaling faster than Chinese badminton players. The Constitution allows people to believe and say what they want. You do not have to agree, you do not even have to listen. But they have not broken any laws, they have not discriminated against anyone in hiring or service. Face it. You just don't like what they say. It's OK, you can say it. And I would strongly argue that it is those with your viewpoint who wish to "make church and state one."

Do you support other Christian businesses? Hobby Lobby for one? Do you ask the religious views of the proprietors of WalMart, Best Buy, Jewel Foods, Home Depot what their CEOs believe? Look. You are welcome to your view, but I think THIS TIME, it is you who are being intolerant.

I agree with Brianne. As for other Christian businesses, 4th wright, I'd boycott them too if their CEO make a very public announcement that he hates homosexuals.

4th Wright - "That's why they are backpedaling faster than Chinese badminton players."
...Don't be racist. That's inappropriate/childish.

"...they have not discriminated against anyone..."
I know I'm not alone, but don't you think donating directly to organizations "battling" gay marriage and calling our generation "abominations" and so forth goes hand-in-hand with discrimination? That's the point of those organizations---to discriminate against the right to be gay because it's not in "God's Plan". Not too long ago, mixed-racial marriages were against this very "plan," but of course if Chick-Fil-A had this stance, THEN they would be discriminating. I don't get the logic in this debate because it is hateful, no matter what light you want to present it in. Plain and simple as that.

You're making the town I have grown up in look bad, and you should feel bad.

E.L. - No one is saying you are required to patronize businesses with which you have philosophical differences. You have that right. My argument (as a straight person person who supports the right to gay marriage) is that the government (in this case the mayors of Chicago and Boston and Alderman Moreno) do not have the right to use their governmental powers to deny this company access to free enterprise based solely on what the CEO believes. I believe it is dangerous to set such precedents, and would be a step backwards in trying to affirm equality for all.

E.L. let's get point 2 straight. As US citizens, we all have the freedom to support or not support any business we want for any or no reason at all! No one stated that at all. I routinely choose not to support businesses (like Home Depot) whose corporate policies support beliefs that are not consistent with mine and I urge all Americans to do the same.
The problem with Brianne's argument is that she right off the bat said that it has nothing to do with free speech.....then went on to say that those who do not agree with her are bullies and 'hate' for things that they say aka exercising their right to free speech! So there really aren't two arguments...unless, as is typical when this issue is raised, someone is proven wrong, then they search around trying to create issues that don't exist.
Shop where you want, just don't think you can tell the business owner what he can and can't say.

"If you fat, mall shopping (for Chinese made goods) folks stopped maybe we would have more jobs coming back. And, maybe you wouldn't need a handicap sticker"

--- sounds like hate speech to me. Are you sure you don't care about free speech?

Rich Schmidt II,

You are one messed up princess!

You need to go bark at the moon,or go back to playing with your obama doll Rich the Schm[dt ,lets hope your right to run your mouth isn't taken away from idiots like Emanual or Moreno,you can throw obama in there to because hes the leader of dividing and destroying America.

Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Law, and taught specifically which ones applied and which no longer applied. To address your diet example, Jesus said that it wasn't what we put into our bodies that mattered....that is why Christian's don't follow all of the OT laws. It's not picking and choosing when you actually understand Christianity.

Well, if it's your 'belief' that saying things that make people feel bad for feeling and biological reactions that are out of their control is based in hate and in turn is a form of bullying.' then it must be so! You have your right to your belief, but Mr Cathy should not? He is standing up for hetero bio reactions that are out of peoples control and you/people are saying things that would 'make him feel bad' (aka he's wrong)....so, following your logic...you are guilty of that same hate.
I'm s u r e you see it differently...of course.

Of course I do see it differently Julie.
And if you would like to get into a deep conversation about Christianity I would love to have that discussion elsewhere. I am not completely ignorant to it. I was raised in a Christian home, went through many confirmation classes through the church. My entire family is Christian as is my husband's (many of whom are preachers themselves). My understanding of what Christianity is that you love your neighbor as yourself, judge not lest he be judged.

You refuse to shop at Hobby Lobby because they are owned by Christians? Wow. And you do research to make sure the "small" shops are not owned by people with whom you might disagree. And you call that "tolerance"? I call it commercial apartheid. I would hate to live in such a small universe, but I hope it works for you.

I did not say that I refuse to shop there because they are owned by Christians. I would love to see where everyone is finding all these things that I am saying because when I reread my posts I do not see it. Plus, I am not asking them to close down their business or move out of my community. I am making a choice to spend my money elsewhere. Let's not put words in others mouths.

Brianne, what you just stated above, is what Dan Cathy expresses. You said, "I will tolerate the beliefs of other, I just do not have to agree. I also have the right to state my opinion on it as well, just by doing so does not mean I'm intolerant. Let's not get opinion and tolerance confused." Does not this statement apply to every American? Conservative and Liberals? There are so call "Christian Extremist" out there that do take verses out of the bible and take them out of context. But a real, true Christian has a personal relationship with Jesus through reading the Word (the Bible), prayer, meditation, fellowship, faithfulness and love. Through sacrifice and suffering. But most importantly though love. If you want to know the truth in what Christians believe, I would respectfully request that you pick up a Bible and read it without partiality and taking things out of context (Old Testament and New Testament). Sit down and talk with a Christian and ask questions about what we believe. Visit a church that teaches the Word (the Bible) and the teaching aligns with what is written in the Bible. If you study the Bible and a pastor says something that does not align with the Word, then leave the church because they are not teaching the truth. Matthew 10:22, Matthew 5:44, Mark 12:28-32, 2 Timothy 3 and Luke 6:27-49. Just a few passages from the Word that we believe. I would love for you to come visit our church, start a dialogue, form a friendship. Calvary Chapel Blue Island. :)

Brianne, I apologize in advance if you feel attacked. You have a right to voice your opinion and I respect that. I hope that you will be able to respect my opinion as well. Thank you.

IIA Alumni, I thank you for your invitation and calm reply. I did attend a church for many years that studied the Bible and spent much time in confirmation classes asking questions and looking for answers. I also receive the opportunity for further enlightenment when discussing topics with Christian family members.
Recently, I have been attending services at a local church that teaches love, unity and tolerance. This is a place that I have been able to have discussions with fellow parishioners regarding Christianity, and other religions, in modern society. I am always seeking knowledge and further understanding.
Thank you for the passages as I will read them and contemplate their meanings. I sincerely appreciate your ability to put references out there.

Brianne: Thank you SO MUCH for your communication and reply. God bless you, protect you and keep you safe. I hope and pray that you will be able to grow your personal relationship with Christ. We each have our own walk and relationships. But you have just blessed me, so thank you so much. I too, believe in shopping local and also mom and pop shops. Becoming an active member of your community is very important to me. I too, am a small business owner and it's very important to me to get to know every customer that walks through my door, treat them with respect, give the best customer service and help them out the best that I can. I am a Christian and although I do not believe in gay marriage (this is my own personal belief based on my own personal conviction through my own relationship with Christ and what Christ has exampled to show through His Word). Christ also exemplified to love. And I will love everyone. I will treat everyone with love, respect and do my best to help anyone that would need my help. And I will do all this with love. Christ also exemplified not to judge, lest you be judged. For I know that I am sinner too. And there are things that I need to work on to be a better example of Christ. But I know Christ is always with me, in prayer, in His Word, in trusting and being always faithful no matter what. So, thank you Brianne! And God bless you!

As a fellow concerned consumer, I would be interested in your reasons to not shop at Hobby Lobby. Especially since you say it's not because Hobby Lobby is owned by Christians, I hope you would please share; why don't you shop at Hobby Lobby? (are the grammar police ok with my commas, semicolons, question marks...shoot, I should have started that with an uppercase 'A'!BUSTED and guilty as charged!)
Thanks!

When are you going to start,which means your fos.

Here's what I get enraged at, Rich: innocent people gunned down just because they went to a movie. Kids getting killed in gang cross-fire. WW II veterans mugged in broad daylight by street thugs. Women being sentenced to death for being raped. Those things enrage me. Not where someone decides to have lunch, or what size pants they wear. How many marathons have YOU run?

RIch, it happens to all of us...but it takes a big person to admit it in cyberspace! Speaks volumes for your real character!

I have to agree with you. Boycott Chicago. Let the gangbangers eat at taste of Chicago and hang out at Navy Pier.

I did! I moved to Tinley Park 25 years ago!!!

AMEN Jim Doyle!! The village has left that vacant overgrown weed-infested eyesore, with it's homemade chicken wire screens over the windows to prevent vandalism, for sooooo long, it's a disgrace! It's probably because of the exorbitant price they want! One must grant the fact that it is a handy dandy spot for the Trace ambulances to 'wait' for calls and for TP Police squads to chit chat/meet in the early morning hours, so maybe that's why the village doesn't want to set the price at a realistic amount for today's market??
Glad you enjoyed your dinner...unfortunately I didn't have time to stop for lunch when I was in the area yesterday! At least now I know exactly what to order and what toppings and sauces to get! ;>)
Maybe if Chick-Fil-A moved in there, my property taxes would go back down....like my property value....

I'm sure you had your feedom fries with that too, you ethnocentric, hateful local.

1. "Let'sRESPECTreligiousviews" --- Shall we? Let's respect the religions in the Middle East who give women ZERO rights in their life, where giving a woman the right to drive will ultimately lead to more sex, so women aren't allowed to drive. You're saying we should RESPECT any religion ever?! Even if their beliefs are morally wrong? That's disgusting. Think for yourself, don't let a book for it for you.
2. Having respect means to have respect for everybody. I don't know who picked on you when you were tiny but gay people are indeed PEOPLE, you know, with feelings and such. Supporting their demise only makes you hateful in that sense, no matter what light you want to shine that in.

3. "I'mNEVERgoingtoChicagoagain" --- Nobody is disappointed, and I mean NOBODY, that you won't be visiting our beautiful city which supports every walk of life, including the LGBT community. Less traffic for us to deal with.

Last, but certainly not least, --
"Hopefully Tinley Park will get their own Chick-fil-A so I won't have to drive to Orland Park."

Are you serious?! Do you realize exactly how far away Tinley Park is from Orland Park? THEY ARE RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. That is disgustingly lazy. So you have to drive an extra 7 minutes to get your fast food fix. You poor thing. But thank you for the laugh.

Also, to JULIE,

"One must grant the fact that it is a handy dandy spot for the Trace ambulances to 'wait' for calls..."

If you lived in this area and had a life-threatening emergency, you would be glad that the paramedics "wait" in this area to save your life. I am speechless as to how disrespectful you are towards the ones who's sole purpose is to save lives and take care of others.

Along with your property value, your ultimate value as a person has just plummeted beyond the extent I thought people's morals could go.

You would make the Jesus you believe in turn in his grave. I cannot believe this is what my childhood town has turn into.

Ummm...anonymous poster...I DO live in this area (hence the comments about my property taxes?!?! or did you just skim and then rant?!?!), and I HAVE had to wait for a life saving ambulance, and I AM grateful that these wonderfully unselfish people (first responders) do what they do. What I'm not crazy about is that the village of TP is asking an exorbitant amount of money for the old library and how it looks and the fact that the only thing it's used for is a place for public servants to idle their vehicles. I wasn't judging the paramedics nor the police officers.
But WOW how quickly you judged me....and my 'ultimate value as a person' when you simply misunderstood what I wrote. Funny that you said " Having respect means to have respect for everybody." I guess people on the internet who have different opinions than you do don't deserve your respect?
That sounds like an awfully hypocritical thing to say, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Oh, and lastly....the Jesus that I believe in is no longer in a grave....He Is RISEN! He forviges all, if we just ask!