Today's O-Town Sentinel ...

[WDW1974]

If someone would report it, it would be dealt with. Moderators don't read every single thread.

Not a criticism, M.

I wasn't even a part of the theatrics on said thread. But heard they were quite entertaining. I don't personally believe in reporting anything unless it is a troll/spammer or someone goes off the deep end. I think rules are more general guidelines myself ... but I'm sure everyone here drives the speed limit all the time too!

 

[WDW1974]

Disney is pouring money into political campaigns? Sigh, That really depresses me both considering the state of WDW and the corporate invasion of politics. I feel it is in Disney's best interest to stay out of politics because no matter which way they lean they might offend some of their customers.

Every company is involved. But Chik-Fil-A should be a very timely reminder that people don't like mixing politics with the products they enjoy. ... And Disney's 'friends' would make a great deal of its guests/fans/cast cringe.

 

[WDW1974]

You can't be a fortune 500 company without being in politics to some degree. It's just part of the game. From property issues, taxation issues, regulation, and in cases like Disney.. Tourism, advertising, etc.. you must be involved with at least your local and state politicians. The company doesn't live in a bubble.

True, but you can ya say the same about many of its online defenders?

 

[HenryMystic]

For those curious about the article, Jason Garcia just tweeted a link to it.

 

[HenryMystic]

Also, jeez, really likes to tweet @Jason_Garcia.

Well, Merfy is trying to light a fire under Garcia to actually do his job. I can't complain.

 

[WDWFigment]

Saw and read them both. Interesting and about the same topic to some degree.



Do you want me to send you a link? I only ask that it doesn't wind up here because then people will start discussing the topic and while I feel how Disney spends its/our money should be fair game here, I understand why it isn't. My issue is why the story was pulled and hidden. ... If you read it and want to know my opinion regarding what it states, I'll be happy to discuss via email, Tom.



I haven't watched the show basically because I want to see it from the start and I wasn't clued in on how good it was until midway thru its second season.

And since we are talking TV now, I'll say I am most excited about Revolution (coming this fall to NBC) and disappointed that The Walking Dead didn't get a best drama nom from the Academy (oh, and I wonder if Bob Iger will show up to meet the Spirit when ABC hosts the Primetime Emmys on Sunday, September 23rd from the Nokia Theater at LA Live! ... Maybe Eddie Sotto will throw a party nearby at Rivera and invite the Spirit too?)

I just read what I presume is the article (saw Garcia tweet a link) and it's interesting. I won't delve into my political beliefs here so as to make this discussion suitable for the forum, but here's what I think...

I'm not a fan of politics in general or our current campaign finance law (the Supreme Court screwed the pooch on that one in '76 and still hasn't fixed that), but what I see doesn't seem unreasonable as compared to what other companies do in the regular course of business. It seems unreasonable in general, but it's pretty much par for the course, unfortunately. Of course Disney has substantial interest in casino, litigation reform, and tourism lobbying. Spending the money on lobbying is probably (sadly) cost-effective in the long term because it pushes through legislation in their interests that allows them to save/increase revenue.

Again, I'm not agreeing with how the system works in the first place, just saying that what Disney does is ordinary and customary.

As for Breaking Bad, get Netflix streaming; the first four seasons are on there right now. Best show on TV (yep, better than The Walking Dead, Mad Men, Downton Abbey, etc--I haven't started watching Boardwalk Empire so I can't compare it to that). The last season is going to be two years long, so you'll be waiting a while for the whole series to wrap up.

 

[WDW1974]

For those curious about the article, Jason Garcia just tweeted a link to it.

Yes. ... Jason apparently had a very Spirited Sunday. The story is now online, although I didn't see it on the site until I put his name in the search box.

BUT ... and again, all my haters here and Pixie Dust snorters will ignore this, but it is key and telling that the story didn't hit the Sentinel website until it had a kicker quote ADDED to it from Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius. So it ran at least in the Sun Sentinel sans a Disney official's comment. And it ran while not being available on the website at all until a Spirited Brigade made it appear.

I would like to remind our community that the actual substance of the story is not a proper topic for the forums.

That said, in light of Chick-Fil-A's dramatic about face a week or so ago (man, I am happy because I love 'dem chicken sandwiches and waffle fries and creamy cole slaw) it is stunning and disheartening that of all companies, TWDC would put out the statement that it did to Jason that only serves to reinforce the company's position.

 

[WDW1974]

Impossible. It has been wiped from the web by the Disney Gestapo.

All I am going to say is I find your post and the use of the word Gestapo to be very misplaced and tasteless.

That word relates to one of the most evil events in the modern era and as someone who was at Dachau two months ago, I find it appallingly flippant that some Disney online punk can't think of a better way to insult and demean me other than by using a term that is equated with genocide.

I do understand words and I choose them very carefully, you should do likewise.

 

[WDW1974]

Well, Merfy is trying to light a fire under Garcia to actually do his job. I can't complain.

Garcia doesn't do it enough, frankly. Even on this topic, one would have to actually have knowledge of the situation (as I do), an interest really first, or do major research into the actual substance of the story. He's putting dots out there, but not connecting them.

It is unfortunate, but Jason seems to ride with the TDO posse.

If Merf can light a fire under him, then more power to him.

 

[JWG]

After all the build up, the article wasn't all that interesting. Every company in America gives to lobby groups. Some R and some D. Those who represent the business interests of the organization. Matter of fact, I frequently get e-mails to donate to my company's political action group. My guess is Disney has a similar program and some of the money is employee's and not strictly Disney's.

And '74, I'm both shocked and impressed. You took a stand against demeaning name calling and opinion bashing on the internet proving that there is in fact a line not to be crossed even in the world of anonymous messaging. I was at that same camp back in 1995. You're never quite the same after visiting one.

 

[HenryMystic]

Here's a Garcia article you can discuss here:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...gical-express-traffic-20120723,0,257571.story

 

[c-one]

All of this article-which-must-not-be-named silliness is getting out of hand. Is this the article in question? http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...0722-1_1_senate-district-tip-scales-primaries

 

[Timekeeper]

Money spent on anything other than fixing the yeti (regardless of political implications) is money spent on something other than fixing the yeti. That spending can be justified in terms of future monetary benefits, but are those future benefits really going to be reinvested back into something like, say, the yeti? I won't hold my breath. Disney has been spending money in "political" ways forever, so we should presumably already be seeing the benefits of that past spending, but the yeti remains lifeless.

It seems like once the money is thrown into this political cycle, it stays in that cycle, in perpetuity.

 

[WDW1974]

I just read what I presume is the article (saw Garcia tweet a link) and it's interesting. I won't delve into my political beliefs here so as to make this discussion suitable for the forum, but here's what I think...

I'm not a fan of politics in general or our current campaign finance law (the Supreme Court screwed the pooch on that one in '76 and still hasn't fixed that), but what I see doesn't seem unreasonable as compared to what other companies do in the regular course of business. It seems unreasonable in general, but it's pretty much par for the course, unfortunately. Of course Disney has substantial interest in casino, litigation reform, and tourism lobbying. Spending the money on lobbying is probably (sadly) cost-effective in the long term because it pushes through legislation in their interests that allows them to save/increase revenue.

Again, I'm not agreeing with how the system works in the first place, just saying that what Disney does is ordinary and customary.

As for Breaking Bad, get Netflix streaming; the first four seasons are on there right now. Best show on TV (yep, better than The Walking Dead, Mad Men, Downton Abbey, etc--I haven't started watching Boardwalk Empire so I can't compare it to that). The last season is going to be two years long, so you'll be waiting a while for the whole series to wrap up.

Tom, I agree with much of what you said above, but don't want to take the discussion into an area where people would yell 'Politics. Close that Mother!' ... so if you want to discuss any specifics of why I might have an issue with where Disney is buying people elections, feel free to email (as always). Oh, and what Disney is doing is certainly not abnormal, especially since the Supreme Court ruled that companies are people too (you really want to know why I hate the legal system in this country?!) and can give as much as they please to get folks elected or keep others from being elected.

As to Breaking Bad, I well know from friends in the industry how good it is. I'm just going to watch it all in a row. I have to admit to having no interest in Boardwalk Empire (maybe if it was Disney's Boardwalk Empire?) ... friends love it though. ... But I also can't get into Mad Men either and I've tried numerous times. It looks great, but I just don't feel anything for the characters.

 

[WDW1974]

Here's a Garcia article you can discuss here:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...gical-express-traffic-20120723,0,257571.story

Now, that is more typical.

And a waste of newsprint. Why should I care that DME dropped one percent from January-June 2011 to the same period in 2012. That's 11,000 people. Not very significant sign of anything. I honestly wonder how that paper determines what is news when it comes to the the local parks and resorts beat. I could come up with five immediate news pieces and about 15 enterprise pieces tomorrow ... but I don't have the job.

 

[Jason_Garcia]

Hi folks,

Wanted to weigh in on this thread because it involves a subject -- the intersection of business and politics -- that I feel very strongly about.

The specific article in question was a look at how Florida's business lobby and individual companies (such as Disney) are working to tip the scales this year in the Florida Senate. I believe it posted late Sunday night on our website and ran in the hard copy of the paper on Monday. Generally speaking, that's our SOP -- stories are posted online the afternoon or evening before they appear in print. I think the confusion stems from the fact that the story ran in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel first, which occasionally happens since we share content. But there was no grand conspiracy to keep the story off the Sentinel's website. At least none that I'm aware of.

Second, someone mentioned the kicker quote from the Disney spokesman. That was in the story from the very first draft. The Sun-Sentinel may have cut it from its editions because of space constraints. But it wasn't something we went back and added in as some sort of capitulation to Disney.

More broadly, as someone who tries to keep tabs on these forums, I know my coverage of Disney sometimes leaves something to be desired for some of you. I understand that. There's a nearly infinite number of possible stories to pursue with Disney and the theme-park industry, but only a finite number that any one person can write. Each of us would likely approach things a little differently based on our interests, our background, etc.

That said, one of the areas I've chosen to focus most aggressively on is covering the company's campaign and lobbying operations. That's partly because I spent a few years covering the Florida Legislature and Governor's Office for the Sentinel, so I have some familiarity with that world. But it's primarily because I feel incredibly strongly that newspapers should do their very best to ensure there is a public discussion whenever a business or an interest group tries to influence public policy.

For anyone interested in this particular area of coverage, I've posted a number of links to stories I've written over the last few years looking at Disney through this lens -- who it gives money to and what it wants. This is a sampling; there have also been many more shorter stories and blog posts. I've also written a number of similar stories about other businesses (Universal, SeaWorld, Darden, Publix and CSX, to name a few) and the broader Florida business lobby (which obviously Disney is a big part of).

If any of you have criticisms about these stories or any others I write -- or if you want to suggest different story ideas about Disney that you think I should pursue -- please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5414 or @Jason_Garcia. Part of this job is hearing and learning from people who would cover this beat differently than I would.

jason

-- Changes cut Disney's tax bill $1.8 million over 2 years (March 31, 2012): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...331_1_theme-parks-land-value-disney-officials

-- Disney, sports boosters seek $1 million for soccer incentives (March 1, 2012): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...1_soccer-teams-sports-boosters-training-camps

-- Disney, International Speedway lobbying for millions in tax breaks (Jan. 14, 2012): http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-isc-tax-breaks-20120114,0,528973.story

-- Biggest foe of expanded gambling in Florida: Disney (Nov. 11, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...-casino-license-disney-spokesman-mike-griffin

-- Critics say Disney, Florida Chamber are too close (Oct. 27, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...-global-theme-park-division-walt-disney-world

-- Loophole lets theme parks cut tax bills (May 5, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...0525_1_tax-bills-theme-parks-disney-vacations

-- Disney balks at bill to shield vacation rentals from local laws (April 18, 2011): http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/ne...-shield-vacation-rentals-from-local-laws.html

-- Disney seeks contract-law exemption (Jan. 26, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...6_1_travel-agents-disney-vacations-businesses

-- Disney's campaign spending takes off (Sept. 19, 2010): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...910_1_big-checks-disney-world-disney-entities

-- Tourism industry seeks again to reinstate parental waives (Feb. 18, 2010): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...aivers-tourism-industry-state-s-trial-lawyers

-- Time shares to state: Help us spark buying (April 3, 2009): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...hares03_1_westgate-resorts-share-disney-world

-- Resorts host politicos for free (Feb. 24, 2008): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...24_1_disney-and-universal-disney-yacht-resort

 

[jt04]

Hi folks,

Wanted to weigh in on this thread because it involves a subject -- the intersection of business and politics -- that I feel very strongly about.

The specific article in question was a look at how Florida's business lobby and individual companies (such as Disney) are working to tip the scales this year in the Florida Senate. I believe it posted late Sunday night on our website and ran in the hard copy of the paper on Monday. Generally speaking, that's our SOP -- stories are posted online the afternoon or evening before they appear in print. I think the confusion stems from the fact that the story ran in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel first, which occasionally happens since we share content. But there was no grand conspiracy to keep the story off the Sentinel's website. At least none that I'm aware of.

Second, someone mentioned the kicker quote from the Disney spokesman. That was in the story from the very first draft. The Sun-Sentinel may have cut it from its editions because of space constraints. But it wasn't something we went back and added in as some sort of capitulation to Disney.

More broadly, as someone who tries to keep tabs on these forums, I know my coverage of Disney sometimes leaves something to be desired for some of you. I understand that. There's a nearly infinite number of possible stories to pursue with Disney and the theme-park industry, but only a finite number that any one person can write. Each of us would likely approach things a little differently based on our interests, our background, etc.

That said, one of the areas I've chosen to focus most aggressively on is covering the company's campaign and lobbying operations. That's partly because I spent a few years covering the Florida Legislature and Governor's Office for the Sentinel, so I have some familiarity with that world. But it's primarily because I feel incredibly strongly that newspapers should do their very best to ensure there is a public discussion whenever a business or an interest group tries to influence public policy.

For anyone interested in this particular area of coverage, I've posted a number of links to stories I've written over the last few years looking at Disney through this lens -- who it gives money to and what it wants. This is a sampling; there have also been many more shorter stories and blog posts. I've also written a number of similar stories about other businesses (Universal, SeaWorld, Darden, Publix and CSX, to name a few) and the broader Florida business lobby (which obviously Disney is a big part of).

If any of you have criticisms about these stories or any others I write -- or if you want to suggest different story ideas about Disney that you think I should pursue -- please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5414 or @Jason_Garcia. Part of this job is hearing and learning from people who would cover this beat differently than I would.

jason

-- Changes cut Disney's tax bill $1.8 million over 2 years (March 31, 2012): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...331_1_theme-parks-land-value-disney-officials

-- Disney, sports boosters seek $1 million for soccer incentives (March 1, 2012): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...1_soccer-teams-sports-boosters-training-camps

-- Disney, International Speedway lobbying for millions in tax breaks (Jan. 14, 2012): http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-isc-tax-breaks-20120114,0,528973.story

-- Biggest foe of expanded gambling in Florida: Disney (Nov. 11, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...-casino-license-disney-spokesman-mike-griffin

-- Critics say Disney, Florida Chamber are too close (Oct. 27, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...-global-theme-park-division-walt-disney-world

-- Loophole lets theme parks cut tax bills (May 5, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...0525_1_tax-bills-theme-parks-disney-vacations

-- Disney balks at bill to shield vacation rentals from local laws (April 18, 2011): http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/ne...-shield-vacation-rentals-from-local-laws.html

-- Disney seeks contract-law exemption (Jan. 26, 2011): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...6_1_travel-agents-disney-vacations-businesses

-- Disney's campaign spending takes off (Sept. 19, 2010): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...910_1_big-checks-disney-world-disney-entities

-- Tourism industry seeks again to reinstate parental waives (Feb. 18, 2010): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...aivers-tourism-industry-state-s-trial-lawyers

-- Time shares to state: Help us spark buying (April 3, 2009): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...hares03_1_westgate-resorts-share-disney-world

-- Resorts host politicos for free (Feb. 24, 2008): http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...24_1_disney-and-universal-disney-yacht-resort

Could you post a link to the most recent article that has caused the reaction here?

 

[Nemo14]

Thank you, Jason, for the clarification.

 

[jt04]

Could you post a link to the most recent article that has caused the reaction here?

Hmmm. Been 20 minutes so I will take that as a "no".

Can we also expect an in-depth exposé in the near future on the sources of money going to the other side of the political fence Jason? This seems all a bit one-sided at this point. At least mostly so. I am sure that would be very interesting also.

 

[Jason_Garcia]

Hmmm. Been 20 minutes so I will take that as a "no".

Can we also expect an in-depth exposé in the near future on the sources of money going to the other side of the political fence Jason? This seems all a bit one-sided at this point. At least mostly so. I am sure that would be very interesting also.

Apologies, for not hanging by the computer to immediately respond to you. The Monday story is here: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...0722-1_1_senate-district-tip-scales-primaries

As to your other question, it depends on what you mean by "the other side." If you mean, the Florida Democratic Party vs. the Republican Party of Florida, the stories I (or anyone else at the Sentinel) writes about campaign contributions will typically include donations to the Democrats, as well. You can see that in the stories I linked to dealing with Disney contributions, as well, for that matter, as the Monday story, which begins by focusing on some Democratic state Senate primaries. But understand: The sums are vastly higher for Florida Republicans -- who control majorities in both chambers of the Legislature and the Governor's Office right now -- and the stories obviously reflect that.

If you mean competing lobbies -- such as trial lawyers or rival businesses -- you can find many examples of similar stories in the Sentinel, though, naturally, they're typically written by reporters on those particular beats. Just off the top of my head, we ran a series last year looking at lawyers winning enormous legal fees in tiny car-insurance disputes, which preceded this year's legislation overhauling personal-injury protection insurance. Just a couple of months ago, we wrote an incredibly in-depth story looking at insurance/legal fraud alleged by State Farm against some of Orlando's most prominent law firms. And you will find many, many stories examining the campaign contributions and lobbying efforts undertaken in Florida over the last year or so by Genting, Las Vegas Sands and other casino operators, whom Disney obviously opposes.