Join the debate
Jump in the Crossfire by using #Crossfire
on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The duck debate: bigotry or beliefs?
Is this man simply expressing his beliefs or spewing bigotry?
Either way, Phil Robertson, the patriarch in A&E's "Duck Dynasty," won't be duck calling on air anytime soon. The network suspended him after he made controversial remarks about gays and blacks in a magazine interview. FULL STORY.
CNN contributor LZ Granderson and CEO of Concerned Women for America Penny Young Nance are in the #Crossfire, joining hosts Newt Gingrich and Van Jones at 6:30pm ET.
We want you to weigh in: Was it right for A&E to suspend ‘Duck Dynasty’ star over his comments?
Vote by tweeting Yes or No using #Crossfire or comment on our Facebook post. View results below or through our Poptip results page.
Meet the Hosts
Author, documentary filmmaker, historian, Speaker of the House (1995-1999), and 2012 Republican presidential candidate
Fmr. Obama Deputy Campaign Mgr. and W.H. Sr. Adviser, founder of Precision Strategies, fmr. Sr. Adviser to Maj. Leader Reid and Sen. Kennedy
Conservative columnist for New York Daily News, contributing editor at Townhall Magazine, commentator and author
Former Special Adviser for Green Jobs under President Obama, co-founder of Rebuild the Dream, author and attorney
Bigotry is *based* on beliefs, so how can they be a dichotomy as stated?
Democrats HATE the first Amendment when it's applied to anyone other than democrats.
........FIRST law of TeaTurd thought............BLAME OTHERS.....NO MATTER WHAT.............if that doesn't work, quote BIBLE.............................
Hey let the people speak, you let Obama speak without question, while all the time you are all in bed with him. God forbid someone offends you, all of you there at CNN are just a bunch of patsies for the Democratic Party.
1. Thinks they themselves are rich.
2. Makes less than $100,000 per year.
3. Has less than $200,000 net worth.
4. Primary residence is on wheels or blocks.
5. Probably retired and depending on SS and Medicare or will be the person most likely to need SS and Medicare.
6. Benefits directly from the ACA, but really, really, hates Obamacare.
7. Racist.
8. Thinks they are religious but they should read the book, "How NOT To Be A Republican" (a.k.a. The Bible).
9. Actually thinks republicans represent THEM!!
Typical liberals do the following:
.
1. Blame America for 9/11
2. Lie and attempt to get preferential treatment like 'Affirmative Action', falsely claim to be part Native American just like that pink blond.. Eliz. Warren.
3. They have this disdain for the Jews.
4. Spread lies like this post and claim conservatives are racist, hate the poor et cetera.
5. Liberalism is a lie.
I see people like Churhill as an example of what we have in the liberal academia and I think it's rampent. Our culture is being perverted by liberal progressives, it's collapsing ...and everything is under assault. They fabricate crisis to further their agenda.
6. Promise stuff for votes, keep the poor in poverty.
7. Think democrats and their policies will actually help.
8. Think other people's money are rightfully their.
9. Champions of victimization
He has a right to his opinion, just as the Gays and their proponents have a right to theirs.
We don't all have to pretend to like all their over the top one-sided Gay BS all the time. It's like nowadays we have to have at least one token Gay person on every TV show. And every movie or TV show that is about and or promotes the Gay life-style is almost always assured of winning multiple entertainment industry awards, whether they really deserve it or not.
It's funny how all the people that you would think would be so pro freedom of speech, religion and expression are to same people that are such loud, nasty, over-the-top haters of those that still don't approve of the Gay life-style and agree with their opinions.
I'm really sick of all of the pro-Gay BS that's in the media all the time. Sorry, but they're not the norm, nor should they be.
Ha, I lived in the Louisiana and I can tell you Phil's beliefs ARE bigoted beliefs
Exactly how does having lived in Louisiana give a special insight into this?
MaryM:
I live in Texas and I know what you mean.
Rick Ross had an opinion too and he got fired for that. Double standards should not apply here.
Rick Ross sang aa song talking about his sponsor, Reebok, and then in the very next line sang about date raping a girl. He's an idiot. Not even close to the same thing.
This is not about bigotry. It is about LOVE. The duckster was willing to lose all to reach out to those who he feels would be helped by his religious beliefs. It is time for the New America to revisit and realize what America represents. Could a judge or congress signoff on christmas today? NO. Why, because they lack the vision of remedy or compromise the Founders had. There is no way today's leaders would agree to mix pagen,folklore and religious beliefs to address the concerns of all. We are not all or nothing. We are not about changing people beliefs, but freedom of expression without undue retaliation. This woud be same as asking a gay person to stay in the "closet" because the he or she would be fired.We all need to spread tolerance for people,lifestyles as well as their beliefs.
The Robertson guy is a hypocrite. He says he treats all people with respect. If so, then why does he publicize his discriminatory opinion about them in a vulgar, vicious rant? If that is respecting someone, he worships a different God than the Pope, who recently expressed his opinion that ALL people are created equal and religion should quit dwelling on lifestyles that don't agree with their opinions. The fact is that Robertson is a bigot People who get some big money in their pocket are often elevated far above their deserved place in society and suddenly want to pontificate as if their wealth has given them more insight than the rest of us. I don't watch any reality shows because every one I have seen is downright uninteresting and a waste of time. Just as other right-wingers and evangelicals, he probably thinks being gay is a choice, not something one is born with. They also respect blacks and Hispanics unless they vote Democratic, so they support restrictions on voting that would most affect those voters negatively... Gays are born genetically different and cannot change how that makes them feel. God let them be born that way, so do you think he doesn't love them just like the rest of humanity? I was born and raised a long time ago in the South, am astraight Christian, and know exactly how they think. They believe their opinion is the only one, will use gun threats and bullying tactics to enforce them. They can tell you they are going to heaven while gays are going to Hell. They also believe their brand of Christianity should be intertwined with government (just like the Islamists). I wonder when God abandoned his right to be the one to decide who goes to Hell and made the right-wingers his spokespersons?
Hypocrite, doesn't the winner of that also belong to Barry O???? If the duck dude wants to say what he believes, that's ok. same as your post, I don't agree but you have that right.
Congrats to Obama winning the BIGGEST LIAR OF THE YEAR AWARD, its clear your following his footsteps !!!
Religious Bigotry is not Love. The poor, women, working poor, elderly, children and small businesses keep feeling the love from the Republicans that do everything to cause economic uncertainty, hurt the poor, make families and children go hungry and deny women health services. All based on "Religious Love". Think we have had enough of stupidity and ignorance in the name of Jesus.
a quote from the Bible should be a wakeup call--if the person/s castigate-–where are they in relation to Gods Word?–knowledge of the Word?-–All will be Judged according to their works/actions. Robertson gave a wake up call. if you object--????
If you can accept others without approving of their actions you must also allow them the opportunity to live in a way that you wouldn't. Any actions to the contrary just prove that you are not as tolerant as you think you are. This standard doesn't require a compromise in convictions, it demonstrates a belief that compassion occurs when you can love people that you don't understand. Pushing religious sentiment onto people you disagree with isn't compassion, it's coercion.
he has the right to his beliefs, deny him those rights and negate your own. Could it be possible the homosexual life style is not logical? Of course.
Who denied him his rights? He spoke his mind, it was printed in the interview. Freedom of speech applies only to the government not establishing laws or infringing on a persons right to express themselves. His employer has every right to decide they do or do not want him representing them. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.
His Constitutional Rights were never denied. He made his pubic statement. You can say what you want or believe what you want but like the Westborough Baptist Church, just because you make the statement doesn't make it particualarly Christian or supported by society. You reap what you sow.
The Court of Public Opinion doesn't follow the same rules as a court of law. Many people were offended by what he said, the way it was said about both homosexuals and Blacks in Louisiana. He has to live with it.
First it was probably Dennis Rodman that told the Korean dictator to put a cap in his uncles but. As far as the duck dynasty why would just someone their opinion and then get all offended when they give it to you. And last the Capitol police gun down a black woman for driving too close to the White House when she's in a car with her child but yet the Korean dictator is out-of-control
I have been so upset after watching the episode about Phil Robertson. I cried out, as others did also, when the man made the statement about the bible suppressing minority for years...And let me guess, he will still have his job tomorrow. And ranting about the bible. Unbelievable CNN.....
it is you who are the bigot, problem is you've never been called a bigot. Your victimhood is so ingrained you can't see it, and so is your sense of entitlement to what ever you wish to think or have is yours and yours alone.
The Bible does advocate stoning, slavery and a whole host of socially unacceptable LAWS. Fortunately America is a Secular Democracy based on the laws of Man, not one religions beliefs over another or we would be pulling out toungs, stoning our children, doing honor killings, castrating our daughters and "the happy Blacks working in the cotton fields of Louisiana", Mr. Robinson refers to would still be slaves.
Funny how the part of the Bible one wants to quote can justify almost anything from turning your back on hungry children to killing other human beings. We are better off following the US Constitution and Bill of Rights than a Louisiana Backwoods view of the Bible.
He has a right to his opinion, just as the Gays and their proponents have a right to theirs.
We don't all have to pretend to like all their over the top one-sided Gay BS all the time. It's like nowadays we have to have at least one token Gay person on every TV show. And every movie or TV show that is about and or promotes the Gay life-style is almost always assured of winning multiple entertainment industry awards, whether they really deserve it or not.
It's funny how all the people that you would think would be so pro freedom of speech, religion and expression are to same people that are such loud, nasty, over-the-top haters of those that still don't approve of the Gay life-style and agree with their opinions.
I'm really sick of all of the pro-Gay BS that's in the media all the time. Sorry, but they're not the norm, nor should they be.
Honestly i'm still suprised anyone still believes being gay is wrong. Its like believing that the world was created in 6 days. Yea I know the bible says that but c'mon people, we can prove that that wasn't true. Every psychological, psychiatric, medical, pediatric, and scientific group has said that gay is a part of the normal variation of human sexuality. There is far more evidence to support that claim than there ever was to support the opposite. If people want to believe otherwise than whatever, but just realize that you are ignorant and misinformed. Bigotry is a choice, gay is not.
People like you are such hypocrites you have no problem proclaiming how it is “the normal variation of human sexuality”, but so is the survival of the fittest. Also it not uncommon for animals to kill an offspring that has a deformity or for siblings to push the runt of the litter away during feeding time and they end up dying. I love how people like you spew your way of nature when it suits you.
If you truly believe we should all follow nature’s rules then we should kill the deformed, abnormal, and elderly!
After listening to the Crossfire debate today regarding Duck Dynasty, I felt I needed to comment on some of the material that was discussed. So often Bible verses can be taken out of context and used to mean something that they were never intended to.
Contrary to popular belief, slavery is NOT condoned in the Bible. This has been a unfortunate misinterpretation that has been discussed and argued about for years. Yet, in actuality, if you read the biblical passages about it, you will see that slaves (at that time, slavery was commonplace), should be treated well. "Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites" (Ephesians 6:9). If you are a slave, you should respect your master and "serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ" (Ephesians 6:5&7). The bottom line is, our "master" is the LORD, not man. We all (slave/free) should do our best work for Him, not for someone/a man. He is the most important. The main problem that has haunted U.S. history is that earthly masters tend not to understand their position, biblically, and so they mistreat those who they employ to work for them. This is a horrible commentary on human nature. The Bible does NOT condone this behavior at all, but speaks out against this. The same quality and level of respect that is asked of the slave is also asked of the master: "Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don't threaten them..." (Ephesians 6: 9). Also, if slaves "get a chance to be free,[they should] take it" (I Corinthians 7:21). This is not a message of suppression and captivity! Rather, this is a message that focuses more on our work ethic and attitude toward those with whom we work. We are to do it ALL for God. There is nothing that puts anyone down.
I hope that this gives a better perspective on what the Bible really says about slavery. (My pastor can do a much better job than I explaining this and other topics in the Bible).
On another note, there are still 27 million slaves in the world today....many of them caught in the grip of the sex slave trade both here and abroad. This is something that we need to be focused on abolishing. This is hurting and killing many, many children.
Reading your post about slavery tells me that everything in the Bible can be interpreted anyway someone wants by to suit anyone's purposes.
All the different religious sects do is point out that another group is misinterpreting the Bible. This has been going on since Day One, and at this point no one should take these strident lectures about what the Bible says too seriously...there are too many lies and contradictions in scripture.
have mercy! the worst thing to do is give an ignorant person money & power ; bobby jindal finally takes a stand for something and it's a television show! i wonder what he sees when he peers in the mirror? a minority perhaps
He se a future as a GOP'TEA Pottie zealot president. Here in Louisiana, if you want to get promoted you watch and see which way the wind blows, or a crown marches, get if front of it and say you have leadership. The anchor baby governor is just showing his leadership skills.
I believe that our country has become too politically correct. A person is not allowed to say how they really feel about any issue. These stations put any kind of trash on T.V. and expect people to watch. You put a man and his family on T.V. that prays at the end of each show and you know sooner or later they will be thrown off the air. I believe A & E will be sorry. Phil Robertson has a right to feel the way he feels, leave him on T.V., and let the viewing audience decide if they want to watch him or not.
I PERSONALLY SUPPORT DUCK DYNASTY'S THE BIBLE CLEARLY STATES WHAT HAPPEN TO SODOM AND GOMORRAH GENESIS 19 GOD DESTROYED THE CITY BECAUSE OF GAYS AND HE WILL DO IT AGAIN jUST WAIT AND SEE WE AS CHRISTIANS NEED TO STAND UP FOR WHATS RIGHT
In that same book it says lot's daughter's got him drunk and had sex with him then had children with him. Rape(he did not consent to sex with them) adultery (they were not married) incest( daughters had sex with father) are these sins any less?
I think someone should read the Bible, Our laws came from it. Then someone should read the book on the great Controversy.
One thing, the Old testament talk about Jesus and how everybody hated Him, How they tore his beard out, they talk about none of His bone's shall be broken. They gave Him up for 30 pieces of silver, they submitted Him to death, My God My God why have You Forsaken me? For whom do I speak of ? If You said: Jesus your right, Then tell me how was it possible ? You see the old Testament was written by God, through religious Men, You see this is my point, this was all written 400 years before Jesus was born !!!!!! God said that same sex is a Sin, It is noteworthy that in no other religious writings in the world do we fine any specific predictive prophecies like we find in the Scripture. You will no predictive prophecies whatsoever in the writings of Buddha, Confucius, Mohammed, Lao-Tse, or Hinduism. Yet in Scripture there are well over two thousand prophecies, most of which have already been fulfilled. They are all so specific in nature that they burn all the bridges behind them. Phil, stand firm to not faltered, the enemy is attacking, I'm a believer in Jesus Christ, I stand with you with Him. A & E should hang their heads very Low, sham on them. Phil just to let you know I'm from the country proud of it, hunt and fish. Retired Sheriff's Sergeant
Just because he a person believes in the Bible and quotes it doesn't mean they are a bigot. A&E is supporting gays, why is it when the gays object we hear about and never hear about what Christians are objecting too? I think A&E should have supported Phil they knew he was a Christian. They just didn't like the part of the Bible he quoted.
It actually wasn't the verses he quoted that were the issue. The comment about a vagina and a man's anus, how one had more to offer,(don't think that part is in the scriptures) could be seen by some as offensive. It's called tact, when you represent a company, your actions reflect on them, if you say it then it's perceived that they too say it. What about the westboro baptist church, they are Christians who promote Christian views by picketing fallen soldiers funerals, are these your views as well because you too are a representative of Christians as are they.
Of course he should be remanded ! He's my favorite on the show but you can't be insensitive to sexual preference or race. What if I said Newt looked and sounded like an inbreed biscuit back klan member? = ) Love to all and Happy Holidays
Well Ill bet the 28% that said it was the right thing to do would also say this "pastor" should have been fired also. I mean after all, the church had rules that he broke.
http://news.yahoo.com/pa-pastor-defrocked-performing-gay-wedding-152000138.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory
Their right, they don't have to put him on the air, other networks will be happy to. And advertisers should drop A & E.
It's surprising that a gay african american can say what he believes but a white person can't, just like we (white people) cannot say the "N" word but african americans can say it all the time. When are PEOPLE, which includes all of us, going to stop bickering about the little stuff and just take care of their own lives and their own responsibilities. A&E can suspend Phil Robertson for whatever they decide, but all they are doing is staying with the money trail. Phil said nothing different than the Pope himself has said and he is being honored as the "MAN OF THE YEAR" , what makes Phil Robertson the bad person in this.
I live in Arizona, a Right To Work Law State. In this state Phi Robertson could have been fired for coming to work with his hair long, a bandana around his head, or dyed green hair. In this state, if a company feels that you do not represent the company in a positive manner, you can be terminated without cause. Did the company have the right to fire Mr. Robertson? I suppose in may depend on which state you live in.
LZ sitting on yr panel, baby you need to go back and read the entire Bible from back to front. Phil Robinson is right on everything he said. Vane if your going to teach yr kids the truth about the Bible, thn you need to start by telling the truth on subjects as wht Phil said. LZ I dnt no wht type of Christian you are, because the God I serve says exactly wht Phil believe. And yes LZ ,the reason you so upset is because Phil offended Yr Lifestyle.. Baby you cant live like the world on yr underground-down low an expect for us as Christian to kiss you on the cheek/ & pat you on the back and say its okay LZ, its nt a sin that will keep you from heaven.. Honey read, read ,the word of God better and dnt pick apart wht makes LZ's flesh feel good to keep living a gay sinful wrong lifestyle. My Bible says No Sin ,No Sin ,can enter into the kingdom of God. And yr lifestyles as well as LGBT, are all sin. And yes we are to love the person bt hate the sin on thr lives. God loves you ,bt nt yr lifestyle. Imma keep you in prayer because the enemy has you blinded to the truth.
I don't agree with these offensive comments but I am offended when Robin Meade coined the term Debbie Downer. I don't see anybody caring about that! I think this man has a right to say what he wants. Now suddenly A&E has the right to silence free speech.... I once had an employer tell me I could not wear my religous jewlery where it showed. That was a violation of my rights.
Freedom of speech applies ONLY to the government not putting restrictions on or enacting laws against a person speaking their mind. It does not apply to your employer, and it does not exempt anyone from the consequences of what they say. Mr Robertson freely spoke his opinion, and now he is dealing with the consequences. Whether you agree with it or not, It is perfectly within the right of A&E to decide who they want representing them, just as Food Network did with Paula Deen.
no way I think they should leave that man alone he's right it's always the majority's that do all the bitching and get away with it.
this politically correct society were living in today sucks
The question is.....what would God say?
A lot of black people want to make themselves victims. This is a free country and they have choices like anyone else. Being black is not a sin but homosexuality is without doubt a sin. It's amazing how one of the talking heads on crossfire could try to relate the two. Most black people abhor homosexuality. Don't make excuses for your human weaknesses !!! Sin is sin and it's all the same! Any is equally wrong. Free Phil !!!!!
Phil Robertson is getting crucified over this everyones entitled to their thoughts its called free speech and it's funny the minorities always get what.
He raised the good Christian family believes in Jesus Christ like most of us do.
this politically correct society we live in today is no good.
In years past the bible was used to justify slavery and then later segregation
his beliefs are bigoted beliefs