Does Buying a Chik-Fil-A Sandwich Really Support Free Speech?

Seriously! Have I gone insane and just don’t “get it”, or does anyone else think this is just dumb? Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, in support free speech by proclaiming August 1, 2012 as Chik-Fil-A Appreciation Day.

At what point is it not worth waiting over an hour for something served in a paper bag?

Right, because that’s what a nation with increasing obesity problems needs; just another excuse/reason to eat fast food. There are some pretty ridiculous days out there, but I can’t think of ones that are just randomly started on Facebook….and by former government officials….for a fast food restaurant! I don’t know how, but I feel Huckabee gained more than just respect from the business because “money talks!”


This started when Chik-Fil-A’s CEO, Dan Cathy, was being hounded for his stance and support of anti-gay groups. If you hold on to a certain set of beliefs, then by all means, keep holding! I am not gay (happily married to Kelley, a woman, thank you), but I am also not offended by people who are gay. I don’t live by the Bible either, and the CEO uses it in support of his anti-gay stance since the Bible says only a man and woman should be together.

Great, fine, perfect; I guess he must feel that people should be stoned to death instead of modern day capital punishment. Is serving fried chicken and fries to the mass population (most of whom have too much “mass”) written in the Bible? If he wants to go by The Book’s standards, maybe switch to serving fish (not fried), bread, wine, and manna.


When the blogger at Organic Ingredients Now contacted Chik-Fil-A about how they source their chicken, their response was not very helpful. Click here for the full response, but this part really stood out to me:


“At farm level, antibiotics are only administered to prevent and control disease. A “withdrawal” period is required from the time antibiotics are administered before the bird can be processed. This ensures that no residues are present in the bird’s system. All chickens produced for Chick-fil-A are processed under the continuous USDA inspection program. Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) randomly samples poultry at slaughter and tests for residues.”

This response wouldn’t instill confidence in me. Then again, I’m the “crazy” one who eats weird (aka natural, unprocessed, and whole) food. I apologize if I have offended anyone as that is never my intention. I’m just “supporting” my free speech; without having to go anywhere to buy something!




"Fried" Speech

 If Chik-Fil-A wants to support anti-gay groups, I agree they should be able to practice their beliefs. I don't dislike the chain for their views, I despise all fast food chains for having non-nutritional food at cheap prices. Speaking of, what's with McDonald's and the Olympics?  I know, MONEY, but the two just don't go together...ever.  Unless it's something dumb like a swimmer eating 3,330 calories worth of the stuff. Even then, I'd indulge in a giant container of Chobani with peanut butter and crunchy granola!

Imagine if the flocks of people so eager to eat low quality fried food (I know grilled chicken and salads are available, but lets be real here; most people aren’t ordering that at a chain) support free speech all went to local farmer’s markets and bought fresh meat and/or produce instead. While “poor” Dan Cathy and his chicken chain were hurt from bad press, I know most small farmers are always hurting and could always use our support. On top of that, we’d have a healthier population and economy! Just some food for thought; make of it what you will.


Q: What are your thoughts on the Chik-Fil-A events? Do you agree or disagree with my feelings?

I’d like to hear either side if you care to comment. Meanwhile, I’m starting to think other designated “special” days like National Watermelon Day (tomorrow!) and Bad Poetry Day don’t sound too bad.