Political Donations

[Lisa loves Pooh]

First of all, I think you need to calm down - why the hysteria?

I don't care what other people do with their paychecks, and I don't care to whom they donate. But just as they have a right to spend as they see fit, I have a right to spend as I see fit. And if I choose to not spend my money in a way that might help causes with which I disagree, so what? How is that any different than someone giving money to a cause with which they do agree?



No, I wouldn't, but then again, that's not what I'm doing.






Again, why the hysteria? Of course what he did was legal, and of course I have zero control and say over anyone's paycheck. However, I do have control and say over my paycheck, and when feasible, I choose not to direct that money towards places that might support causes with which I disagree.

Why do you assume I am hysterical?

Geesh.

The OP was the one hysterical here. They were the one that said they should not be allowed at all--which is quite different from what you are saying and I agree with.

ETA: From what I understand you are paid with tax dollars--so is the american public allowed to withhold money from you if we don't like what you support?

 

[salmoneous]

I guess I'm still not getting it. You exachange your money for good and services. The company then pays their employees with that money. What to you care what those employees do with their money.

I'm betting a lot of Walamrt employees give money to people you don't like. Should you stop shopping there? Is there any company you could buy stuff from that doesn't have employees on the payroll that give money to people you don't like?

Oh, and for the record, Tom Monaghan no longer is associated with Dominos

 

[sodaseller]

No, but they certainly can (and often do) make suggestions. Depending on how high up you may be, those suggestions get a little stronger.

That's an understatement. And clients can be even stronger in their "suggestions." I've had to give a lot of money in the past to those I otherwise would not

 

[Bob Slydell]

That's an understatement. And clients can be even stronger in their "suggestions." I've had to give a lot of money in the past to those I otherwise would not

My DW as well (she's a Big 4 partner), although not as much from clients as from her leadership. Then again, she generally agrees with most of their political positions, so it's not as much of a struggle for her.

 

[BuckNaked]

I guess that held accountable was the wrong choice of words. I meant held accountable as Jane Smith (you, for example) not doing business with my company since I contributed to a candidate. I agree that it's more far fetched since I don't hold a high executive level job (yet! ) and my paycheck is less based on earnings than a CEO's, but just trying to see where you're coming from.

Unless an employee is wearing at button that says "I donated to XXX", a customer is rarely going to know. I may know the first name of the guy at the bank counter, but I'm certainly not going to try to find out his first name so that I can go the FEC site and see which political candidates he supports. But when it is the bigger "guys" in the company, it's not too hard to find out, and since their donations are usually larger, that might or might not make a difference to me.

 

[Bob Slydell]

ETA: From what I understand you are paid with tax dollars--so is the american public allowed to withhold money from you if we don't like what you support?

Based on the criteria she gave...

I prefer to spend my money elsewhere, if I can get a comparable product at a reasonably comparable price.

Unless you're planning on leaving the country, then, no, there's no comparable product.

 

[sodaseller]

Unless an employee is wearing at button that says "I donated to XXX", a customer is rarely going to know. I may know the first name of the guy at the bank counter, but I'm certainly not going to try to find out his first name so that I can go the FEC site and see which political candidates he supports. But when it is the bigger "guys" in the company, it's not too hard to find out, and since their donations are usually larger, that might or might not make a difference to me.

Clients for professional services can and do check your donations online. Happens regulalrly

 

[BuckNaked]

Why do you assume I am hysterical?

The over abundance of hyperbole in your post.

ETA: From what I understand you are paid with tax dollars--so is the american public allowed to withhold money from you if we don't like what you support?

Nope. But then again, where have I said that anyone should have their paychecks withheld from them because of the causes they support?

I'll be waiting for the example that I'm sure you have...

 

[BuckNaked]

Clients for professional services can and do check your donations online. Happens regulalrly

Absolutely, but I'm talking more about the run of the mill person. Most people aren't going to go to the trouble on a personal level to check out their drycleaners to see which causes they support.

 

[crcormier]

Agree with most here, doesn't bother me whom he personally supports, either side of the aisle, as long as his politics don't adversely affect the company.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The over abundance of hyperbole in your post.



Nope. But then again, where have I said that anyone should have their paychecks withheld from them because of the causes they support?

I'll be waiting for the example that I'm sure you have...

Forgive my exaggeration. OP requested that Disney remain apolitical. What is your interpretation of that? My interpretation was that those who work in pixie dust land should keep their political opinions to themselves and I responded accordingly. If OP didn't mean that--then perhaps OP should have been more clear.

I actually agreed with your other statements. If OP wanted to not go to Disney as a result--that's entirely up to them.

If OP wants to ban corporate employees whose model is "escapism" from using their paychecks towards political causes..that would be none of his business.

 

[BuckNaked]

Forgive my exaggeration. OP requested that Disney remain apolitical. What is your interpretation of that? My interpretation was that those who work in pixie dust land should keep their political opinions to themselves and I responded accordingly. If OP didn't mean that--then perhaps OP should have been more clear.

I agree - perhaps you should have replied to the OP's post then instead of quoting mine and aiming your exaggeration at me.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Buck - an honest question please? Why would one avoid unionized businesses?

I am confused - please unconfuse me.

 

[BuckNaked]

Buck - an honest question please? Why would one avoid unionized businesses?

I am confused - please unconfuse me.

No problem at all! While I believe that there was a time when unions were vital to actually protecting the lives and livlihoods of workers, I think they have outlived their usefullness. They have gone (JMO) from fighting for basic worker rights to a point where they seek to artificially raise the cost of labor beyond what it is worth in an open market.

Also, I disagree more than I agree with union positions on issues, so when it is feasible, I try to support businesses that remain non-union. Obviously that is rarely possible, but again, given a viable, feasible option, I prefer not to spend my money at "union shops".

 

[rayelias]

Why do you assume I am hysterical?

Geesh.

The OP was the one hysterical here. They were the one that said they should not be allowed at all--which is quite different from what you are saying and I agree with.

ETA: From what I understand you are paid with tax dollars--so is the american public allowed to withhold money from you if we don't like what you support?

I am not hysterical at all, but thanks for assuming.

The point I was trying to make was that high level executives of a company are the "face" of that company to the public.

They should be understanding to the shareholders of that company that anything they do in public is going to be a reflection of the company, right or wrong.

While it's completely legal, I don't think it would be wise if the president of a company, like Disney, went to Reno and frequented one of those "ranches" (if you know what I mean).

My point was that Disney should appeal to ALL people, and it would be wise if the high level executives (the "faces" of the company) would keep their personal politics a tad more private so as not to offend a wide number of their customers.

If you'll re-read the OP, I also stated that I would have a problem if he donated to Newt Gingrich, as well - not just Hillary Clinton.

I do understand the "political need" to "grease the palms" of the legislators in areas which you do business or in whch there is a future need. But, it can come with some PR consequences.

Would you be reacting the same way if Iger had donated to extreme conservative political types? I would bet not. Seems like the only ones here defending him are the ones who support Hillary, anyway. Go figure.

I'd bet I'd see a ton of people here calling for his resignation if you found out he was an anti-abortion, pro-Iraq war, Pat Robertson prasing, who gave a considerable sum to George Bush.

 

[Bob Slydell]

My point was that Disney should appeal to ALL people, and it would be wise if the high level executives (the "faces" of the company) would keep their personal politics a tad more private so as not to offend a wide number of their customers.

As it's been pointed out -- nobody can keep their personal politics private, at least when it comes to donations to political parties/persons. It's all mandated to be public, at least as long as it's over $200. Are you saying that no executives of companies should be donating personally to any political party?

Would you be reacting the same way if Iger had donated to extreme conservative political types? I would bet not. Seems like the only ones here defending him are the ones who support Hillary, anyway. Go figure.

Never assume anything. I'm far from liberal.

 

[BuckNaked]

I also wanted to make clear that I have no problem with anyone donating to whatever candidate, party or cause they choose.