Duck Dynasty and A&E

[Engieman]

While I don't watch the show (my daughter and son-in-law do and love it), I'm struck by the checkered response and double standard applied by the media and entertainment center toward an individuals personal expression of views. I must be mistaken, but I thought we had such a thing as the 1st Amendment and Freedom of Speech? Obviously we have taken a different fork in the road somewhere, somehow; and while some can say anything they want, to include anti-America, terrorist ideology, which id OK....others cannot. Apparently the whole diversity of thought, individual belief thing is 'situational' depending on the network, news source or talk show host.

Me, I'll cling to my God and Guns...and the Constitution as envisioned and clearly articulated by our Founders. Second Amendment included....Rant over, I feel better Dr. Smith, Dr. Wesson. Keep the calming medication coming.....

[arjay]

Freedom of speech just means you can express an opinion without being thrown in prison.Express a strong opinion on a controversial subject,expect to hear from the other side.

[Texas40]

Hopefully they stick together as a Family and tell A&E to go pound sand.
They (A&E) need them more than they need A&E I'm pretty sure.
He is entitled to his opinion and the right to voice it whenever and however he feels provided he is not do it with the intent to cause harm or injury to others. IMO he did nothing improper

[Wee Hooker]

Like many Sports, Music and Media celebs before them, these guys just threw out a gold mine because they were disillusioned into thinking that their opinion is of value to the whole world. You can make em rich but you can't make em smart. It's time to make the duck calls....

[Whitens Moss]

Just another example of many where the Thought and Word Police, as envisioned by Orwell, are everywhere. The Telescreens of 1948 have morphed into the NSA of 2013. Be careful what you do and say or you could wind up like Winston Smith, ready for "reeducation."

[Nlmadog]

I watch the show and I stand up for Phil expressing his viewpoints! Phil only said exactly what any fundamental Christian would say. Maybe not exactly the way Phil did but growing up in southern Ohio, very common perspective around here. I hope this spectacle sparks the long over due conversation that most people are tolerant of people's life style choices but may not care to embrace them as normal behavior. The pseudo intellectuals on MSN,CCN and other media formats need to take a lesson , that their daily attack on hard working Americans has not changed basic beliefs grounded in the bible. These are the same people promoting gun control and exploiting every gun incident to prove their agenda is the correct one.
Just my 2 cents from a hard working American is not happy with the direction America seems to be headed .

[DeathGrip]

I get sick of "The Rev." Al Sharpton but they keep on giving him air time.

If someones opinion don't match the medias they try to railroad them.

They all want to know what made a terrorist or mass shooter do what they do but don't want to hear it when a man that does good explains his thoughts.

[WC145]

Originally Posted by Wee Hooker

Like many Sports, Music and Media celebs before them, these guys just threw out a gold mine because they were disillusioned into thinking that their opinion is of value to the whole world. You can make em rich but you can't make em smart. It's time to make the duck calls....

Phil Robertson was already rich before A&E came along, as well as being very well educated. You should read the GQ article, the man was being questioned on his faith and beliefs in the interview and gave honest answers. Not a thing wrong with that.


BTW, if anyone that hasn't is interested in reading the article that started all of the "controversy", here's a link - http://www.gq.com/entertainment/tele...phil-robertson

[skrazo]

This is just another example of mainstream media being a "Propaganda Machine for the Liberals". No one is allowed to disagree with them!

[Old cop]

The problem here is that no one would care what Phil thought about anything if he was not a TV celeb. As such whatever he says reflects on the network that sponsors him and he may have been set up by the magazine that interviewed him.

That said there are consequenses to things you say when you work for someone else. During my working life I was free to say anything I wanted, unless I said I worked for the XYZ PD or appeared in my uniform. When and if I said the kinds of things Phil did I too would have been in trouble under similar circumstances.

I really don't see this as a First Ammendment issue. Words have consequences and while Phil should have known better, obviously he didn't.

What happens going forward will be interesting to watch. As has been posted A&E may need this idiot more than he needs them.

[WuzzFuzz]

Originally Posted by Wee Hooker

Like many Sports, Music and Media celebs before them, these guys just threw out a gold mine because they were disillusioned into thinking that their opinion is of value to the whole world. You can make em rich but you can't make em smart. It's time to make the duck calls....

Without trying to make another firestorm, but this is MY OPINION.

Which is more valuable, being rich, or being able to say what you think?

WuzzFuzz

[Old TexMex]

A business has every right to pick who they employ. Reasons for dismissal or suspension ought to be up to the business. But stop and think for a minute- is firing him good for the stockholders?
Probably not, because the section of society Phil is critical of are not fans (customers) anyway. The investors at A&E are the losers here....but are there wheels within wheels? Could A&E have been getting so much flak for hosting this lifestyle that it was waiting for an excuse to "tone the Duck Dynasty down"?

I'd call it an artificially created crisis.

This is a mountain out of a molehill if I've ever seen it. Are the A&E marketers trying to drum up more attention? Well, they've done that.

Expecting A&E to behave any differently than they have is naive.
I mean, I know who A&E is and so did the Robertsons.

And by the way, who the heck reads GQ anymore anyhow.

[Biginge]

Boys, the way I got it pegged is that the "special interest groups are all for "rights and entitlements" awarded them on their "interest, lifestyle, or even lack thereof." BUT, when someone voices an opinion , other than lockstep with their thoughts, it is "Katy bar the door." "Something has to be done about------fill in the blank here."

If you have not noticed, the media is not particurally aligned these days with religion advocates and does not particurally want anyone associated with them to be an advocate either.

Just my .03 cents, factored for inflation.

[arjay]

Being rich generally gives a guy a little more freedom,including speech,than being poor does.

[arjay]

The media is about making money.If most of this country was fundamentalist this controversy wouldn't be happening.Fox and a few others play to a conservative base because they can make money there.The rest play to the middle-liberal mindset.A&E is figuring they have more to lose backing Phil up.Its about the money.

[G-Mac]

I wasn't a fan of Phil Robertson, didn't even know his name, until this fiasco. I hope this backfires on A&E...how dare they suspend a man for speaking Biblical principles.

[JJEH]

Problem is that the Media doesn't report anymore, now they want to educate. If you are looking for education the Media is certainly the wrong place to look for...

[G-Mac]

Originally Posted by Old cop

As has been posted A&E may need this idiot more than he needs them.

I don't think he's an idiot. He said what he believes and stands behind it 100%. I think that this country needs more people like Phil.

[Arik]

First no one violated his 1A. He spoke his mind and there are consequences.

Second. If we cry to the stations when some anti gun guy comes on what makes you think others don't for their own reasons.

Third. Fastest way to get fired or create a S storm is to talk about God, Sex and Money.

I don't see A&E doing anything wrong.

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[WC145]

Originally Posted by JJEH

Problem is that the Media doesn't report anymore, now they want to educate. If you are looking for education the Media is certainly the wrong place to look for...

I think indoctrinate would be a more appropriate term than educate where the majority of the media is concerned.

[JJEH]

Originally Posted by WC145

I think indoctronate would be a more appropriate term than educate where the majority of the media is concerned.

After looking up what indoctrinate means I have to agree with you.

[woodsltc]

The entertainment industry, TV, Movies, Theater etc.. is rife with "light-hearted and carefree" people (original definition of ***) and heaven forbid someone say something they don't like today such as certain quotes from the Bible.

I hope Phil and the family find a really sharp attorney and sue the **** out of A&E for discrimination.


Don

[Arik]

Originally Posted by woodsltc

The entertainment industry, TV, Movies, Theater etc.. is rife with "light-hearted and carefree" people (original definition of ***) and heaven forbid someone say something they don't like today such as certain quotes from the Bible.

I hope Phil and the family find a really sharp attorney and sue the **** out of A&E for discrimination.


Don

It's not discrimination.

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[BearBio]

My opinion:
1. Phil was stupid for saying what he did. Would there be repercussions? Of course there were (and are).
2. Did he have the RIGHT to say (and believe) what he did? Yes, he does.
3. Is A & E wrong? Yes.
4. Do they have the right to edit what he says when he is not on the show? NO!
5. Why? They (A&E) accept Federal dollars for programming, advertising, etc. They transmit across state lines. They are Federally regulated.
5. The Robertsons shoud pack-up, then sue the **** out of them!

[amazingflapjack]

He was asked a direct question in a magazine interview, and he responded by quoting the New Testament. If he suffers loss due to A&E's suspension, it is discrimination, in my view. It is politically correct to bash "Christianity" to the exclusion of all faiths, or anything else. The reason is that there is power in the Word of God-New and Old testament, and when spoken in faith, brings the conviction of sin on the hearer. God does not condemn homosexuals; but He includes homosexuality, with other acts, as sin, and that is what He condemns. He came as a man to be the Savior of sinners, not to condemn them; he is against the sin, not the sinner. When I went to the Lord, I had to go just as I was, and then, as I followed Him, whatever needed to fall off did so as we went on down the way He lead me. Religion and men may condemn man, but God gave His Son to save me from my sins.

[woodsltc]

Originally Posted by Arik

It's not discrimination.

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[Old TexMex]

Originally Posted by arjay

Freedom of speech just means you can express an opinion without being thrown in prison.Express a strong opinion on a controversial subject,expect to hear from the other side.

So we are to assume that A&E is "the other side"?
Is that our culture now, where an individual can be penalized financially by a business for his religious beliefs? Even though he produces huge amounts on revenue for his contracted partners?

Is it weird to think that as individuals we should practice the principles embodied in our National Constitution?

I suppose so....

It isn't a political issue, or a religious issue, this is an example of extreme over-sensitivity, a created controversy to provide distraction from some serious matters.

[woodsltc]

Originally Posted by BearBio

My opinion:
1. Phil was stupid for saying what he did. Would there be repercussions? Of course there were (and are).

You may be right.

Of course no one outside of the Robertson family really knows, but something tells me that Phil really doesn't care about the repercussions & that his faith is more important to him than any problems that might come from this.

Besides, I bet ol' Phil is in a duck blind (it's duck season in La. right now) and could care less about all this hoop-la-la.

Don

[arjay]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

So we are to assume that A&E is "the other side"?
Is that our culture now, where an individual can be penalized financially by a business for his religious beliefs? Even though he produces huge amounts on revenue for his contracted partners?

Is it weird to think that as individuals we should practice the principles embodied in our National Constitution?

I suppose so....

It isn't a political issue, or a religious issue, this is an example of extreme over-sensitivity, a created controversy to provide distraction from some serious matters.

None of the above.Phil expressed an opinion a lot of people disagree with and he did it in a public forum.A&E figures that cost them,so they rapped his knuckles.Who knows why he did it,maybe he's had enough of show biz.He didn't get rich by being a dumb guy :-)

[DGT]

Originally Posted by Arik

It's not discrimination.

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Yes it is, unless A&E can show that they have "suspended" everyone that has expressed a personal conviction.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

As a reminder....


The below topics are banned from discussion.

From the Rules:

" The following topics are BANNED on this Board:
Abortion
Religion
Racial issues
Gay rights/homosexuality
General LEO bashing
Political Discussion and Comment "

Several Rules Warnings were issued in the previous Duck thread... and another has been issued here. If y'all want to discuss freedom of speech, have at it. But please keep in mind that there are some restrictions on this Board.

[Steve in Vermont]

At least we'll still have shows such as Honey Boo Boo, the Greek Weddings, Housewives of Atlanta and Hardcore Pawn.

[feralmerril]

Its a question of mathematics. A&E know the unGodly out number the Godly. After things came to a boil A&E evidently thought it would be more profitable to romance the unGodly. This miley sirus thing hasnt hurt her now, has it? Sex sells. Being a christian doesnt. We get what we deserve. We meaning the majority. I am not in the majority.

[blujax01]

Our Culture has accepted two huge lies:

1) If you disagree with someone's lifestyle, you must fear or hate them.

2) To love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do.

Both of these concepts are nonsense. You do not have to compromise your personal convictions to be compassionate.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Engieman

While I don't watch the show (my daughter and son-in-law do and love it), I'm struck by the checkered response and double standard applied by the media and entertainment center toward an individuals personal expression of views. I must be mistaken, but I thought we had such a thing as the 1st Amendment and Freedom of Speech? Obviously we have taken a different fork in the road somewhere, somehow; and while some can say anything they want, to include anti-America, terrorist ideology, which id OK....others cannot. Apparently the whole diversity of thought, individual belief thing is 'situational' depending on the network, news source or talk show host.

Me, I'll cling to my God and Guns...and the Constitution as envisioned and clearly articulated by our Founders. Second Amendment included....Rant over, I feel better Dr. Smith, Dr. Wesson. Keep the calming medication coming.....

Amen to that brother and this couldnt have been said any better.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Arik

It's not discrimination.

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If its not discrimination? its still a double standard.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

So we are to assume that A&E is "the other side"?
Is that our culture now, where an individual can be penalized financially by a business for his religious beliefs? Even though he produces huge amounts on revenue for his contracted partners?

Is it weird to think that as individuals we should practice the principles embodied in our National Constitution?

I suppose so....

It isn't a political issue, or a religious issue, this is an example of extreme over-sensitivity, a created controversy to provide distraction from some serious matters.

This society today is the worst: "Our Side vs THEIR side" thing since 1861.

[Arik]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

If its not discrimination? its still a double standard.

No. A&E is an employer. They state their rules for employment. How much would you like to bet that there is something about this in their contract!

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[the ringo kid]

Disagree and im looking elsewhere. Have a wonderful Merry Christmas.

[blujax01]

Folks get fired every day for publicly contradicting their employers stance on everything from monetary policy to the environment. It is not suppression of free speech but the speaker must be prepared to face the consequences of making those statements. As an employee, it is not difficult for me to know which the wind is blowing in my corporation and if I wish to remain employed, will refrain from voicing my opposing opinion in public. Especially when the media is involved and I have been invited to an interview that I know will be published.

For an actor to speak out against homosexuality in Hollywood is akin to yelling "fire" in a full theatre.

[WuzzFuzz]

Originally Posted by arjay

Being rich generally gives a guy a little more freedom,including speech,than being poor does.

Could be arjay, But is it not, the speech of the Po folk is bringing down the rich??????


WuzzFuzz

[Beemerguy53]

There is no First Amendment issue here whatsoever.

The Bill of Rights prevents -- or is supposed to prevent -- the government from infringing your rights. That is not what happened here. In fact, no one's rights are being violated at all...

Robertson had the right to speak his mind. GQ had the right to interview him and publish that interview. A&E had the right to suspend him. His fans have the right to criticize A&E. His critics have the right to commend A&E. The network can decide whether it is better off with him or without him. He can decide whether he wants to continue doing the show on that network.

This is not about whether you agree with what Robertson said or not. To those who are upset about his suspension, and think his rights are being violated: Would you feel this strongly if he had taken an opposite position on the same issue and A&E had suspended him for that?

Freedom...it's a beautiful thing.

[woodsltc]

Originally Posted by Beemerguy53

Would you feel this strongly if he had taken an opposite position on the same issue and A&E had suspended him for that?

Wouldn't have happend.....& that's part of the problem. There's a very visable double standard coming from the media, enterainment industry, etc..!!!!

If he said something critical of the Bible or Torah you can bet a million dollars that A&E would not have said peep. Probably only been a blip in the news. And that's the truth for anyone that has not been living under a rock for the last several years.

Don

Don

[Beemerguy53]

Originally Posted by woodsltc

Wouldn't have happend.....& that's part of the problem. There's a very visable double standard coming from the media, enterainment industry, etc..!!!!

If he said something critical of the Bible or Torah you can bet a million dollars that A&E would not have said peep. Probably only been a blip in the news. And that's the truth for anyone that has not been living under a rock for the last several years.

Oh, I don't deny there's a double standard! We all know that. Just look at the reaction -- or lack of reaction -- when some leftist commentator or talk show host insults conservatives.

But A&E is not required to be fair. They can be as selective as they want in what they will or will not tolerate from the people who star in their programming.

The question I asked is: Would the folks on here who are claiming Robertson's rights were violated be this upset if he had taken the opposite position on the same subject?

[Norsk_jaeger]

I have never watched the show and don't care. A bunch of millionaires pretending to be Hillbillies and perpetuating stereotypes of southerners. Just more garbage entertainment. I would rather put on a nice album, put my feet up and enjoy a nice beverage. In fact I wish I were doing that right now...

[Beemerguy53]

Originally Posted by Norsk_jaeger

I have never watched the show and don't care. A bunch of millionaires pretending to be Hillbillies and perpetuating stereotypes of southerners. Just more garbage entertainment. I would rather put on a nice album, put my feet up and enjoy a nice beverage. In fact I wish I were doing that right now...

Funny you say that...I feel the same way.

I don't have cable television, and have never watched Duck Dynasty. I know about it only because everywhere you go, you're bombarded with DD images and merchandise.

The fact that this 'issue' is commanding so much national attention is indicative of how shallow our culture is getting to be...

[PlaytheAces]

It's all about money, guys. In the end it won't matter who's right, who's wrong, who said what. The duck people and A&E will hug, make up, and continue their joint pursuit of the almighty dollar.

[woodsltc]

Originally Posted by Beemerguy53

The question I asked is: Would the folks on here who are claiming Robertson's rights were violated be this upset if he had taken the opposite position on the same subject?

Well, would you be even be asking the question "if he had taken the opposite position on the same subject"?? Depends on what ones real beliefs are....doesn't it.

Don

[Beemerguy53]

Originally Posted by woodsltc

Well, would you be even be asking the question "if he had taken the opposite position on the same subject"?? Depends on what ones real beliefs are....doesn't it.

With all due respect, you answered my question with a question...and I find that very telling.

Even though you won't answer my question, I will answer yours:

No, my opinion on this issue doesn't depend upon my 'real beliefs', or what Robertson said. And those whose opinions on this issue are influenced by their 'real beliefs' don't really believe in anyone's rights; they are merely supportive of a particular point of view.

Now then, can you, or will you, answer my question? Would you feel this strongly if he had taken an opposite position on the same issue and A&E had suspended him for that?

[Fishslayer]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

And by the way, who the heck reads GQ anymore anyhow.

Probably this guy...