To Chick-fil-a or not to Chick-fil-a?

I suppose that every one has heard about the Chick-fil-a controversy but just in case you haven’t here’s the story. The CEO of a growing fast food chicken restaurant shared his belief that God would not support America if we let gay marriages continue. This brought a whirlwind of criticism down upon him and moreover upon the Chick-fil-a franchises all over the country. There has been media, public and political out cry at his statements. Calls have been made to boycott the stores. More disturbing have been a number of politicians that have committed to work to keep this chain from coming to their cities. To me the whole point of the controversy is the fact that there should be NO controversy. Isn’t this America, the country that was founded by people seeking religious freedom? Pilgrims escaping to this unknown land did so to establish the right of a man to worship or not worship God in whatever way he chooses. Being able to publicly state our personal and religious beliefs is the foundation we are built on. This CEO is not running for office. He is not a public figure. He owns his own business- who cares what his beliefs are? If you like his food than eat it, if you don’t like it than don’t but his personal beliefs should not have anything to do with it. There are those who are making this an issue about gay rights. It isn’t! It is an issue of freedom of speech. It is an issue of religious freedom. Those interested in gay or any other rights should be defending this man’s rights if they want the same respect and freedom for their beliefs. Has anybody thought of this man’s employees and the difficulties now in their lives because of this controversy. Just hard working Americans trying to get by each day. Some are probably even gay. By all means, let’s put more people out of work by boycotting their workplace. As for politicians pledging to keep the store from their towns- you don’t deserve to be in office, you were elected to uphold the laws of this country or don’t you remember? That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?