Lee Habeeb:
It had never happened before. When big, powerful TV executives ask a star to apologize for what they deem inappropriate comments or behavior, the star simply complies. A team of publicists is assembled, the star does the obligatory apology tour for the press and promises never to do or say what he did or said again. Ever.
But the TV gods never met a man like Phil Robertson. Or his family. When they decided to place the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan on a non-suspension suspension for his comments to a GQ magazine writer about homosexuality, the executives at A&E created a problem.
Because this family believes in a bigger God. The same God that roughly 70 percent of Americans believe in. The Robertsons take their faith seriously, and one of the more important elements of that faith involves putting no god before theirs. Not even the suits at the big network.
It is such an important notion in Christianity that there are commandments about it in the second book of the Bible. I guess the executives at A&E never got that far.
If not, didn’t they at least see the movie version with Charlton Heston?
Here’s a quickie theology lesson for those executives: The Ten Commandments are pretty important rules for followers of Christ. And for Jews, too. The first four commandments are all about man’s relationship to God and how God must be first in our lives.
Not network executives or ratings. God.
Those commandments are the reason dictators throughout history haven’t much cared for Christians and Jews.
The executives at A&E weren’t aware of the Fifth Commandment, either — the one that talks about honoring your father. When they decided to punish Phil Robertson, they should have been ready for the immediate response from his sons: We stand by our dad.
This is a family that honors their father and understands that without his commitment to them, there would be no Robertson family, let alone a Duck Dynasty.
If only we had more fathers respect their commitments, this country would be in much better shape.
Well written by the NRO writer.
But A&E should have known all about what would happen.
I hadn’t watched Duck Dynasty until this blow-up.
What I’ve learned is that Phil has made no secret of the fact he is pro-heterosexuality, pro-clean, honorable courtship (chaperoned a grandson’s date) pro-family and God, pro keeping his word and not terribly materialistic.
He would happily forego money from A&E to live up to higher values.
I bet he wishes all his sons will do the same.
I bet he worries whether they all will, however.
Satan is a tempter.
I am now convinced that A&E arrogantly and purposely wanted GQ to do a hit piece on Robertson, in order to leverage the family into toeing their progressive political correctness line. This was bone-headed, and based on the industry’s past policies of being able to control their talent. In this case it backfired, because the family didn’t really need the extra money, The Robertson’s knew that they were the reason the show was popular, and they don’t even need the money A&E pays them. In other words, aside from contractual requirements, the family has all the power, and neither the Robertsons or the show’s huge fan base are going to let the network get away with it. At his point I don’t see any way that A&E saves face.
@Ditto:
Have you read the article? The author basically ridicules the Robertsons because they don’t meet with his statist standards. Foul language permeates the article. No one is talking about the crudeness of the author of the article.
What he did, and intended to do, is create a Deliverance mindset against the Robertsons. They don’t look like he thinks they should (never mind that many men wore beards in the 18th and 19th centuries), they don’t act like he thinks they should (new rich who fits some sterotype), they are religious, family oriented and care less about their wealth than their family. In other words, the Robertsons, according to the author of the article, are country bumpkins who he assumes he is much better than and consequently, deserve his disdain.
If anyone should be shunned, it should be the author of that hit piece, not Phil Robertson who has the courage of his convictions.
I don’t think the Robertsons will be backing down, ever.
@Redteam:
In a time when most would stab their own mother in the back for a buck, the Robertsons understand what is really valuable in life.
What is really funny is that Phil Robertson holds a BA in physical education and a Master’s in education. Willie holds a Bachelor’s in business administration. Alan is an ordained minister and I don’t know about Jase and Jep.
But because of their looks (a trade mark, btw) they are ridiculed.
I agree with Charlie Daniels. Take any of these critics to the woods and they would be soiling their laundry and crying for their mommies.
@retire05:
Yes, I read the article. Nor was what I posted contradictory to your reply. The author is well known for doing similar such hit pieces on conservatives, which only supports my conclusion that A&E approved of his interviewing Robertson. A&E had to have known that this leftist writer would give their star the same treatment, ergo they can only have decided that they needed leverage over the family. You do not throw your golden goose to the wolves unless you think have a very good reason to do so.
A&E welcomes Phil Robertson back
…That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold.
But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A+E Networks also feel strongly about.
So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.
We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company, and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio.
So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.
A & E just backed down. Money talks and b/s walks. A & E walked.
But just in case you want to teach A & E a lesson, remember, Duck Dynasty products belong to A & E. Duck Commander products go directly to the family. Perhaps that is why the special Phil Robertson duck call, priced at $250.00, was sold out a week before Christmas.
@Ditto:
I read Phil’s statements and I didn’t see any ‘coarse’ language. It is the same language that a doctor would use talking about the same parts. I don’t consider that coarse.
@Redteam:
Ironic isn’t it, Redteam, that the two words that the libs had such a twit over are the same two words they think is fine for use in kindergarten and first grade.
If it were not for hypocrisy, liberals would not have any policies.
@retire05:
Yes, I guess they have to stand for something. hypocrisy is it.
retire05 said “If it were not for hypocrisy, liberals would not have any policies. ”
Then Redteam said “Yes, I guess they have to stand for something. hypocrisy is it. ”
To which I’ll add… not to mention the lack of principles, dishonesty, failure to understand the truth, the end justifying the means, and a long list of other less than desirable standards that liberals appear to live by.
@Scott in Oklahoma:
The entire DNC is based on the teachings of Antonio Gramsci, made modern by Saul Alinsky. The design is to take a solid, time proven tenant of the U.S. Constitution and mock it, ridicule it, demean it, using cultural Marxism, until people are so worn down they will accept the Socialist model. Just remember, Socialism was, by design, only to benefit the politburo, not the proletariat.
Phil Robertson: ” He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.”
“Hate” is a strong word, especially the way it has been used by the Left lately – to once again ‘attack’ those who do not hold the same views as they do.
Ironic… the vile, venom and yes the “hate” is being spewed from none other than those activists associated with the gay GLAAD and others …. isn’t that Rich.