To the editor:
On Wednesday, Aug. 1, members of the Mifflin County 9-12 Tea Party joined hundreds of diners to observe Appreciation of Chick-fil-A Day in State College. The State College location was one of many similar events that took place all over the country. These events received national media attention. Several days prior to Aug. 1, Chick-fil-A's CEO, Dan Cathy, was publicly denounced and threatened by the mayors of Boston and Chicago for remarks Mr. Cathy made supporting family values as he spoke to a Christian group.
As a side note, Boston and Chicago's crime rates are some of the highest in the U.S. One wonders why these mayors saw fit to attack Mr. Cathy's freedom of speech and freedom of religion as well as his business rather than to attack the problem of crime in their respective cities.
What was impressive about the Chick-fil-A Day of Appreciation in State College was not only that hundreds participated in the delicious dining experience but also that every one of the diners and all the staff demonstrated patience and friendliness while the line of people that extended out the door and alongside the restaurant was being served. Even people driving on Atherton Street tooted their horns and gave a thumbs up sign to those sitting at tables outside the restaurant. An air of sweetness seemed to permeate the day.
Mr. Cathy's stand affirming traditional, biblical family values come as a healing balm for many in the State College community following the traumatic revelation of the devastating effects of "same sex acts of love" on the lives of young men and boys during the Jerry Sandusky trial. The Chick-fil-A Day of Appreciation not only nourished physical bodies but also helped to restore saddened souls.
The Mifflin County 9-12 Tea Party meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Mifflin County Library in Lewistown at 6:30 p.m. Also the public is invited to attend a picnic and rally on Aug. 18 at noon at Derry Township Community Park. Many speakers will help to educate the electorate as the Nov. 6 presidential election approaches.
Donald S. Wert
Belleville
