Seventeen Republican U.S. Congressmen, led by Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss), have signed a letter of support and sent it to Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy “congratulating him on the dignity with which his company has conducted itself in the face of a vicious smear campaign,” according to an accompanying press release, which adds the Congressmen, almost all from Southern states, “are bewildered by those who would take offense at your values and would block the expansion of your business into their communities,” and praise the Chick-Fil-A President and COO “for the manner in which you have defended your values and reputation in the face of unfair and malicious criticism.”
The press release, clearly an election year pandering tool attempting to take advantage of the current Chick-Fil-A brouhaha, adds this for the money quote:
Demanding ideological conformity in order to be allowed to run your business is a dangerous precedent. It is like something that would happen in Soviet Russia.
The letter, reprinted below, is co-signed by the following Republican Congressmen, according to the Baptist Press:
Spencer Bachus, Ala.; Marsha Blackburn, Tenn.; Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey and Lynn Westmoreland, Ga.; Dan Burton, Ind.; Renee Ellmers and Walter Jones of N.C.; Randy Forbes and Frank Wolf, Va.; Gregg Harper, Miss.; Andy Harris, Md.; Vicky Hartzler, Mo.; Jeff Landry, La.; Donald Manzullo, Ill.; Â Jeff Miller, Fla.
Freshman Congressman Nunnelee, 53, and born in Tupelo, Mississippi, is a member of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.
Dear Mr. Cathy:
We write today to show support for the manner in which you have defended your values and reputation in the face of unfair and malicious criticism.
Chick-fil-A represents an American success story. What began in 1946 as a small diner in Hapeville, Georgia, has grown into one of the most flourishing quick-service restaurants in the country. While the business has expanded, Chick-fil-a has remained faithful to the family values on which it was founded. Your company has displayed dedication to your employees by offering them college scholarships and ensuring they have the opportunity to worship on Sundays, commitment to communities through your philanthropic foundation, and an emphasis on customer service as evidenced by your numerous awards and continued growth in sales.
We are bewildered by those who would take offense at your values and would block the expansion of your business into their communities. We welcome Chick-fil-A’s investment in our districts. The example of quality, hard work, and charity demonstrated by Chick-fil-A is one that others who, when faced with opposing views, resort to hate would do well to emulate.
Separation of church and state, anyone? Pandering, anyone?
Hat-tip: Joe.My.God.