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Thousands Of Supporters Turn Out For Chick-fil-A ‘Appreciation Day’
August 1, 2012
Thousands have turned out Wednesday to support Chick-fil-A at restaurants across the area.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos show lines out the door, packed restaurant lobbies and drive-thru lines filling parking lots and spilling into nearby streets.
For a reader submitted photo gallery, click here.
Wednesday was proclaimed “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. A social media campaign on Facebook followed, urging those that support the chicken restaurant to eat at a location near them on Wednesday.
“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 on Wednesday,” Huckabee said in a Facebook posting.
Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A told the Baptist Press last month that the company is “guilty as charged” for supporting the “the biblical definition of a family” as marriage being the union of one man and one woman. Those statement drew fire from gay rights groups who have called for boycotts and to block the chain from opening more restaurants.
Pictured: The rush at Chick-fil-A restaurants in the North Escambia area Wednesday. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
59 Responses to “Thousands Of Supporters Turn Out For Chick-fil-A ‘Appreciation Day’”
REGARDING:
“If Jesus won’t condemn someone violating the sanctity of marriage why are so many so quick to condemn?”
Jesus said he would not condemn her but to go and sin no more. Did He intend her to continue to break God’s law? No He did not.
Further, at that time condemnation was a death sentence. He was literally talking about throwing a stone to kill a woman. I’m not sure how many are calling for death sentences, but I think most are condemning behaviors not in keeping with said law. I am free to condemn the drinking of Pepsi when RC is obviously better, but I shouldn’t condemn people to death for bad taste.
By the way, have you ever wondered what happened to the man with whom the lady was caught committing adultery? He was just as guilty but nobody saw fit to drag him in for judgment. This would be because they didn’t want judgment, they wanted to get something on Christ.
David for correct reading and pondering
RC versus Pepsi
Something to consider from the bible:
And the scribes and the Pharisees bring unto Jesus a woman taken in adultery: and they set her in the midst, And said to him: Master, this woman was even now taken in adultery. Now Moses in the law commanded us to stone such a one. But what sayest thou? And this they said tempting him, that they might accuse him. But Jesus bowing himself down, wrote with his finger on the ground. When therefore they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said to them: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
If Jesus won’t condemn someone violating the sanctity of marriage why are so many so quick to condemn?
Jackie give us equality and equal protections under the law and I will shut up and live.
Lawstudent:
I beg to differ it does affect my life and the raising of my children. I am trying to raise children and teach them the morals as outlined in the Bible. No I am not perfect and am a sinner as well. I do not attempt to justify my sins and shove it down everyone else’s throat. Gay marriage is a sin and it offends me, the same as prostitutes and child molesters. These things offend me the same as derogatory names offend people. The attitude that our society is accepting is that Christians are the bad guys. If someone is gay that is there business. Why do they insist on making it my business.
Gay marriage will be the straw that breaks the back of the government camels we call Social Security and Medicare. They are already being bankrupted by people drawing disability who never worked and paid into the fund. I support Mr. Cathy for his stand.
Wow. talk about hate and intolerance , we can see how those who support gay marriage feel about that. No they think we should not be able to have a opinion about that , and if you disagree with them the real demons come out. Nope marriage is between a man and a women, only, now if the gays want a civil union , then lobby for it, they should have equal rights under the law of man, but that is as far as if goes, no marriage ever.
The country is nearing 50/50 on gay marriage for/against and that scares a lot of people who want their religion to be the law of the land. So what if two men want to get married? Good for them. Doesn’t affect me or how I live my life at all. You don’t have to marry them in your Church so what’s the issue? I’m all for Dan Cathy and freedom of speech but I oppose those trying to deny people by law the pursuit of happiness granted by the constitution. That’s just un-American in my book.
This is all about free speech and standing by your principles. I am glad to see that the media can’t change things to fit their idea of what is right or wrong. I am not agianst any one group of people but I do believe that everyone has a right to their opinion, and short of yelling “fire” in a crowded theater (just to yell it), we should be able to voice our opinions.
The day was about supporting freedom of speech. We are so blessed to have that right. However, I highly doubt very many people who waited in line for Chick-fil-A yesterday strongly support gay marriage. But most people who went are against gay marriage and that majority of those people have a Christ based faith. I am glad that the owners of Chick-fil-A stated their belief when asked.
What saddens me is that Christians are ready rally together, take a stand and … buy fast food.
I’m not say we need to condone gay marriage. I’m just saying it’s sad that Christian will go to such extremes to tell the world what we are against, but not what we are for.
Why must everything wind up with people pulling some kind of card out ? This is simply a CEO speaking his beliefs, and government leaders threatening his company with discremination for him using his freedom of speech. Sounds like what’s good for the goose is not good for the gander. I know I’ll be eating at Chic Fila more often to show my support.
So, let me get this straight, when anti-gay organizations boycott and protest JC Penny’s, Ellen DeGeneres, DC Comics, Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, The Lifetime Network, Toys R Us, etc they are exercising their freedom of speech. But, when gay rights activist boycott Chick-fil-a they are infringing on the company’s freedom of speech?
Seems legit.
per wikipedia, EACH state decides whether or not to RECOGNIZE same sex marriages, and or, those preformed in other states- it remains an evolving determination countrywide- currently, 30 do not.recognize SSM- the US constitution allows for each state to govern themselves in ths matter. OBAMA is the first US president to date that has advocated SSM. (which should be NO SURPRISE, as he did announce early on that he was going to “fundamentally change America”)
I agree with you Realist. If we let religion dictate our laws we might as well live in Iran.
Still scrolling through my Constitution to see where it says marriage is between a man and woman. The only thing I can find is the US Supreme Court repeatedly stating that there is a “wall of separation between church and state.” The only place that defines marriage as between man and woman is your Bible. Which a lot of people do not agree with. In fact I think a bunch of people came to a country called “America” so they could believe whatever they want. It is your absolute right to stand in a fast food restaurant and buy chicken to show your support. However, your opinions belong with you and your church, not the law of the United States.
@realitychech1, you need to reread the new testament if you think God never mentioned homosexuality in the NT, how about Romans 1: 26 & 27 and also read 1Corinthians. It is an abomination to God, he said it and no matter what any human thinks or says it won’t change the fact that that is what God said and what he meant.
the only BULLY in this CHICK-FIL-A demonstration of support day (for free speech and commerce) was BULLY EMANUEL (mayor of the crime ridden chicago pit) and the other 3 big city mayors who joined in with their unconstitutional public threats of discrimination directed at CFA, by use of their elected governmental position!!!- THEY DONT SPEAK FOR THEIR CITIES, AMERICA OR ME!.- they need to get booted out of office and or, better yet- get sued!!! WHERE, OH WHERE IS OUR PRESIDENT OBAMA NOW??????- doesnt he NORMALLY stick his nose into such socially explosive events trying to calm the waters?? what? no chicken summit- no waffle fry summit…im shocked!
my family stood in line at the pace chic fil a with hundreds of others to support Dan Cathy. but it was more than a stance of free speech, it became a atmosphere of caring americans who sang god bless america while waiting in line for a sandwich. its time we stood up as christians and americans and take our country back. no more godless leaders who shake their fist at the very foundation that started this great country. our fore fathers were such godly men, they included God on everything. whats next with this obama administration? The word of God be stricten from everything? HEY! Dan Cathy For President….
Tolerence leads to demands for more tolerence and there are limits. I do not care what people do in private, but when you try to shove abberance into the faces of people they grow sick of it.
If you want to do what you do, then do it without making a specticle so that people will grow weary of you and begin to despise you. Oh Yea!BTW I support Chick Fillet.
I agree that as long as someone’s personal beliefs do not affect others,,so be it. Why aren’t these people doing something better with their time–Cram the Van is going on now, building homes or donating to injured military personnel that have given the ultimate all, feeding the homeless, etc.. Just saying
Reality check.
Read the book of Romans, Also read 1st Corinthians. Homosexuality is mentioned in the Bible and called an abomination. Sodom and Gomorah was destroyed because of immoral behavior. Your remark about divorced people and fat people are not a fair comparison. Divorced people do not parade around announcing to everyone that they are divorced. Some overweight people have a medical condition that causes their obesity. Citing Christian values as the reason you fell the way you do about something when asked is nothing more than providing the reasons you fell the way you do. Why do liberal people stand up and scream foul when they perceive Muslims not being allowed to practice freedom of religion, but want to jump all over a Christian?
This whole thing is about as dumb as dumb can be, and I personally have much more to worry about in my life..I could care less if people wanna eat at chic-fil-a or if they dont. But I will give my opinon anyway, Mr Cathy exercised his freedom of speech by stating that he was opposed to gay marriage. I am shocked that this is a surprise to anyone considering chic-fil-a was founded by Christians, and is clearly a christian driven organization. I believe that Mr. Cathy had the right to say what his beliefs are, he at no time spouted anything about hate, he made his personal views on a political subject known. Just like anyone has the right to stand up and say they are for gay marriage, anyone has the right to say they oppose it as well. Its called Freedom of speech people, and one of the few freedoms we actually still have. Just because I may not personally agree with what someone has to say does not mean that I wouldnt defend their right to be able to say it. No I do not personally agree with Mr. Cathy b/c I am not personally opposed to gay marriage myself, but I think its everyones own right to feel how they want to, and make their feelings known verbally if they so choose. Both sides of this argument have gone way overboard on this matter, and its time that the whole mess goes away and everyone gets back to taking care of their own lives and personal matters instead of worrying about someone else’s…. if you wanna eat there eat there if you dont..then dont…all this we gonna pick a day and show support or we gonna pick a day and picket, riot, have a gay kiss whatever is totally ridiculous….
Wish they had a Chik-Fil-A in the northern part of the county!
Great to see so many people show up in support of free speech!
It is not wrong to have your own beliefs. However, if one calls upon one’s Christian values as a reason to not allow gay marriage, then one would have to be consistent respectively. Our society is rampant with divorce and adultery, but these two things are not unlawful. Jesus never mentioned anything about homosexuality in the New Testament. Although, he did speak about adultery and divorce. And if you refer to the Old Testament then again. you would have to remain consistent. Does anyone wear clothes sown from two different seeds? A sin is a sin is a sin! How many overweight people do we punish for gluttony? The issue is more about who has the right to make decisions in the event that the other cannot make them for themselves.. If that is something that this country truly cannot allow, than I would like to point out that there are many areas in which America has failed conclusively.
For those of you that wanted change in 2008, here you go….I hope the Democratic Party makes Gay Rights a strong part of their Platform. It is time to correct the error created which was created and where allot of this started…Get the individual with the Master Plan for “Social Unrest” out of the Oval Office.
It is time for American’s, whether you are Republican, Democrats or Independent to stand up for what is right, and not just politically correct. Time to get Obama out of the White House and put the United States back on top where we belong. No wallowing in the pit it has been in the past 3 years.
I am waiting on the reports of unruly mobs, assaults, rioting, looting and various other criminal activities that had to be quelled by police at these establishments.
Folks, with the turnout and support for Chick-fil-a on Wednesday lets keep the ball rolling. As you probably already know the Gays, Lesbians and LIBERALS are planning a disgusting “KISS In” day on Friday. Well we must not let them succeed in disrupting Chick-fil-a’s business. Everyone that went to a Chick-fil-a on Wednesday and ordered food should go back Friday and crowd out those there who wish to disrupt this GREAT AMERICAN BUSINESS!!!
If we are there in crowds they can not get there and if they do what a great opportunity to witness to those lost souls.
Please spread this idea far and wide….
Just drove by Chick Fil A on 9 Mile about 7:45 PM. The drive thru was still wrapped all the way around the building, into the Target parking lot, past Bagelheads, and about half way up the east side. Parking lot was full, too.
I think all those in favor of free speech have spoken.
I only have one thing to say to all of this nonsense;
READ YOUR BIBLE people.
Just because a large portion of society has stood up and announced they are gay, does not mean we should change the entire world for them.
Get over it!
@thinker said “America is a Republic, which means it has always stood for INDIVIDUAL rights, not mob rule”.
Hello? What do think is happening here? This IS mob rule by your friends on the radical left who shout down conservatives instead of listening and debating like civilized people. What do you think this so-called boycott by the leftists and the call by big city mayors to ban the company from their cities? This IS MOB RULE! and Yes we are supposed be a republic. Mr. Cathy’s comments are his personal opinion protected by the very free speech that liberals love to quote but rarely employ. He was not speaking for his company.
If a Republican city mayor says he doesn’t want Ben & Jerry’s in his town, liberals would cry foul. Get it?
God doesn’t have ‘degrees of sin.’
A Sin is a Sin is a Sin
Lying (yes, even little white ones) = sin
Stealing = sin
Hating = sin
Lusting = sin
Murder = sin
Sex outside of marriage = sin
Same sex marriage = sin
Even if the majority is okay with the action, that does not determine whether it is a SIN or not.
Exerpt taken from http://www.gotquestions.org:
We are all three times condemned due to inherited sin, imputed sin, and personal sin. The only just penalty for this sin is death (Romans 6:23), not just physical death but eternal death (Revelation 20:11-15). Thankfully, inherited sin, imputed sin, and personal sin have all been crucified on the cross of Jesus, and now by faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
It’s all the same to God. There is only one Judge.
“How can People support an organization dedicated to denying EVERYONE EQUAL RIGHTS!!!!”
No rights are being denied. A gay man has the same right as a straight man to marry a gay or straight woman just like a gay woman has the same right as a straight woman to marry a gay or straight man.
Regarding Jodie:
No one was denied service by Chik-fil-A. Inform yourself before making comments. The CEO stated that he believed that marriage was between a man and woman. Basically not agreeing with same sex marriage. He has a right to disagree with it. Why are the minority’s the only people allowed to express an opinion? Some of the opinions expressed by minority’s offend me, but I respect the fact that they are entitled to voice their opinions. I expect the same treatment from them and respect the opinions they disagree with. That is one of the things that has made our country great. The last several years has seen liberal people grandstanding and minorities boycotting anything that does not wholeheartedly support their cause. Why is it not enough for the gay community to say this is how I am and be proud of it, rather than this is how I am and not only do you have to accept it, but now you have to celebrate it with me.
There was a time when this would not be so strange.There was a time when standing for God’s word was more expected.But in a world that is not use to people standing for the Truth this seems strange. Its not about hate or even judgeing…We dont have to judge because God has already judged it in his WORD.I would to God that more would raise up a banner and stand for rightousness.
Well stated, Mike!! You put into words my thoughts exactly!
Mike wrote: “This is what needs to happen more often in America. We need to stand up for what is right, what we believe, and what is best for everyone and not just a minority group. The press, politicians, and society in general has such a fear of offending another group or being politically correct that it is deemed an act of hatred or discrimination when a group actually stands up for their beliefs. I am proud to be a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ. I believe in the Bible and all that is contained in it. I believe in the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. I do not agree with the beliefs and actions of our current leader. I believe we as Americans have the right to free speach and the right to bear arms. I don’t care if someone wants to be gay, lesbian, athiest or dumb; as long as their actions do not affect the lives of others then that is their right as Americans. I applaud the leader of Chick-fil-a for standing up for his beliefs. God Bless America!!!”
@Jodie, do you even know the situation? Sounds like you just jumped on the bandwagon. Mr. Cathey was during an interview by a Baptist Ministry if he supported same sex marriage. His response was ” guilty as charged, I back the biblical family unit, marriage is between one man and one woman. Our company was founded on christian believes”
Chick-fil-a has not refuse anyone service or treated anyone different.So I have yet to get why the gay community cares what their (CF) opinion on marriage is.that business can not make the law.Your bringing up discrimination the states that refuse to let a business open is the one that is discriminating. People get a life there is bigger problems in the world than worrying about someones sexually proferences.
Chick-fil-a is a privately owned company and is therefore allowed to express any opinion. Mr. Cathy did not volunteer his opinion but shared it only when asked. He is not using his company as a platform on which to show prejudice but is simply a family owned business that has has an owner with a backbone and is willing to celebrate his freedom of speech. If anyone were to check the business profile of this company, one would see that professed gays and lesbians make up a precentage of the company employee base. Although I agree with Cathy’s stand on traditional marriage, I also celebrate his right to express his freedom of speech.
Jodie, who’s rights were denied and what rights were denied by whom? You trippin!
Jodie, nobody was denied anything. Read and stop pulling the race card!!!!!! Dan Cathy for president!!!!!!
I love Chick-Fil-a and I am proud of what they stand for, not too many fast food resturants are closed on Sunday to give their employee’s a rest and a chance to attend church if they want to. I back them 110% we have to fight the good fight and well as the ugly, so Way to Go CHICK-FIL-A! Way to press on for the work of the our Lord!
This is sooo stupid!
And what if this organization starts denying black people or indian people….ooopps, we’ve already been there.
How can People support an organization dedicated to denying EVERYONE EQUAL RIGHTS!!!!
If gays gain the right to be legally married it will take NOTHING from traditional marriage between a man and a woman and life will go on for the rest of us as usual. This corporation’s position is no better than anti-Jewish attitudes in Nazi Germany or racist attitudes in the South in recent history. How is it different? This is NOT American. America is a Republic, which means it has always stood for INDIVIDUAL rights, not mob rule. Yes the CEO can speak out but to use the influence his business has may be legal but certainly can be seen as bullying and unethical. Jesus didn’t say love everyone except gays. Gay people aren’t gay by choice, it’s like being born with any other handicap or gift. We’re ALL different !!
I went to support our rights to believe what we want. I do not hate gay people and neither does God.God is love. The person holding that sign is wrong. We all have the right to be gay or not like the idea of gay. But hate is the wrong thing.And the gay people that picket people who don’t believe it’s right are wrong to me. Picket the right thing ,like our Government people banning Chic-fil-a from their city for having an opinion.Thats hate.
God does not hate Fags. Shame on using their LOGO to say what the Cathys do NOT say. To my knowledge, they do not hate anyone. They are very loving people.
THANK YOU PENSACOLA AND ALL OF NW FLORIDA FOR SUPPORTING CHICK-FIL-A!!! THEY REALLY DO DESERVE IT!!!
Our culture has accepted two huge lies: The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear them or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate. -Rick Warren
@Bob:
I would be willing to bet that the sign you mentioned was not placed there by the patrons of that particular establishment or someone associated with the company!
I just got off the phone with my son in Tennessee. He was waiting in line to get his chic-fil-a and show support for them. Personally, I did not wait for a single day to show appreciation, the day of the declared boycott I, along with hundereds of other Pensocalians, went to show support and thanked them for it.
I’m so proud of Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-a for standing up for his beliefs. He didn’t slam anyone by what he said. He certainly should have a right to his beliefs and be able to express them. My husband[retired navy] and I had lunch today at Chic-fil-a [in support of Dan Cathy and his beliefs] and were so happy to see hundreds of people there. It was so heartwarming! We live in a navy town and so many service men and women were there also. I’m looking foreward to watching the news tonight, I know today was a total success for the cause. God bless the U.S.A.
I agree I applaud them for standing up but I do not agree with the god hates fags sign outside the establishment. There needs to be a check with their values also.
Good for Dan Cathy and thanks to Mike Huckabee. I listen to the nut case mayors from Boston and Chicago degrade these two men. Mr. Cathy doesn’t need a Chic-fil-a in either one of these two lousy cities.
I had Chick-fil-A for lunch today, as I stood in line with hundreds of folks, I was so thankful to be able to show my support and without saying a word. I have family members that have made choices in their lives that I do not agree with BUT I still love them and pray for them and they love me. Why do just a few individuals have to be so mean and make something untrue and wronge out of what Mr.Cathy said… PROUD TO SUPPORT CHICK-FIL-A!! I hope that more businesses will step up and speak up!
Not so much because of the “christian” beliefs or a stand for or against gay marriage, but freedom of speech is a blessing and even companies should be allowed to express it! No one had a problem with the gay oreo campaign so why bash chik-fil-a?
I wish this could be the start to a new era where folks stand their ground and stop letting others try to change the way we as Christians were raised to live. If you want to be gay, lesbian, whatever, go ahead just stop trying to change everyone else to the way you believe. Maybe if we, as Christians, start our own revolution like this at Chick-Fil-A we can make a difference and get things such as prayer in schools back in schools instead of backing down to ‘politics’. By the way, I had breakfast at Chick-Fil-A this morning and showed my support. Hope everyone continues to flood their doors till closing time. GOD BLESS AMERICAN!!
Mike said it well.
Awsome!!!!!! I’ll go out of my way to eat there from now on.Good for Mr. Dan Cathy for standing by what he belives in.
God Bless Chick-fil-a and God Bless America….
Stand up for what you believe in deed!!!! Its great to see Big Corp. taking a stand and not just tucking tail and be a follower. Good job, Chik-Fil-A!!!
This is what needs to happen more often in America. We need to stand up for what is right, what we believe, and what is best for everyone and not just a minority group. The press, politicians, and society in general has such a fear of offending another group or being politically correct that it is deemed an act of hatred or discrimination when a group actually stands up for their beliefs. I am proud to be a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ. I believe in the Bible and all that is contained in it. I believe in the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. I do not agree with the beliefs and actions of our current leader. I believe we as Americans have the right to free speach and the right to bear arms. I don’t care if someone wants to be gay, lesbian, athiest or dumb; as long as their actions do not affect the lives of others then that is their right as Americans. I applaud the leader of Chick-fil-a for standing up for his beliefs. God Bless America!!!