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'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E (W: 742)

Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

A&E is the Arts & Entertainment Network.

The government is the people in Washington, D.C. who take all of your money and spend it or give it to other people.

So therefore, given that the text of the first amendment is that [paraphrased] the government may not inhibit free speech, why are we bitching about A&E infringing rights?
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

WTF does Canada have to do with an issue with an American Show and a comment about homosexuality in the United States of America?

Muslim countries also stone gays to death, which of course has nothing to do with this thread as well.
I expect a few people in Canada watch A&E too.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Actually it just says religion, not religious belief. Phil can't be fired for being a Christian, he can be fired for damn near anything and everything else. Louisiana is a 'right to work state' which grants broad firing powers to an employer. A&E CAN suspend Phil if they feel his words/actions/ violate the A&E principles. They can can him for disobeying A&E directives.

This isn't a freedom of speech/religion issue. It is a contractual one.

The belief is the religion. Firing someone for answering a direct question regarding sin, with a paraphrased bible verse, is to fire them because of their religion. I disagree that the standard contractual moral clause would/should necessarily be applicable on this particular case - that a non-violent religious moral position somehow intrinsically harms the network (I would think the discontinuing of the record-breaking show as a result would be more harmful). A standard disclaimer from A&E regarding programs or interviews that do not represent the views of A&E would be a better route, IMO
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Sorry to disagree, they are not looking for tolerance but for equal rights under the law and they wish not to be insulted, discriminated or to be the victims of violent hate crimes.

they can **** anyone or anything they choose, no one cares.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

The belief is the religion. Firing someone for answering a direct question regarding sin, with a paraphrased bible verse, is to fire them because of their religion. I disagree that the standard contractual moral clause would/should necessarily be applicable on this particular case - that a non-violent religious moral position somehow intrinsically harms the network (I would think the discontinuing of the record-breaking show as a result would be more harmful). A standard disclaimer from A&E regarding programs or interviews that do not represent the views of A&E would be a better route, IMO

Yes, bigotry is a belief. But there is no right to keep a job or be on the air. No network has to keep anyone employed.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Yes, bigotry is a belief. But there is no right to keep a job or be on the air. No network has to keep anyone employed.

True, however, under federal law Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the belief (thus the religion), can not be the reason an employer terminates someone.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

True, however, under federal law Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the belief (thus the religion), can not be the reason an employer terminates someone.

That's not what he was terminated for. He had clear beliefs before the interview there was no issue. He was fired for failing to realize he represents the program. Any of us who go out in public representing our companies best be advised to speak like you know you're in public. He was not fired for his religion, but for his poor judgement.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Why is this such a big political deal?
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Yes, bigotry is a belief. But there is no right to keep a job or be on the air. No network has to keep anyone employed.
If that's the case then a person cannot be fired for being gay but can be rightly fired for expressing the belief that gays should be allowed to marry or being caught in some flamboyant gay attire at some gay pride parade while off the clock.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Why is this such a big political deal?

News is taking a Christmas break.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

WTF does Canada have to do with an issue with an American Show and a comment about homosexuality in the United States of America?

Muslim countries also stone gays to death, which of course has nothing to do with this thread as well.

Unlike Muslim countries, Canada is not only in close proximity to America geographically but also close with respect to cultural norms and possibly cultural trends. If Saudi Arabi Arabia embraced some new cultural ideal, I think it would be at leat worth discussing that it might spread to Kuwait, the UAE and other countries close geographically and socially.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

If that's the case then a person cannot be fired for being gay but can be rightly fired for expressing the belief that gays should be allowed to marry or being caught in some flamboyant gay attire at some gay pride parade while off the clock.

Many gays have lost their jobs. Still do. But if you work for a small town school system and you're on tv behaving in an embarrassing way, you will lose your job. Btw, the gay comment wasn't the only one he made. I find the racial bigotry problematic as well. But the point is, no civil rights were violated. You guys are framing it wrong.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

What is absolutely crazy about A&E's audience damage-control biased pandering is that they are criticizing Robertson's religious freedom because his comments about homosexuality were quotes and paraphrases from the Bible within the context of his Christian religion.

He thus made religious text references within the framework of his religion, accurately and within his religious rights.

For A&E to criticize Robertson's statements on the grounds that it is "offensive to homosexuals" is a blatant off-topic remark, as in reality A&E's reaction is nothing but a criticism of Robertson's religious freedom.

Last I looked, no gay and lesbian or related group has usurped anyone's religious rights.

Thus these gay and lesbian group complaints are complaints about another American's religious faith, and nothing more.

They are essentially saying that, "people who have a Biblical faith as Christians should not be allowed to voice their opinion when asked nor should they be allowed to speak freely of their religious beliefs".

This is absolutely rights-violating behavior by A&E, erroneously punishing innocent Robertson for the sake of ratings by appeasing a huge viewer base: the left-wing liberal disaffected coalition.

Pandering to this left-wing liberal disaffected coalition will be the unjustified death of freedom of action rights in America.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Why people care so much about this is weird to me.

Some (apparent) moron on a 'reality' show has backwards views about gays - so?

And then some PC network fired him for it - so?

Sounds like free speech and free enterprise being exercised to me.

Don't like it - complain to the network.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

That's not what he was terminated for. He had clear beliefs before the interview there was no issue. He was fired for failing to realize he represents the program. Any of us who go out in public representing our companies best be advised to speak like you know you're in public. He was not fired for his religion, but for his poor judgement.

I disagree, as I stated on post #1353
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

The belief is the religion. Firing someone for answering a direct question regarding sin, with a paraphrased bible verse, is to fire them because of their religion. I disagree that the standard contractual moral clause would/should necessarily be applicable on this particular case - that a non-violent religious moral position somehow intrinsically harms the network (I would think the discontinuing of the record-breaking show as a result would be more harmful). A standard disclaimer from A&E regarding programs or interviews that do not represent the views of A&E would be a better route, IMO

And you're still wrong. Factually. There's a reason there's no lawsuit being considered. This will be settled in the market. Not the courts.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Many gays have lost their jobs. Still do. But if you work for a small town school system and you're on tv behaving in an embarrassing way, you will lose your job. Btw, the gay comment wasn't the only one he made. I find the racial bigotry problematic as well. But the point is, no civil rights were violated. You guys are framing it wrong.
Im not making the civil rights argument, so I agree with you there--there was no civil rights violation. He was free to make those comments and AE was free to can him for making them. Personally, I think AE overreacted and should not have fired the guy. If people are offended by his beliefs they should watch the show. The idea that anyone who doesn't tow the PC line should be targeted from destruction is what I oppose.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

And you're still wrong. Factually. There's a reason there's no lawsuit being considered. This will be settled in the market. Not the courts.

Well, I think you're wrong too. Factually.
Btw, the fact that no lawsuit has been made isn't evidence that it hasn't been considered or that there couldn't be. Such cases are always tough but it comes down to the exact wording of any so-called moral clause which we don't have the luxury of examining here.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Im not making the civil rights argument, so I agree with you there--there was no civil rights violation. He was free to make those comments and AE was free to can him for making them. Personally, I think AE overreacted and should not have fired the guy. If people are offended by his beliefs they should watch the show. The idea that anyone who doesn't tow the PC line should be targeted from destruction is what I oppose.

I don't disagree. I'm merely arguing it isn't a civil rights issue.

Though I'm not sure it's PC as much as commerce. People have always put their jobs at risk by what they say and do, long before anyone used the term PC.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Well, I think you're wrong too. Factually.
Btw, the fact that no lawsuit has been made isn't evidence that it hasn't been considered or that there couldn't be. Such cases are always tough but it comes down to the exact wording of any so-called moral clause which we don't have the luxury of examining here.

These happen all the time, and not one lawsuit. So, yes, that is evidence. He wasn't fired for religion.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

These happen all the time, and not one lawsuit. So, yes, that is evidence. He wasn't fired for religion.

It usually doesn't concern a religious belief, so that's a broad generalization, and a fallacy to think because it hasn't happened in the past (if that's even true) that consequently no case is ever applicable.

Considering that it was a direct answer to a question regarding what constituted sin, with a paraphrased bible verse, it was a termination based on stating ones religious belief.
If it was a homosexual asked the question, offended people, and subsequently terminated, they would say it's because he is homosexual and thus a Civil Rights violation. This is no different.
The only thing that would curtail a Civil Rights Action, I believe, is the content of any moral clause in the contract.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

It usually doesn't concern a religious belief, so that's a broad generalization, and a fallacy to think because it hasn't happened in the past (if that's even true) that consequently no case is ever applicable.

Considering that it was a direct answer to a question regarding what constituted sin, with a paraphrased bible verse, it was a termination based on stating ones religious belief.
If it was a homosexual asked the question, offended people, and subsequently terminated, they would say it's because he is homosexual and thus a Civil Rights violation. This is no different.
The only thing that would curtail a Civil Rights Action, I believe, is the content of any moral clause in the contract.

Bigotry is a belief. The klan hold religious beliefs. Worshipping satan is a religious belief. But actions that embarrass an organization will always result in firing. It's not about the belief, but the behavior. Remember, he didn't only speak about sexual preference but race. It's nit about his religion, but his behavior.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Bigotry is a belief. The klan hold religious beliefs. Worshipping satan is a religious belief. But actions that embarrass an organization will always result in firing. It's not about the belief, but the behavior. Remember, he didn't only speak about sexual preference but race. It's nit about his religion, but his behavior.

If you ask the "Klan" what they think of blacks, what answer would you expect?
If you ask a Satanist what they think of God, what answer do you expect?
And if you ask a Christian what they think of homosexuality, what answer would you expect?
Claiming the "behavior" of answering a religious question with a bible verse is an embarrassment to a television network is discrimination.
The case, and this discussion, hasn't concerned statements of race, but statements of religion regarding sexual behavior.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

So therefore, given that the text of the first amendment is that [paraphrased] the government may not inhibit free speech, why are we bitching about A&E infringing rights?




Because some people aren't happy that Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson is catching hell for the comments that he made about gays and Blacks.

Every one in the USA has free speech, but running your mouth has consequences.
 
Re: 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson suspended by A&E

Because some people aren't happy that Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson is catching hell for the comments that he made about gays and Blacks.

Every one in the USA has free speech, but running your mouth has consequences.
Wait...people are upset that he quoted a bible verse regarding homosexuals and said that the black people he worked the fields with werent bitter angry and hate filled?

Oh..wait...thats right. You already know your comments regarding blacks are lies but as you said yesterday...you are going to mindlessly cling to your lies and ignore what was ACTUALLY said. I forgot for a second. Busy day. Carry on.
 
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