Phil Robertson has freedom to speak

Constitutional Rights do apply for Duck Dynasty and Phil Robertson.

These last few days every time you turn on the television there is another story or commentary about Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame. Nearly every single mainstream media outlet has painted Phil Robertson as apparently homophobic and a “hater” of homosexuals.

Before discussing this matter further, here are several quotes from Phil Robertson that appeared GQ magazine and on their website:

GQ Magazine:  “Out here in these woods, without any cameras around, Phil is free to say what he wants. Maybe a little too free. He’s got lots of thoughts on modern immorality, and there’s no stopping them from rushing out. Like this one”:

Phil Robertson:  

“It seems like, to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

GQ Magazine: “What, in your mind, is sinful”?

Phil Robertson: “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he says. Then he paraphrases Corinthians: “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers  — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

The above two statements by Phil Robertson are what have been getting thrown around in the media pointing to the “fact” that Phil “hates” homosexuals. These comments, along with others, which were all Phil Robertson stating his personal opinions and views, got him ousted from “Duck Dynasty” for an “indefinite hiatus” by A&E.

For those who insist that Phil Robertson said he “hated” gays or homosexuals, that is not what he said. He quoted the Bible on what it says about homosexuality, among other acts, and Phil stated his personal outlook, which was mainly comparing sex in a “vagina” as opposed to in an “anus.”

Was what he said, crude?  Of course, it was, but then again, consider the source of the statements.  However, crude or not, does not change the fact that he can espouse his opinion until he turns blue. It is a protected right.

A&E specifically chose the Robertson clan for a reality series because of how the family looks and lives. You do not have to be a Rhodes Scholar to figure out that Phil Robertson and his family are probably very fundamentalist in their religious beliefs and more than likely lean to the extreme right in their political views. These two situations alone mean they will not be open to homosexuality nor any other progressive viewpoint, whether political or religious, or sexual.

Therefore, how can A&E be so hypocritical in their decision to put this person on “indefinite hiatus” from the show, if there will even be a show after this debacle? The powers that be chose the Robertson family for specific reasons. It is highly doubtful the executives at A&E chose this group of people because they see eye to eye with this family. More aptly, they were probably chosen because the executives saw a way to make a mockery of this family and their way of life, and make a ton of money in the process.

The United States “says” it is a country of tolerance and diversity.  According to the Constitution of the United States, Amendment I”:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Phil Robertson was giving his opinion and viewpoints on homosexuality, and other subjects. These viewpoints were being delivered to GQ magazine on his own time, not on the time of A&E; therefore, A&E should not have ousted Phil from his own show. He is the patriarch of the family. Does A&E really think the Robertson group is going to continue a show without their patriarch at the helm?

If A&E were so worried that the comments and actions of this family would reflect badly upon them, why did they choose this group for a reality series?  Are not their comments, religious beliefs, and lifestyle what a reality series is all about?

A&E and should be ashamed of themselves, as should the overall media outlets. Whether you agree with Phil Robertson’s viewpoints or not, this is the United States of America. People are entitled to their personal opinions and religious beliefs.

This is not a homosexual and/or gay issue. This is a freedom of speech issue. Freedom of speech means people, even those who do not see things your way, have the right to voice their opinions.  Start picking and choosing who is allowed to voice their opinions and you no longer have freedom of speech.

“Duck Dynasty” and Phil Robertson may be amusing to many people, but this incident should scare people. This is another example of how constitutional rights in the USA are being eroded away, little by little, each and everyday. In due time, if you do not agree with everything those in charge tell you believe, you may find yourself being imprisoned or even executed.