DeSantis eyes Disney district takeover

[NewOrleans]

what. the. fuck. (I don’t care if Disney has its own district or whatever, but the bolded!!! and also isn’t this like the government tyranny stuff that we are supposed to have uprisings about or no?

After stripping Disney of its special governing powers last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis now says that he wants the state to take over the government body that has overseen the entertainment company's Orlando-area theme parks for half a century.

DeSantis, a Republican, told reporters Monday that it is fairer for other businesses if the state controls the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the special district that, since 1967, has essentially allowed the Walt Disney Company to control the land around its properties.

"The path forward is Disney will not control its own government in the state of Florida," DeSantis said. "Disney will have to follow the same laws that every other company has to follow the state of Florida. They will pay their fair share in taxes."

amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/05/16/politics/florida-disney-special-district-ron-desantis/index.html

[mcsangel2]

Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. The state will pay way more in services, that Disney currently covers themselves, than they'll get in taxes if they're taxed like any other company.

[biscoffcookies]

It’s all a big performance act. They don’t care about the legality or the cost — it’s all about making other companies think twice before they speak out or withdraw campaign contributions.

I hate this timeline so much.

[underwaterrhymes]

He is totally off the rails.

Everything he’s doing is part of his larger game plan to run for President in 2024.

[NewOrleans]

I mean this question in all sincerity with no sarcasm. The bakery case in the SCOTUS case (fucking Kennedy)… the ruling agreed cake was speech, and to have to bake the cake would be compelled speech because he would be affirming beliefs he disagreed with or some shit. IfDisney were so inclined, would they have a legal leg to stand on here that the government is punishing them for their speech?

[ECB]

May 16, 2022 18:01:10 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. The state will pay way more in services, that Disney currently covers themselves, than they'll get in taxes if they're taxed like any other company.

This is the thing!!  FL residents will be picking up the tab for all this!  I wish they realized this. 

[rubytue]

May 16, 2022 18:07:52 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

I mean this question in all sincerity with no sarcasm. The bakery case in the SCOTUS case (fucking Kennedy)… the ruling agreed cake was speech, and to have to bake the cake would be compelled speech because he would be affirming beliefs he disagreed with or some shit. IfDisney were so inclined, would they have a legal leg to stand on here that the government is punishing them for their speech?

Wouldn’t citizens united be another leg in the case. Corporations are people who speak with money?

[underwaterrhymes]

May 16, 2022 18:22:05 GMT -5 ECB said:

May 16, 2022 18:01:10 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. The state will pay way more in services, that Disney currently covers themselves, than they'll get in taxes if they're taxed like any other company.

This is the thing!!  FL residents will be picking up the tab for all this!  I wish they realized this. 

That’s because it affects Osceola and Orange counties, both of which largely did not vote for him. These residents realize it and very much care.

[clairebear]

I'm local-ish to this (in a neighboring county) and hate that he's pulling a stunt. Because that's what it is. Disney does pay taxes. Disney also pays for their own public services, none of which the surrounding counties can afford to absorb. There is also the issue that Disney has an outstanding 1 billion bond debt which would need to be paid by the state if their district is dissolved. DeSantis had to have known that prior to making this annoucement, so either it's a stunt or he's just dumb. He's gotten a lot of positive attention and support from his supporters. He also had a record breaking fundraiser quarter which to me, is what this really was all about.  

[neverfstop]

From the commentary that I have seen, this can NOT be done. They can't dissolve the district until they pay the outstanding debts....something like $1B in bonds. It's a stunt and unlikely to go anywhere, except generate thousands of billable hours for lawyers. Somebody compared it to a frivolous lawsuit to get attention.

[susiebw]

May 16, 2022 18:24:09 GMT -5 rubytue said:

May 16, 2022 18:07:52 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

I mean this question in all sincerity with no sarcasm. The bakery case in the SCOTUS case (fucking Kennedy)… the ruling agreed cake was speech, and to have to bake the cake would be compelled speech because he would be affirming beliefs he disagreed with or some shit. IfDisney were so inclined, would they have a legal leg to stand on here that the government is punishing them for their speech?

Wouldn’t citizens united be another leg in the case. Corporations are people who speak with money?

These two things are what is fascinating me about this whole situation.  Along with that line in the law about the state covering the debt before they can dissolve the district. (sorry, I forgot who brought that up)

The government lawyer in me is wondering how we even got to this point given these three things.  But especially that one line in the law.

[underwaterrhymes]

May 16, 2022 18:43:45 GMT -5 clairebear said:

I'm local-ish to this (in a neighboring county) and hate that he's pulling a stunt. Because that's what it is. Disney does pay taxes. Disney also pays for their own public services, none of which the surrounding counties can afford to absorb. There is also the issue that Disney has an outstanding 1 billion bond debt which would need to be paid by the state if their district is dissolved. DeSantis had to have known that prior to making this annoucement, so either it's a stunt or he's just dumb. He's gotten a lot of positive attention and support from his supporters. He also had a record breaking fundraiser quarter which to me, is what this really was all about.  

Yep yep yep. It’s all about optics to his base. He’s angling for the presidency. If Crist wins (I don’t think Nikki Fried is a contender), he won’t even play around anymore. He’s going all out on the campaign trail.

[carmenere]

May 16, 2022 18:07:52 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

I mean this question in all sincerity with no sarcasm. The bakery case in the SCOTUS case (fucking Kennedy)… the ruling agreed cake was speech, and to have to bake the cake would be compelled speech because he would be affirming beliefs he disagreed with or some shit. IfDisney were so inclined, would they have a legal leg to stand on here that the government is punishing them for their speech?

If it walks like a first amendment violation and it quacks like a first amendment violation...

Disney definitely has legal grounds to challenge this but it will definitely have a chilling effect on corporate activism. Funny how the GOP has been happy to accept corporate donations for decades but suddenly has a problem with businesses getting involved in politics. But DeSantis dgaf how it plays out in the long run, he is grandstanding for his own political ambitions.

[bcv513]

This guy is way scarier to me than Trump. He has all the same "values" but is way more diabolical and dangerous.

[mcppalmbeach]

May 17, 2022 9:44:40 GMT -5 carmenere said:

May 16, 2022 18:07:52 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

I mean this question in all sincerity with no sarcasm. The bakery case in the SCOTUS case (fucking Kennedy)… the ruling agreed cake was speech, and to have to bake the cake would be compelled speech because he would be affirming beliefs he disagreed with or some shit. IfDisney were so inclined, would they have a legal leg to stand on here that the government is punishing them for their speech?

If it walks like a first amendment violation and it quacks like a first amendment violation...

Disney definitely has legal grounds to challenge this but it will definitely have a chilling effect on corporate activism. Funny how the GOP has been happy to accept corporate donations for decades but suddenly has a problem with businesses getting involved in politics. But DeSantis dgaf how it plays out in the long run, he is grandstanding for his own political ambitions.

Lord help us that those are the two front running democrats.

[waverly]

May 17, 2022 10:10:22 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

This guy is way scarier to me than Trump. He has all the same "values" but is way more diabolical and dangerous.

Really?  Would he instigate an insurrection and try to take over the government to be a dictator?  I mean he sucks, but worse than Trump is a whole other level.  Everyone said Pence was worse than Trump but at least Pence stood up in the 11th hour for democracy.  Please don't think I am endorsing Pence by that comment. 

[sonrisa]

Trump doesn't have any "values." It's all about narcissism and psychopathy with him. He backs those "values" and people because they have benefitted him. And he thinks everyone else operates like him. 

But it can get scarier than Trump. Look at Putin. So much more public self control. Much better understanding of other people and of how his country functions. More effective. Terrible person.

Who is our Putin? Is it DeSantis?

[NewOrleans]

May 17, 2022 13:18:26 GMT -5 waverly said:

May 17, 2022 10:10:22 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

This guy is way scarier to me than Trump. He has all the same "values" but is way more diabolical and dangerous.

Really?  Would he instigate an insurrection and try to take over the government to be a dictator?  I mean he sucks, but worse than Trump is a whole other level.  Everyone said Pence was worse than Trump but at least Pence stood up in the 11th hour for democracy.  Please don't think I am endorsing Pence by that comment. 

I have no opinion on whether DT is more horrifying than this guy because that’s like trying to rank demons in hell to me, but the answer to your question is absolutely and unequivocally.

[bronxgirl]

Not only would DeSantis do all the horrible things that Trump does if it will help him get ahead, he can also do them more effectively. He's leagues smarter than Trump and has better self control about not blurting things out. He's evil and he's dangerous.

[Deleted]

May 17, 2022 16:18:44 GMT -5 bronxgirl said:

Not only would DeSantis do all the horrible things that Trump does if it will help him get ahead, he can also do them more effectively. He's leagues smarter than Trump and has better self control about not blurting things out. He's evil and he's dangerous.

This. And OMG the Rs down here think he walks on water. Even people who are lukewarm on Trump think that DeSantis can “save America.” He’s smart, savvy, and knows how to work the system. He’s really dangerous.

[abs]

May 17, 2022 16:18:44 GMT -5 bronxgirl said:

Not only would DeSantis do all the horrible things that Trump does if it will help him get ahead, he can also do them more effectively. He's leagues smarter than Trump and has better self control about not blurting things out. He's evil and he's dangerous.

One million percent.

If the all the crazy conspiracy believing Q people want DeSantis as the next president then I am definitely very worried. He would absolutely want to be a dictator. I really think Democrats (in general—not here) underestimate the craziness out there.

[gardengal]

May 17, 2022 16:27:21 GMT -5 @villainv said:

May 17, 2022 16:18:44 GMT -5 bronxgirl said:

Not only would DeSantis do all the horrible things that Trump does if it will help him get ahead, he can also do them more effectively. He's leagues smarter than Trump and has better self control about not blurting things out. He's evil and he's dangerous.

This. And OMG the Rs down here think he walks on water. Even people who are lukewarm on Trump think that DeSantis can “save America.” He’s smart, savvy, and knows how to work the system. He’s really dangerous.

My mother, life long Republican & conservative, as well as living in De Santis’ hometown, is terrified of what the man can accomplish. Initially she was really excited he was gov but now will not vote for any politician that endorses him or he endorses. Meanwhile, everyone else is completely like you describe. He’s the savior!

He’s absolutely as dangerous as Trump, if not more so given he is intelligent & he’s younger (so more time for damage).

[cous0226]

I agree that he’s dangerous. A few months back I had seen a poll where he was 2nd under Trump in polling. I could see people voting for him because they think Trump is a loose cannon but can still get all the horrid R agenda and more with Desantis.

[erbear]

May 17, 2022 10:10:22 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

This guy is way scarier to me than Trump. He has all the same "values" but is way more diabolical and dangerous.

And an actual epic asshole to boot. I went to college with him. He was an asshole with privilege then and he’s an asshole with power now.

[mcppalmbeach]

May 17, 2022 16:27:21 GMT -5 @villainv said:

May 17, 2022 16:18:44 GMT -5 bronxgirl said:

Not only would DeSantis do all the horrible things that Trump does if it will help him get ahead, he can also do them more effectively. He's leagues smarter than Trump and has better self control about not blurting things out. He's evil and he's dangerous.

This. And OMG the Rs down here think he walks on water. Even people who are lukewarm on Trump think that DeSantis can “save America.” He’s smart, savvy, and knows how to work the system. He’s really dangerous.

I have a “friend” on Facebook who is a realtor and a toxic Trumper. She posts every time someone calls her office wanting to move from another state “because of our wonderful governor.” It is extremely disturbing how many times she has posted something like this.

[bronxgirl]

May 17, 2022 19:28:02 GMT -5 erbear said:

May 17, 2022 10:10:22 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

This guy is way scarier to me than Trump. He has all the same "values" but is way more diabolical and dangerous.

And an actual epic asshole to boot. I went to college with him. He was an asshole with privilege then and he’s an asshole with power now.

he sounds like another Ted Cruz.  As if one wasn't bad enough.

[DarcyLongfellow]

I absolutely agree that DeSantis is way scarier than Trump. He terrifies me. At least Trump wore his crazy out in the open. DeSantis knows how to control himself in public. He is just as evil as Trump, but he's smarter (he did go to Harvard Law), so he knows how to manipulate people to get what he wants. Don't forget this is the man who made a political ad when he was running for governor where he and his wife were sitting on a couch with their child and DeSantis taught that child to chant, "build the wall." 😳

The number of people rushing to move to Florida because of him is scary. I'm afraid we'll now be solidly red instead of purple. My only hope (for the governor's race) is that enough of these people were too lazy to remember to register to vote.

[mrsukyankee]

I had to stop following a whiskey group because of how much they were celebrating people moving to Texas and Florida all because of those in charge and the rules they were putting in place. The white cis male macho thing was ruining my enjoyment too much.

[formerlyak]

If enough people move out of “purple” states and into Texas and Florida, can the electoral college work in our favor? Wishful thinking? 😩

[litebright]

May 17, 2022 16:36:01 GMT -5 abs said:

May 17, 2022 16:18:44 GMT -5 bronxgirl said:

Not only would DeSantis do all the horrible things that Trump does if it will help him get ahead, he can also do them more effectively. He's leagues smarter than Trump and has better self control about not blurting things out. He's evil and he's dangerous.

One million percent.

If the all the crazy conspiracy believing Q people want DeSantis as the next president then I am definitely very worried. He would absolutely want to be a dictator. I really think Democrats (in general—not here) underestimate the craziness out there.

I read this piece yesterday, and I agree that most people don't (and don't want to) know just how bad it is getting. 

www.huffpost.com/entry/far-right-idaho_n_628277e2e4b0c84db7282bd6?29e