Ducks Out of Line

It’s been a few weeks since the fiasco surrounding Phil Robertson, one of the bigs on the A&E’s show “Duck Dynasty.”  While he has been suspended - and reinstated I might add - for his comments regarding race and homosexuality, it is important to remember some basic guidelines that focus on two important freedoms: the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion (yes, they are located in the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States…in case anyone forgot).  The other things, besides the statements made, are the actual facts encompassing the controversial remarks and the perception of “truth” by others.  Finally, the hypocrisy of both the media and general partisan audience that has been offended to some degree or another is reaching new proportions in the twenty-first century.

Found within the first amendment, of the Constitution of the United States, are the following words “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.”  Now there are certain circumstances such as slander, etc. but the only thing that could be deemed slanderous is he discrepancy in history regarding race in the rural south (and the south in general).  Anyway, let’s begin with the discussion of the freedom of speech.  Given the wording found in the constitution, it would seem that Mr. Robertson is entitled to state whatever he’d like…whether or not he is right.  He can still state his opinion…and in this case, his beliefs.  [However, the freedom of speech mainly refers to free speech against the government and therefore a company does have the right to dismiss any employee that doesn’t agree with their standards.]  Speaking of beliefs, it is vital to remember that the United States is not a Christian nation (or a Hindu nation, but you get my point).  There is “no ring to rule them all” (yes, I’ve seen the new Hobbit movie and I hated it – just like I hated the books) because the United States is a pluralistic society.  Why do you think so many countries, and people, around the world don’t like Americans – and thus attempt to extinguish lives of Americans around the world?

Now, the interesting thing about Mr. Robertson is that he believes in the Holy Bible.  There is nothing wrong with believing in it; but, it’s necessary that those who believe it understand it and adhere to all of it.  The Bible is like a bag of M&Ms – you don’t open a bag and eat just the ones you like, they are all the same (calories and all) so don’t pick and choose which ones to eat – so you can’t pick and choose which verses to follow and which ones to omit.

In the next blog piece, I will try and tackle some of these things that Mr. Robertson believes in and the actual understanding of what is in the Bible. I will also discuss his remarks on race.