Disney is losing its "tax loophole" (it really isn't a loophole, since the tax they pay doesn't change) as punishment for them stopping donations to the GOP in FL. Citizens United held that campaign contributions are a form of politically-protected speech, and FL is punishing a private entity because of it. Disney's public position on legislation is also protected speech under that same ruling. So it doesn't matter what the position is, or what the legislation is. It's an unconstitutional infringement of their rights, as determined by SCOTUS in that case.

That is literally the Democracy that you and other conservatives fought for across decades. Classifying political expenditures as protected speech and including all businesses and corporations in that.

I agree that this is an affront to Democracy, but the difference is I was actively criticizing this kind of thing my entire life, and you were actively defending the people who's express purpose was making it happen.

Both things passed. If the left wants to go to bat and defend Disney and whatever other corporate donations (oh the irony would be so delicious)let them take it to the SCOTUS. But for now the will of the people won.

Leftists and Liberals for 50 years: Hey guys, political donations are a massive conflict of interest and constantly increasing protections on corporations to let them influence more and more of our politics is probably a bad thing.

Conservatives: Why do you hate freedom?

Disney: Maybe don't be shitty to trans people

Conservatives: OMG WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT THAT'S A TOTAL AFFRONT TO DEMOCRACY AND WE MUST REMOVE ALL OF YOUR RIGHTS. STOP INTERFERRING WITH DEMOCRACY!

Plz see a doctor immediately you forgot to take your meds. I am worried for you

The left doesn't need to defend Disney. Disney will defend themselves using the laws that Republicans and Republican appointed justices created.

You made your bed. This is the future Republicans fought for since the 60's.

Times are changing my man, being pro-corporations and hawkish are cornerstones of the modern dem party.

Being pro-corporation is the cornerstone of both the Democratic and the Republican parties. As is fucking over the common person in the name of political power.

Which is why the left doesn't generally turn out for democrats.

Economically we've gone massively to the right and people like you were cheerleaders for it

There are a number of reasons for why it doesn't make sense to give Disney special privileges and tax advantaged status. Combined with the fact that Disney is not entitled to their incredibly unique, tax-advantaged state, there's plenty of room for discretion to be left to the state. In addition, it's not all that clear that there is a valid 1st amendment concern here. Disney's status is contingent on it benefiting the state. If the state's voters conclude that Disney is antithetical to their interests, it makes all the sense in the world to treat them like any other company. The tax issues here are secondary, the state will have to work through them. Perhaps Disney needs to pay more to keep their current status.



The Democratic party of old was an anti-Bush, anti-Cheney party. They fought against a Republican party led by that constituency for years. I have to wonder whether the perception of Bush/Cheney as great antagonists didn't lead to the present day Democratic party in over-valuing the worth of their present support. Democratic media has been hyping the Romney's and Cheney's of the world, all the while rehabilitating George W's legacy. The sense seems to be that this is a great score, the Republicans are split, and the old enemy is now our friend. All of this without recognizing that that particular faction of the Republican was always the junior partner of Protestant Evangelicalism, and is much smaller today than it was ~20 years back.

This post was edited by bogie160 on Apr 23 2022 01:10pm