I support Phil of Duck Dynasty

[50milesSE ND]

It's like he was reading my mind really. God Bless you Phil to hell with the rest!!!!!! Just had to get that in because it got closed.

 

[wizards8507]

They said we could start a new one if we played nice...

#FreePhil

Interestingly, while I don't think he SHOULD have been fired, I fully support A&E's rights to fire him if they saw fit. I think it will prove to be a poor business decision.

 

[Norcal Irish]

I support Phil as well.....

 

[ACamp1900]

Can I just ask EXACTLY what he said... not some general fly by...

 

[50milesSE ND]

Now we're cooking. I think those who are interested should look a speech by Charlton Heston when he was Vice President of NRA. He discussed his views of the cultural war that was coming. He did this with more desired taste but the message was clear. Hollywooders wouldn't have balls to do this today because they wouldn't get any work in the industry if they spoke with his honesty.

 

[BGIF]

Can I just ask EXACTLY what he said... not some general fly by...

Here 130 posts on exactly what they thought he said.

http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/lep...asty-phil-robertson-fiasco-4.html#post1186819

There's also a link in the O.P. so you can read for yourself.

 

[wizards8507]

Can I just ask EXACTLY what he said... not some general fly by...

These might be out of order, but he was asked about what's wrong with our society:

Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong... Sin becomes fine. Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.

Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.

It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.

I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior.

My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together.

However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.

 

[50milesSE ND]

Can I just ask EXACTLY what he said... not some general fly by...

Basically said that he doesn't understand what another man finds inanother mans anus. A woman's vagina has more to offer. Man should marry a woman. Pretty much called like it is if you have and understand Christian values that being a homosexual is a sin, along with adulterers, beastiality, male prostitutes, greedy people etc. What's wrong with this? He did say that as a christian he does love these people however basically hate the sin not the sinner. I couldn't agree more with this man. He speaks for people like me ......

 

[tussin]

This whole debate IMO reflects the hypocrisy of American media. No one would say a word if the Duck Dynasty guy made remarks stating that anyone who doesn't support gay rights is a bigot and will go to hell... in fact, most media outlets would praise him.

But as soon as anyone expresses a viewpoint that is in contrast with the "politically correct" society we live in, every single media outlet attacks that person and threatens his career. I understand A&E has the obligation to protect their network / profits, but discouraging free speech like this is deplorable.

 

[#1rish]

They should really put an asterisk on the First Amendment.

Then again, it's not like our government follows the Constitution anyway.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

I support AE.

Got to get that money.

On a side note, why don't rich Christians get their mula together and make a network where they can hire dudes like this. I bet it would be a gold mine.

 

[ND NYC]

is the "debate" over whether we agree or disagree with A+E sidelining him?

or

is it about whether we agree or disagree with the words he actually said?


i disagree on both.

 

[ACamp1900]

Sometimes it's how you say it...

“I believe Homosexuality is a sin... no more and no less than the dozens of sins I seem to be wired to commit on a regular basis...” May have been a better way to go about it…

 

[wizards8507]

This whole debate IMO reflects the hypocrisy of American media. No one would say a word if the Duck Dynasty guy made remarks stating that anyone who doesn't support gay rights is a bigot and will go to hell... in fact, most media outlets would praise him.

This. Phil Robertson has no power to opress or discriminate against gays. The only person being discriminated against is him, for being a Christian.

They should really put an asterisk on the First Amendment.
Then again, it's not like our government follows the Constitution anyway.

A&E has the right to fire him. They probably shouldn't have, but the First Amendment only protects you from the government, not your employer.

I support AE.

Got to get that money.

Lol, yeah that's the smart financial decision. Offend 75% of the country (Christians) in order to appease 2% of the country (gays).

 

[ND NYC]

I support AE.

Got to get that money.

On a side note, why don't rich Christians get their mula together and make a network where they can hire dudes like this. I bet it would be a gold mine.

Rupert Murdoch already did...

 

[IrishLax]

This whole debate IMO reflects the hypocrisy of American media. No one would say a word if the Duck Dynasty guy made remarks stating that anyone who doesn't support gay rights is a bigot and will go to hell... in fact, most media outlets would praise him.

But as soon as anyone expresses a viewpoint that is in contrast with the "politically correct" society we live in, every single media outlet attacks that person and threatens his career. I understand A&E has the obligation to protect their network / profits, but discouraging free speech like this is deplorable.

What I don't get is what exactly did people think he was going to say? If you had a show about a super strict Muslim and then asked him what his thoughts on bikinis was... would he get suspended if he made a bunch of anti-women's rights statements? What if you asked him about homosexuality?

Just seems like a really stupid and subjective line on what opinions are OK to have and/or free speech, and which will not be tolerated. I don't agree with what he said, but I also don't understand the objective of punishing him either.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

They should really put an asterisk on the First Amendment.

Then again, it's not like our government follows the Constitution anyway.

I fail to see how his freedom of speech has been infringed.

 

[wizards8507]

Sometimes it's how you say it...

“I believe Homosexuality is a sin... no more and no less than the dozens of sins I seem to be wired to commit on a regular basis...” May have been a better way to go about it…

The "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" comment was about his past. There's a back story there. He was an alcoholic, drug abuser, and all around horrible guy a few decades back. When he found Jesus, all of that stopped, so he's not talking about things he "commits on a regular basis."

Regarding how he said it, I guess it's easier to read his tone of voice if you're familiar with the program. His message was sincere but I have no doubt that the "anus" comment was said with a twinkle of "oooh this will get them riled up" in his eyes. He has a very dry, straight-forward humor. I'd love to see a video of this interview.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

This. Phil Robertson has no power to opress or discriminate against gays. The only person being discriminated against is him, for being a Christian.


A&E has the right to fire him. They probably shouldn't have, but the First Amendment only protects you from the government, not your employer.



Lol, yeah that's the smart financial decision. Offend 75% of the country (Christians) in order to appease 2% of the country (gays).

lol

Rupert Murdoch already did...

Fox is the same network that airs Family Guy right?

 

[wizards8507]

I fail to see how his freedom of speech has been infringed.

I support Phil but you're 100% right in that regard. This isn't a freedom of speech issue. No one is going to prison.

 

[Irish4Life09]

As much as I love Phil and Duck Dynasty, this issue is about a lot more than this show. It is about the continued degrading of Christian beliefs and 1st amendment rights being trampled on by leftist media. This nation was founded on the principles of free speech and religion. You may not like my views, but damn anyone for trying to censor them.

It's too bad that we have seen the last episode of DD. They havn't announced it yet, but you know that family will not stand for this, and will not continue on after this. I guarantee it. It was a nice run while it lasted. #happyhappyhappy

 

[tussin]

What I don't get is what exactly did people think he was going to say? If you had a show about a super strict Muslim and then asked him what his thoughts on bikinis was... would he get suspended if he made a bunch of anti-women's rights statements? What if you asked him about homosexuality?

Just seems like a really stupid and subjective line on what opinions are OK to have and/or free speech, and which will not be tolerated. I don't agree with what he said, but I also don't understand the objective of punishing him either.

Exactly. It's absurd how the interviewer knew what he was going to say, set him up for that answer, and then the media acts outraged when he says exactly what they wanted him to. If you asked the Pope similar questions, he would directionally have a similar response (albeit in a much more well-spoken and intelligent format).

He was basically set-up to make splashy quotes and create a controversy. I've never seen the show, but it's clear that Phil isn't the most eloquent individual. I suspect that, combined with his "tell it like it is" style, is part of the show's appeal.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

As much as I love Phil and Duck Dynasty, this issue is about a lot more than this show. It is about the continued degrading of Christian beliefs and 1st amendment rights being trampled on by leftist media. This nation was founded on the principles of free speech and religion. You may not like my views, but damn anyone for trying to censor them.

It's too bad that we have seen the last episode of DD. They havn't announced it yet, but you know that family will not stand for this, and will not continue on after this. I guarantee it. It was a nice run while it lasted. #happyhappyhappy

This isn't a 1st Amendment issue. He was suspended under a private contract. He exercised his 1st Amendment right, and he could do so again. He has no Constitutional right to be on TV. AE revoked a privilege, they didn't stomp on a right

 

[greyhammer90]

This isn't a 1st Amendment issue. He was suspended under a private contract. He exercised his 1st Amendment right, and he could do so again. He has no Constitutional right to be on TV. AE revoked a privilege, they didn't stomp on a right

This is what has confused me. I didn't realize he'd been jailed.

 

[tussin]

I fail to see how his freedom of speech has been infringed.

It's clearly not a First Amendment violation from a legal perspective, but it is a "freedom of speech" discussion IMO. His personal and professional life is being jeopardized for publicly stating what he believes in. He did nothing wrong, yet is being punished for it.

While neither side (Phil or A&E) did anything wrong legally, it's still a freedom of speech issue.

 

[autry_denson]

forget about whether you like him or don't like him, whether you agree with him or don't agree with him. Consider the general sequence:

A reporter interviews a public figure and he makes controversial comments about a segment of the population.

Some agree with or don't mind those comments, some are deeply offended by them.

The employer decides that the public figure's comments make that person an inappropriate representative of the firm, and suspends (or fires?) the individual.

The end. There is nothing controversial about what happened here beyond the specific comments - everyone involved was within their rights and the reporter did his job well. If your argument can't be abstracted and translated into a set of principles or rights that were violated, it probably doesn't have much merit.

 

[wizards8507]

It's too bad that we have seen the last episode of DD. They havn't announced it yet, but you know that family will not stand for this, and will not continue on after this. I guarantee it. It was a nice run while it lasted. #happyhappyhappy

We haven't seen the last episode. Season 5 was already filmed. If nothing else, I think they'll agree to part ways and the show will be picked up by another network. It's the highest rated cable reality show of all time.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

forget about whether you like him or don't like him, whether you agree with him or don't agree with him. Consider the general sequence:

A reporter interviews a public figure and he makes controversial comments about a segment of the population.

Some agree with or don't mind those comments, some are deeply offended by them.

The employer decides that the public figure's comments make that person an inappropriate representative of the firm, and suspends (or fires?) the individual.

The end. There is nothing controversial about what happened here beyond the specific comments - everyone involved was within their rights and the reporter did his job well. If your argument can't be abstracted and translated into a set of principles or rights that were violated, it probably doesn't have much merit.

Nail, head.

 

[wizards8507]

forget about whether you like him or don't like him, whether you agree with him or don't agree with him. Consider the general sequence:

A reporter interviews a public figure and he makes controversial comments about a segment of the population.

Some agree with or don't mind those comments, some are deeply offended by them.

The employer decides that the public figure's comments make that person an inappropriate representative of the firm, and suspends (or fires?) the individual.

The end. There is nothing controversial about what happened here beyond the specific comments - everyone involved was within their rights and the reporter did his job well. If your argument can't be abstracted and translated into a set of principles or rights that were violated, it probably doesn't have much merit.

There's a difference between what you HAVE A RIGHT to do and what IS RIGHT to do. Yes, an employer CAN fire an employee over comments made in public. I don't believe an employer SHOULD fire an employee over comments made in public, these comments in particular. No one is saying A&E should be sued over this. But they might be making the (equally free) decision that the network's values do not allign with their own.

 

[Wild Bill]

It's clearly not a First Amendment violation from a legal perspective, but it is a "freedom of speech" discussion IMO. His personal and professional life is being jeopardized for publicly stating what he believes in. He did nothing wrong, yet is being punished for it.

While neither side (Phil or A&E) did anything wrong legally, it's still a freedom of speech issue.

He's free to continue speaking provided he's ready to walk away from A&E. He has conditions of employment, similar to the rest of us.