The Unedited Version

Alright here’s the deal. First of all, I’m an totally pro-gay. I support gay marriage and everything, so let’s get that out of the way to start.

I’m still going to eat the shit out of some CFA though. Why? I’ve actually gotten a lot of shit about this. So let’s break it down.

1) The whole “free speech” argument. People don’t seem to have an issue with Dan Cathy, but rather his donations to “anti-gay” organizations. Regardless, let’s talk about old Dan for a minute. He can say whatever the hell he wants. Simple as that. He has the right to free speech just like everyone else. 

2) The organizations. Okay. These organizations….they don’t actually do anything. I know, shocker. They’re assholes and idiots, but they’re just talk. A lot of people cite their “pray the gay away” therapy, but that’s not even a valid argument. The company has every right to offer the therapy. You should have a problem with people who actually partake in that therapy, considering it’s completely voluntary. If a teenager is being forced by their parents, blame the parents, not the company. Simple as that. Just like Dan Cathy, these companies are completely within their rights to say whatever they want.

3) Do you have any idea how many companies support anti-gay foundations? Anyone that supports the Salvation Army, that’s who. That includes Cracker Barrel, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Dominos, Urban Outfitters, AutoZone, Exxon Mobil, etc. etc. So in order for your CFA protest to be valid, you need to protest ALL of these companies as well and more. Not only that, but you need to research every single company that you buy from (and the companies that THEY donate to) before you purchase anything from them. Are you really, truly going to go to that effort? If not, your protest of CFA is invalidated because you aren’t honestly dedicated to it. I see it as jumping on the bandwagon.

4) This is nothing new. Dan Cathy’s donations are public information, and as far as I know, he’s been supporting these companies as far back as 2008, though probably earlier. Why do people only care about it now? Because Dan Cathy made a single statement. It was nothing new or surprising to those of us who have known his views and donations for years, but for some reason, it’s suddenly upsetting. To quote Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton, “…An issue which I am frankly surprised to hear people suddenly care about.” 

That’s all I can think of for now. The point is, this protest is pointless because it is so…pointless. I can’t even describe it better than that. If you’re going to protest a company based on their donations to OTHER companies that would vote against gay marriage, you’re going to be cutting a whole hell of a lot of companies out of your life. If you don’t, you’re a hypocrite.