Free Speech...As Long As You Agree With Me

               As most already know, there was recently a sort of “uprising” among those for, and against same-sex marriage. Although I never viewed this issue as “political” but rather personal, it has become a much more prevalent issue in politics today.

              Chick-fil-A is well-known for having been founded on biblical beliefs. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, has voiced his agreement with the biblical principle that marriage was established to be between a man and woman. In BBC’s recent article on the matter, Mike Huckabee is quoted: "The goal is simple: let's affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a stand for the godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at Chick-fil-A.” Those who believe in same-sex marriage took statements like these made by Huckabee and others as personal attacks on their beliefs. They were never discriminating, in fact, Chick-fil-A’s even hire gays and lesbians; they were merely stating their beliefs. Though discrimination was never the intention, the discussion on the topic lead to the following events:

Supporters packed Chick-fil-A locations everywhere on “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” in support of “traditional” values. It was an opportunity for them to voice their beliefs and show their support of a restaurant that isn’t afraid to stand up for what it believes in. That’s it.

              The following Friday, same-sex marriage advocates were seen gathered outside of different Chick-fil-A’s on what they called “Kiss Mor Chiks” day. It was their way of protesting.

              The reason I wanted to share the details of this event was not to say that someone was right or someone was wrong, but to show that simply by people voicing their beliefs, there is potential for conflict. The unfortunate thing about free speech is, it seems that everyone wants it until someone’s views oppose their own; and to me, that’s not free speech at all. This issue has become such a prevalent political topic/issue today and is one of the many reasons why our nation has become so divided.

              What are other reasons we are divided as a nation? This article is a good read and great example of how our nation becomes divided so check out the link.