DeSantis vs. Disney

Looks like the plan is to repeal the law after Disney demonstrates “good behavior.” And proclaim victory. No matter what Disney says or does. So long as it helps DeSantis in November and beyond.

 

Not appearing intimidated into bigotry


But Disney this week started marketing and promoting merchandise under the name “Pride Collection” for the first time, a big branding move for a company that has become a conservative target for its support of LGBTQ+ rights.

Profits from sales of T-shirts, Mickey Mouse ears, plush toys and other souvenirs in the newly branded collection will be donated to a select group of LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations through the end of June, the company said.

The move comes as Disney faces mounting criticism and scorn from conservative lawmakers and others who say the company has an oversized influence on children, and American culture at large, and is pushing a progressive agenda they oppose.

In a first, Disney calls merch ‘Pride Collection’ - Tampa Bay Times

 

Still not seeming intimidated. Perhaps unwise as this Governor seems pretty intent on being hateful and unjust.

After a three-year coronavirus-induced hiatus, Gay Days returned to Orlando on Thursday as Pride Month begins nationwide and debate continues over Florida’s so-called “don’t say gay” law.

The annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, which traditionally includes a visit to Walt Disney World, takes on a new meaning this year after Disney attracted widespread criticism for its response to legislation that banned discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.


Disney bought an ad in Gay Days’ magazine featuring photos of a person wearing rainbow Mickey ears and gay and lesbian couples enjoying the parks. The ad begins with the line, “To all that come to this happy place, Welcome!” It’s a quote from Walt Disney’s 1955 dedication speech for Disneyland.

“During Pride Month and throughout the year, we want everyone at Walt Disney World Resort to feel seen and celebrated not only because of the environment we create, but also because of our meaningful contributions to the community,” Disney spokesperson Andrea Finger told the Orlando Sentinel in a statement.


Gay Days returns to Disney World - Tampa Bay Times

 

He blew his wad. No more bullets. That's why it was stupid to actually pull the trigger. Nothing left to leverage, so he has to pick up the spent shells in order to re-load (albeit with obvious blanks). It was a great bluff, to be played as such, not to actually lay money on it, then call.

As I've said before, Ronny D is a mixed bag. In some things he's been aces, others, not so much.

IMHO, he was solid with Covid.

With education, I do not know what to make of his policies--certainly not on board with paying first time teachers more than those with decades of experience--I can't even fathom the calculus involved there....

Disney IMO, was out of line sticking their nose in this issue and running smack and deserved to be put in their place--but that could have been accomplished by a shot across the bow, not a shot to one's own foot to spite one's hand.

jmho/fwiw.

 

Haven't read the $109.9 Billion state budget just signed by DeSantis. Was there an appropriation for running RCID?

 

The Gulf States joining Ron and perhaps cross pollinating ideas to protect the youth. Phobes rule!

 

Posted in another thread I think, but belongs here.

more winning.

Disney Delays Moving Thousands Of Jobs To Florida Until 2026 Amid Ongoing Feud – Deadline

 

telling the worlds largest cooperations that their tax status and other benefits in the state are at the whim of how the governor feels that day is beyond dumb, no companies will want to move there, and some that are there now are probably looking for exit plans.
But Ron doesn’t care, he will be running for President in a few months and can tell all the conservatives how tough he was on some corporate gay lovers.

 

Desantis is an absolute moron. This is like a father punishing his son by deciding to pay the lease on his car but still let him drive it. Good one Dumbo Ron.

 

I'll just leave this here and see what you all think about this... Is it rare?

Pa. Drag Queen Charged w/ 25 Counts of Kiddie Porn - Headline USA

 

Can you explain what it has to do with Disney or DeSantis?

 

Maybe Dennis Hastert was a drag queen?

 

Do you have any proof that DeSantis is a drag queen?

 

Desantis will be re-elected in a landslide.

 

Last time I checked, Ron is term limited. Disney has a longer shelf life in FL with jobs and economic impact. Ron really wins nothing but political points.

 

Subscribe to read | Financial Times

Florida lawmakers are working on plans to reverse a move that would strip Disney of its right to operate a private government around its theme parks, potentially resolving the fallout from the “Don’t Say Gay” controversy that dragged the entertainment giant into the culture wars.

In April, the Florida legislature voted to dissolve Disney’s 55-year-old special tax district following a public feud between Ron DeSantis, the state’s governor, and then-chief executive Bob Chapek over a new state law restricting discussion of LGBTQ issues in classrooms.

The set-up allows Disney to tax itself to cover the costs of providing water, power, roads and fire services in the area, known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The special district is seen as essential for the theme park operator to maintain high standards for visitors.

However, state lawmakers are working on a compromise that would allow Disney to keep the arrangement largely in place with a few modifications. Some believe the return of Bob Iger as CEO last month will help pave they way for a resolution, according to people briefed on the plan.

 

Good find. Makes me wonder about the “modifications”

 

I have seen a few places say that it may just be superficial changes to make both Disney and Florida look good in the end. Desantis wanted to originally take control of the whole thing, but they will most likely just change some wording in the charter that won't make any difference for how it is run by Reedy.

I also saw where a quiet approach would be to get Disney to agree to put a couple state reps on the Reedy board, but honestly, with what Iger has said the last week or so, I see the wordage change being the only thing that happens, if even that. He has really diffused the situation and said all of the right things for both sides (the state and his employees). Which is what a real leader should do.

Chapek was awful and dealt with everything wrong from start to firing, not just the Florida bill, but actually running the corporation, etc.

 

Very well said. Their low-key approach seems to have been the smartest way to diffuse the situation and let him feel like he did not have to do something rash to prove his point. A sad development overall. I was very frustrated with other aspects of Chapek's leadership. There are a lot of other challenges, to my limited understanding. I'm not sure anyone's figured out the right emphasis between trying to get the largest streaming subscriber base and remain profitable with their other properties. It will be interesting to watch.