Chicago alderman: The Chick-fil-A owners can build — if they promise not to support groups with a political agenda
posted at 9:54 pm on July 26, 2012 by Allahpundit
I can’t find a transcript but it sure sounds from the article like he’s trying to get them to forfeit their right to support anti-SSM groups in return for a permit. In other words, they can keep their freedom of speech, sort of, as long as they cede their freedom of association. That’s “Chicago values,” I guess.
Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno says the door isn’t entirely closed on a new Chick-fil-A restaurant opening in his 1st ward.
Moreno told WBEZ that the owners seeking to build the restaurant have said they won’t support any groups with a political agenda, including those with an anti-gay marriage stance.
Moreno says if he gets an explicit guarantee from the franchise owner he will consider granting zoning rights to a new Chick-fil-A in Logan Square.
“If they’re serious about that, and they’re willing to put that in writing and they’re willing to adopt that. I think those are the grounds where we can move forward,” Moreno said.
I love the idea of this cretinous princeling dangling building privileges in return for promises not to do anything politically that might upset him. It’s vintage Chicago sleaze, except that instead of handing him a fat envelope with money in it, you promise instead not to hand that envelope to a group he doesn’t like. By all means, the owners should agree to his terms — and then drop a nice big check on the NOM on the day the new site opens for business. I want to see him try to enforce their written guarantee not to offend him via donations to disfavored orgs in court.
Here’s his op-ed in yesterday’s Tribune. The best part? His imperiousness paired with his self-congratulation at being such a freedom-minded, forward-thinkin’ guy:
There are consequences for one’s actions, statements and beliefs. Because of this man’s ignorance, I will deny Chick-fil-A a permit to open a restaurant in my ward…
Obviously, Cathy has the right to believe, say and give money to whatever cause he wants. But my belief in equality is resolute, and if I were to take the easy way out and turn a blind eye to his remarks, I would be turning my back on the principles I stand for…
I represent a diverse, forward-thinking community, and I’m sure the majority of 1st Warders find Cathy’s comments and attitude repugnant. Even if I did give Chick-fil-A the go-ahead, I suspect many in my community wouldn’t spend their dollars there.
Give the guy credit, he’s fully in touch with his “progressive” id. As Eugene Volokh says: Appalling.
Exit question: Did you know that “Chicago values” have already managed to tolerate a Chick-fil-A in the 42nd Ward? Who wants to be the one to tell Rahm?
Related Posts:








Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Welcome to the New AmeriKa..
Electrongod on July 26, 2012 at 9:56 PM
Cfa needs to ring the city limits with their restaraunts so the city doesn’t get the tax revenue.
tom daschle concerned on July 26, 2012 at 9:57 PM
Is Chicago full of halfwits? How does this kind of crap go on for so long?
Mark1971 on July 26, 2012 at 9:58 PM
“You didn’t build it…..
And if you think you built it…
you can’t have an opinion”
Electrongod on July 26, 2012 at 9:58 PM
So, in other words, they can come if they keep their mouths shut. Sounds like dhimmitude to me.
Good ol’ tolerant liberals. Bigots to the end.
CurtZHP on July 26, 2012 at 9:58 PM
He means CFA can’t support groups who don’t support his political agenda. Fascist.
Philly on July 26, 2012 at 9:58 PM
Why not try it out and see what happens, you pathetic little thug.
Bishop on July 26, 2012 at 9:58 PM
Chicago: One of several cities beyond redemption.
nobar on July 26, 2012 at 9:59 PM
Boy that sounds a lot like blackmail.
Hopefully Chick-Fil-A tells Chicago to pound sand
gophergirl on July 26, 2012 at 9:59 PM
Nope, sorry, they aren’t allowed to play “shut up” either.
crosspatch on July 26, 2012 at 9:59 PM
Good .
Let the market and customers take care of the issue.
Don’t you have some funerals to attend Morono ?
burrata on July 26, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Shut up, he said.
AllahsNippleHair on July 26, 2012 at 10:01 PM
The “hide your kids, hide your wife” guy gave his take today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUmoTOujJ7Q
Mark1971 on July 26, 2012 at 10:02 PM
Tolerance.
Yep.
Those “tolerant” progressives surer are an intolerant bunch.
coldwarrior on July 26, 2012 at 10:02 PM
Better yet, write two identical checks, one to a pro gay marriage group first and then six months later to an anti gay marriage group, just to see how the douchebag alderman reacts.
Bishop on July 26, 2012 at 10:03 PM
What next?
Chicago police painting “Jude” on the windows of Chick-Fil-A?
coldwarrior on July 26, 2012 at 10:03 PM
Put him in a top hat and tell me if anyone notices.
Axe on July 26, 2012 at 10:03 PM
Leftists are scum.
jawkneemusic on July 26, 2012 at 10:04 PM
How sad is it with more businesses boarded up when you drive down some highways than open, that there is this big political uproar generated by whiny liberals over a chicken franchise.
Marcus on July 26, 2012 at 10:04 PM
Dime a dozen. Creeps like this in local government are not uncommon.
forest on July 26, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Does that mean they wouldn’t be allowed to let their workers join a union?
malclave on July 26, 2012 at 10:07 PM
Isn’t that like, illegal or something?
What’s that you say, he’s from Chicago?
Well then, nothing to see here, move along.
Flora Duh on July 26, 2012 at 10:07 PM
In other words, you’re a sh!tfilled moron.
AubieJon on July 26, 2012 at 10:07 PM
They are not even trying to hide it anymore, are they?
Jvette on July 26, 2012 at 10:08 PM
Nice.
Now he can tell his constituents they can’t have fried chicken because of gay marriage.
He got their back.
NeoKong on July 26, 2012 at 10:08 PM
Bad news Alderman, you can either STFU and take the revenue they generate or you can pay them a large enough settlement to cover their land and building costs.
antipc on July 26, 2012 at 10:10 PM
This is unbelievable to watch play out yet at the same time I do find humor that the new Chicago shake down is “Nice little chicken place ya got there, now don’t goes sayin’ nuttin bad about da homo’s or we’ll be back”.
Mouse1 on July 26, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Do alderman issue building permits? How odd!
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Hopefully Chick-Fil-A tells Chicago to pound sandgophergirl on July 26, 2012 at 9:59 PM
+ 100..Hear!..Hear!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Hold on — I need to gather up some Gay … K, got it:
O, *snap!*
Glad that’s over.
Axe on July 26, 2012 at 10:11 PM
I don’t understand what the problem is. Rahm and Menino are just telling people not to invest in Chicago or Boston. They’re following the business model that made Detroit such a world class city.
JavelinaBomb on July 26, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Are you serious?!?! This is in America?
BoxHead1 on July 26, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Homosexual behavior advocates are usually heterosexual beta males like atheist pundit.
Mormontheman on July 26, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Fixed!..Sorry about that!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:12 PM
If I weren’t risking fallout, I wouldn’t give a rat’s ass if a nuke dropped on that sewer.
MadisonConservative on July 26, 2012 at 10:12 PM
+ 100..Good one!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:12 PM
lolz..:):)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:13 PM
If they budge one inch to appease this slime ball I’ll never eat there again.
AmeriCuda on July 26, 2012 at 10:13 PM
How do Muslims feel about gay marriage or even gays in general Alderman Joe Moreno…?
Seven Percent Solution on July 26, 2012 at 10:14 PM
I blame Batman.
lorien1973 on July 26, 2012 at 10:14 PM
If this “gentleman” has the power to deny permits and has been so outspoken about his infringement of freedom of speech and association, isn’t he open to a law suit?
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Every zoning variance requires approval of the whole city council. It is aldermanic privilege to grant or deny a zoning variance within your ward. The council always votes how the alderman of the ward decides.
Ted Torgerson on July 26, 2012 at 10:15 PM
I just saw the nastiest PAC ad against Gov. Romney. Obama people suck.
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:15 PM
“Home..sweet..home” – the Obamas
Electrongod on July 26, 2012 at 10:16 PM
OT/ Don’t miss out. http://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2012/07/26/why-is-everyone-on-the-internet-so-angry/ /OT
Axe on July 26, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Do link..
Unless it was on TV..
Electrongod on July 26, 2012 at 10:17 PM
It seems to me that they have opened themselves up to a lawsuit.
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:17 PM
I’m not angry, now hush up and leave me alone.
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Answer to question 1: Yes.
Answer to question 2: See answer to question 1.
squint on July 26, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Did you hear that this guy has demanded they put a rainbow sticker on the entrance door. I kid you not. And also that they have to use a gay-hiring advocate. Whatever the F* that is.
AmeriCuda on July 26, 2012 at 10:18 PM
I
As my late mother used to say, a fish rots from the head down. Translation: Obama sucks.
TxAnn56 on July 26, 2012 at 10:19 PM
Silly! You’re supposed to blame the Tea Party!
MadisonConservative on July 26, 2012 at 10:19 PM
Sorry chump, those sort of ‘pre-conditions’ are unconstitutional as well.
Not to mention a city’s power to enforce it’s political will ends at said city’s border.
CFA corporate actions are not up for discussion by a mere city government, despite your over-blown sense of self-importance.
CPT. Charles on July 26, 2012 at 10:20 PM
Such odious behavior. Infuriating.
changer1701 on July 26, 2012 at 10:20 PM
I agree with you on the Obie people!..:)
PS..Let’s hope Team Romney fires a volley back!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:20 PM
Good then, it will be the safest place to eat in the city.
joeswampy on July 26, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Good point!..Very good point!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:21 PM
“Chicago alderman: The Chick-fil-A owners can build — if they promise not to support groups with a political agenda”
Like Joe Moreno
lilium on July 26, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Well I know you cannot sue a legislator for voting on an ordinance, which is what a zoning variance is, an amendment to the city zoning ordinance. They have complete immunity in that regard. Instead of suing people need to simply stand up for what they believe. The power of the people is to live in the truth and not be cowered by political bullies.
Ted Torgerson on July 26, 2012 at 10:22 PM
“No. It’s just a tax.” — Benedict Roberts, Chief Social Justice Coordinator of the American Socialist Superstate
ThePrimordialOrderedPair on July 26, 2012 at 10:25 PM
It was really awful, it said that Gov. Romney bankrupted the majority of businesses he worked with but average 92 million dollars in profit on each. If I remember correctly this has already been hashed out and is a lie but that doesn’t seem to matter.
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Nothing makes ‘em come out from where they’re really at like genuine Christian faith.
Cleombrotus on July 26, 2012 at 10:25 PM
No worries -have done that many times myself
gophergirl on July 26, 2012 at 10:26 PM
http://dailycaller.com/2012/07/26/consider-the-national-conversation-about-chick-fil-a-over-video/
When you’ve lost Antoine…
PS: Dodson is much smarter and “tolerant” than Moreno will ever be.
Resist We Much on July 26, 2012 at 10:27 PM
That would require the people to stand up, if that happened this guy wouldn’t be talking they way he is. Leave it politicians to encourage lawsuits for everyone but themselves.
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:27 PM
Have you ever noticed that, AP?
Cleombrotus on July 26, 2012 at 10:27 PM
It’s going to get worse from here on IMO. Romney is going to have to fight the fight of his life.
So are we. The Chicago Marxist machine is not going down easy.
gophergirl on July 26, 2012 at 10:27 PM
well, this makes it all better, NOT…lawsuits need to happen over this
sadsushi on July 26, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Why, did you get around to banning the use of welfare to buy fast food?
MelonCollie on July 26, 2012 at 10:28 PM
All these blow-hard politicians are making it a sure thing that C-f-A will get their building permit. If not: Instant 1st Amendment lawsuit and big time civil fins for violation of rights under color of authority. Even if the building commission had good reason to turn them down, they can’t now.
Socratease on July 26, 2012 at 10:28 PM
I’d love to see this go to court.
ButterflyDragon on July 26, 2012 at 10:28 PM
That does sound awful..Like I said..In due time Team Romney should/will return fire!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:29 PM
I smell a gigantic lawsuit here if not criminal charges. These Chicago thugs have just gone “a bridge too far”.
SpiderMike on July 26, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Dilonger you work around liberals, diverse it gets.
natasha333 on July 26, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Chicago style politics. Birthplace of Alinsky. Why would Chick-Fil-A even want to open a restaurant in that sewer of a city Chicago? If i’m chick Fil-A I tell chicago to pound sand and write a nice op-ed in the paper about the “consequences” of the Alderman’s decision, including lost tax revenues for the city, etc.
Play fire with fire I say.
Raquel Pinkbullet on July 26, 2012 at 10:30 PM
That’s along the lines of Dewhurst’s ad that Ted Cruz was somehow responsible for the suicide of some Pennsylvania woman’s son. Dewhurst’s ads have sunk down to a new low. The dude’s lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut.
TxAnn56 on July 26, 2012 at 10:30 PM
lolz..Trust me..I am the king of typos!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:30 PM
…of course, we look the other way…if business
supports left-wing causes!
KOOLAID2 on July 26, 2012 at 10:31 PM
I like the cut of your jib!!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:31 PM
That sounds like a Thurston Howell III-ism.
TxAnn56 on July 26, 2012 at 10:32 PM
There is a buyathon to show support for Chick-Fil-A on Wednesday, August 1st, being kicked off by various pro business groups.
We’re all going down to our local Chick-Fil-A and we’ll be buying a couple of chicken sandwiches and an order of waffle fries, and maybe a tasty lemonade to wash it down!
Everyone who is within driving distance of a Chick-Fil-A is encouraged to participate.
thatsafactjack on July 26, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Getting more and more scary every day.
If you tell a lie big enough….
Forcing people to wear or display an approved identifying emblem…
Requiring private businesses to give up their freedom of association…their religious beliefs…
Giving extraordinary special rights to special groups…
Economy tanking…
A President advocating for a civilian defense force…
(QE3 coming…the value of the dollar is now 97% of what it was in 1913…gonna see that number go higher the minute the printing presses start rolling…)
A demagogue leader who is telling citizens that he is the alpha and omega, the solution to all their problems…
If I weren’t looking at the calendar right now, I’d think I was back in Munich in 1933 or so.
coldwarrior on July 26, 2012 at 10:33 PM
I hate ads like that. I envision cutting my television viewing down to nothing.
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:33 PM
If they can do this to businesses, they can — and will — move on to churches and, eventually, the private citizen.
Just imagine…a special property tax levied against those who commit ungoodthink. Or refusing a building permit or home loan to a conservative because, gee, their bigotry just can’t be tolerated.
englishqueen01 on July 26, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Well ain’t that just nice of the petty little dictator.
GarandFan on July 26, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Since when are so-called “public servants” allowed to tell citizens what political causes they can and cannot support, be they businessmen or not?
wildcat72 on July 26, 2012 at 10:34 PM
That’s why every large city in America is a festering blight.
They are parasitic and dying. We don’t have cities any more that produce things we have welfare distribution centers.
wildcat72 on July 26, 2012 at 10:35 PM
I have to admit to being totally flummoxed at the continued high poll numbers of Obama’s popularity. What man are these people seeing?
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:36 PM
Montgomery Burns.
coldwarrior on July 26, 2012 at 10:36 PM
lolz..I agree fully with her statement!..:)
PS..There have been many great comments (including yours)!..I love it!..:)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Is this state sponsored hate crime?
Fuquay Steve on July 26, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Nothing. No snark. They are seeing nothing.
Axe on July 26, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Excellent post!..:)
PS..I don’t say that often!..:):)
Dire Straits on July 26, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Chicago is one of the best fascist training grounds…if CfA does not comply Moreno will kneecap the owners. Chicago Values…
d1carter on July 26, 2012 at 10:39 PM
Since January 20, 2009.
BRunner on July 26, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Heh.
a capella on July 26, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Their god. Their Light Bringer. He will make the tides turn and the seas retreat.
People do not focus at all on the fact that when a dictator or fascist leader comes to power, they do not get there by telling the people right up front, “Well, we are going to murder a few million, maybe more, we are going to take this nation to war and watch it destroyed all around us, we are going to make your children soldiers for our bigoted cause, we are going to confiscate your property and that of your neighbor…”
No, them come to power with promises of “Change.” Promises of a brave new world. Slogans like “Forward!” And they talk about “community” or the state above the individual.
H.G. Wells portrayed all of this back in 1933, with his novel The Shape of Things to Come…a ultra-progressive story…and made into a movie in 1936.
Find it, watch it…let your friends view it as well.
Scary stuff.
coldwarrior on July 26, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Thanks for the reference, I will check into it.
Cindy Munford on July 26, 2012 at 10:50 PM
I posted this earlier on another thread, but it is so stunning and in case anyone missed it, it is worth repeating:
Resist We Much on July 26, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Flora Duh on July 26, 2012 at 10:53 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »