I just don't get it

If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.

~ Noam Chomsky ~

Yesterday was certainly one for the record books, wasn't it?  Apparently, those who chose to support Chick-fil-A are considered bigots and hate mongers by some groups.  How narrow-minded can some people be?  Oh no, I'm not talking about those "bigots and hate mongers" who supported Chick-fil-A; rather, I'm talking about those self-righteous idiots who think the personal convictions of a company's owner is reason enough to take away his right to express his opinion and to build a business.

I heard that one of the issues with Dan Cathey is that he donated money to anti-gay groups.  So what?  It's his money and, frankly, his right to donate to whichever causes he chooses. When the CEO of Amazon.com gave $2.5 million to a pro-gay marriage group, no one suggested we boycot HIS business.  In my opinion, no one should have.  Like Mr. Cathey, it's his money and his right to donate to whichever causes he believes in.

To me, it's simple.  If you can't or won't support a company because of conflicting beliefs, then don't spend money at those businesses.  What's the big deal?  Personally, I support BOTH businesses.  I don't give a rat's patootie what they believe about anything.  I love the food at Chick-fil-A and I buy a LOT of stuff from Amazon.com - I even have an Amazon.com VISA card...  love getting those points so I can get more stuff!

You know, I could understand the reasoning behind all this nonsense if these companies were owned by the government and supported by tax payers.  They're not.  They're privately owned companies that are supported by the people who patronize their businesses.  If you are so opposed to the belief system of any particular company, then don't spend money there.  At the same time, don't tell someone else they can't spend money there either.  It's just that simple.

According to one of the anchors at FOX News, yesterday was a 'national day of intolerance'.  I wonder if he sees the irony in his words?  The intolerance came not from those supporting Chick-fil-A but from those who apparently don't support free speech for those whose opinons differ from theirs.  You know what?  I bet the majority of Americans would be surprised to know what causes some of their favorite businesses support.

In America, we're all granted the same rights.  So how come some groups say it's not okay for other groups to exercise those rights?  Isn't that exactly what our forefathers fought and died for?

Don't know about anyone else, but I'm going to keep eating at Chick-fil-A and buying things from Amazon.com.  Is this a great country or what?