'Duck Dynasty's' Phil Robertson on Indefinite Hiatus Following Anti-Gay Remarks (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/duck-dynastys-phil-robertson-indefinite-666808)

What do you guys think about the reason why Phil was fired...so the ending of Duck Dynasty on A & E? A very, very popular TV program. I think it is sad that he was punished for saying what he believes. What is happening to our free speech??

Free speech exists in the progressive world so long as they agree with it. Otherwise you'll be attacked.

I thought in the free market businesses were allowed to hire/fire whomever they wanted?

As long as the show is making big bucks then I predict he comes back. Free speech is alive and well when others can still make a buck off you. Maybe he'll do the usual 'apology tour.'

Hey he attacked heterosexuals too that are adulterous - funny how nobody cares about that even though it apparently applies to millions of us.

Free speech isn't the issue. Speaking words that will impact your advertisers, without thinking first on the impacts, is what is at play here.

Let's look at another scenario. A person is an on camera personality for a TV show that is very conservative in the views expressed and attracts that audience and related advertisers. That person goes out and throws full support behind things like gay marriage, abortion, and other hot button issues. That person's comments will now directly impact how the audience and more importantly the advertisers will look at that show. If this person turns off the audience they'll leave and the value starts falling for the advertisers. Also the advertisers may have strong convictions and will not want to be associated with a program that has a main cast member spouting views that contradict theirs.

Is it an attack on free speech? Absolutely not. Business is business. The door swings both ways on this issue. The Constitution gives us the right to say (almost) whatever we want and when we want. The Constitution doesn't say everyone must agree/respect it and keep us employed whenever we exercise that right.

Free speech exists in the progressive world so long as they agree with it. Otherwise you'll be attacked.

He is certainly free to say anything he wants...bigoted or not. A&E has every right to fire him as well. Like it or not he's a spokesperson for the A&E brand, and if what he said doesn't fit with that, they are perfectly within their right to fire him.

Free speech isn't the issue. Speaking words that will impact your advertisers, without thinking first on the impacts, is what is at play here.

Let's look at another scenario. A person is an on camera personality for a TV show that is very conservative in the views expressed and attracts that audience and related advertisers. That person goes out and throws full support behind things like gay marriage, abortion, and other hot button issues. That person's comments will now directly impact how the audience and more importantly the advertisers will look at that show. If this person turns off the audience they'll leave and the value starts falling for the advertisers. Also the advertisers may have strong convictions and will not want to be associated with a program that has a main cast member spouting views that contradict theirs.

Is it an attack on free speech? Absolutely not. Business is business. The door swings both ways on this issue. The Constitution gives us the right to say (almost) whatever we want and when we want. The Constitution doesn't say everyone must agree/respect it and keep us employed whenever we exercise that right.

Exactly. No First Amendment violations to see here. Move along.

He can spew forth his love of all things gay unicorn rainbow farts, but A&E is under no obligation to hold a national megaphone to his mouth to help him out. Their megaphone, their channel.

I guess the real question is why anyone is outraged. You can't say God doesn't exist and then get outraged when someone says God doesn't approve of your behavior. I don't care what Mohammad or Buddha thinks of me, and I care even less what a follower of Mohammad of Buddha thinks that Mohammad of Buddha thinks of me.

He is certainly free to say anything he wants...bigoted or not. A&E has every right to fire him as well. Like it or not he's a spokesperson for the A&E brand, and if what he said doesn't fit with that, they are perfectly within their right to fire him.

Also, it has to be said that nobody would be listening and GQ wouldn't be interviewing him if A&E hadn't put him on a show.

He probably said these types of things before and nobody noticed.

If you want fame and fortune, you'd be be prepared to accept the added scrutiny that comes with it.

It's the same about celebrities that whine about lack of privacy. You can have all the privacy you want if you want to act in some stage company somewhere. You want the big bucks and the media limelight, you are also signing up for a lot of other things that come with it. It's not like this hasn't been the case for the last 50 or 60 years.

I guess the real question is why anyone is outraged. You can't say God doesn't exist and then get outraged when someone says God doesn't approve of your behavior. I don't care what Mohammad or Buddha thinks of me, and I care even less what a follower of Mohammad of Buddha thinks that Mohammad of Buddha thinks of me.

When followers of Mohammad and Buddha spend a great deal of time and effort trying to render your (harmless, and private) behavior illegal, get back to us. Until then...The man with the hypocritical plan can take his lashings.

'Duck Dynasty's' Phil Robertson on Indefinite Hiatus Following Anti-Gay Remarks (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/duck-dynastys-phil-robertson-indefinite-666808)

What do you guys think about the reason why Phil was fired...so the ending of Duck Dynasty on A & E? A very, very popular TV program. I think it is sad that he was punished for saying what he believes. What is happening to our free speech??

Do you agree with him basically saying that black people would happier if Jim Crow laws were still around?

Wow. This sounds like Paula Deen all over again.

"Does Oklahoma (scratch that) Does A&E really believe in The First Amendment?"

When followers of Mohammad and Buddha spend a great deal of time and effort trying to render your (harmless, and private) behavior illegal, get back to us. Until then...The man with the hypocritical plan can take his lashings.

I guess I missed it - did Phil try to make being gay, drunk, or adulterous illegal? On second thought, being drunk in many situation IS illegal and adulterous spouses can be ordered to pay up come divorce time.

When followers of Mohammad and Buddha spend a great deal of time and effort trying to render your (harmless, and private) behavior illegal, get back to us. Until then...The man with the hypocritical plan can take his lashings.

Forgive my ignorance, but what was hypocritical about what he said?

Phil probably doesn't really GAF - if I had enough $$ and land to hunt and fish everday for the rest of my life i wouldn't wanna worry about a TV show either

- Willie and the daughter in laws are the ones who want all the fame

Forgive my ignorance, but what was hypocritical about what he said?

I think it is because they assume Phil had always been a godly man, so back when he was drinking and running around with women other than his wife it makes him a hypocrite. What they don't know is that he wasn't always a godly man. He found Jesus and changed his ways. He should be held up as an example of the power of faith, not an object of ridicule from people who say that don't even in believe in God anyhow. Maybe deep down, they do believe in God and just have a hard time accepting it.

I don't think anyone hindered or took away his free speech. anyone can say anything you want. however you must be prepared to face the consequences sometimes.

I can call my boss a poophead all I want. Probably gonna get fired...

I don't think anyone hindered or took away his free speech. anyone can say anything you want. however you must be prepared to face the consequences sometimes.

I can call my boss a poophead all I want. Probably gonna get fired...

Why does there have to be any consequences? Why can't the people who don't like him just ignore him? Hell, if I lived my life in a constant state of outrage that some seem to, I would never go see a Hollywood movie.

Why does there have to be any consequences? Why can't the people who don't like him just ignore him? Hell, if I lived my life in a constant state of outrage that some seem to, I would never go see a Hollywood movie.

There have to be consequences because, to paraphrase George Orwell: All Opinions are Equal, But Some Opinions Are More Equal Than Others.

Frankly, I wonder how many of The Offended, here, actually watch Duck Dynasty
(ergo, why would A&E care one way or the other?)

Why does there have to be any consequences? Why can't the people who don't like him just ignore him? Hell, if I lived my life in a constant state of outrage that some seem to, I would never go see a Hollywood movie.

Im with you. Ive never seen the show. was speaking more on a personal level

Remember "The Good Old Days" when it was "The Jews" who ran show business? =)

There have to be consequences because, to paraphrase George Orwell: All Opinions are Equal, But Some Opinions Are More Equal Than Others.

Frankly, I wonder how many of The Offended, here, actually watch Duck Dynasty
(ergo, why would A&E care one way or the other?)
The ironic thing is that the audience that has helped make this show the highest rated (ever) cable show will be more outraged by A&E's decision and ultimately have more impact on their bottom line than those who were offended by it.

The ironic thing is that the audience that has helped make this show the highest rated (ever) cable show will be more outraged by A&E's decision and ultimately have more impact on their bottom line than those who were offended by it.

We call that, "shooting yourself in the foot".

We call that, "shooting yourself in the foot".

A more "modern" M.C. Escherian version might be: "Putting their heads up their asses and jumping."
(ironically, the sound made when that happens sounds a lot like a duck call)

Here's what's playing around the Robertson Company Headquarters, 'ceptin' fer substitutin' "Patriarch" for "Man" and "Family" for "Woman":
DwBirf4BWew

Do you agree with him basically saying that black people would happier if Jim Crow laws were still around?

That's a rather loose and creative interpretation of his words.

He is certainly free to say anything he wants...bigoted or not. A&E has every right to fire him as well. Like it or not he's a spokesperson for the A&E brand, and if what he said doesn't fit with that, they are perfectly within their right to fire him.

...not so fast my friend. Phil leads the family in prayer, praying to the God he spoke of in the bible. A&E is OK with that "speech" and they approve of it by allowing it Over, and over each episode? This is their way of (acceptance). If they (A&E) had fired him the first time he "prayed" then they would be in a better position in the release of Phil for his Christian statements.

The advertising groups that "don't belive / don't carry the same view" can opt out of its obligation. That is the Free Market you are speaking of. Employee rights are a completely different set of laws. Civil liberties apply to an individual, not a corporation.

I doubt any of the existing advertisers had much of a problem with his opinions. Nor did A&E. They've known about them all along. This was merely political pressure from groups that weren't even part of his audience. And you know what, I expect the DD folks to not give a single damn. They've made it clear that the show is a bonus revenue, and they're happy to walk away from it whenever.

Why does there have to be any consequences? Why can't the people who don't like him just ignore him? Hell, if I lived my life in a constant state of outrage that some seem to, I would never go see a Hollywood movie.

Because his employer, A&E, didn't like what he said and suspended him. End of story. They have every right to do that. Just like Don Imus was suspended when he called Rutger's womens basketball team nappy-headed hoes.

Shouldn't all of this really be over on the Non-Issue du Jour thread? =)

Because his employer, A&E, didn't like what he said and suspended him. End of story. They have every right to do that. Just like Don Imus was suspended when he called Rutger's womens basketball team nappy-headed hoes.

No, He quoted the Bible.

...not so fast my friend. Phil leads the family in prayer, praying to the God he spoke of in the bible. A&E is OK with that "speech" and they approve of it by allowing it Over, and over each episode? This is their way of (acceptance). If they (A&E) had fired him the first time he "prayed" then they would be in a better position in the release of Phil for his Christian statements.

The advertising groups that "don't belive / don't carry the same view" can opt out of its obligation. That is the Free Market you are speaking of. Employee rights are a completely different set of laws. Civil liberties apply to an individual, not a corporation.

They didn't just film him praying at supper by accident - it was A&E's idea to end each episode that way.

No, He quoted the Bible.

Wow. I need a new edition. Which chapter states the following?

"And Jesus said 'It seems like, to me, a ******—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus.'"

I'd read that version.

No, He quoted the Bible.

He definitely didn't quote anything. He paraphrased. He also grouped homosexuals, drunks, and terrorists together saying, "We let God sort 'em out later, you see what I'm saying?" If you don't see the issue comparing homosexuals and terrorists, then I can't help you.

He definitely didn't quote anything. He paraphrased. He also grouped homosexuals, drunks, and terrorists together saying, "We let God sort 'em out later, you see what I'm saying?" If you don't see the issue comparing homosexuals and terrorists, then I can't help you.

I don't see it as he was comparing them, as much as he was just listing sins. Unless you think he was also equating drunks with terrorists too. It's also fair to include the first part of that quote...


“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ‘em, give ‘em the good news about Jesus"

"It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions." ~ Ronald Reagan

Free speech exists in the progressive world so long as they agree with it. Otherwise you'll be attacked.

Exactly. If you do not promote the "company" line you are ostracized. Bring him back Ass&Ears Network!!!

Exactly. If you do not promote the "company" line you are ostracized. Bring him back Ass&Ears Network!!!

So under that same precept, MSNBC should bring back Martin Bashir for his comments against Sarah Palin? Or, Alec Baldwin for his anti-LGBT comments? Just wondering.

You know what's really sad? Our news media is covering this like its a worthy front page story. With all that's going on in this country not to mention the world, we have wall to wall coverage of some bigot being fired. This is a non-story. The media should be ashamed of itself.

...not so fast my friend. Phil leads the family in prayer, praying to the God he spoke of in the bible. A&E is OK with that "speech" and they approve of it by allowing it Over, and over each episode? This is their way of (acceptance). If they (A&E) had fired him the first time he "prayed" then they would be in a better position in the release of Phil for his Christian statements.

The advertising groups that "don't belive / don't carry the same view" can opt out of its obligation. That is the Free Market you are speaking of. Employee rights are a completely different set of laws. Civil liberties apply to an individual, not a corporation.

First, good job on the worlds worst comparison in the first paragraph. Zero sense.

Second, yes, advertisers can opt out if they dont like it and thats probably what was being threatened. A&E can then appease the advertisers, discipline the problem, and protect the bottom line. Employers are allowed to do that. Period.

First, good job on the worlds worst comparison in the first paragraph. Zero sense.

Second, yes, advertisers can opt out if they dont like it and thats probably what was being threatened. A&E can then appease the advertisers, discipline the problem, and protect the bottom line. Employers are allowed to do that. Period.

Businesses are encouraged to do that.

Do you agree with him basically saying that black people would happier if Jim Crow laws were still around?

FWIW I was more bothered by this. Cause ya know, blacks were just so happy back in those days, before they all got on welfare like they are now, of course.

In a weird way, I feel bad for him as it is obvious A&E never provided them with a publicist. This is not the first time Phil has made some pretty charged comments. In his mind, he has probably said much worse at home and thought he was "toning it down" for GQ.

If you are going to feed from the trough of fame and stardom, you gotta be willing to accept the good and bad with it. IMO this is probably the beginning of the end of Duck Dynasty.

This thread is just another example of how irrational people are becoming. Attacking the company when it exercises its right to suspend an employee...but then line up for miles for chicken on an "appreciation day" when a company starts to defend itself from a one of the same minority groups.

In most states, everyone is an at-will employee. Are we now arguing that companies don't have the right to hire/fire at-will employees when they see fit? I'm pretty sure the contract language for this guy has an out clause for A&E and their legal team has been through it several times.

IMO this is probably the beginning of the end of Duck Dynasty.

Are you kidding? This just bought them at least 2 more years.

This thread is just another example of how irrational people are becoming. Attacking the company when it exercises its right to suspend an employee...but then line up for miles for chicken on an "appreciation day" when a company starts to defend itself from a one of the same minority groups.

In most states, everyone is an at-will employee. Are we now arguing that companies don't have the right to hire/fire at-will employees when they see fit? I'm pretty sure the contract language for this guy has an out clause for A&E and their legal team has been through it several times.

I don't know that anyone in this thread has argued that A&E doesn't have the right (except for maybe the original post) to fire Phil. Now whether they were right or smart to do so in a business sense is something else entirely.

I don't know that anyone in this thread has argued that A&E doesn't have the right (except for maybe the original post) to fire Phil. Now whether they were right or smart to do so in a business sense is something else entirely.

This is where A&E messed up. They should have simply said, "Phil Roberts is a participant on a reality TV show. Phil Robertson is not A&E.", and left it at that.

The only obvious outcome of all this is that GQ Magazine is going straight to Hel.
(much like Gourmet and Reader's Digest)
(and National Geographic is on the way to Limbo, pending further review)

(please be advised that none of any of the above postings have anything to do with insider trading involving Lifetime as the safety net(work) of choice. be sure that you are well advised. please. the executives at Lifetime have nothing to do with this.)

I think everyone just needs to get off Phil's back...:Smiley053

This is where A&E messed up. They should have simply said, "Phil Roberts is a participant on a reality TV show. Phil Robertson is not A&E.", and left it at that.

Damn straight: A&E should have grown a pair . . . of Ovaries. (fer cryin' out loud =)
(geez . . .)
(louise)

edited to add: WTF?

They should leave A&E and go to the Blaze network where they would be appreciated.

I suspect that, if anything, Papa Phil is just happy, happy, happy if his obligations to the show are dialed down, or even cancelled.
More time to hunt, fish, hug Miss Kay, and the boys can go do what the boys do.

Some folk think Papa Phil be crazy. I think they don't realize they are only half right. Papa Phil be crazy ... like a fox.

Well, they say any publicity is good publicity.

I don't view this incident any differently than the good 'ole Dixie Chick's publicity debacle a few years back. If your job is to entertain the public, you are beholden to the whims of public opinion. I don't know if A&E got lots of calls calling from viewers for that hillbilly's head (doubtful) or if they were getting calls from their advertisers (more likely), but it makes no difference. You can say anything you want, but you have to deal with the consequences of doing so.

I suspect that, if anything, Papa Phil is just happy, happy, happy if his obligations to the show are dialed down, or even cancelled.
More time to hunt, fish, hug Miss Kay, and the boys can go do what the boys do.

Some folk think Papa Phil be crazy. I think they don't realize they are only half right. Papa Phil be crazy ... like a fox.

OH! So now you are dragging B'rer Rabbit before The Bench (of public opinion and jurors and peers and soforth).
(you know that I'm sorta kidding here, right? =)

Note to self: Self, when A&E comes to you wanting to put you on BBQ Dynasty. Tell them up front that you are an equal opportunity offender of the easily offended.

^Too cool fer school/shule/skool, amigo. amen?

Edited to Add: Nearly WillRogerian in its simple Perfection.

I have never watched duck dynasty or do I know who this guy is or even what he said or why I should give a fiddler's fart about it but obviously by my facebook news feed I'm missing out on a high quality outrage fix. And like most folks these days I'm an outrage junkie soothed only by how upset I can get about things that have absolutely no impact on my life whatsoever.

^Amen to dat. One suggestion: Research the difference between fiddler's farts and unicorn farts prior to mail-ordering a duck call from A&E (a wholly-owned subsidiary of DuckDynasty, Inc.) in order to be able to catch the right one. If you so choose to do.

I have never watched duck dynasty or do I know who this guy is or even what he said or why I should give a fiddler's fart about it but obviously by my facebook news feed I'm missing out on a high quality outrage fix. And like most folks these days I'm an outrage junkie soothed only by how upset I can get about things that have absolutely no impact on my life whatsoever.

Sorry about your dog. He was a helluva guy.

Sorry about your dog. He was a helluva guy.

I'm sort of curious as to whether Bro. Phil is familiar with these verses of an old, old song.
I used to know them by heart . . . still do, in a way . . .

1Blessed is the man that walketh
not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2But his delight is in the law of the LORD;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3And he shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4The ungodly are not so:
but are like the chaff
which the wind driveth away.

5Therefore the ungodly
shall not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous:
but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

(I'd bet A&E ain't never even heard the song, even once)

^^^^Sincerely, confused^^^^