I never watch Duck Dynasty. I don't know who Phil Robertson is. I only read the articles.
What I see is that Phil Robertson has every constitutional right to express his beliefs, but constitutional rights protect every American citizen from government interference or prosecution. "Duck Dynasty" is a show owned by A&E. A&E are a private entity, they can drop him from their show for any reason they want.
I watched a video. It appears CNN took a context out of Phil Robertson's quote. CNN cut that part, "there is an old saying in the south." He even said to get your parents' consent first. He's advising this to a young man about 20 and not someone his age. He married his 16 year old wife in his time, and they're still married now.
I'm biased. The society in America has been changed abruptly since the beginning of the Digital Era. In the early 90s, I was 16 years old and went out with my 21 years old date many times. No one complained about it at the time. No, that wasn't a Southern thing. My parents let me date him after he asked them for permission. I know a few friends who got married at 17 and 18 years old, and they're still married today. They all have education, jobs, and children. My adopted aunt was married at 16, and has teen children with her husband. Their children speak more than two languages. She is a professional chef. My niece was married at 19, and graduated with honors from a prestigious university. She is in PA program becoming a PA. My dad is almost 20 years older than my mom. Oh, yeah, they still do get plenty of bullied and criticized for getting married too young. The way we get treated badly is unfair because of too many reports on teen pregnancy, child pornography, sexual child abuse constantly in this society. We don't have any of those issues.
That's my two cents.
