Quote of the Day

[Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson] can think and say whatever he likes. He has freedom of thought, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech. I firmly defend his right to say what he said.

I also firmly defend the rights of others to respond, whether to criticize his choice of words or the theological basis of his claims.

When you speak publicly, you are inviting everyone who hears you to respond. Different responses carry different weights. It’s a fact of life, though, that actions have consequences. So if you speak publicly and people respond negatively, that’s a consequence. If you speak publicly and your employer terminates you, that’s a consequence, too. Freedom of religion and freedom of speech remain intact. It’s simply cause and effect.

When you say something publicly that is as vile, crude, and offensive as what Robertson said, you probably ought to expect strong and swift reactions. I defend your right to think it and say it, but you have to put your big boy pants on and deal with the consequences.

– Thom Curnutte

"In Case You Didn’t See It Today"
Faith in the 21st Century: Musings of a Millennial on Faith, Life, and Spirituality
December 19, 2013

Related Off-site Links:
Duck Dynasty Star Phil Robertson Makes Anti-Gay Remarks, Says Being Gay is a Sin – Cavan Sieczkowski (The Huffington Post, December 18, 2013).
Duck Dynasty Star Rants Against 'Homosexual Behavior,' 'Islamists,' and 'Shintos' in Epic Interview – Hunter Walker (TPM, December 18, 2013).
Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson Suspended for Comments About Gays – Chicago Tribune (December 19, 2013).
Duck Dynasty Family and Fans React to Phil Robertson's Hiatus After Offensive Comments – John Rogers (Associated Press via Huffington Post, December 19, 20123).
Sarah Palin, NOM, and Westboro Baptist: Right Wing Furious Over Duck Dynasty Dad’s Suspension – David Badash (The New Civil Rights Movement, December 19, 2013).
Conservative Christians Rally to Phil Robertson's Support – Sarah Pulliam Bailey (The Huffington Post, December 19, 2013).
The Creator of Duck Dynasty Played a Gay Porn Star in the Movie The Fluffer – Kate Arthur (BuzzFeed, December 19, 2013).
Five Things to Remember When Discussing This Duck Dynasty Mess – The Boeskool (December 19, 2013).

UPDATES: There Are Two Americas, and One is Better Than the Other – Josh Barro (Business Insider, December 20, 2013).
Phil Robertson's America – Ta-Nehisi Coates (The Atlantic, December 20, 2013).
Duck Dynasty Fallout: GLAAD Reeling from Biggest Backlash in Years, Says Rep – Jethro Nededog (Yahoo! TV, December 20, 2013).
Dear Phil Robertson, You Can't Group Homosexuality With Terrorism and Bestiality and Then Use the Bible as Your Defense – Michelangelo Signorile (HuffPost Gay Voices, December 20, 2013).
Duck Dynasty and Quackery – Charles M. Blow (New York Times, December 20, 2013).
When You Defend Phil Robertson, Here's What You're Really Defending – Josh Barro (Business Insider, December 21, 2013).
Let Me Explain ‘Freedom of Speech’ to All the Phil Robertson, Duck Dynasty Supporters – Allen Clifton (LGBTQ Nation, December 22, 2013).
Duck Dynasty Fans Are Sending Me Ridiculous Hate Mail – Josh Barro (Business Insider, December 22, 2013).