Lately, there seems to be lots of hoopla focused on Dan Cathy, the COO of Chick-fil-A. People have taken photos of recent orders they have made at the popular chain restaurant to show their support for his views while others have threatened to pluck their dollars away from the Chick-fil-A altogether.

Well, I don’t care to publish my support or rejection of Cathy’s views. In fact, I don’t think anyone from Sampson County should either! Why? We don’t have a Chick-fil-A, and it doesn’t look like we are ever going to get one. So, why should we care?

I don’t know about you, but the political views of major chain restaurant owners have never phased me before. Hey, I couldn’t begin to tell you what church or synagogue the owner of McDonalds attends. Do I care? Not really. As long as I, the consumer, leave with a satisfied meal, I am happy. I do not need to know every detail of their views, but if they want to tell it, that is fine as well. I figure these people are private citizens, and they have every right to their opinion. I just don’t have to agree with it.

Now, as the daughter of the world’s greatest restaurant owner, I do get some insight into what a restaurant owner might think. I can tell you that if you bring up the issue of gay marriage during my mom’s lunch hour, you will not get an answer, just a sarcastic response. With a line of colorful words, she will tell you that there is bacon to be fried and not enough time for political rhetoric.

This no-nonsense approach of the restaurant business is something that my mom clings to during her busy work hours. My dad also has a similar point of view during his work hours as well. If there is work to be done, chit-chat, there will be none. However, I can safely say that they do have a point of view, but you have to be careful how you ask them. Timing is essential. If bacon is frying,, it is not time for answering life’s most important questions.

In conclusion, I think we should reconsider putting politics and religion into our chicken meals. If you want some more spice in your life, go ask my mom what she puts in her fried chicken. She will be glad to tell you the secret recipe, but I doubt you will ever hear her political views, at least not until the lunch hour is over.

(Editor’s note: Katie Holland can be reached by email at kt_sue2002@yahoo.com.)