Ever since Franklin Graham's right-wing hankering last year, I've boycotted "106.9 the Light," the contemporary Christian radio station that the Billy Graham ministry operates in Asheville and whose signal reaches Charlotte. I vowed I wouldn't listen to that station at least until after the election.
Well, that boycott may last a little longer. Yesterday, Billy Graham himself issued a statement supporting Chick-fil-A.
Each generation faces different issues and challenges, but our standard must always be measured by God's word. I appreciate the Cathy family's public support for God's definition of marriage.
I also appreciate Governor Mike Huckabee's leadership and for encouraging Americans to support Chick-fil-A on August 1. As the son of a dairy farmer who milked many a cow, I plan to "Eat Mor Chikin" and show my support by visiting Chick-fil-A next Wednesday.
With all due respect to Graham
père, this move is tone-deaf in the extreme. No, not because of the Cathies' loud-and-proud support for discrimination against gays. In case the Grahams missed it, Chick-fil-A was
caught red-handed lying to parents about the reason Muppet giveaway toys were no longer available. While Chick-fil-A claimed it was due to "safety issues," the real reason was because the Jim Henson Company pulled out of its partnership with Chick-fil-A due to its opposition to marriage equality.
Not only that, but a Chick-fil-A supporter on Facebook was exposed as a fake when it was discovered her account was only eight hours old and had a stock photo on it. Chick-fil-A denies it was responsible, but that doesn't seem believable after Buzzfeed uncovered a second Facebook account (since deleted) devoted solely to defending Chick-fil-A.
Standing behind a company that opposes gay marriage is one thing. But standing behind a company that uses shady methods to defend itself? Incomprehensible.