Letters: Chick-fil-A and gay rights

The uproar from gay and straight practitioners of political correctness is ramping up ["Why a hungry pundit would shun Chick-fil-A," Opinion, July 27]. They condemn a legitimate business because its founder donates to organizations that support marriage only between a man and a woman.

This is the founder's personal belief. He does not post it in his restaurants.

Chick-fil-A serves all types of people who just want a great piece of chicken. The restaurants do not refuse service to gays, blacks, whites, American Indians or anyone else.

This argument seems to be aimed at destroying this business because some individuals do not like the personal beliefs of the founder. Would those preparing to picket his businesses be willing to show up at Democratic donor George Soros' home to protest some of his personal beliefs? Not likely. The hypocrisy is palpable and un-American.

If you do not like Chick-fil-A owner Dan Cathy's beliefs, then don't eat his chicken. But leave his business, employees and customers alone. God knows we need more small businesses to thrive.

Nicholas Dallis, Smithtown
 

There really is no such thing as a little discrimination; it's like being a little pregnant. A "little" negativity is the tiny seed that can grow into much bigger and more dangerous things, all under the guise of freedom of speech.

This is the conundrum America faces when any speech is allowed. Preaching negativity against people because of their sexuality, race or religion is never OK. Bigotry is often a steppingstone to spread hatred and violence.

When companies, people or religions profess against a particular group, they send a message that that group is bad and should have to pay a price. Impressionable people see this as an opportunity to inflict hurt or harm on these selected populations.

Their story is ultimately our story. We should continue to support each other's differences of opinions but never intolerance.

Liz Manno, Massapequa