Why are SOME of us OBSESSED with Phil Robertson

1. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

   
   Mr. Robinson only stated his religious beliefs regarding homosexuality.  I DON'T agree with his views.  However, aren't there more pressing issues than the opinion of Mr. Robertson?  There are wars, total disregard of the rights of marginalized people, homeless people, unemployed people, old people discarded by their families and the general society, and the oppression and mistreatment of children.   Mr. Robinson said his piece, so what?  AREN'T there more important issues that we as a people should concentrate on?

   replyreport
   1. 96

      wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not sure there are, actually.
      
      Robertson has used his position of being in the limelight to promote hatred and bigotry of others, based on his religion.  Tens of thousands have applauded his stance (one woman on FB said she has removed A&E from her TV lineup).
      
      This directly translates into "marginalized people", "people discarded by their families and/or society" and the "oppression and mistreatment" of others.  Whether Robertson intended such things or not (I personally believe he did) his comments fanned the flames of bigotry in the US.  Something that is a major problem already and does not need any help to grow.

      replyreport
   2. 61

      bBereanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Why is everyone so obsessed with Phil?  I don't think most of those supporting Phil, really are.  This was bound to happen at some point, as political correctness, while always ludicrous, has reached the point of being unbearable.  It was a tinderbox already.  People who have largely been silent, to the point of not even registering to vote before, are finally getting fed up.  This just happened to be the lucky spark that set it ablaze.  Those who have been pushing the PC angle largely unopposed for so long, can't figure out where this is coming from.  Should be interesting to watch it play out.  It is a much larger issue than just this story, although being the linchpin, it may remain the poster child for the cause.

      replyreport
2. 41

   ChristinSposted 9 years ago

   It's another distraction so that people don't pay attention to things like the extension of the NDAA and giving 30 billion more dollars to the Pentagon - stuff like that.  Same old game... Distractions keep people from paying attention to actual problems society needs to address.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree.   There are horrible situations out there.  Many people are losing their jobs, facing foreclosures of their homes which they haved saved for,  and many people are becoming homeless.   Really, now.   People are going to say what they are going to say; as long as they are not harming others, let it pass.  There are PRESSING issues which need to be addressed and solved before this world really self-destruct.

      replyreport
   2. 73

      rhamsonposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I absolutely agree with your statement and I wish the sheeple would get off their dead a@#s and do something about our run away self serving government and their intrusive efforts to marginalize all of us.

      replyreport
3. 59

   MelissaBarrettposted 9 years ago

   Actually, to me it was a very big deal. I watched dozens of my friends and family support an ignorant redneck's right to compare me to someone who has sex with animals and defend his right to say that my son would be happier as a slave.
   
   I also watched school teachers, the ones teaching our children, talk about how expressing those same views are admirable and encouraged. Read that again...
   
   I personally couldn't care whether the old racist bible-thumper lives or dies, however it brings up some important issues on exactly what kind of people I'm exposing myself, and my children to.
   
   There are several people that I considered respecful and decent that I will no longer trust my children around. So yeah, for me, it was fairly important.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Melissa, I do understand your point.  Hatred/bigotry is egregious. LGBT people should have equal rights.  To me, that is a nonissue.  I love LGBT people and have defended them all my life.  Yes, there are those unevolved and unenlightened souls who have atavistic ideas regarding homsexuality and they need to be educated.

      replyreport
4. 89

   Zelkiiroposted 9 years ago

   In before retief2000 claims gay marriage is more dangerous than egregious wars, despite never causing any deaths whatsoever.

   replyreport
   1. 59

      MelissaBarrettposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      We're safe. As long as there's one state that doesn't allow gay marriage (which I promise you will be West Virginia) then God won't turn all Americans into pillars of salt.

      replyreport
      1. 89

         Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         My bet's on Alabama.

         replyreport
   2. 58

      retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      RENT FREE BABY!!! I live here rent free!

      replyreport
      1. 61

         bBereanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I think your not the only one living rent free.

         replyreport
         1. 58

            retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Zel. frequently refers to me and his delusions about what I will say in several forums long before I write a thing.  That is living in someone's head rent free.

            replyreport
            1. 61

               bBereanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               I knew where you were coming from.    I was piggybacking it in reference to someone doing so more literally, but I leave it there.  Would you agree though, that it is probably way easier to be far left when living rent free?

               replyreport
               1. 58

                  retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  It is far easier being a lefty, because it requires no courage.  It is far easier being a lefty in a country where conservatives have already established the rule of law in an ordered society. And yes, it is far easier being a lefty when someone else is buying your lunch.

                  replyreport
                  1. 89

                     Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     You sure about that? To be a right-winger, the only requirements are "have a pulse" and "discriminate against minorities," neither of which are terribly courageous.

                     replyreport
                     1. 58

                        retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        So fun, you must be really fun in person, I bet I could make you cry with just a mean look.

                        replyreport
                        1. 59

                           MelissaBarrettposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                           Oh dear God, have we devolved to this?
                           
                           Want I should get a table and a measuring tape?

                           replyreport
      2. 89

         Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         That's...nice...?

         replyreport
5. 58

   retief2000posted 9 years ago

   female sexism is just as ugly.

   replyreport
6. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 9 years ago

   I can honestly say I don't know anything about him other than what I've seen on the ridiculous amount of headlines that crop up everywhere.  A few days ago, I had no clue who Phil is and I don't care to know.  I guess people become obsessed because they think they're supposed to.

   replyreport
   1. 73

      rhamsonposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think it is what he said as much as the ramifications he has suffered due to his ramblings. He absolutely has a right to say anything he wishes to say. But saying what you want does not relieve you of the results you receive from saying what you want. His right to free speech only gives him the right to not be imprisoned for it unless it is a confession of a crime. Other than that others are just as much free to express themselves as well as an employer has the right to suspend or fire an individual who through expressing himself freely, damages the reputation or impedes their ability to sell a product or service.

      replyreport
      1. 58

         retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Would his race or religion have an affect on whether he kept his job?  Louis Farrakhan has said far more hateful things about homosexuals (rather than merely about homosexuality - as Robertson did) and is still an acceptable counselor to our President.  Muslim nations around the world receive billions in foreign aid and the praise and support of our President when most of those countries imprison or execute homosexuals.  It was a public out cry that cost Martin Bashir his job, not his comments, despite their foul and hateful nature, again far transcending anything Robertson said.  MSNBC only terminated Bashir after an uprising, Robertson was terminated after a phone call.
         
         There is a double standard.  There are protected groups.

         replyreport
         1. 96

            wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            What double standard?  That politicians, taking all they want in the form of taxes, treat "employees" differently than business, depending on the good will of people for thier money?
            
            Maybe the producers paying Robertson learned from the outcry against Bashir.

            replyreport
         2. 73

            rhamsonposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            There always has been a double standard. The only thing that sways the power is the one who holds it. Human rights and anti defamation issues are usually open game in the court of morality and everyone gets a say in it. I have not heard what he said nor have I ever watched the TV show nor do I wish too. But having heard the hoopla over this I am even more adamant of not listening to any of the facts. He has a perfect right to say what he wants. He does not have a perfect right to make an employer agree with him or force the employer to subject his customers to something they will not tolerate.

            replyreport
            1. 58

               retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               You are absolutely correct.  1) He does have that right - he cannot be denied a right that is inalienable.  2) His employer has the perfect right to terminate his contract, according to its terms. 3) The interesting part in all of this is the the consumers of his show are in agreement with him and the A&E Network is not.  This is a financial risk they have incurred because they took a stand with a group that does not watch his show.  So be it. 
               
               The flap is over the reaction in the lefty media and the double standard that does not flow from traditional positions of money and power but, rather, from the quarters of the perpetually aggrieved.  There are those who have been far more hateful in their anti-homosexual ( not merely commenting on homosexuality as a sin, the same as many other things he listed) language. Those people have been part of another, more powerful perpetually aggrieved group and we aren't talking about Christian duck call manufacturers.

               replyreport
               1. 73

                  rhamsonposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  I agree with what you are saying but the consumers of the show is not what the big picture takes into account. The producers of the show have to worry about their sponsors and whether or not they will take the risk of offending their consumers. I know we are talking about a show that has less than a higher pedigree of entertainment and the shock factor to normalcy is encouraged but controversy is a tough ship to direct and one many twitchy corporate types are less than fond of.

                  replyreport
7. 57

   Blueroan22posted 9 years ago

   We are suppose to have freedom of speech. Right or wrong? If ALL people were the same and believed the same way. This world would truly be a boring place.
   People should not be hated for what they believe in or their views. I honestly think the people who jump on the bandwagon and start condemning people for voicing their true answers to a question asked should seriously take a look in the mirror!
   There is too much of this oooh watch what you say you might upset some people going around these days.
   I am sorry but there is only ONE God and he is the only one that can judge a person.
   If the person or people who were a fended by Mr. Robertson's  answers are so thin skinned I say Buck Up Buttercup life is way too short.
   A blessed New Year to all.

   replyreport
   1. 56

      EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Right. And, no one is denying anyone's right to speak freely comparing homosexuality to bestiality.
      
      
      
      Putting the 'fun' back into fundamentalist.
      
      
      
      Then, people should not put hate in their beliefs and views of others.
      
      
      
      That is exactly what the world is asking Phil Robertson to do.
      
      
      
      But, Phil Robertson is not that ONE God.
      
      
      
      Allow me to show you the underside of my foot, up close and personal, where you'll clearly see just how thick the skin is there.

      replyreport
      1. 58

         retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Lefties have such scrambled notions of reality that TOLERANCE and APPROVAL mean the same thing in their lexicon

         replyreport
         1. 56

            EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, I can see how an alcoholic would take offense to that.
            
            
            
            Not at all surprised.
            
            
            
            Sorry, do you actually believe you and Phil are part of a majority? LOL. You and Phil are part of an ever decreasing minority soon to become extinct.
            
            
            
            I'm actually right handed, not left.
            
            
            
            Those very same Christians, of course.

            replyreport
      2. 57

         Blueroan22posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         TSK TSK! No one said Phil Robertson was the ONE God but apparently A & E thought they were for firing Mr. Robertson for his honest answer.   Just putting it out there that no one has the right to judge another person.
         Buck up buttercup and pay attention to what you are reading.

         replyreport
         1. 41

            ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Curious what some people here think would happen to them if they were in the public eye, saying things that could tarnish their employers reputation?  Do you not think there would be consequences? 
            
            He had the right to free speech, he used it - no one jailed him or arrested him. That would indeed be a violation of free speech.
            
            His employer, who he likely has a signed contract with, also has the right to terminate that employment agreement.  You can agree or disagree with corporations having those rights, but stop making it about "freedom of speech"  that isn't what it's about.  Freedom of speech is a constitutional issue,  getting fired for running ones mouth is an employment issue.

            replyreport
            1. 57

               Blueroan22posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               If there was a clause in the contract that stated such but if you were asked the same questions - would you not answer said questions honestly or would you skate around said questions in fear of the consequences?

               replyreport
               1. 41

                  ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  I would have to weigh my choices just like we all do in life.  Say what I think and risk the consequences, or change the subject.  If I felt I had to say something that was likely to offend my employer, well then I made that choice of my own volition didn't I? Not saying that's right or wrong, but how it is.  The two are separate issues.
                  
                  Again, employer contracts (and most networks have them) are not a free speech issue.

                  replyreport
               2. 96

                  wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  If a fellow worker, customer or vendor asked the question, then yes I was always aware that my answer could affect my job.  The general public, away from the job, no but then I've never had a job where the world was my workplace.  Like Robertson did.
                  
                  Any celebrity that opens his/her mouth to the media and doesn't take into account what it will do to their job is too stupid to have that job.

                  replyreport
                  1. 57

                     Blueroan22posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     Very true but then again maybe Mr. Robertson is tired of being a show pony and he got just what he was aiming for.

                     replyreport
                     1. 96

                        wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        It is certainly possible.  I know that the job and lifestyle of the rich and famous would quickly pall for me...

                        replyreport
            2. 58

               retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Absolutely right, the Right of Free Speech is not a Right to a Guaranteed Audience.  If there is a contract issue that is something for attorneys to trash out and doesn't involve Constitutional issues.  A&E's actions had best be square with their contract or Robertson has a legal case, other than that there isn't much there, there.

               replyreport
         2. 56

            EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Yet, Phil is judging others as if he were.
            
            
            
            They are firing Phil for his homophobic remarks, if being honest and homophobic are the same thing in your book.
            
             
            
            Except Phil, and you, apparently.
            
            
            
            Try thinking for a change.

            replyreport
            1. 57

               Blueroan22posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               No, I judge no one. Being honest is being honest. If he is a homophobe and further expressed his homophobic tendency with words its just his way. No one has to agree with how he thinks. People thinking differently is not a crime. So maybe it is you who needs to think.
               Buck up buttercup and take a breath.
               PS - I have gay friends who think what he said was hilarious! Stating well that's what makes the world go round - different strokes for different folks.

               replyreport
               1. 89

                  Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  I have binders full of women.

                  replyreport
               2. 56

                  EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  LOL. Do you actually believe there is a thought process or honesty going on there?
                  
                  
                  
                  Your petty personal insults say much more about you than anything else.
                  
                  
                  
                  I see no honesty there, either.
                  
                  
                  
                  Hatred towards others makes the world go round?

                  replyreport
                  1. 57

                     Blueroan22posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     There are no petty insults. You need to reread what Mr. Robertson said. He does not hate anyone nor do I. Can you not understand English? I am insulting no one, simply stating that people have a right to speak their mind like it or not. Why are you taking things so personally?

                     replyreport
                     1. 56

                        EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        Again, no one is saying Phil, you or anybody else does not have the right for free speech, we all get that. You do the have the right to speak your minds, regardless of how much that speech is dedicated to not allowing others their rights. And yes, people won't like that, it's ignorant and insulting, so they combat it with more speech to those who abuse their rights.

                        replyreport
                        1. 58

                           retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                           What right was Robertson suggest be stripped from anyone?  The right to be un-offended.  The right to be perpetually offended?  The right to over react without any serious thought?  The right of A&E to rescind their suspension and continue filming? The right to assume that the leftist minority position, that is so deeply rooted in the irrational, is the actual majority opinion in contradiction to reality?

                           replyreport
                           1. 89

                              Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                              Yes, do regale us with the "irrationality" of any decent person's disgust towards religion-borne bigotry. Stand there and justify the ignorant oppression that one-tenth of our population is subjected to because "Godd dun liek it." Continue to belittle those terrible and vile homosexuals--deprive them of their rights, mock their desire for equality and dignity, spit in their faces with your empty words--and pretend you're somehow not the very definition of evil.

                              replyreport
                              1. 58

                                 retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                 The voice of reason and tolerance.

                                 replyreport
                           2. 56

                              EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                              The right to be gay, of course.

                              replyreport
                              1. 58

                                 retief2000posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                 What an entertaining place reality must be, it is like nothing you have ever seen before.

                                 replyreport
                                 1. 56

                                    EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                    You're all free to join it sometime.

                                    replyreport
8. 0

   calculus-geometryposted 9 years ago

   I have know idea who this guy is, but if I am to understand the OP correctly, Phil Robertson is an unkempt homeless dude whose fondness for carrots runs so deep he poses for photos while eating one.  He hates gay people, but the irony of posing with a phallic-shaped object in his mouth is lost on him. Well, I hope he had a Merry Christmas anyway.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Think it was a duck whistle.

      replyreport
      1. 0

         calculus-geometryposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         It looks like an avant-garde advertisement for carrots.

         replyreport
         1. 0

            Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            I don't know Bugs.

            replyreport
            1. 61

               bBereanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               No doubt a strategy implemented by the "updock" Consortium.

               replyreport
               1. 0

                  Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  Carrots are a terrible thing to waste.

                  replyreport
                  1. 61

                     bBereanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     Come on, you at least thought it. 

                     replyreport
                     1. 0

                        Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        Yeah, that's why I called him Bugs.

                        replyreport
9. 61

   bBereanposted 9 years ago

   So who thinks this could all have just been brilliant marketing by A&E?  I may give them too much credit, but you have to wonder.

   replyreport
   1. 57

      Blueroan22posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You could be on to something. Those marketer's are some crafty people.

      replyreport
      1. 41

         ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I've believed all along this is a ploy for ratings and it's working very well apparently, while also getting people riled up.  Certainly there are more important issues in the world than this one opinion of this one person.

         replyreport
10. 0

    Beth37posted 9 years ago

    Every time I click on this thread... which I shouldn't even be getting notifications cause I "unfollowed" I get a stupid Phil Robertson ad at the bottom. Are you all getting it?

    replyreport
    1. 89

       Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Nope. AdBlock and NoScript are such lovely things.

       replyreport
    2. 41

       ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Nope I am getting an add for something called a genie -

       replyreport
11. 0

    Beth37posted 9 years ago

    Ugh... cause we can't get enough of this.
    
    http://www.wsmv.com/story/24316281/ae-d … overturned

    replyreport
    1. 61

       Disappearingheadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Ah mission accomplished, another few million viewers to tune in to see what all the fuss was about.
       
       By the way, is it just me or does his beard and head gear make him look a little like an Islamic fundamentalist?

       replyreport
       1. 0

          Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

          lol... I would like it stated, for the record, that when I told Will, on a different thread that I was partial to beards... this is not the beard I am partial to.

          replyreport
          1. 61

             Disappearingheadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             It's the kind of beard that hosts its own ecosystem.

             replyreport
             1. 0

                Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                That is a frightening thought.

                replyreport