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Reader comment on:
Catholic Group Threatens Battle With Miller Beer Over Racy Ad
in response to reader comment: What of free speech?

Submitted by Robert, Sep 27, 2007 17:03

Hypothetical: Instead of a depiction of the Last Supper what do you suppose would have happened to San Francisco and the Folsom Street Fair had they utilized an image with say the Prophet Mohammad?

It's free speech and expression correct? The news and the world would have come down upon all parties involved with furious anger. What is the difference here? Well Christians do not threaten to blow up innocent people.

I am reading a lot of opinions here most of which have merit in American society. The simple point is the intent of the image. In my opinion it was to elicit negative responses and draw attention to this group's opinion that Christian views on their life style are offensive to them.

Let's be clear here shall we, this was a pointed visual attack against who; Christians. To some like the hypothetical above this would cause unbelievable violence and hate toward the Folsom Street Fair and its sponsors. Fatwa's would sound much like they did with a simple cartoon not too long ago.

How fast we are to forget, how easily people attack the non violent dissention Christians take when offensive messages such as this occur.

It is their right to publish this image no matter how offensive. I agree with that right. It is your right to stand up and defend against it in a non violent manner and call for a boycott if you are offended by the ad.

Do you think that the Miller Brewing Company or its parent company SABMIller Group would have had their logo or financial sponsorship on any images like for example the cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad? I venture to say no, since that would offend a group of people and their beliefs. Somebody please explain to me why it is not ok for Christians to defend what they hold as their beliefs?

Until a company feels a financial impact to their decisions to sponsor or endorse events such as this when their message is "hateful" to another group they will continue to do so or worst. Like the Miller Brewing Company simply removing their logo, but still passing the dollars.

This is not a question of the rights of a group of people to hold their fair, it is about the rights of those supporting the event or opposed to it to voice their opinion through either support or boycott. That is the beauty of America, and the power of its people. I place my faith that if enough people stood up and said enough this has gone too far and hurt the financial bottom line for organizations which seek to inflame any group of people these types of messages would cease. (I do not cash in on this being cited as a hate crime, however I do hold the opinion that this is a message of hate voiced within their Constitutional rights.)

I challenge the organizers of this event to utilize other images such as my hypothetical scenario and see if they get any sponsorship with them. I wonder how much sponsorship they would secure for it, or if the fine city of San Francisco even issue a permit for the event?

Addressing this issue is plain and simple, BOYCOTT the Miller Brewing Company and SABMIller Group if you do not appreciate the message, or purchase tickets to San Francisco and buy a MGD.

God Bless America


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Other reader comments on this article

Comment By Date

Can we start a boycott of Miller Brewing Co. by contacting all distributers and stores, and threat them with taking... [MORE]

Robert J. Hanlon 

Dec 6, 2007 11:42

i work for a dist. of miller I also am a divout catholic I think it is terriable what miller... [MORE]

catholic beer man 

Dec 7, 2007 21:29

If my homosexuality has delayed the progression of your alcoholism, then God has surely blessed the both of us today. [MORE]

Tom 

Nov 7, 2007 02:06

im sorry that you fell that you are mistreated as a homosexual but you mintioned God and maybe one-day you... [MORE]

mr catholic 

Dec 7, 2007 21:41

My thought is simple, what were they thinking? Why make reference to religion,other than to make a statement. (Obvious) I... [MORE]

Geneva Bailey 

Oct 14, 2007 10:57

I think not only should Miller Beer be boycotted, I think that Americans should boycott San Francisco as well. It... [MORE]

sara tace 

Oct 10, 2007 13:25

This painting is part of my culture, and I can reference it however I choose. It belongs to every person... [MORE]

H215 

Sep 29, 2007 09:35

Should every citizen have a right to say anything at all with no suppression by fellow citizens? Are there times... [MORE]

Joe 

Oct 8, 2007 12:26

1. How do we balance free speech against racism, sexism, or anti-Semitism which promotes values we despise as a country? 2.... [MORE]

Joe 

Oct 8, 2007 12:35

The number of Christian bashing displays is increasing every year and they people who preach tolerance and diversity are the... [MORE]

truthteller 

Sep 29, 2007 00:19

Although Protestant, we will support the boycott. I believe its about time mainstream companys catering to the various emerging subcultures,... [MORE]

Kevin 

Sep 28, 2007 16:47

Hi Kevin, It is so great to see people lending their thoughts and insights on this disgusting situation. What really amazes... [MORE]

Joan 

Sep 30, 2007 03:50

Why boycott Miller. We should boycott the city of San Francisco for allowing this "fair" to take place. They won't... [MORE]

EJ 

Sep 28, 2007 14:58

America preaches tolerance but you notice no one wants to tolerate Christianity. This blatant attack on Christians would no way... [MORE]

Gary E 

Sep 28, 2007 11:14

I always find it funny how christians find it so objectionable when someone makes fun of them or parts of... [MORE]

Patrick 

Sep 28, 2007 11:06

It has become cheap way to get attention by attacking Christianity, because those who practice " freedom of expression by... [MORE]

Joe 

Sep 28, 2007 10:47

I wonder why the mainstream media had no Television coverage or why no one was arrested for lewd conduct at... [MORE]

Tom Moats 

Oct 9, 2007 16:32

The bible clearly says, the one unforgivable sin, is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and I for one, find this... [MORE]

Pat from Indiana 

Sep 28, 2007 10:31

I agree with Pat from Indiana...all this only serves to prove that the devil is alive and well and will... [MORE]

Mom in Arizona 

Oct 18, 2007 15:04

I have always advised friends who are offeeeeeeeended by something, but not actually hurt by it, that it is just... [MORE]

Fred Harwell 

Sep 28, 2007 09:22

Most of these comments give me hope. Somehow, I didn't expect outrage. It's edifying. There is a serious double standard... [MORE]

Joe 

Sep 28, 2007 09:06

No more will I even consider Miller Brewing as a legitimate, mainstream company. An organization dies at its head. Senior... [MORE]

Charles 

Sep 28, 2007 07:23

No more Miller for me. [MORE]

Pat Rothman 

Sep 28, 2007 01:59

I drank Miller Lite yesterday. I won't again. And to add to this support of the homosexual crowd, I just... [MORE]

George 

Sep 28, 2007 07:59

How far can we go? Are there no boundaries we can not cross. America seems driven to live as far... [MORE]

Rita 

Sep 28, 2007 00:59

Up to today I have always bought Miller Beer because the Miller family once had a reputation for supporting culturally... [MORE]

Brian G 

Sep 28, 2007 00:21

I take serious offense to this picture/ad. Tolerance for gays? HELL NO. They don't deserve it after this. They are... [MORE]

Sharon 

Sep 27, 2007 20:47

How many times does someone hold an icon of respect to ridicule? Mohamed as a terrorist in Europe, the Last... [MORE]

John House 

Sep 27, 2007 19:55

I'm puking out all the Miller lights that I have imbibed and will never have another "unfulfilling" drop of the... [MORE]

Eddie Rosaldo 

Sep 27, 2007 19:29

The double standard in this country is outstanding. Our forefathers fought so we, as Americans, have the right to print... [MORE]

Hal 

Sep 27, 2007 18:04

At issue here is the decision of individuals to boycott Miller Brewing Co for sponsoring an event they don't agree... [MORE]

Tony 

Sep 27, 2007 17:51

If no, then why should you offend me? Would they mock Muslims? No they would kill them. Catholics are easy pray for... [MORE]

John 

Sep 27, 2007 17:25

Its no longer Miller time in my house. Enough!!! Free speech yes, and free markets absolutely. I'm pro-choice when it... [MORE]

don 

Sep 27, 2007 16:44

Father Jonathan Morris; staid that "What they are doing is trying to make a mockery of religion", hasn't all of... [MORE]

AW 

Sep 27, 2007 16:07

It wasn't all that long ago that Coor's Brewing company faced the wrath of the gay community for its anti-gay... [MORE]

Len 

Sep 27, 2007 16:06

How is being "Gay" a socially recognised diversity? Is it race? Is it gender? Is it age? You know who... [MORE]

Fred 

Sep 30, 2007 14:54

I may not agree with the last supper banner. But until the Catholic church quits hiding the Identities of the... [MORE]

Dan 

Sep 27, 2007 15:56

I am a Catholic from St Louis and I am very serious about my faith. I joined the Catholic church... [MORE]

Chris 

Sep 28, 2007 09:51

If Miller wants to splash its name on something as horrible as the "Queer Last Supper" then I hope the... [MORE]

Alicia 

Sep 27, 2007 15:53

Miller and all of your products. My friends will know of my decision pronto. [MORE]

C G Byrd 

Sep 27, 2007 15:36

Here we go again. Of course the far left will think this is okay because it represents what they call... [MORE]

Tom 

Sep 27, 2007 15:30

There is no question to any person with a mature moral conscience, Christian or not, that this is both a... [MORE]

Dean 

Oct 11, 2007 03:59

"Free speech" is not at issue here: The Fair is "free" to advertise its events in any overtly offensive way... [MORE]

George 

Sep 27, 2007 14:46

Just another big corporation supporting events in questionable taste.Ford tried to market to gays and it backfired on them. It... [MORE]

Hyme Scary 

Sep 27, 2007 14:39

I might be dumb, but I thought free speach was designed so you could say something. What exactly is the... [MORE]

Jimmy 

Sep 27, 2007 19:02

Equal rights work just 1 way for this 'fetish community'. Heaven forbid anyone say a thing about their 'alternate lifestyle'... [MORE]

TJ 

Sep 28, 2007 05:23

This is one more proof of their intention, they all cry for tolerance and to be recognize, but if they... [MORE]

Edison Quevedo 

Sep 27, 2007 14:37

Couldn't agree more. How can you POSSIBLY cry out for acceptance, then reject and mock the great majority of Americans?... [MORE]

K W Coombs 

Sep 28, 2007 00:37

I love the posters here who so viciously jump on "them" "those dirty gays" "those people" based on a poster... [MORE]

david 

Oct 1, 2007 15:45

Ok this is getting ridiculous.. I take serious exception to this poster.. Why mess with something that portrays a sacred... [MORE]

Heidi 

Sep 27, 2007 13:49

Well this is just another potrayal of California and its slide into Decadence. Beware of the Big Slide into the... [MORE]

Richard 

Sep 28, 2007 02:45

What's next on the list of Miller Brewing Company? Star of David Tit Clamps? Why would any company simply put... [MORE]

David Gordon 

Sep 27, 2007 13:39

You know you guys were great talking about free speech with those Danish Cartoons a year ago. So where is... [MORE]

Omar 

Sep 27, 2007 13:35

hi omar: it was the media that cried out the "free speech" issue with regards to the danish cartoons. as a... [MORE]

Sarge 

Sep 27, 2007 13:46

The difference is how civilized people react. At least no one's life is being threatened. [MORE]

Maxxs 

Sep 27, 2007 14:18

If Miller Brewing wishes to toss themselves under a moving bus in an effort to sell more beer, they should... [MORE]

Steve 

Sep 27, 2007 14:20

I find it amusing that this is considered news and a "problem". Aren't our soldiers still dying in Iraq EVERY... [MORE]

Stephen 

Sep 27, 2007 14:36

I am glad this happened, who knows maybe the American people will finally get enough of "in-your face" by the... [MORE]

Ted Dean 

Sep 27, 2007 14:44

I take exception to Omar's assertion that ANY religious person would defend the cartoons of Mohammed in the name of... [MORE]

Andrea 

Sep 27, 2007 14:51

Just this week alone self professed Christians spoke out against sexual freedom and demonized a subset of those on the... [MORE]

Ralph Petrucci 

Sep 27, 2007 15:08

I have lived most of my 58 years around 50 miles south of SF and I am tired of being... [MORE]

Cal Mike 

Sep 27, 2007 15:17

I think this will So Backfire that the cost for miller will be too high for them to continue,,,,,,,,,and... [MORE]

charlotte 

Sep 27, 2007 15:21

Hypothetical: Instead of a depiction of the Last Supper what do you suppose would have happened to San Francisco and...

Robert 

Sep 27, 2007 17:03

Ted, only a sorry few think this is OK. Miller got it wrong. The Gay Community is very upset with... [MORE]

Dave 

Sep 27, 2007 17:08

Stephen, you are an ass!. Should the world stop turning becquse there is a war. Yes this is news if... [MORE]

Joe 

Sep 27, 2007 17:57

Grown men huh? How far down in depravity must we all go in order to shut them up when they... [MORE]

Speechless 

Sep 27, 2007 18:34

If we were to put this ad and its charming website in a heterosexual context, it would have little to... [MORE]

Marta 

Sep 27, 2007 19:26

Yeah, there are still brave serviceman dying in Iraq, just to give you the right to say the idiotic crap... [MORE]

exmarine 

Sep 28, 2007 17:09

Ralph, Ralph, Ralph. What can I do, but pray you come to your blessed senses someday. Catholicism, with all its... [MORE]

Claud 

Sep 28, 2007 18:05

I will use my ffeedom of speech to cease buying miller products, I am also a manager of a beer... [MORE]

glenn 

Sep 29, 2007 18:46

You want to know why there is a disproportianate rate of suicide among gay and lesbian people? Try reading the... [MORE]

david 

Oct 2, 2007 16:05

Not necessarily all Christians agreed to the danish cartoons of mohamed. Besides, this is not the first time that anti-Christians... [MORE]

Maria 

Oct 21, 2007 21:00

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