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Originally Posted by golfing eagles
And you would be WRONG
Disney’s mission statement is “to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.
There is no mention of obligation to speak out or venture into a political stance favoring a small minority that objects to a law that an overwhelming majority of people favor. It is NOT a free speech issue, it is NOT a democratic issue, it is simply the scope of what a publicly held corporation should and should not be involved in.
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Corporations have a history of taking stands on issues they find important, and it is becoming more commonplace as research shows the younger generation prefers to do business with companies that take social stands they believe in. I agree that Disney had an obligation to stand up for the rights and safety of its thousands of employees who are LGBTQ. Be that as it may, the bill was sponsored and passed by the legislature, obviously in retribution, without full disclosure or even understanding of its implications, a knee-jerk reaction if you will.
The debt service for this district is well over one billion dollars. Who is going to take over the bond payments for the infrastructure? Roadway maintenance? Emergency services? Building inspections? This could end up being a tremendous burden on the taxpayers.
This special district was originally set up as a win-win for both the state and for Disney. Disney took over uninhabited land that was just swamp and pasture, invested enormous amounts of money and provided services like roads, power, and water, and ultimately brought millions of tourists to Florida. The economic benefit to Florida is huge and showcases a prosperous business/government partnership. In recent years, Disney has gone above and beyond in giving back to the state. They have plans for a new 80 acre affordable housing development. They had plans to move 2000 jobs from California to Florida at a new Florida campus. They gave $500,000 to the food bank of Central Florida. $500,000 to Toys for Tots....
But dissolution of this partnership could have devastating effects for the state. The counties where the district lies could end up being liable for roads, fire protection, waste management, paying off debts, etc. There really is no precedent for this government retaliation, and the powers that be may find that it backfires on them. Attacking the state's largest employer, coupled with the recent debacle of banning 40% of math textbooks makes Florida looks like a bunch of ignorant wing nuts.