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No, this is NOT going to be another story about stridently anti-gay Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy’s rumored meth-fueled love tryst with troubled Pastor Ted Haggard. There have been ENOUGH of those, and we are not that kind of blog. And we will not be mentioning those rumors again until there are more reliable and impartial witnesses than Haggard’s congregation and the Chick-fil-A Board of Directors.
But, on the eve of “Chick-fil-A” day, during which geriatric FOX News viewers threaten wheezingly to patronize the eatery en masse just to support Mr Cathy’s *cough* “freedom of speech, ” we thought we should share THIS contribution from a loyal Orange Juice reader…
Take it away!
**************
Today I went to Chick-fil-A. I’ve been a good customer for years.
I looked around the restaurant as I waited in line to place my order. The employees were bustling about. It was around noon, and the dining room was three-quarters full. The customers were eating happily. There were a lot of people in line, but they moved fast, because the staff was operating efficiently and cheerfully. It seemed to me that there were a lot of children, and also a much higher proportion of senior citizens than I usually see there. The crowd was dressed casually, but the women’s hairstyles and the late-model cars parked outside told me that they were a wealthy demographic.
I took my time looking at the menu, and told the cashier exactly how I wanted my sandwich: the Spicy Chick-fil-A with lettuce added (an extra 15 cents.) I mentioned in a cheerful, conversational tone that that’s just the way I had it last time, and how I wanted it to taste just that way again. I took my time contemplating whether I wanted fries, and finally decided to skip them. Yes, I would like that “for here.”
Basically I was a typical customer – borderline annoying but well-meaning, and oblivious to the people behind me. I took my receipt and sat at a small table for a minute or so. A smiling lady brought me a tray and set it in front of me. I opened the black styrofoam box, picked up the sandwich, took an eager bite, and started chewing. Then I FROZE.
I stopped chewing, and with my mouth still full and an expression of worried disgust on my face, I picked up the tray and walked quickly to the condiment station and conspicuously set down the sandwich. I grabbed a handful of napkins and silently spat the food into them, and folded the mess up. By the time I could turn around, the smiling lady was asking if I was okay. Other customers looked on with interest.
I told her, and not in a quiet voice (but still not shouting) that there was “something wrong,” and that, yes, I would like to speak to management. Almost instantly a manager in a blue-collared shirt appeared, asking me how she could help.
I said, in a clear, not-too-loud voice (my voice carries) that I simply could NOT eat this sandwich. She kindly offered to substitute another sandwich if mine was “too spicy, or not what you wanted…” I thanked her, but insisted, “No, it’s not the spice. It’s hard to describe… but it’s weird. I’ve always loved the Spicy Chick-fil-A, but it’s uncanny … It’s hard to believe – maybe it’s my imagination – but it’s as if I can taste a trace of MORAL DECAY! Isn’t that weird? I dind’t think that all the negative feelings I have about this company’s proud corporate sponsorship of oppression, hatefulness, and open bigotry would affect the taste of your fine products – but apparently it actually does! It leaves a rotten taste in my mouth, and now I know my feelings can make a difference in the taste of your food.”
“Again, ma’am, I can get you another sandwich, or give you a refund.” She was polite an professional. She also looked puzzled and uncomfortable, since other patrons were listening. Some customers looked angry.
“I would appreciate a refund. Thank you for understanding. Will you tell me who owns this location so I can tell someone who has more influence? I know that you and your staff can’t control corporate, but please let your boss know that the sandwich and service is as high-quality as ever, and I feel like throwing up when I think of my money ending up funding such a hateful cause. It’s disgusting to me when wealthy corporations use their power to oppress people who lack rights afforded freely to others.” (Or something like that.) She took my card in order to give me my refund.
Just then an old guy in shorty shorts and knee socks stood up and shouted, “Well, this is my first time here, and I came to support the owners’ right to free speech, and I don’t want to hear about it!”
With that, he sat down haughtily at his little table by the trash can, and grumbled loudly when I addressed him in return. I had to raise my voice because he tried to drown me out by grumbling “Yeah, yeah, yeah…”
“Well, sir, I also have the right to express my opinion – as a patron and as an American!” He then said something incomprehensible while I explained that the Citizens United ruling allows people and corporations to be discreet about their political agenda, but that, instead, it is being rubbed in my face. It’s in the news, and I also have a right to speak up verbally and financially. “Chick-fil-A proudly funds and endorses bigotry, and I proudly disagree. It’s a shame I can’t stomach it because I’ve spent more money than you have on their otherwise great food!”
By now my refund was complete. I thanked the manager, and thanked the room for hearing me out, and concluded “Bon apetit!” I left, and could feel the tension disappear from a crowd relieved that I didn’t besmirch their precious little kids’ ears with any bad words like homophobia or gay or lesbian or hypocrite. To his credit, the old man had not called me a single name. He remained in his seat by the garbage can.
*
I know I’m not the only person upset that one can no longer in good conscience eat at Chick-fil-A. If YOU feel upset about your hard-earned cash getting openly given to hateful politics, I want you to know that a ONE-DOLLAR REFUND is far more disturbing to a corporation (and shareholders, and franchise operators) than a dollar NEVER spent there. Most companies use voided transactions as their indicator of efficacy, efficiency, employee honesty (high voids correlate with employee theft as well as inaccuracies in the sales procedure) and they are constantly monitoring transactions that are voided or refunded. If the cashier did not make a mistake, ask the manager to handle the transaction so a good employee won’t get in trouble for doing their job. Tell them exactly what the problem is – CORPORATE!
One reason corporations can’t tolerate high void rates and refunds is that it shows them the business they successfully attracted, but then lost. They spend lots of “MOO-lah” to attract customers and remind you to come in and spend. They pay for all that advertising, overhead, hire people to facilitate every step of the long journey from the chicken farm to the styrofoam (*ugh!*) box you open – and once you’ve done that much, they still want you to come back.
Show them you know about them, that their ads worked, that the food is good, that their employees work hard to make your experience a very good one – and show them clearly, in a way they’ll care about, that they are shooting themselves in the foot with their disgusting comments.
I promise you will feel good about sending this message. No need to plan an event or waste too much time! Do it when you have a moment. Repeat as desired.
DO’s AND DON’Ts!
- Do come with money. Do ring up a transaction! Do take your time in line. Do ask for a refund if your experience is impacted by Chick-fil-A’s policy of flagrant bigotry. Do ask a manager to address your concerns.
- Do remember that every customer has a right to their opinions, and preferences, and that taking your sweet time might cause other customers to choose a shorter, less controversial line at some other restaurant. Either way, let them know WHY you are in this dilemma, and that you wish you could go back to being oblivious to Chick-fil-A’s small-minded, oppressive, bigoted political agenda. Too bad it’s been it’s been such a stink in the press – that leaves a bad taste in our mouths!
- Do let others hear you, but don’t get into a shouting match. You probably have a rich, descriptive vocabulary in comparison with someone who never got past the Book of Genesis. Do use words like rotten, disgusting, vomit, reprehensible, sick-making, corrupt, decadent, vile, and other similar words their consultants will wish you hadn’t used in from of a room full of people trying to eat. But do be reasonable and honest.
- Do be prepared to succinctly, boldly, and civilly answer any nay-sayers like my own old Oscar the Grouch. Ooops, sorry – I know the Muppets want no part of this.
- Do be respectful, dignified, clear, and avoid being hostile. Children watching you are being exposed to an opposing viewpoint – perhaps for the first time – so set a good example!
- Do remember that your money speaks much louder than your words. Remember that the amounts, and frequency, of the voids is like an obsession for upper management. Remember to visit as many locations as possible!
- Don’t get too loud or hostile! Show that those of us who support the rights and freedoms of LGBT (and all other) Americans are kind, moral, smart, articulate, brave, and ready to spend money with businesses they like. Let them know how much money they’re losing with their harmful public statements.
- Don’t ask for a refund on a meal you finished. You want them to know you are not that desperate for the yummy sandwich. You must show them that it’s in their best interest to SHUT UP AND FRY CHICKEN. Keep the old bigots in the closet! (Also, old churchy FOX viewers hate to see food wasted. Maybe this will make them stay home until they die…)
- Don’t be afraid to point out that they lose a lot of solid customers when they lose you. Lawrence Welk fans are cheap.
This article is dedicated, with righteous indignation, to Stine, Leanne, and their sweet little son. Best wishes, ladies…
S. Johnson
#1 – this would carry more weight if you’d sign it something more than “admin.”
#2 – I eat at Chick-Fil-A with a clear conscience. There are many companies that use some portion of profits in a way I may not agree with, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate their product. Are you good with all of Apple’s dealings? Wal-Mart? Are you enough of a supporter of human rights to make a similar statement inside of your local Apple store?
It’s signed (at the bottom) as being by “S. Johnson.”
“Admin” is the author name that Vern uses (and occasionally I do as well) when the article being posted is mostly or entirely the writing of a non-OJB contributor and OJB is mainly serving as a forum for its republication.
If Chick-fil-A were led by an anti-American owner who favored flag burning, would you still eat there? I’ll bet that some conservatives would firebomb its franchises.
That’s out of line, Greg. You ought to remove the last line.
OK maybe they wouldn’t firebomb it. But they sure would be shrieking and hollering and it would be on FOX News 24-7.
Of course, I wouldn’t be defending them though, like scallywag is sticking up for mr. anti-gay chick-fil-a. I’d be saying, “embarrassing jerks.”
No argument here.
no ryan that is the great lib mind at work , where for everything unless you say something that they dont agree with ..
It’s hyperbole, but — well, you do know that some places do get firebombed sometimes, don’t you? I should probably change “conservatives” to “right-wing extremists,” though — I would not expect mainstream conservatives to act in that way, so I’ll accept that as an amendment. (You do agree that this would go way beyond anything that Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks did, right?)
In the scenario you supplied, I’d expect that outrage would be significant from both sides of the aisle– but, yes, I’d say it wouldn’t be pretty.
I signed it S. Johnson. I am a 33 year old woman who loves chicken sandwiches, and, since you asked, I do not use Apple products either. Unlike the spicy chicken filets, Apple has always rubbed me the wrong way. Their treatment of workers is despicable. It’s nice that you are reading…now try and get all the way through a piece before making an ass of yourself.
S. Johnson
You are an excellent writer! Keep up the great work!
author sounds like a jerk who does not support diversity of opinion. His lack of tolerance is chilling.
amen see post i left above
I don’t particularly like this sort of tactic, but I want to give you an example of someplace about 25 years ago where something like this did work.
At the time, the movement to boycott apartheid South Africa and its products was still in full swing, but not yet . I remember hearing about some women in Australia or New Zealand who would do something like this. They would go shopping at a local supermarket, find a product that had been imported from South African and put it at the bottom of their cart, then pile a large amount of items on top of it. They’d then go to the check out line and start to hand items to the cashier, leaving the one from South Africa until the end. Then they’d look at the item as they were handing it over, yell “SOUTH AFRICA?” in horror, and cancel the whole transaction. Eventually, the stores caught on and — since they couldn’t actually defend apartheid — they joined the boycott.
This exercise is sort of a pared down version of that. Would you level the same criticism at the women in Australia/NZ as you do here?
As I said, it’s not to my taste. But “chilling”? Sounds like selective outrage to me.
A good example of international pressure that affected change.
I think we would be remiss from noting the probable hypocritical action in this particular boycott.
China has a significantly worse human rights record than any American fast food proprietor. Do we see public acts of boycotts directed at Apple stores? Nike sporting events like the Olympics? How about against food banks that distribute formula for women in need that uses Chinese powdered milk?
We’re all entitled to chose the moral battles that we wish to fight, but we ought to do so with the proper perspective.
http://shanghaiist.com/2010/12/23/gay-executions-un-china.php
We might not see that kind of outrage at Apple–but we should!!! Our power of the purse is our freedom of speech. A tactic like returning a hamburger is just as much a right to free speech as their CEO has. I wouldn’t do it because there are a bunch of right wing psychos out there who are fanatical and violent and might rise up against me–I guess I’m “chicken,” but for those that have the courage-kudos to you! Boycotts and making scenes do work, and should be done for righteous causes–not causes of hatred like those who are boycotting JC Penny’s, but for those of tolerance and morality–like those boycotting Apple–and there are many who are doing it! I might not go into a Chick-fil-A cause of the nut jobs you might find there–but I think I might be gutsy enough to do it at Apple–so thanks for the idea!
Ok, JcPenny has homosexual ads and has Ellen Degenerous, a flamboyantly known homosexual as a spokesperson, Orero has the ‘rainbow oreo’, but God forbid a privately owned company takes a stance against mainstream, left-winged media, to express his support in traditional marriage. lol. People are trying to bully those of opposing view points to silence all under the straw man argument of “stop the hate.” What, what hate? The majority of the American people have stated that they believe that marriage is between a man and woman, that’s not hate, that’s a definition. Homosexuals can marry, contingent on it being the opposite sex, that’s equal, until they can prove that they are indeed ‘born gay’, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. They are attempting to force everyone to validate this sexual preference and alternate lifestyle or be banned as a ‘bigot’ or a ‘homophobe.’ I mean do people understand that there are people in this world with alternate viewpoints?? Sigh, oh you liberals crack me up.
ed its worse you have clowns like hitman rah e , the mayer of sf , saying we dont want your busniness here TOTAL WTF HAPPENED TO THE 1ST ADM . because we dont agree TO WHAT YOU BELIVE IN .. .. WHAT IF YOU SAY , WELL I dont want mex busniness in my city because they are dirty ,, { ITS A EXAMPLE } before the libs go nuts on here .. or i dont want black busniness because of the element .. could you just think what would happen .. ..
Ed said, “what hate? The majority of the American people have stated that they believe that marriage is between a man and woman, that’s not hate, that’s a definition.”
No it’s an OPINION, NOT a DEFINITION. You can’t define an opinion, but people are defined by their opinions.
But Ed, it’s obvious that you are a bigot and a homophobe. It’s ok–go ahead and ‘fess up. Just be up front with us.
Actually, most young Americans would consider homophobia hatred–it’s not like it’s 90% of the people thinking it’s wrong–the numbers are almost split down the middle, and with young Americans, the majority think gay marriage is fine. In 20 years from now, you’ll look back at these comments and feel like one of those segregationist fools in the 60s.
“’ll bet that some conservatives would firebomb its franchises.”
That is statement is out of line GD. It is unfounded and irresponsible – the most recent acts of mayhem have been committed by rioters in Anaheim and occupers everywhere.
Consider it, skally: say that Chick-fil-A’s CEO says that America is responsible for most of the problems in the world and begins holding flag burnings in its parking lot. What reaction do you think would ensue?
“Mayhem” has an actual meaning, related to the word “maim.” Please tell me what “mayhem” was done by the one night of limited rioting by a small proportion of people who rioted in Anaheim. Note: throwing traffic cones and breaking windows, while I reject and denounce them, aren’t “mayhem.”
Similarly, since you accuse “Occupiers everywhere” of “mayhem,” give me one example of Occupiers committing mayhem anywhere. We’re a non-violent and non-destructive movement; don’t try to make us into something that we specifically avoid being.
may·hem
n.
1. Law The offense of willfully maiming or crippling a person.
2. Infliction of violent injury on a person or thing; wanton destruction: children committing mayhem in the flower beds.
3. A state of violent disorder or riotous confusion; havoc.
It appears by definition you are incorrect. There is MAYHEM in the streets. Your identification of the Occupy movement is also guilty of MAYHEM. is Rape infliction of violent injury? I personally think so.
If we’re talking about the law, only the first definition counts. The third, for example, is metaphorical.
No one was being maimed or crippled by protesters. You’re completely making that up.
“The Occupy movement” is not guilty of “mayhem” either. There were apparently some isolated reported rapes; but not many and quickly condemned with preventative actions put into place.
Meanwhile, your tarring with such a broad brush is absurd. It would be like saying that, because of a couple of rogue cops, all cops are murderers.
Why is it, I pretend to wonder, that people who say things like you do seem rarely to use their real names?
skally renember diamond is ocupoo supporter
jesus christ people, its a guy that makes chicken sandwiches, get a grip
Exactly! And he makes a damn good chicken sandwich.
I support the right of thise who oppose the comments of CFA’s CEO to promote an economic boycott. Just as I support the right of those who agree with CFA’s CEO to support his company with today’s “buy in.” I also support the right of CFA to refuse service – and expel from their premisis – those who attempt to disrupt their business, like S. Johnson.
Yup, we’ve all got those rights from Mr. Cathy down to S. Johnson. And hopefully people like Mr. Cathy will come to realize that it’s a stupid business decision to go around saying horrible shit about our gay friends… no better than it would be for a big businessman like himself go go around saying shit about blacks. He wouldn’t do that, would he? (Not in public anyway.)
And some of you commenters seem not to notice what a healthy sense of humor we’re approaching this whole thing with. “Get a grip?” We do have a grip!
Real healthy shit. i got it. hmmm – healthy shit?
Not following your tangent, sir.
Please. Shit IS unhealthy. Don’t do it!
Unhealthy or not, it just got real.
(Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
I’ll go along with that.
http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/Locator
Here is a link to find the Chick-Fil-A nearest to you. Their chicken salad sandwich us awesome!
To be fair, skally, you should also provide us with a link to gay bars.
vern, if you were attempting to be humorous, i missed it and i apologize
Well, serious but in a playful way … I didn’t think that me or S Johnson were lacking “a grip.”
Right now, believe it or not, I’m at Lake Elsinore’s Hell’s Kitchen, where we have ordered a VERY GOOD, NON-POLITICAL, spicy chicken sandwich.
http://www.hellskitchen-ca.com/
Well actually they have a marquee out front right now insulting both Obama and Romney – but at least that’s bipartisan!
Report from the field – Chick-Fil-A at Tustin Marketplace 11:15 am:
Lots of cars – very busy – getting busier. They ran out of chicken salad sandwichs – I got the last one!
Whatever. Aside from you missing a whole bunch of points, (for example, that this post is not about a boycott, and nobody is questioning this guy’s free speech) …
why are you so enthusiastic about this? Why do YOU care so much? Do you mean to say you agree with Mr Cathy that treating gays equally will call down God’s wrath on us?
Boycott Chick-fil-A! It’s your freedom of speech–to let them know what an idiot you think he is!
hey, here’s an idea: instead of some aldermen and mayors trying to stop chick fil a’s from opening they should let them open multiple outlets! that way you have more stores to boycott. a win win situation.
Are they (1) trying to use legal powers to stop them from opening or are they (2) condemning them while not blocking them from opening or (3) not facilitating their opening (with goodies and tax sweeteners) the way often occurs?
I oppose (1), but why should (2) and (3) bother you?
Re: (2) They should make it clear that is their personal opinion and not an opinion based on legal issues (they & their city could be sued)
Re: (3) CFA should be treated on an equal basis with other competing businesses – they should not be discriminated against for their personal opinions. – again they and their city could be sued.
Sued on what basis? And do you really think that no opinions can be the basis for legitimate discrimination by public officials for companies doling out public contracts? Based on what law?
U.S. Const. Am. 1- I believe that is the correct legal citation.
If you think that free speech requires that governments provide equal opportunities and benefits to lure businesses into the city regardless of whether they are Kiwanis or Klansmen, you misapprehend the law.
You can’t punish people for exercising their freedom of speech, but you don’t have to offer them the same rewards. KKK kids get to attend public schools and can sing in the choir; they don’t have a right to be chosen to sing the racist songs they may prefer for the parents attending the Holiday show.
A public official saying “we’re going to chase you out of the neighborhood” is violating the First Amendment. A public official saying “we’re finding you ineligible for these benefits we frequently use to attract businesses to our city” is not. My understanding is that of late the latter has largely been misunderstood to reflect the former.
I believe that we both understand what the 1st Amendment indicates in this instance. Hence, we both have a grasp on it and then it comes down to the facts and the application of the law to those facts.
I believe that Chicago officials have said that they would do their best to block CFA’s efforts to build in Chicago…not, they will not provide tax benefits for locating in Chicago- huge difference in which I trust you can see the difference. Restricting a building permit based on a religious/political view, IMO, seems to be a clear violation of the 1st Amendment.
Boston’s mayor indicated “there is no place for discrimination on Boston’s Freedom Trail and no place for your company alongside it.” in a letter to CFA…he apparently probably got some good legal counsel and retracted the statement.
The point being is that they don’t have to roll the red carpet of tax incentives out like they were Disneyland Resort Developers, but they certainly should not withhold the ability to conduct business through not issuing a building permit or a business license. We hopefully just disagree on what the city officials are actually saying.
I agree with that. But if, say, the Freedom Trail was a specific integrated attraction in Boston run by the city, I believe that they could say “you would spoil the mood here.” I don’t think that they can say “we won’t let you build in Boston,” although I know that somehow Walmarts are often kept out of cities. (Maybe they require variances of some sort.)
So it sounds like you are in agreement with the ACLU and others who are looking at it…the City really does not have a reason to keep CFA out of their cities based on the CEO’s statements and what charities the company/owners donates to. They don’t seem to discriminate in hiring or in service, so does not seem right to discriminate against them.
If the city officials really want to show that the CEO’s beliefs are not in line with the city’s population, then the best thing that they could probably do is let CFA come into the neighborhood and let them fail because no one will go eat there–that would send a real message to corporate.
It doesn’t have reason to ban them; it does have ample reason not to solicit them or facilitate them.
You lose me at the end, though. You can’t trust the market to regulate people’s morality. People may oppose slave labor, for example, but if you put two products in front of them and the first is cheaper (due partly to credible reports of slave labor) and others are buying the first, they’ll tend to buy the first. This sort of regulation sometimes does need to be centralized to prevent defectors from getting an advantage over cooperators..
Sorry if I lost you…likely bad wording on my part. Maybe, a 2nd shot will be more on target.
Essentially, when Mr. Emanuel, the mayor of Chicago, said “Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values. They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents. This would be a bad investment, since it would be empty.” I take that to mean that he does not believe that CFA would be successful in Chicago. Well, let the citizens of Chicago show…have CFA come in, or more likely don’t prohibit them from coming, and then if the restaurant truly does not reflect their value, then the new CFA will fail because the Chicagoans (or is it Chicagoites?) will not spend their hard earned money there. Failure in business will speak loudly to corporate. I don’t believe that CFA produces the cheapest product and definitely has competition, so there is choice in the marketplace.
Hopefully that makes some sense…if not, I will just keep talking to myself!
His issue is on job discrimination here–which there seems to be proof of judging by the large # of cases against them and statements showing a lack of tolerance straight from the top! The company has been asked to clarify their policies many times and have failed to do so.
Malena…what large number of cases? Source please…the Forbes article states 12 or so which for a large corporation with many locations does not seem to be a large amount. Sure, I would love every corp to be at zero, but even if the company (any company, not just CFA) does everything morally and legally correct, that is very tough.
Got it. I’m with you on “don’t prohibit them from coming in,” in that scenario. But I wouldn’t solicit them, give them tax breaks or onerous variances, etc.
I can’t really support buying something with a premeditated intent of returning it unusable. It is one thing to not make the profit from the sale, it is another to actually force the local business owner to lose the cost of the product. Boycott and speak out all you want- on both sides. However, it does really speak volumes that the restaurant would provide a full refund of the product. I am not sure that all establishments would do the same.
Sorry, for being late to the party on this thread btw.
Hell yeah! Gogle Ads, in their infinite computerized wisdom, have provided you a coupon up at the top of this story, to encourage you to visit Chick-fil-A. Use them in good health, folks! You still have the right to an excellent experience, and the prerogative to complain about a negative corporate culture that could interfere with your dining experience.
Coupons are something the franchise can REALLY analyze. Voids and refunds are the concern of “loss prevention.” Coupons are handled by the marketing executives. We want marketing to realize that they are hurting their own future profit margin.
Do they really think that the FOX News demographic will spend a lot? They’re stupid if they do, and their shareholders should be PISSED. Huckabee viewers and Santorum (eccch) supporters are not long for this world. They have clogged arteries, diabetes, and enlarged prostate glands. They can’t risk eating fast food! Ask my ancient (racist, church-lady) granny.