Another national grassroots movement is underway with over 46,000 patriots joining in to support “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson’s right to free speech. 
 
 “Chick-Phil-A National Support Day” is a Facebook page and event started earlier this week by Eric Odom – cofounder and managing director of LibertyNEWS.com – and others, solely “from a grassroots view” to urge support of “two of the biggest brands to have, in recent history, come under fire for sharing an opinion on personal faith-based beliefs:” Chick-fil-A and Phil Robertson. 
 
 “Join the movement to support Chick-fil-a and Phil Robertson by wearing cam/Duck Commander gear to eat at a Chick-fil-a on January 21, 2014,” the event reads, and since Monday, over 46,000 people are planning to do just that. 
 
 Odom, who was behind the launch of the of the Facebook page “Stand With Phil Robertson” that has almost 1.6 million “Likes,” and along with Grassfire.com – “a million-strong network of grassroots conservatives,” – has one of the largest petitions signed for Robertson in a week, told BizPac Review that he is more of an “activist-type, more activist minded,” and wanted to find a way for patriots to take the next step. 
 
 “In my head I was trying to address the question people who signed the petition, fanned and shared the page were asking about what action could [be taken] next,” Odom said. 
 
 After brainstorming with a few others last Saturday, Odom said the “similarities” between Phil Robertson and the controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A in 2012 came up and they recalled the success of Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on Aug. 1, 2012. 
 
 Odom launched the “Chick-Phil-A National Support Day,” Monday as a way for people to “make a unified, one day statement” of support for Robertson, Chick-fil-A and free speech, he told BizPac Review. 
 
 “There is this 900 pound gorilla or this sleeping giant out there that doesn’t like being prodded and poked and we feel like we’re being prodded and poked,” he said. “And we would rather just mind our own business and be left alone, but if you are just going to push and push and push and push, eventually your going to wake the thing up and it’s going to come out screaming. And that’s what the January 21 event is, to show undeniable support.” 
 
 You will recall in July 2012 Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy coming under fire for saying the company stands behind the “biblical definition of the family.” 
 
 According to the interview Cathy gave the Baptist Press: 
 
 Some have opposed the company’s support of the traditional family. “Well, guilty as charged,” said Cathy when asked about the company’s position. “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that. “We operate as a family business … our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that,” Cathy emphasized. 
 
 The ensuing backlash led to “record setting” sales as thousands of supporters showed up on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on Aug. 1, 2012. 
 
 Now, thousands are planning to line up again to support Robertson’s right to free speech after his controversial comments on homosexuality led to his indefinite suspension from A&E’s top rated show, “Duck Dynasty.” 
 
 To be clear, Odom reiterated to BizPac Review he has had no communication with Chick-fil-A and he has the following disclaimer on the Facebook page: 
 
 NOT AFFILIATED WITH CHICK-FIL-A OR PHIL ROBERTSON! This page is independent and organized from a grassroots view. There has been no communication with either brand/company and we chose to do this on our own. ||||| Senator to introduce legislation in support of Duck Dynasty star 
 
 
 
 Sen. Jerry Fielding slideshow 
 
 SYLACAUGA – As Alabama lawmakers gather next month to write the state's education and general fund budgets and to consider a possible pay raise for teachers and legislation including a taxpayers' bill of rights and a bill to keep legislators from becoming lobbyists, their agenda will also include Duck Dynasty.State Sen. Jerry Fielding, R-Sylacauga, will introduce a Senate resolution in support of Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson in the upcoming legislative session, he announced Monday in a press release.Robertson made headlines when television network A&E; suspended his role in the show for making comments in an interview with GQ magazine that many have viewed as homophobic and racist.Fielding said the network “bowed to pressures from liberal groups rather than respecting Robertson’s biblically correct views.”Fielding believes Robertson's values are commonly held.“Phil Robertson’s family values are shared by the vast majority of Alabamians, who are rightfully concerned by the vitriol aimed at his Christian stance,” Fielding said. “There’s a clear double standard in the media favoring a liberal worldview. When it’s used to silence and punish Christians for stating their beliefs, that’s when we must defend the rights of individuals to exercise their free speech without fear of politically-motivated repercussion. I join thousands across Alabama and our country by standing with Phil Robertson, and urge A&E; to reverse their action against him.”The resolution will be introduced when the legislature convenes on Jan. 14.Fielding’s resolution reads, in part:“Whereas, renown entrepreneur, Louisiana outdoorsman, and reality television star Phil Robertson has positively impacted countless lives through the powerful testimony of his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ and how it has transformed his life; and Whereas Phil Robertson, along with his family, who are featured on the reality television show, Duck Dynasty, have served as ambassadors of the love and grace of the Heavenly Father through their exemplary lives on and off the camera; they have used their fame as a platform to promote wholesome ideals involving family and home life and worship of the Lord; and Whereas recently, Phil has received backlash for expressing his personal views on homosexuality that were based on scripture in the Bible in an interview with GQ Magazine; ultimately, the Arts and Entertainment Network (A&E;) punished him for his beliefs and suspended him indefinitely from the reality television show, Duck Dynasty, even though he did not address his views in correlation with the program; and Whereas a portion of the politically correct populous, which strongly encourages tolerance and open-mindedness, is now contradicting themselves with extreme intolerance and close-mindedness towards Phil and his personal beliefs, which stem from his rock-solid Christian faith; and Whereas while Phil does not condone certain lifestyles or behaviors, he issued the following profound statement abounding with love and tolerance: 'I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me; we are all created by the Almighty, and like Him, I love all of humanity'; and Whereas Phil should not be penalized in any way for practicing freedom of speech, but should be celebrated as a hero for courageously revealing his self-truth and Christian ideals in a world that can be unkind towards those with a conservative mind-set; and Whereas Phil Robertson and his family's admirable stance on marriage, family, and faith reflects the meritorious ideals of the fine citizens of the entire State of Alabama, and it is a tremendous privilege to express our utmost solidarity for them; now therefore, Be it resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, both houses thereof concurring, that this chamber of persons stand united in support of Phil Robertson and his family, and in opposition to the A&E; Network's deplorable action of suspending Phil indefinitely from Duck Dynasty for relaying his Christian beliefs.”To read the GQ article in its entirety, visit http://www.gq.com/entertainment/television/201401/duck-dynasty-phil-robertson. ||||| Robert Macpherson/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images 
 
 The furor over Chick-fil-A’s stance on same-sex marriage continued to grow Thursday as thousands of people on both sides of the debate took to Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms to voice their disdain or support for the fast-food chain. 
 
 Protesters also showed up at the company’s food trucks on Thursday and the Rev. Billy Graham waded into the discussion, thanking the owners of the fast-food chain for speaking out against same-sex marriage and “never compromising” the company’s Christian values. 
 
 As my colleague Kim Severson writes, a chicken sandwich “is fast becoming the culinary symbol of one of the country’s major social issues.” 
 
 Some people were baffled by the level of passion that surrounded much of the talk of chicken sandwiches. 
 
 Can someone please tell me why people are boycotting Chick Fil A? — KING KADY (@KINGKadyCakes) 26 Jul 12 
 
 Ms. Severson explains that there have been small protests in past years at Chick-fil-A’s restaurants, prompted by the millions of dollars in donations that the chain’s owners have made to organizations fighting same-sex marriage. 
 
 But now the chain, which is based in Atlanta, is facing a nationwide boycott of its 1,600 restaurants, plans for a same-sex kiss-in on Aug. 3 organized on Facebook and threats by some city officials to block the opening of new stores since the company’s president Dan T. Cathy said in an interview this month that Chick-fil-A supported “the biblical definition of the family unit.” 
 
 Led by Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, conservatives are fighting back, defending the food chain. Last weekend, Mr. Huckabee declared Aug. 1 Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. 
 
 He reported on Thursday that the movement was gaining support. 
 
 Rick Santorum, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination, also jumped in on the discussion, posting on Twitter that he not only supports Mr. Huckabee’s efforts but brought his children to Chick-fil-A on Wednesday. 
 
 I’m joining @GovMikeHuckabee to support @ChickFilA Aug 1. Stand w us! RSVP now: http://t.co/52Yqmu7B #chickfila Pls RT — Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) 25 Jul 12 
 
 With two of my boys, Enjoying chick-in-strips and an awesome peach shake at Chick-fil-A. See you here next Wednesday! — Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) 25 Jul 12 
 
 Three older kids @sarah_santorum @dansantorum @johnsantorum just joined us at Chick-fil-A. They like Chick-fil-A sauce on everything! — Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) 25 Jul 12 
 
 In a statement, Mr. Graham said he appreciated the Cathy family’s public support for “God’s definition of marriage.” 
 
 “I also appreciate Gov. Mike Huckabee’s leadership and for encouraging Americans to support Chick-fil-A on Aug. 1,” Mr. Graham said. “As the son of a dairy farmer who milked many a cow, I plan to ‘eat mor chikin’ and show my support by visiting Chick-fil-A next Wednesday.” 
 
 On Facebook, the Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas put out a statement in support of Chick-fil-A on his Facebook page. 
 
 Beyond politicians and religious leaders, conservatives took up Chick-fil-A’s defense, posting on Twitter in droves, urging people to support the restaurants and, in some cases, including images of themselves with sandwiches. 
 
 Give Chick-fil-a Your business. Support with your $$ to show Libs who the majority is n this nation. #tcot — di kele (@Pudingtane) 26 Jul 12 
 
 Or, as in this post, a photo of distributing chicken sandwiches to the homeless. 
 
 RT @Gunnerguy1911: Support Chick-fil-A and help the feed the homeless ——-> http://t.co/rP1fyL0U #DisruptTheNarrative. #TeaParty — kris (@Kriskxx) 26 Jul 12 
 
 In response to the criticizing of Chick-fil-A by city officials in Chicago, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, saying the company did not share the same values as the people of Chicago, this Twitter user directed his message to the mayor and a City Council member. 
 
 @Alderman_Moreno @RahmEmanuel At Chick-Fil-A on Chicago Avenue. Place is rocking. Stop by. #ChickFilA #tcot http://t.co/ST7FUGbH — Bad Mayo (@Bad_Mayo) 26 Jul 12 
 
 On the other side of the debate, people shared photos of protests at the food trucks — and warnings that those chicken sandwiches contain a lot of fat and cholesterol. 
 
 HRC protested Chick-fil-A’s new food truck in Washington, D.C. today. Here’s a great photo. http://t.co/thZvjTaL — The Advocate (@TheAdvocateMag) 26 Jul 12 
 
 Love conquers hate. Stand with @hrc against chick-fil-a. Sign the pledge: http://t.co/Gy04q7CT http://t.co/FOD4tGGC — HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) 26 Jul 12 
 
 Do not support chick-fil-a! They are against gay marriage. 
 
 Every dollar you spend there goes towards anti-gay social activist organizations — Jerry (@jboxer123) 26 Jul 12 
 
 Then, this advice: ||||| Gay rights activists and other supporters of marriage equality planned a national "Kiss In" at Chick-fil-A restaurants Friday to protest the fast-food chain owners' opposition to same-sex unions. 
 
 Gay marriage supporters, from left, Emmie Hesley, Cathy Dear and Amy Paffenroth hold signs in front of a Chick-fil-A in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Thursday Aug. 2, 2012, in protest of the chicken eatery's... (Associated Press) 
 
 Participants are encouraged to come to the fast-food chains and kiss a fellow demonstrator of the same sex. One organizer, Carly McGehee of Dallas, said she hopes the event helps gay youths "who feel isolated and are victims of bullying." 
 
 "Without question, Dan Cathy has every right to voice his opinions and beliefs," Herndon Graddick, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said in a statement. 
 
 "But he should meet and get to know the people that he's speaking out against - the people who are harmed by his company's multi-million dollar donations to anti-gay hate groups working to hurt everyday LGBT Americans and break apart loving families," Graddick said. 
 
 "LGBT" is an abbreviation for "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender." 
 
 The gatherings come two days after hundreds of thousands of customers, many of them conservative Christians, recognized "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" at more than 1,600 locations. 
 
 The company said in a statement the turnout Wednesday made for "an unprecedented day," although it says it doesn't release exact sales numbers. 
 
 "The Chick-fil-A culture and 66-year-old service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect - regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender," the statement said. 
 
 Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy stirred the controversy when he told a religious publication last month that the company was "guilty as charged" for backing "the biblical definition of a family." 
 
 In a later radio interview, Cathy said: "I think we are inviting God's judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, `We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.'" 
 
 The Southern Baptist Cathy family has long been known for using biblical principles to operate its business, including never opening the company's stores on Sundays.
– An Alabama lawmaker thinks it's important his state be on-record as supporting Phil Robertson (who is from Louisiana). Alabama state Sen. Jerry Fielding has written a resolution declaring that legislators "stand united" against A&E's "deplorable" decision to oust Robertson who "should be celebrated as a hero," the Daily Home reports. Fielding tells the paper that he believes A&E "bowed to pressures from liberal groups rather than respecting Robertson's biblically correct views," views he believes the "vast majority" of Alabamans hold. He'll introduce the resolution once the legislature assembles on Jan. 14. He's not the only one standing up for the embattled Duck Commander. A Facebook event has cropped up urging Robertson's supporters to dress in camouflage gear and eat at Chick-fil-A on Jan. 21, in what they're calling (wait for it) "Chick-Phil-A Day." As of this writing almost 59,000 have said they'll take part. The choice of venue is a nod to Chick-fil-A's own recent homophobia controversy—a post on the organization's page spotted by Fox Orlando urges followers to support "two of the biggest brands to have, in recent history, come under fire for sharing an opinion on personal faith-based beliefs." But the chain tells TMZ that the event "is in no way sponsored by or affiliated with Chick-fil-A." The event doesn't make clear who's behind it, but the BizPac Review reports that it's the work of LibertyNEWS co-founder Eric Odom.