Duck Dynasty to end

This comes via USA today:

The Video:

The Story:

Duck Dynasty is approaching its last (duck) call.

The Robertson family, the stars of the A&E docu-series, said the show will end in April during a short video announcement after Wednesday’s season premiere.

In a statement accompanying the video, the cable network said: “After five years, 130 episodes and one of the biggest hits in the history of cable, the Robertson family and A&E jointly decided that Duck Dynasty, the series, will come to an end after this season.”

The statement says Duck (Wednesday, 9 ET/PT) will end after the current season. New episodes will run through Jan. 18, resuming March 1 with seven more episodes, including the finale on April 12. Although that will be the end of the series, A&E says a series of holiday specials will follow.

After its premiere in 2012, Duck, which follows a Louisiana family that hit it big in the duck-call business, became a TV and cultural phenomenon. By 2013, episodes were drawing more than 10 million viewers. However, ratings for recent episodes are just a fraction of the earlier numbers, with original episodes from August averaging under 1.5 million viewers.

It’s a sad thing, one the programs on TV that actually promoted Christian values, is being taken off the air. It is just as well, they were on for 5 years and their luster had ran out. The first and second seasons were great. After that, they started getting silly and started repeating themselves a bit.

Still, it is a shame to see them go. Sad smile

Sadie Robertson loses to a no-talent black man on Dancing with the Stars

So, Sadie loses because she is a moral Christian white girl and they give it to a no talent jackass, who’s biggest accomplishment was being the fresh prince’s rich sidekick? Nice, real nice. The thugs in Ferguson won this one. …and they wonder why I loathe black people? I’m just saying. 😡

The video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tb5u2Q7Cwg

Sadie was, as always, unlike the black thugs in Ferguson, a class act. Sadie Robertson will one day go on to be something great and will be an awesome wife and mother to a very lucky man. As for the free prince sidekick; he will be what he is now, a has-been actor that was really only known for one good show. Lord knows, he has milked that little gravy train for all it is worth.

(Via IJReview)

Update: Also too: Before anyone says it, I know good and well what I wrote here. This guy was an elected official. I’m not, I am a writer, there’s a difference. Besides all that considering what happened to my cousin in 1994; blacks should be glad I am not out murdering them at random, if it were not for Jesus, I would be. 😡

Is Duck Dynasty preaching a false Christ?

As I have written before, I supported and defended the people from Duck Dynasty.

However, I knew that there were issues with the Christianity of those from Duck Dynasty; especially for Fundamentalists like myself. As it turns out, I was absolutely correct.

The following article is by David W. Cloud, who is a Fundamentalist Baptist Missionary in Asia:

DUCK DYNASTY’S CHRISTIANITY (Friday Church News Notes, December 27, 2013, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) –Duck Dynasty is the highest-rated reality series in cable television history. It highlights the lives of a self-described “redneck” Louisiana family who own the multi-million dollar hunting-accessories company Duck Commander, which was built on a popular duck call device the founder invented in 1972. It is a true life “rags to riches” story. Duck Dynasty began airing on A&E in March 2012 and the wildly popular program has become a multi-million dollar brand with its own line of camo clothing, t-shirts, iPhone games, birthday cards, bobbleheads, blankets, Segways, recliners, sunglasses, headphones, cookbooks, you name it–1,200 items altogether! Duck Dynasty merchandise sales have reached $400 million, with about half of that sold in Walmart stores. Universal Music teamed up with A&E to produce a holiday music album entitled Duck the Halls, Hallmark has Duck Dynasty greeting cards, and the 2014Duck Dynasty cruise is already sold out. Duck Dynasty has been A&E’s most financially successful venture. The heroes of Duck Dynasty present themselves as backwoods rednecks, but family patriot Phil Robertson has a masters’ degree in education and his son Willie has a business degree.

Unlike most television fare today, there is “no cussing, no meanness,” and the family represents conservative, patriotic American values. In his autobiography, Phil Robertson says, “Our founding fathers started this country and built it on God and His Word, and this country sure would be a better place to live and raise our children if we still followed their ideals and beliefs,” to which we say a hearty Amen. The unlikely stars–Phil and his sons, their wives, and other relatives–are outspoken Christians. They are strong in their beliefs.

The problem–a very serious problem according to God’s Word–is that their gospel is the false baptismal regeneration gospel of the Church of Christ. Phil and his oldest son Al are elders at White’s Ferry Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana. They add baptism to the gospel, believing that water baptism places the candidate “into Christ” (“Jase Robertson Baptizes ‘Duck Dynasty’ Fan,” The Christian Chronicle, March 2013). Phil told The Christian Chronicle that he and his sons Alan and Jase preach the same message of faith, repentance AND BAPTISM wherever they’re invited. Speaking to Harding University student body on Nov. 28, 2012, Willie Robertson told of how that he baptized a sports star “into the Lord.” They also believe that a born-again child of God can lose his salvation, which means that they don’t really understand the gospel. This is not a light matter. The apostle Paul said that a false gospel is cursed of God, and the gospel that Paul summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 has no baptism.

Of lesser importance, but still an issue that should not be ignored if we want to be faithful to God in all matters, is this: The Robertsons despise the Scripture which says that even nature itself teaches that it is a shame for a man to have long hair (1 Corinthians 11:14). This is the verse that the Spirit of God used to convict me to cut my long hair 40 years ago even though I thought it looked good. On my cross-country hitchhiking trips before I was saved in 1973, I thought my success was due to the fact that I “looked like Jesus”! I was deceived then, but I thank God for the light of God’s Word to shine godly wisdom into every area of life.

A&E Reverses decision, Phil Robertson will return to Duck Dynasty

Good to see that A&E has smartened up; after all, his hiatus was quite the stupid knee-jerk reaction.

The Story:

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of A&E’s Duck Dynasty clan who was suspended from his hit reality series on Dec. 18 following some incendiary comments about gay people, won’t be put on hiatus after all.

The network and the Robertson family announced Friday that Phil will still be part of the series — and since he didn’t miss any filming, his temporary suspension will have no effect on the upcoming fifth season.

An A&E statement to The Hollywood Reporter read:

As a global media content company, A+E Networks’ core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people’s home and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principals.

That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold.

But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A+E Networks also feel strongly about.

So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.

We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company, and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio.

via A&E Welcomes Phil Robertson Back to ‘Duck Dynasty’.

By the way, I have watched the show over the holiday; and I must say, I am quite impressed. It strikes the same chords with me; as a very popular show in the 1980’s did with me, when I was a kid. Basically, the show is “The Dukes of Hazzard” meets duck hunting and Phil Robertson is basically a 21 century Uncle Jesse. Only difference is, uncle Jesse was a character played by an actor and Phil Robertson is a real person.

If I could change anything, I would change the goofy intro with the Bentley and the rings; I get the humor behind that, but someone who’s not really acquainted with that humor, would not get it. The intro from the first season was great.

Either way, I wish the Robertson family the best; and hey, if you all are looking for a blogger/hi-low driver/delivery driver —- look me up, I could use the job. All I’d need as an apartment to live in, and fly back home on the weekends. (I gotta come back and look after my folks on the weekends.) 😀 😉 🙂 I am the only child they have; and yes, I do look after my folks. 🙂

Update: As you can well imagine, this story has become quite the thread on Memeoradum: Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion, Talking Points Memo, Mediaite, Twitchy, Scared Monkeys, his vorpal sword, The Daily Caller, The Gateway Pundit, Guardian, ECHIDNE OF THE SNAKES, The Hinterland Gazette, Mashable, BREITBART.COM, Ricochet Conversations Feed, Crooked Timber, AMERICAblog News, Ed Driscoll, CNN, Capital New York, Taylor Marsh, The Raw Story, The Other McCain, American Thinker, NewsBusters, Outside the Beltway, Bookworm Room, KFOR-TV, Firedoglake, The Daily Caller, American Spectator, New York Times, Truthdig, NO QUARTER USA NET, Petition to A&E, Hot Air, CNN, americanthinker.com, Hot Air and Hullabaloo

Correcting Patrick J. Buchanan

I quote Patrick J. Buchanan here quite a bit. However, in his latest column, Pat misses the mark a bit.

Pat Writes:

Contrast if you will the sins for which Phil Robertson is being blacklisted with those of the Hollywood Ten.

He is a fundamentalist Christian professing his belief in what he holds to be Bible truths about sin, homosexuality, heaven and hell. For so doing, he is being censored by elites who wish to deny him access to the medium they largely control — television.

And what were the comparable sins of the Hollywood Ten?

via ‘Duck Dynasty’ and the New Blacklist – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website.

You see that part up there, that I underlined and turned red? That is where Mr. Buchanan is wrong. Phil Robinson is no more a Fundamentalist, that I am a Roman Catholic. One look at Mr. Roberson’s Church’s website will prove that. I don’t see any statement of faith, I do not see any King James Bible quotations, I do not see any conservatively dressed young man and women. All I see is a website full of, what David W. Cloud calls, “Rock and Roll Christianity.” That last link in the previous sentence is a link to a man who is a Fundamentalist Christian! Phil Robertson is nothing more than someone who is a part of the compromising Evangelical apostate form of Christianity.

While Phil Robertson has some great values, of which I am in agreement with; I will not sit here and candy coat it and tell you something that is not true. I mean, the actual show, Duck Dynasty is a Evangelical Christian’s dream; and a Fundamentalist Christian’s nightmare! I mean you have an intro that features, ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” for a intro video. You have the Robertson’s in a Bentley, and wearing rings and dressed like wealthy people. Is that not glamorizing materialistic things?

Not only that, but in one of the episodes, where Willie Robertson’s daughter was going to the prom, or something to that effect; Willie does not like the length of her dress. So, She tries a bunch of dresses, Willie likes none of them. Instead of standing his ground and not allowing her to dress like a slut. Willie Robertson caves to the wishes of his daughter and his wife! That does not sound very Fundamentalist Christian to me! Not only that, but in one episode, you had the Robertson brother wives, ordering a man around like he was some sort of a mindless stooge! Since when did women start usurping authority over a man? Does not the Bible say that they are not supposed to do this?

In closing: The Robertsons might have their Christianity basics down very well. However, they fall short of what we Fundamentalists and we old school Baptists consider to be Biblical Christianity.

Quote of the Day

To our modern moral and cultural elites, it is those who condemn the values of GLAAD who are the enemies of decency and progress who ought to be fired and blacklisted to prevent their poisonous views from being disseminated.

In the Hollywood of the late 1940s, Communism was persona non grata. In the 21st century, biblical Christianity is persona non grata.

No, this is not the America we grew up in. And it is becoming less so.

According to a CNN poll last week, while belief in God and the divinity of Christ is still shared by two-thirds of Americans, that share — older, more Republican, less educated — is falling.

Worldwide, too, Christianity at Christmas 2013 seems in a long retreat. Receding slowly in America, and moribund in Europe, Christianity is undergoing merciless persecutions in Africa and the Middle East — from Nigeria to the Central African Republic to Egypt, Syria and Iraq.

Compared to these folks suffering martyrdom for the faith, we have it easy here.

So, Sursum Corda. Lift up your hearts. And Merry Christmas.

Correcting Joseph Farah

First off, let me say that I do support the Roberson Family and I hope they really do find another network that is friendly to their Christian beliefs. However, once again, I feel the need to correct those who are telling mistruths about the First Amendment.

Joseph Farah at WorldNetDaily writes a fairly decent article about what happened with Phil Robertson. However, he kind of goes off a bit in the piece too:

This is a dangerous precedent. In fact, I’d say Old Phil would have a pretty legitimate shot at a First Amendment lawsuit because his own religious liberties have been violated by the actions of A&E. I mean, it’s not exactly possible the network didn’t know his beliefs until this week.

As I have written before, the only thing that the First Amendment is supposed to protect American citizens from is repression of freedom of speech from the United States Government; and that is it; not from private businesses such as A&E.

The idea that we can reinterpret the U.S. Constitution to suit our own personal agendas, is a progressive idea. Now, I am not calling Joseph Farah a progressive, far from it. I am just simply stating facts about the original intent of the Constitution. Now what Phil Roberson could do is sue A&E for breach of contract; but even then, he would have a tough time with it. Because unless A&E guaranteed the Robertsons in writing that they would be free to express their personal opinions without worry of censorship; Robertson would have a tough time getting any sort of judgement against A&E.

Again, as I wrote before; I am not on the side of those who want to squelch Christian’s the right to express their opinions; However, I do think that everyone that cries, “First Amendment!” ought to try actually reading the first amendment and see what it really says, before yowling on about it.

In case you have forgotten, this is what the first amendment says:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Notice it says, “Congress?” Congress is a part of the United States Government; A&E network is not. Let’s not confuse the two.

Cracker Barrel changes it’s mind

Well, that was quick!

From Cracker Barrel’s facebook page:

Dear Cracker Barrel Customer:

When we made the decision to remove and evaluate certain Duck Dynasty items, we offended many of our loyal customers. Our intent was to avoid offending, but that’s just what we’ve done.

You told us we made a mistake. And, you weren’t shy about it. You wrote, you called and you took to social media to express your thoughts and feelings. You flat out told us we were wrong.

We listened.

Today, we are putting all our Duck Dynasty products back in our stores.

And, we apologize for offending you.

We respect all individuals right to express their beliefs. We certainly did not mean to have anyone think different.

We sincerely hope you will continue to be part of our Cracker Barrel family.

Glad to see that common sense kicked in and they changed course. 😀

Clearing the air on Phil Robertson and The First Amendment of the US Constitution

I am writing this, because of a comment that I received here on my blog.

I wrote the following:

There seems to be some confusion about the First Amendment of the the United States Constitution.

The first amendment DOES NOT guarantee you the right expouse your personal views on blacks and homosexuals on a privately owned television network.

The only thing that the US Constitution protects you from is the repression of free speech from the US GOVERNMENT. A&E network is not Government owned.

Phil Robertson does have the right to express his views, but, A&E is not obligated to allow those rights to be expressed on their network. Nor is Cracker Barrel obligated to carry Duck Dynasty or Duck Commander products. Both are private businesses.

Is what A&E is doing discrimination? Yes. Is it bias against Christians? Absolutely. But it is not a violation of the first amendment at all.

The only thing that A&E is guilty of, is caving to pressure from a gay special interest group.

That is all, nothing else.

I do hope that Phil Robertson and the family of Duck Commander finds a better network, that is friendly to the speech of Christianity. because it is quite obvious that A&E is not.

I just felt the need to clear that up.

In defense of Cracker Barrel

Hey everybody I thought I would mention this on here, as I did on Facebook and on Twitter.

For those who are upset about what Cracker Barrel is doing in relation to duck dynasty and Phil Robertson; here is why they are doing what they’re doing.

Back in the 1990’s Cracker Barrel had a big run in with gay advocacy groups over hiring practices.

Apparently what happened was that a manager or an employee who was found out to be a homosexual was fired from his job.

Needless to say there was considerable amount of outrage and lawsuits were filed.

So what is happening is this Cracker Barrel is trying to avoid any and all controversy related to the gay community.

Cracker Barrel lost a lot of business when that happened and thought they were going to have to close a bunch of stores up over it.

So they’re trying to play it safe. As someone who has run a business in my day and knows what it is to have bad things about them, I totally understand why they’re doing what they’re doing.

Just letting you all know.

Update: Rick’s Rants links in. Thank you!