WWDS?

Many of you never had the pleasure of knowing my dad. Charles Roberson was one of a kind! He died of a massive heart attack at the age of 61, in April 1989. But in his 61 years he used all of his runway and a little of someone elses. As I approach that age it amazes me how much I look and sound like him and that is a little scary. Why you ask? Because there was never a less politically correct man placed on this earth! So as you read this blog entry just think of me as channeling my dad.

There has been a lot of attention being paid to same sex marriage these days. Could be because the president is trying to shore up his base with the gay/lesbian folks. Election is coming you know. Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-Fil-A started a firestorm the other day by daring to speak out in favor of the traditional definition of marriage, that being between one man and one woman. The immediate reaction from GLAAD was to call for a national boycott of his restaurants. Jim Henson decided to pull their Muppet toys from meals sold at Chick-Fil-A. Apparently it is not allowed to have a difference of opinion. So the fight is on and the Christian groups are lining up being Chick-Fil-A and politicians, Hollywood types, and the gay/lesbian folks are trying to brow beat the public into supporting their side. Mind you Mr. Cathy has not been accused of discrimination against anyone. He is guilty of having an opinion that is not shared by some people. The last I checked that was still allowed.

So I got to thinking WWDS? (what would Dad say?) Let's pretty this up by saying that Dad was a 100% heterosexual male who would take offense at the presence of a gay guy. Back in his day homosexuals had good reason to stay in the closet because coming out would be detrimental to their health. I had a conversation with him about this subject shortly before his death and to say he would be against same sex marriage is an understatement. His opinion was very mainstream back then and to even suggest same sex marriage was ludicrous.

Times do change and thankfully so have our attitudes of acceptance of the lifestyles of others. For whatever reason not all of us are wired the same way so what I see as "correct" may be diametrically opposite of you. God will sort it all out soon enough and I have more important things to do that beat you up about who you sleep with. Choices will be made, consequences will be suffered. I do think that too much effort is being made on both sides to legislate a definition of morality that includes whichever side your group happens to be on. The government has no place in defining relationships and should not be dictating to businesses how they perceive it. If Mr. Cathy and his company chose to support the traditional definition of marriage what is it to the government? The answer is that the government with its GLAAD allies want to shove their definition down his throat and make him pay for benefits of same sex "spouses". I am glad they are the tolerant ones!

In seven weeks I will turn 61. I am different from my Dad just like he was different from his. I am more educated and a little more tactful but the values have not changed. He taught me right and wrong and I tried to teach that to my children. Unfortunately it is a constant battle to maintain those definitions when society keeps moving the ball on you. I suspect Mr. Cathy was taught similar values and is not afraid to stand up for them. It will probably cost him and his company some money. The thing it will not cost him is his self respect. He'll be okay.

So the next time you see a Chick-Fil-A will you drive by or stop and have a sandwich? I will be having a sandwich or two.