In a stunning development, Rahm Emanuel has vowed not to allow a business into Chicagoland due to his rejection of their religious beliefs. From Todd Starnes at Fox:
Officials in at least three cities have vowed to block efforts to open Chick-fil-A restaurants after the company’s president told reporters that he supported the traditional definition of marriage – and warned that redefining marriage might bring God’s judgment on the nation.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement to the Chicago Tribune. “They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents.” Emanuel was vowing his support for Alderman Proco Moreno’s announcement that he would block construction of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in his district.
With no other reason given by any of these dicta- oops, I mean “city leaders”, it is now apparently not possible to conduct business if you hold traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs. It stands to reason, based on the result of prior voting results on the topic of marriage, that at least half of all businesses would likely feel the same as Chick-fil-A. Therefore, don’t we have to assume that they will all be shut down in Chicago, Boston and Mountain View, CA? After all, why would they just pick out one business?
With Emanuel being such a close adviser to the President, one also has to wonder what Obama’s position is on this? Seems like someone should ask him, doesn’t it?
While you’re waiting on his response (and it could take awhile), you might want to get a bite to eat. May I make a suggestion? Bon appetit!
Good grief. I rarely eat fast food, and there are no Chick-Fil-A’s conveniently close to me, but I am seriously considering searching one out next week to order food. Just to spite the Politballerina.
Is it legal to do this in Chicago? I suppose “Chicago values” are simply whatever Rahm and his thugs declare them to be whatever the people of Chicago think. In 2000 Catholics in Illinois numbered 3,874,933, the United Methodist Church, had 365,182 members, and the Southern Baptist Convention, 305,838. Most of these three groups support the traditional definition of marriage and the vast majority live in the Chicago area. How about starting a “recall Rahm” campaign appealing to just these three populations. No one thought Proposition 8 would win in California … but it did.
As long as this guy isn’t discriminating in hiring or serving, I think he’s got a solid lawsuit against Chicago. There’s not much doubt when the mayor’s on record like that that this is flat-out religious discrimination dressed up as a regulatory snafu. I don’t think the city would have a legal leg to stand on.
I think Chick-Fil-A can sue on constitutional grounds and I hope they do. Emanuel’s policy is a direct 1st Amendment violation. I’m liberal on social issues (including gay marriage). Yet I think it outrageous that business or building permits can be denied on such ideological grounds. I will make it a point to stay out of Chicago, Boston, and Mountain View from now on (and not spend any of my money in these places).
Thanks. That was the final push I needed to write Chick-fil-A and congratulate them and promise to become an avid customer.
As if I needed another reason to hit eh chik-fil-a when I go to Cheyenne. Now if we could get one here in Gillette . . .
Not to worry … the Civil Rights Division of President Obama’s DOJ will not allow any such violation of the 1st Ammendment to stand.
I hit the same instant question as Socrates above: On what *legal* grounds could an alderman or mayor block construction of a business?
Now, I understand that building inspectors can make construction really difficult, by enforcing every single nit of the building code, and that in large cities like Chicago construction companies routinely bribe inspectors to ignore harmless minor violations, like a switch an inch too close to a sink. But if a builder knows ahead of time that everything has to be “by the book,” it ain’t rocket science to make it work.
In that case, seems to me that any other attempt to block would be obvious and legally actionable.
If you’re Chik-fil-a just make sure to use a construction company from some other state, so you can end up in federal court. Should be harder for Rahm to fix a federal judge.
It SHOULD be harder for the Mayor of Chicago to fix a Federal case, but consider what position this guy held before before becoming Mayor of Chicago: He was Pres. Obama’s Chief of Staff. He probably still has some friends in the White House. Do you know who represents the Federal government in Federal trials? The Justice Department.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,”
True. Chick-fil-A doesn’t murder children in the street. Chick-fil-A doesn’t engage in racketeering and back room deals. Chick-fil-A earns the money it receives from customers.
Who, except corrupt politicians and criminals, but I repeat myself, would want Chicago values? Much less be proud of them?
Chicago, Shitcago.
Is it possible for gay activists to get any more fascistic? I mean I just want to know what to expect going forward.
Other Rahm Emanuel “values” Chick-fil-A doesn’t share:
Chick-fil-A believes in delivering value to its customers.
Chick-fil-A believes its employees should put in an honest day’s work.
Chick-fil-A isn’t owned by unions and mobsters.
Chick-fil-A doesn’t solicit payoffs, nor steal its customers’ money.
Chick-fil-A believe it’s entitled to its opinion, as others are entitled to theirs.
Chick-fil-A doesn’t promote and support policies that cause children to be gunned down in the streets.
Chick-fil-A doesn’t ignore, nor refuse to provide service to, its black customers.
Next step, all people in California that voted against gay marriage will have their forehead stamped in red.
All company execs msut take a 200 question test to validate what they believe. Those that disagree are SHUNNED to outside the city limits and not allowed back in.
I agree, a lawsuit is in the making. What a person believes is still protected and not legal/illegal. What a person does is another thing.
“Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views.” William F. Buckley, Jr.
So build a bunch just over the state line. I bet Mitch Daniels (and later Mike Pence) will welcome new businesses.
Wish there was one in the Upper Peninsula. I’d eat there as often as I could!
No Chik-fil-A…yet he welcomes help from Farrakhan in cleaning up Chicago: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/13996951-418/rahm-welcomes-help-from-farrakahn-ignores-anti-semitic-remarks.html
It appears that the “Tiny Dancer” has also ignored Minister Farrakhan’s remarks condemming the President’s support for gay marriage in return for the Minister’s support.
It seems quite apparent that gay marriage activists do not only want their ‘rights’, but just as much, they want to punish those who express differing opinions. Since PJM supports gay marriage as the only way forward for gay couples, is this PJM’s position as well, or are you merely fellow travelers?
I thought that the whole purpose of the civil rights movement was to forbid discrimination of “minorities” – racial/religious/other – to allow them full opportunities for participation in general “society”. Instead, we are seeing the political and social minimalization of of parties holding different opinions and beliefs from those of the parties in power. “Toleration” is not the aim of the radical gay movement and its allies; they want total acceptance of and affirmation for their “lifestyles”. Now I have another reason to stay away from Chicago, as if the rising crime (flash mobs, anyone?) and high cost of dining and “entertainment” weren’t enough.
Chick-Fil-A vs. Chicago
With all the violence going on in the world there is one controversy,
And it is not about an Alderman’s or Chicago Mayor’s idiosyncrasy,
It has to do with all pertinent things notwithstanding, a Chick-Fill-A,
The denial of opening an eatery because of what the owner had to say.
Mind you, this is Chicago where gang violence is on par with Iraq,
Going to public school is like Afghanistan as you might come back,
Certified dead, not from RPG’s or IED’s but from gunshot wounds,
7 year-old Heaven Sutton killed selling lemonade was way too soon.
Rham Emanuel lashed out at thugs responsible, “Who raised you?”
Well, actually Mr. Mayor, the exact same question is proposed too,
For your agreeing with Alderman Proco “Joe” Moreno on this ban,
As company President Dan Cathy agrees with God & not with man.
“Chick-Fil-A values are not Chicago values,” this mayor has said,
I should hope so, imagine eating chicken fingers ending up dead,
While drug transactions, car jacking & all felonies continue to rise,
I’ve never heard of death by gunshot for not turning over your fries.
16 year-old Shakaki Aspy sitting on her porch, shot thrice in her chest,
If this was on the battlefield in a war zone, maybe a bulletproof vest?
Also shot was Leon Cunningham 18, who had been wounded before,
Already confined to a wheelchair no longer able to walk out the door.
First Amendment concerns aren’t being violated yet zoning is not a right,
However, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is,” so why the fight?
Anyone who finds quoting the bible offensive may they not eat elsewhere?
Mr. Mayor, Mr. Alderman aren’t there more serious issues for you to care?
Rahm Emanuel is gay… That’s all you need to know.
Chicago has values? I must say, I lived there for 33 years and I never saw any evidence of any. Prices, yes, but not values. That Rahm, he’s so butch.