S. Truett Cathy
Dear Mom,
Since you died five years ago, quite a bit has changed in the United States. I try to be hopeful, but I think you would be disappointed by most of the “progress.”
Today, I’m trying to do something positive by going to a fast-food chicken restaurant for lunch. (I expect you are wondering how it ever came to this.)
The place is called Chick-fil-A, and they are all around the country. My highly regarded culinary opinion is that their chicken sandwich is yummy.
But several mayors of major American cities are trying to prevent them from opening restaurants in their cities because, well, they say Chick-fil-A doesn’t represent appropriate “values.” That is code of “supports the traditional definition of marriage and family.”
Goodness…what scandal! In fact, here is what the company admits on its website:
Chick-fil-A is a family-owned and family-led company serving the communities in which it operates. From the day Truett Cathy started the company, he began applying biblically-based principles to managing his business. For example, we believe that closing on Sundays, operating debt-free and devoting a percentage of our profits back to our communities are what make us a stronger company and Chick-fil-A family.
The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our Restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect –regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.
Our mission is simple: to serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
Not only that, but the company admits to having a foundation that operates foster care homes and summer camps for children. They provide college scholarship to young people and programs for married couples.
I forgot to mention, the waffle fries are really tasty.
Company founder S. Truett Cathy sums up the controversy around his company with the following statement:
“Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else – our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return.”
Like me, you probably are wondering what isn’t to like about this guy and his family company. But he doesn’t support gay marriage, so some folks say he is hateful. But I just can’t find the evidence to support that view.
Wednesday, August 1, friends of the chicken sandwich have declared “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.” Fans everywhere will flock to the restaurants. But I’m going today, because I’m traveling tomorrow and there won’t be a Chick-fil-A nearby.
Besides, I think the local restaurant might run a little short on the spicy chicken sandwich deluxe.
Love…Jim
