Of Chicken, Coffee, Computers and Kisses
Recently, the owner of Chic-Fil-A came out against gay marriage. The nation was thrown into a tizzy as several mayors of large cities, forgetting the right to free speech, said they would not allow Chic-Fil-A to come into their respective cities. In response, last Wednesday, August 1, was unofficially declared "Support Chic-Fil-A Day" across the country. Angered, the gay community decided to protest by having gay couple kiss at Chic-Fil-A stores across the country.
On the other hand, Starbucks, America's most popular coffee outlet has declared their support for gay marriage as has the Apple Computer Company.
On Monday, July 30, I had a nice chicken sandwich at Chic-Fil-A. A few days later, I visited the local Apple Store, a favorite place of mine to spend money. I am not a coffee drinker, but love Starbucks hot chocolate and some of their goodies which have caused my blood pressure to spike. I will likely visit my local Starbucks at my earliest opportunity.
I am a Mormon. Tom Hanks, one of my favorite actors, has made outrageous comments about my Church showing a complete lack of understanding of what we believe and practice. Will I stop going to Tom Hanks movies or discontinue my 28 year love affair with Apple products? Of course not!
We have become so sensitive and reactionary to anyone who disagrees with us that we can hardly function. Can't we have a rational conversation or just agree to disagree? I do not believe in boycotts or protests against certain institutions just because we oppose their beliefs. Many friends, family and people I love dearly have views diametrically opposed to my own. Does that mean I want to write them off? Does this mean I don't respect them? No and again no! This is a free country. We have the right to believe and orient our lives as we see fit and discuss and argue the same. I do believe these issues are important, but when discussions and arguments are over, let us take a deep breath, smile, keep loving each other and be grateful for the countless things we have in common. Otherwise, we may destroy ourselves.
