A&E suspends Phil Robertson over his personal beliefs about homosexuals.

[Zundfolge]

An individual, company, corporation, etc. cannot violate anyone's first amendment rights- only the government. Just FYI.

Yes, yes, yes ... that's always the argument that comes out in these discussions. Under the letter of the law you are correct, but the first amendment is a legal implementation of a value that is (well at least was) at the core of our culture. It's actually more concerning to me that our culture seems to be abandoning this value than it would be if the government were overstepping it's bounds and limiting people's 1A rights.

[Ronin13]

Yes, yes, yes ... that's always the argument that comes out in these discussions. Under the letter of the law you are correct, but the first amendment is a legal implementation of a value that is (well at least was) at the core of our culture. It's actually more concerning to me that our culture seems to be abandoning this value than it would be if the government were overstepping it's bounds and limiting people's 1A rights.

Indeed. We're at a time where a difference of opinion is no longer just that, but instead a beckoning call to shame, lambaste, or libel someone for not agreeing with someone else's ideas/beliefs. Sad really. I've been in Mr. Robertson's shoes before, when I simply stated that I don't agree with the push for everyone to accept the homosexual culture- I have no problem with gays, but I really don't care what silly little event they have planned or what Hollywood celebrity is doing in their honor. If someone doesn't like gays, that's their prerogative, no need for people to get their panties in a twist. I don't like the sport of basketball, so freaking what!?

[Bailey Guns]

I don't like the sport of basketball, so freaking what!?

FREAKIN' UN-AMERICAN COMMIE! YOU SUCK! JANE FONDA LOVER!

[Ronin13]

FREAKIN' UN-AMERICAN COMMIE! YOU SUCK! JANE FONDA LOVER!

HOW DARE YOU! I hate Jane Fonda more than I hate Moochele Oblahblah! And I really do not like the Oblahblah family!

Joe Pags (850) just posted this, so true:

[Zundfolge]

If only I could get labeled "Evil Rich".


And isn't an "Anti (fill in the blank)" and "Homophobe" the same thing? I just ask 'cause I'm sitting here on my blank reading these posts

[hatidua]

When a conservative politician says those things they are lambasted on this forum as bible thumpers who need to get of people's bedrooms and let a woman choose what's right for her, etc., yet they'll defend to the end a guy like Phil Robertson saying it even when it hasn't impacted the series he's being fired from.

Just a possibility: Because a politician that gets on his bully pulpit and goes on about abortion/gay marriage/his relationship with Jesus/Etc., isn't going to win the White House in the 21st century, plain and simple. I'd like to see the Democrats lose in '16, but if whomever the Republicans put up as the contender decides to preach primarily to the conservative base rather than the national electorate and starts talking about social issues, the Democrats will take the election....again. By contrast, the Duck Dynasty guy isn't running for office so there's no political loss if he speaks his mind so many support him against A&E. Just my take on it, potentially completely wrong...

[ChuckNorris]

And now there is a story out on the internet about how former skating olympian Brian Boitano has 'come out' and saying he is gay - (DUH, big surprise there!).

Who gives a rat's ass where he chooses to stick his johnson?
Why is that relevant? Why is that news?

I am offended!

[newracer]

I think this goes beyond the TV show ... I think people are beginning to realize that if Phil can be fired from what is essentially a money printing machine for simply expressing his belief (a belief that the majority of Americans likely agree with) then its only a matter of time before YOUR boss finds some Facebook post or comment on a news site and fires you for it or worse, some pressure group finds your posting and pressures your boss to fire you.

Yeah, that Zundfolge guy is gonna be in trouble

That has already happened several times.

[Skip]

Is a line really being drawn or are people just acting upset on message boards and Facebook? Its the non pc outcry version of security theater.

People seem genuinely pissed off. More so than when they got their health insurance cancellation letters two months ago.

I don't know... But I can tell you it was stupid to mess with the bread and circuses.

[rondog]

And after this blows over, I wouldn't be surprised to see A&E come out with a show for Westboro Baptist Church.