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  • Duck Dynasty: #ISTANDWITHPHIL is Back on Twitter

    Phil Robertson’s hashtag is back on Twitter #IStandWithPhil. The social media forum has apologized for “accidentally” blocking the link for the website for Robertson’s petition after his supporters expressed outrage and cried censorship.

    Now that the Twitter link is once again up and running, Robertson advocates can easily access the website for the petition. The header for the site: PETITION TO THE A&E NETWORK DEMANDING THE IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT OF DUCK DYNASTY’S PHIL ROBERTSON – #ISTANDWITHPHIL. The goal of 250,000 signatures is currently just a few thousand short.

    Here’s a look at the petition’s first few paragraphs:

    Dear A&E Network,

    I am writing to you regarding your network’s intolerant, discriminatory, and punitive treatment of Mr. Phil Robertson, star of A&E’s #1 hit show, Duck Dynasty.

    Mr. Robertson’s comments in GQ Magazine are simply reflective of a Biblical view of sexuality, marriage, and family – a view that has stood the test of time for thousands of years and continues to be held by the majority of Americans and today’s world as a whole.

    Many members of the LGBT community may not agree with this view, but the notion that a free-thinking American should be discriminated against simply for expressing a perspective that is in conflict with another is patently un-American and flies in the face of true tolerance and civility. A&E’s position, which in your own words is “championing” the gay and lesbian community — which I believe you have the freedom to do — excludes the views of Faith Driven Consumers and effectively censors a legitimate viewpoint held by the majority of Americans.

    Robertson was suspended from the uber-popular A&E reality program, “Duck Dynasty,” after making anti-gay remarks in an interview with GQ magazine. “It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

    “Duck Dynasty” averages about 14 million viewers a week. It is the most watched reality cable show in the history of television and is a bonafide pop culture sensation and marketing machine. Its fans are obviously quite loyal to Phil Robertson, since his A&E suspension, supporters have flooded the internet.

    Mr. Robertson’s suspension has also brought up the boundaries of free speech. Even non-“Duck Dynasty” fans, like Sarah and Bristol Palin are coming out in his defense. The crux of their argument centers upon the idea that unpopular or “non-politically correct” speech should not be swept under the rug for fear of its potential consequences.

    Image via Facebook

  • Duck Dynasty: Twitter Apologizes

    Duck Dynasty: Twitter Apologizes

    Twitter has apologized to users of support website IStandWithPhil.com for Duck Dynasty‘s Phil Robertson “after “accidentally” blocking the site.

    Robertson was suspended from the popular A&E show after making anti-gay remarks in an interview with GQ.

    Robertson supporters accused Twitter of censoring the site, which hosts a petition that has received nearly 250,000 signatures.

    When users tried to link to the site IStandWithPhil.com, they received a message saying, “Oops! A URL in your Tweet appears to link to a page that has spammy or unsafe content.”

    After the outcry, Twitter removed the block.

    “The URL IStandWithPhil.com was mistakenly flagged as spam tonight, by an outside organization that tracks spam sources. We have restored access and apologize for the error,” Twitter said in a statement to news site Marketing Land.

    Faith Driven Consumer, the group behind the petition, said in a statement Monday that the blocking of the IStandWithPhil.com site seemed intentional.

  • I Stand With Phil Petition Inches Closer To Goal In Spite Of Setbacks

    When Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson was accused of gay bashing, many of his fans spoke out in support. A website called IStandWithPhil was created along with a petition that currently contains over 200,000 signatures. The petition is addressed to A&E, the network that airs Duck Dynasty and has chosen to suspend Robertson from the show. The petitions was created by the Christian group Faith Driven Consumer.

    While Twitter has been a place for many people to voice their opinions on the topic of Robertson and his comment about homosexuality, many Twitter users and Robertson supporters complained that Twitter was not allowing them to post links to the IStandWithPhil petition. When users attempted to share a link on the site, they got a message saying that the link could not be posted and claiming that the post contained malware or was considered spam.

    Some people accused Twitter of taking sides and claimed that their posts were being blocked on purpose. The group who created the IStandWithPhil site and the petition claims that their site does not contain any malware or viruses.

    Twitter reps claimed that the URL was accidentally interpreted as spam, which is why it was blocked. Twitter removed the block on December 23. Since the block was removed, the petition has gotten much closer to its goal of 250,000 signatures. It should reach its goal in the next couple of days.

    Do you plan to sign the petition and do you think Twitter was purposely censoring posts that linked to the website?

    Image via Twitter.

  • Sarah Palin Never Read Phil Robertson Interview

    Remember when Sarah Palin blasted A&E for suspending Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty over his comments in GQ? Even though Palin had a pretty strong opinion on the situation, which she voiced on Facebook, Twitter and Fox News, it turns out that she never read the interview. When asked about Robertson’s offensive language on Fox News, Palin said that she never actually read the article.

    As you likely remember, Robertson riled up some folks when he gave his opinion on sin during an interview, which included comments on homosexuality. “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” Robertson said. After GLAAD pressed A&E to reconsider their ties with Robertson and the suspension was announced, Palin and many others sounded off on the situation.

    Here is Sarah Palin’s first Facebook post on the controversy right after A&E announced Robertson’s suspension:

    Post by Sarah Palin.

    And here is another Facebook post. Palin calls the folks at A&E “quacks” for their decision while showing off a Duck Dynasty blanket.

    Post by Sarah Palin.

    Palin talked to Sean Hannity of Fox News about the situation a day after the suspension was announced. During the show with Hannity, Palin said “A&E really screwed up on this one.” Palin outlined her problems with A&E over the decision and said that the network “has chosen to marginalize and tried to stifle the freedom of someone who is filled with faith in the Gospel, that being Phil from Duck Dynasty.”

    After reading those posts and reading the comments Palin made on Fox News, you might be at least a little surprised to hear that she never even read what Phil Robertson said in the interview that offended many in the LGBT community. That’s exactly what Fox News host Greta Van Susteren got out of Palin during an show on Monday, though. When asked whether Robertson’s language was offensive, Palin said, “I haven’t read the article. I don’t know exactly how he said it.”

    Oops. As the old saying goes, “Never let facts get in the way of a good argument.” Not that Sarah Palin is wrong on her opinion of A&E, but it probably doesn’t help that one of Phil Robertson’s staunchest supporters hasn’t even read the comments she is defending.

    Image via Facebook

  • Duck Dynasty: Is A&E Being Hypocritical?

    Today marks the one-week mark since Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty was placed on an indefinite suspension by A&E for some comments he made regarding homosexuality. When A&E announced Phil’s suspension, the network said the reason was because Robertson’s “personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.” That said, guess which show A&E is holding a marathon for today? Duck Dynasty.

    In case you’re a week behind on your news, Robertson came under fire last Wednesday after offering up his view on modern sin during an interview with GQ. “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” Robertson said. Within hours, GLAAD asked A&E to reconsider their ties with Robertson and many people began threatening to boycott the network.

    With A&E being so quick to cut Robertson, quite a few folks are now wondering what’s up with the network. After all, if the folks at the network feel so strongly about his remarks, why are they airing a Duck Dynasty marathon on Christmas Day? Even though the rest of the cast isn’t in hot water (despite issuing a statement saying they support the elder Robertson completely), some people are bothered by A&E continuing to make money off episodes featuring Phil Robertson.

    This move has many people accusing the network of being hypocritical, as you can see from some Twitter posts below. Do you agree that A&E is being hypocritical by showing the marathon? Add your comments below.

    Perhaps A&E’s decision to go forth with a Duck Dynasty marathon is an indicator that all will be well in duck land soon. According to some reports, A&E is considering backing off their decision to suspend Robertson from future filming.

    “There’s no negotiation to have; we’re doing the show,” an anonymous source close to the situation said. “We’ll figure out a solution. It’s just not going to happen overnight. Everybody will take a break for the holidays and regroup afterward. That’s probably the smartest thing for everyone to do. Time heals a lot of wounds.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Twitter Removes Block From Phil Robertson Petition

    Duck Dynasty and Phil Robertson supporters were surprised to see an unsettling message on their Twitter pages, when they tried to link to “IStandWithPhil.com”, on Monday. The message read: “Oops! A URL in your Tweet appears to link to a page that has spammy or unsafe content,” which left Twitter users outraged and accusing Twitter of censorship.

    The URL links to a petition that was asking A&E to immediately reinstate the patriarch of the Robertson family to the popular television show. The petition reads: “I am writing to you regarding your network’s intolerant, discriminatory, and punitive treatment of Mr. Phil Robertson, star of A&E’s #1 hit show, Duck Dynasty. Mr. Robertson’s comments in GQ Magazine are simply reflective of a Biblical view of sexuality, marriage, and family – a view that has stood the test of time for thousands of years and continues to be held by the majority of Americans and today’s world as a whole.”

    The goal of the petition was originally to receive 200,000 signatures. However, the petition has already exceeded their goal and has a total of 222.264 signatures, to date. The organization Faith Driven Consumer created the petition and says that they believe that Twitter intentionally blocked the URL from being linked. However, the situation was quickly resolved, and Twitter issued an apology, saying that the site was accidentally marked as spam.

    < “The URL IStandWithPhil.com was mistakenly flagged as spam tonight, by an outside organization that tracks spam sources. We have restored access and apologize for the error,” Twitter said in a statement to news site Marketing Land.

    Image via Istandwithphil.com

  • Sarah Palin Defends Phil Robertson But Never Read His Interview

    Sarah Palin was one of the many high-profile politicians that defended Phil Robertson after his alleged anti-gay remarks, he made during an interview with GQ magazine. Palin even took to her personal Facebook profile to talk about the “quacks at A&E, and the “intolerants hatin” on Duck Dynasty.” The only problem with Palin’s defense is, that she never even read the comments made by Robertson.

    “It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus,” Phil was quoted as saying. “That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

    “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he continued. “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

    When asked if Palin thought that Robertson’s choice of words were offensive, she responded: “I haven’t read the article. I don’t know exactly how he said it.” Despite not having read the article, Palin immediately took to Robertson’s defense on Facebook, and even appeared on Sean Hannity’s television show to discuss the patriarch of the Robertson family. Her complete Facebook post read: “Free speech is an endangered species. Those “intolerants” hatin’ and taking on the Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us.” Duck Dynasty fans have “liked” the comment 428,784 times, shared it 63,548 times, and left nearly 25,000 comments on her post.

    Post by Sarah Palin.

    Palin’s daughter Bristol Palin soon followed in her mother’s footsteps, and took to her Facebook page to post on behalf of Robertson as well. “I support Phil Robertson and his right to express his faith and his beliefs,” her post read, along with a picture of Robertson.

    Post by Bristol Palin.

    Bristol also posted a blog on Patheos titled, Leave Phil Robertson Alone! Her post read:

    Everyone needs to leave Phil Robertson alone for expressing his beliefs. I think it’s so hypocritical how the LGBT community expects every single flippen person to agree with their life style. This flies in the face of what makes America great – people can have their own beliefs and own opinions and their own ways of life. Everyone needs to treat others like God would, with love. It goes both ways.
    I hate how the LGBT community says it’s all about “love” and “equality.” However, if you don’t agree with their lifestyle, they spread the most hate. It is so hypocritical it makes my stomach turn. They need to learn how to respect others’ opinions and not just jump to the conclusion that everyone who doesn’t support homosexuality and gay marriage is homophobic. They take the easy way out every time anyone speaks out about their beliefs on the Bible. If I were Duck Dynasty, I would take my show to another channel. So much disrespect.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Bristol Palin Talks Duck Dynasty, Says Gays Are Hypocrites

    Bristol Palin wants you to leave Phil Robertson alone. No, really. With everyone from the governor of Louisiana to comedy show hosts getting their two cents in on the Phil Robertson-A&E controversy, Sarah Palin’s daughter chimed in on the situation as well in a blog post. The younger Palin lady talked about how gays are “hypocritical” with their criticism of Robertson for the comments he made in a GQ article.

    Last Wednesday, some comments the Duck Dynasty family patriarch made regarding homosexuals during an interview with GQ went viral. “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” Robertson said. A&E announced the indefinite suspension of Robertson hours later after GLAAD and many others expressed their disgust with the comments.

    While many folks are upset over Robertson’s comments, he has quite a few supporters, including the Palin family. In a blog post Bristol Palin made on Patheos titled “Leave Phil Robertson Alone!” she takes the LGBT community and their supporters to task for their criticism of Robertson.

    “Everyone needs to leave Phil Robertson alone for expressing his beliefs,” Palin said. “I think it’s so hypocritical how the LGBT community expects every single flippen person to agree with their life style. This flies in the face of what makes America great – people can have their own beliefs and own opinions and their own ways of life.”

    Palin continues her post by saying the criticism of Robertson is hypocritical. “I hate how the LGBT community says it’s all about ‘love’ and ‘equality.’ However, if you don’t agree with their lifestyle, they spread the most hate. It is so hypocritical it makes my stomach turn. They need to learn how to respect others’ opinions and not just jump to the conclusion that everyone who doesn’t support homosexuality and gay marriage is homophobic.”

    Bristol’s comments somewhat mirror her mom’s, who claims that free speech is under attack:

    Post by Sarah Palin.

    Image via YouTube

  • Phil Robertson Speaks Out Following Suspension

    It has been just under a week now since the GQ article featuring Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty started making waves. As most of us know, Robertson expressed his view on homosexuality, which prompted A&E to suspend him from the show. After hearing from the network and family, Robertson has spoken out on the issue and says he isn’t backing down.

    To backtrack a little, Robertson was asked about his view on modern sin during the GQ interview, which he readily provided. “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” Robertson said. “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers–they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

    While Robertson touched on a few different sins, the one that caused the uproar was homosexuality. GLAAD quickly condemned the comments and asked A&E to rethink their relationship with Robertson. Hours later, the announcement came that the duck hunter was suspended from the show.

    Despite all of the uproar, Phil Robertson has said that he isn’t changing his mind on where he stands. Phil Robertson gave Daily Mail exclusive access to a Bible study he led at his home in West Monroe, Louisiana on Sunday, where he talked about the controversy.

    “I will not give or back off from my path,” the head of the Robertson family said. While many folks have jumped to the conclusion that Robertson meant his comments in a hateful manner, he says the opposite is true. “I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater,” Robertson said.

    The bearded duck hunter was also upfront about his own sin. “I have been immoral, drunk, high. I ran with the wicked people for 28 years and I have run with the Jesus people since and the contrast is astounding,” Robertson said. “Jesus will take sins away, if you’re a homosexual he’ll take it away, if you’re an adulterer, if you’re a liar, what’s the difference? If you break one sin you may as well break them all.”

    It was reported today that Phil will be on the new episodes of Duck Dynasty that air in January and that A&E may back off after the holidays. “There’s no negotiation to have; we’re doing the show,” the source said. “We’ll figure out a solution. It’s just not going to happen overnight. Everybody will take a break for the holidays and regroup afterward. That’s probably the smartest thing for everyone to do. Time heals a lot of wounds.”

    A&E might cave and take Phil Robertson off suspension, but will the Robertson family want to continue working with the network? Only time will tell.

    Image via YouTube

  • Charlie Sheen Twitter Rant, Gone too Far?

    Charlie Sheen Twitter Rant, Gone too Far?

    Charlie Sheen is at it again. And it’s hard to decide whether to condemn or pity the man.

    He’s been on a Twitter rant and this time he’s attacking ex-wife Denise Richardson, along with Phil Robertson, who has been under fire and literally fired from A&E after comments he made concerning his beliefs on homosexuality.

    Sheen, 48, said in his tweet, “I came up with a PERFECT holiday idea! Denise and Phil Robertson should get married! then he can practice the Bestiality he hates!”

    In an earlier tweet, replete with typos, Charlie blatantly attacked Phil Roberson.

    It was the final in a series of messages, which TMZ claims the actor has sent Richards, in which he described her as “heartless” and “ugly.”

    The Twitter rant apparently comes over his anger that Sheen’s former wife is preventing him from seeing their daughters Sam, nine, Lola, eight, and their adopted 2-year-old daughter Eloise.

    His anger is blatantly apparant in his tweet that said, “lemme see if I got this straight; you won’t even spring the girls for 30 mins, from the 10 mil house I gave you, (100 yds away) to come down and open the gifts their dad bought them before they leave??”

    The Anger Management star went on, saying: “I hope your stocking is bronze-age coal stuffed along with an assortment of 8×10’s of yours so you can see how despicable and heartlessly ugly you and your fermented soul continue to be.”

    He added: “This is the worst Xmas I’ve ever had.”

    Image via Wikimedia

  • Phil Robertson Returning to Duck Dynasty?

    Phil Robertson Returning to Duck Dynasty?

    I’m sure everyone has heard about the controversy currently surrounding Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the popular television show Duck Dynasty. For those of you who haven’t heard about the situation…A&E has suspended Robertson after he made anti-gay comments during a recent interview with GQ magazine.

    “It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus,” Robertson was quoted as saying. “That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical. Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he continued. “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

    After reviewing Robertson’s interview, A&E immediately suspended Robertson, causing extreme backlash from the show’s millions of fans. The network issued a statement that read: “We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”

    However, a new source close to the situation, has revealed that Robertson will, in fact, be remaining on the show, and will be part of filming when it starts back in January. “There’s no negotiation to have; we’re doing the show,” the source said. “We’ll figure out a solution. It’s just not going to happen overnight. Everybody will take a break for the holidays and regroup afterward. That’s probably the smartest thing for everyone to do. Time heals a lot of wounds.”

    The Robertson clan may not be persuaded that easily. Another source close to the family has revealed that they are “very serious” about leaving the show after having their beliefs threatened. “They’re an extremely tight-knit family and they’re not going to let this get in the way,” the source explains. “[Phil] is the reason for their success—they’re not going to abandon him. They’re also not about to let anyone threaten their religious beliefs.”

    The family also released a statement saying they couldn’t imagine the show going forward without Robertson. Their statement read:

    We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word.

    While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.

    Image via Twitter

  • ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch Phil Robertson Breaks His Silence

    Hit A&E reality TV show Duck Dynasty has been all over the news this week after star frontrunner Phil Robertson caused quite an uproar that metastasized into a national controversy with his most recent comment.

    Robertson recently sat down with GQ Magazine, and the topic of his perspective on homosexuality came into the conversation. During the interview, he basically correlated homosexuality with bestiality

    “We’re Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television,” Robertson says in reference to his family’s television status. Then, Robertson went on to discuss is views on modern immorality, and things took a deft turn.

    “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” Robertson tells the publication.

    Paraphrasing a Corinthians bible passage, he says, “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

    “It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

    Many thought Robertson’s comments to be rather racist and offensive. However, Robertson has finally decided to respond to the claims made against his character due to his personal opinion. While most would have retracted the statement for the sake of publicity, Robertson is standing strong in his belief, and refuses to be deterred or coerced into an empty apology to save face.

    According to Fox News, Mail Online reported that Robertson actually allowed a reporter to sit in on a bible study session he taught yesterday at White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ. Robertson finally weighed on the recent debacle derived from his opinionated remarks.

    “I love all men and women” Robertson said, according to Mail Online. “I am a lover of humanity, not a hater.” When a member of the class thanked Robertson for saying what he said in the interview, he appeared to shrug it off, saying “I didn’t think much of it at all, but it seems a lot of other people did.”

    Robertson also shared his personal reaction to everyone’s disdain toward his comments. “I am just reading what was written over 2,000 years ago. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom. All I did was quote from the scriptures, but they just didn’t know it. Whether I said it, or they read it, what’s the difference? The sins are the same, humans haven’t changed.

    “If you give them the bad news, they’ll start kicking and screaming. But you love them more than you fear them, so you tell them.”

    Robertson casually went on with the bible study session ignoring all of the issues shrouded around his infamous comments. “Hope your week went well,” he said. “Ours was kinda’ slow.”

    Refusing to give any life or energy to the situation, Robertson concluded the session with a prayer, went on to indirectly address his view on retracting the statements. “I will not give or back off from my path because you conquered death, Father, so we are not worried about all the repercussions.”

    Image via Facebook | Duck Dynasty on A&E

  • Duck Dynasty Merchandise In Danger Of Being Pulled From Shelves?

    Phil Robertson’s statement on homosexuality and his resulting suspension from the A&E television show Duck Dynasty has sparked some serious debate. Both Robertson’s statements and his suspension have caused many people to boycott watching the show and now, stores are considering pulling Duck Dynasty merchandise from their shelves.

    Stores have been known to pull celebrity lines of merchandise from shelves before. Earlier this year, Paula Deen’s cookware line was dropped by Walmart after she was accused of making racial comments. Food Network also refused to renew Deen’s contract when it ended in June of 2013.

    Stores are not willing to risk losing the business of customers who are offended by the comments of celebrities whose product lines they carry. Cracker Barrel restaurants and stores were one of such companies who contemplated removing Duck Dynasty and Duck Commander products from their shelves.

    The company initially said that they had removed products that they thought may be offensive to some customers. A few days later the company released a statement saying,

    “Our intent was to avoid offending, but that’s just what we’ve done,” the company announced. “Today, we are putting all our Duck Dynasty products back in our stores.”

    Robertson made his offensive comments during an interview with GQ magazine.

    After being told of his suspension and how offensive his remarks were, Robertson said,

    “I myself am a product of the ’60s,” he explained in a written statement issued after the flap. “I centered my life around sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll until I hit rock bottom and I accepted Jesus as my savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches. And part of that teaching is that men and women are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We were all created by the Almighty, and like him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and we loved each other.”

    Do you think the network was right to suspend Robertson and should Duck Dynasty merchandise be pulled from shelves?

    Image via Twitter

  • Charlie Sheen Goes On Duck Dynasty Rant

    Charlie Sheen Goes On Duck Dynasty Rant

    Some might say 2013 has been the year of the rant. From Kanye West, to Chris Brown, to R&B singer Rihanna, this year has been full of celebrities expressing their opinions both on and offline. And just as the year is winding down, actor Charlie Sheen has a brand new rant just in time for the holidays, and it’s pointed towards none other than Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty.”

    As most probably know by now, Robertson made some very controversial, and some would say hurtful remarks regarding the LGBT community, so Sheen felt he just had to say something. And if we know anything about Sheen as of late, tactfulness isn’t his strong suit. In fact, he’s developed quite the reputation when it comes to speaking his mind and not pulling any punches.

    “Phil Robertso,” Sheen Tweeted. “You have offended and hurt so many dear friends of mine, who do not have the voice or the outreach that I do. Well news flash shower-dodger, I will speak loudly and clearly for all of them.”

    Sheen then went on to insult Robertson, as well as his show.

    “The only Dynasty you are attached to might be the re-runs of that dated show,” he Tweeted. “The only thing you should ever be in charge of building is a hole in the ground the exact size of your head. Perhaps your beard would fit as well if you plucked out the army of scabies and bull weevils sequestered deep in it’s sarcophagus of dander and weasel pelts.” It seems as though Sheen is never short on colorful language.

    A lot of folks have come to the defense of Robertson and his family, especially some well-known conservatives like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. In response the Robertson family sent out a thank you letter.

    “We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support,” the letter read. “The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible.”

    It’s pretty obvious this isn’t the last we’ll hear about the battle between the Robertson family, A&E and Charlie Sheen.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Duck Dynasty Family Releases Statement on Suspension

    In the hours following A&E’s announcement to suspend Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson for expressing his views on homosexuality, we’ve heard opinions from the average Joe to governors. The Robertson family chimed in on the suspension on the Duck Commander website and it appears that they may decide not to go forward with filming future episodes of the hit show.

    Check out the official family statement below.

    We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family.

    The hullabaloo all started this past Wednesday when GQ’s interview with Phil Robertson made waves. During the interview Phil was asked about sin and he touched on homosexuality in his response. “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” Robertson said. Many people became furious after reading Robertson’s comments and A&E ultimately decided to suspend the Robertson family patriarch since his beliefs aren’t in line with theirs.

    Since A&E made the announcement to suspend Phil indefinitely, many folks have come out to support the duck hunter. There are many Facebook pages asking TV watchers to boycott A&E until they decide to lift Phil’s suspension. One group called Stand With Phil Robertson has amassed more than 1 million fans since its creation on Wednesday evening.

    Season 5 of Duck Dynasty is supposed to premiere on A&E on January 15. Ratings for the show have been strong, so it will be interesting to see what happens in terms of viewers if Phil isn’t allowed back on the show by the premiere date, especially now that the family indicates they won’t continue with the show without Phil.

    Image via Duck Commander

  • Bristol Palin: “Leave Phil Robertson Alone!”

    Bristol Palin: “Leave Phil Robertson Alone!”

    Two days ago former Vice Presidential candidate and Tea Party leader Sarah Palin spoke out in favor of “Duck Dynasty” reality star Phil Robertson. Now, her daughter Bristol Palin is doing the same.

    Bristol, 23, responded to the controversy in a blog post which she titled, “Leave Phil Robertson Alone!” Her main argument in coming to Robertson’s defense was the nature of free speech. “I hate how the LGBT community says it’s all about ‘love’ and ‘equality.’ However, if you don’t agree with their lifestyle, they spread the most hate. It is so hypocritical it makes my stomach turn. They need to learn how to respect others’ opinions and not just jump to the conclusion that everyone who doesn’t support homosexuality and gay marriage is homophobic.”

    The controversy started when Robertson expressed some rather non-politically correct sentiments in an interview with GQ magazine. “It seems like, to me, a vagina – as a man – would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there!” Robertson would also add, “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there—bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

    After the expected outrage, A&E decided to put Robertson on “indefinite hiatus.” Bristol Palin then took to her personal Facebook page in response to the cable network’s decision.

    Post by Bristol Palin.

    “Duck Dynasty” is a huge hit show for A&E, averaging about 14 million viewers weekly. Those numbers make it the most watched reality cable show ever, and it does better in the Nielsen Ratings than most network television programs. It is also a pop culture sensation. In case you’ve never seen the show, it provides a look into the life of a Louisiana clan who became wealthy making products for duck hunters.

    Tell us what you think? Is the world becoming too politically correct?

    Image via Wikipedia Commons

  • “Duck Dynasty” May Not Be Coming Back

    “Duck Dynasty” May Not Be Coming Back

    “Duck Dynasty” has quickly become one of the most popular shows on television, but with the sudden controversy surrounding the patriarch of the Robertson family, it looks like it might not be around much longer.

    Phil Robertson has been in the news this week after an article that ran in this month’s issue of GQ quickly drew the attention of, well, everyone. Robertson expressed his views on homosexuality, saying, “It seems like, to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical…start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

    The article got him suspended indefinitely from the show, and A&E released an apology after his comments drew criticism. The Robertson family then released a statement, saying they are in talks with the network to sort out their options.

    “We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family.”

    It’s not clear at this time where the network will go with the show, or what Robertson’s plans are for the future as far as reality television goes.

    Image via YouTube

  • Jon Stewart Addresses The “Duck Dynasty” Controversy

    Jon Stewart isn’t one to keep his opinions to himself when it comes to a controversy on television, so it was fairly inevitable that he’d have something to say about Phil Robertson’s comments on homosexuality, which appeared in a recent issue of GQ.

    Robertson, one of the stars of the breakout hit “Duck Dynasty”, expressed his views on several things in the interview and said, in part, “It seems like, to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical…start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

    The comments have gotten him suspended indefinitely from the show and A&E has apologized to viewers; however, Stewart takes issue with that. Although he disagrees wholeheartedly with Robertson’s views, he doesn’t believe the situation was handled correctly.

    “I don’t actually watch Duck Dynasty,” Stewart said, “and I had assumed it was a show where ducks reenact the show Dynasty — which, by the way, would have a huge gay audience. But I also have an inclination to support a world where saying ignorant shit on television doesn’t get you kicked off that medium. I guess I stand with the free speech absolutists at Fox News, who don’t believe you should have to adhere to the culture norms of speech…mostly.”

    Image via The Daily Show

  • Bristol Palin Shows Support For Phil Robertson

    On Wednesday, A&E suspended the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family for allegedly making anti-gay remarks during his interview with GQ magazine. Millions of people have stepped up to Phil Robertson’s defense, including Sarah Palin and her daughter Bristol

    “It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus,” Phil was quoted as saying. “That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

    “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he continued. “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

    A&E immediately released a statement in regards to Phil’s comments. “We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community,” the statement read. “The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”

    Sarah was the first of the Palin family to voice her opinion on Phil’s suspension. She took to her personal Facebook page, to show her outrage at the “quacks at A&E.” One of Sarah’s posts read: “Free speech is an endangered species. Those “intolerants” hatin’ and taking on the Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us.”

    Post by Sarah Palin.

    Soon after, Bristol also took to her Facebook page to show support for Phil and the rest of the Duck Dynasty clan. She changed her profile picture to a picture of Phil that read: “I support Phil Robertson and his right to express his faith and his beliefs.”

    Post by Bristol Palin.

    Not only are people all over the world coming to Phil’s defense, Phil himself released a statement defending his remarks. “I myself am a product of the ’60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior,” he said. “My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me.”

    What do you think about A&E’s decision? Leave your comments below.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Phil Robertson Suspended From Duck Dynasty

    Phil Robertson Suspended From Duck Dynasty

    Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson has been suspended indefinitely from the popular A&E television show. Phil was suspended after voicing his opinions about homosexual relationships, during an interview with GQ magazine. When A&E read what Phil had said, they immediately suspended him from the show, and released a statement explaining their decision.

    We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.

    “It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus,” Phil explained. “That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

    “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he continued. “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

    After the extensive backlash that Phil received following his dismissal, he released a statement of his own.

    I myself am a product of the ’60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me.

    Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal also released a statement, defending one of the most loved television personalities of all time.

    Phil Robertson and his family are great citizens of the State of Louisiana. The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with. I don’t agree with quite a bit of stuff I read in magazine interviews or see on TV. In fact, come to think of it, I find a good bit of it offensive. But I also acknowledge that this is a free country and everyone is entitled to express their views. In fact, I remember when TV networks believed in the First Amendment. It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended.

    Millions of fans are furious over A&E’s decision, and have taken to social media to voice their disgust. A petition on Change.org has also been started in hopes of bringing Phil back.

    What do you think about Phil’s comments? Leave your comments below.

    Image via Twitter

  • Phil Robertson’s Suspension Criticized by Governors

    Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson, 67, has really stirred up the swamp sand in the last 24 hours with his comments in a GQ magazine interview where he compared being gay to bestiality and terrorism.

    According to Business Insider, A&E quickly put Robertson on an “indefinite hiatus.”

    “We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck Dynasty,’” said a statement from A&E. “His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”

    But in a statement, Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal has jumped to Robertson’s defense like a frog to a log.

    “Phil Robertson and his family are great citizens of the State of Louisiana. The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with. I don’t agree with quite a bit of stuff I read in magazine interviews or see on TV. In fact, come to think of it, I find a good bit of it offensive. But I also acknowledge that this is a free country and everyone is entitled to express their views. In fact, I remember when TV networks believed in the First Amendment. It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended.”

    However, A&E is a private company, not affiliated through the government, which does not make this a First Amendment issue.

    According to E Online, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin also put in her two cents on Facebook and Twitter.

    In the past, Palin has bonded with the Duck Dynasty cast at the National Rifle Association convention and her Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas book tour in Louisiana.

    “Phil Robertson offered some of their refreshing trademark plainspoken talk that so many crave from our leaders in Washington,” Palin wrote in a Facebook photo caption on Aug. 21. “Speaking on the issue of the sanctity of life, Phil reminds us that all life is God-given, no matter how small or how special.”

    As long as that life is not gay though, right Phil?

    Post by Sarah Palin.

    In the GQ interview, Robertson also commented on how “content” the black population were under Jim Crow.

    “I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person. Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I’m with the blacks, because we’re white trash. We’re going across the field…. They’re singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one black person, say, ‘I tell you what: These doggone white people’—not a word!… Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.”

    However, the loss of the $200,000 per episode paycheck Robertson was getting might perhaps have him singing the blues really soon.

    Image via Facebook