That's something manager, Dale Ishius Chieccun never anticipated. "We were so well recieved in this community - even before we opened a few short months ago," said the manager wishing to speak off the record. "Since our opening we've always stayed busy -- busier than that nearby taco place and fast food spaghetti house. But one more day like this could put us out of business. People keep coming to our door and asking how we are going to stay in business under this boycott. Frankly, I don't know.
"No one wants to be called a hater, and I understand. I'm not even wearing my manager tag as I serve everyone."
Chick-fil-A fans are concerned and came out in droves. The cars were lined up all they way into the adjacent Walmart Parking lot and some families were parking their vehicles and walking over. They all had the same question, "How long until they have to close their doors?"
Ima Hungry, was one mother standing in line hugging her 3 children. "I just had to come out and stand here in the parking lot. I don't know why, I know I shouldn't go in because of the boycott, but I felt compelled to be here. It must be the hate welling up inside me," she said as she picked up a stray piece of trash on the ground. "The kids are hungry, so I'm letting them get a kid's meal. I have low blood sugar, so I guess I'll have to get a number 4,with no tomato with Pepper Jack Cheese, fries and a Diet Dr. Pepper. But I totally support the boycott!"
Mike Higginbotham, however, wasn't suffering from any mixed feelings, "I'm gay, sure, but I love me some Chick-fil-A! I see all these nice people standing around, afraid to go in -- it's crazy. If you want chicken, each chicken. I certainly won't say anything. Don't ask, don't tell -- that's my motto!"
The boycott by GLAAD was expanded from last Sunday when the group realized the Home of the Chicken Sandwich doesn't open on Sundays. The group contends that owner, Dan Cathy upholds the 'traditional' view of marriage rather than embracing their more open view. They believe marriage should be defined so as to allow men and women to marry each other -- as opposed to only allowing men and women to... marry each other.
"Chick-fil-A and anyone who supports them are profiting on hate... and we hate that." Said GLAAD spokesperson, Sue Clouse. "People are trying to say this is a 'Freedom of Speech' issue. It is not. Our community believes in freedom of speech more than anyone. But frankly, if you believe something that we feel is hateful, we think you should keep that to yourself. And if you don't, we'll put you out of business. How is that infringing on anyone's freedom of speech?"
Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country are experiencing the same problem. People showing up in droves, not wanting to be accused of being 'haters' -- and appearantly having a great lunch... while supporting the boycott.
