KICKIN BACK

No physical labor yesterday, just a trip to Wally World for some groceries, and last minute Christmas shopping.  After the morning deluge, the rain was more off than on, with the sun coming back out later in the afternoon.  It was a day of  kickin back, and not doing much of anything, except some reading, while Miss Snoopy kept my lap warm.

On another subject, it looks like the politically correct folks have scored another victory with the A&E networks suspension of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson, regarding his remarks in an interview with GQ magazine.  The amount of publicity generated by Robertson comments, and A&E's action, is nothing short of amazing.  When this story was the lead on most of yesterdays news shows, it illustrates the media frenzy surrounding A&E's decision to at least temporarily remove Robertson from future filming of the hit TV show.

Despite Robertson's choice of clothing, and his redneck persona, he's not quite as unsophisticated as he appears, and has a masters degree in education from Louisiana Tech University.  In fact, he was a school teacher for a period of time after graduating from college.   Full disclosure..........I'm a big fan of the TV show, and find it not only entertaining, but refreshing, regarding it's emphasis on family values, and deep rooted faith.  I don't agree with all of Robertson's controversial statements in the magazine interview, but I strongly believe he has the right to state his opinion. 

Some of the bigger questions remain unanswered.   The amount of publicity generated by this story, will do nothing but increase the popularity of what is already the #1 TV show on cable television.  Since 9 out of the next seasons 10 episodes are already filmed, the effect of Robertson's suspension will not be realized until several months into 2014.  The Robertson family has already released a statement, that they can't imagine the show continuing without their patriarch.   I was further amazed that Duck Dynasty merchandise sales have topped the 400 million mark, so it's not like the family will be headed to the homeless shelter anytime soon.  Will the hit TV show continue with A&E, or, will the Robertson's be snatched up by another network, or, will they walk away entirely???  Stay tuned for the next episode!