They say the “third rail” of American politics is Social Security, but I think it might actually be chicken.
In our latest poll at HeraldNet.com, we asked if you would ever eat at Chick-fil-A, the new attraction in Lynnwood that’s owned by Southern Baptists who are vocally opposed to same-sex marriage. The poll got the biggest response we’ve had in a while, and the results are … enlightening.
The top response: “Yes, because of the food” with 41 percent. This makes sense. People are evidently excited about the rare chance to have a bun, a chicken patty and a pickle.
In second place, “No, because of the politics.” Thirty percent are depriving themselves of the pleasure of Chick-fil-A on principle. It’s a hard life, but sometimes you have to suffer to keep your values intact.
Next, at 18 percent are those who said “Yes, because of the politics.” It makes sense that some people would want to counter a boycott with a “buycott.” Nothing helps a Chicken Deluxe go down better than a tall glass of spite.
And finally, just 11 percent said “No, because of the food.” Snobs, in other words.
Trying to mix your morals with your buying habits is tricky. You could probably find a reason to boycott any business. Carl’s Jr.? Founded by a staunch conservative. Ben &Jerry’s? Run by far-left liberals. Starbucks? Run by the guy who sold out every basketball fan in the Seattle area.
But we all have to draw the line somewhere. Maybe for you, that line is a chicken sandwich.
For me, it’s a latte. I don’t have a basketball team to follow, but I sleep a lot better at night.
— Doug Parry, Herald Web editor: dparry@heraldnet.com
For our next poll, we go from food politics to actual politics:
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