hollywood moguls stop obama donations because of president’s piracy stand
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EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood Moguls Stopping Obama
Donations Because Of Presidents Piracy Stand: NotGive A Dime Anymore
By NIKKI FINKE Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:20pm PST
EXCLUSIVE: Internet sites on their SOPAStrike may be conducting a blackout but
Hollywood studios are conducting a boycott. Ive learned
that Hollywood studio chiefs individually and as a group
are drawing a line in the sand on the piracy issue with the
Obama re-election campaign and refusing to give anymore donations. The blowup came after President Obama
on Saturday dashed moguls hopes that he would remain
on the sidelines in the dispute over the U.S. House Of
Representatives Stop Online Piracy Act and the U.S. Senates Protect IP Act. In a posting
on the White House web site, three of the Obama administrations top officials for Internet
and intellectual property matters said that they share many of the concerns that
the Internet community has about the Hollywood-supported bills. The trio said that they
will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurityrisk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet. Intellectual Property
Enforcement Coordinator Victoria Espinel, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra,
and Special Assistant to the President Howard Schmidt tried to soften the blow to
Hollywood by acknowledging that that online piracy is a serious problem that requires a
serious legislative response. They added that they
plan to host an online event to get more input on the
matter. But Hollywood moguls told me they didnt
know it was going to be as over the top as it was
and took this as a declaration of war. We just feel
very let down by the administration and Obama for not
supporting us, one studio chief explained to me. At
least let him remain neutral and not go against it until
we can get the legislation right. But Obama went
against it. Im personally not going to support him
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anymore and not give a dime anymore, another movie mogul whos also a well-known
Obama supporter told me this week.
So far the most outspoken mogul against the Obama administration on this issue has
been Rupert Murdoch who on Saturday told his new Twitter audience: So Obama has
thrown in his lot with Silicon Valley paymasters who threaten all software creators with
piracy, plain thievery. But Ive learned that other moguls privately are having direct and
personal conversations with Obama and his administration and the Democratic
Party. Several moguls have informed Obamas newly anointed Hollywood re-election liason
to the entertainment community Nicole Avant and her husband who is helping her, Netflix
chief content officer Ted Sarandos, that they are pulling out of major fundraisers planned
over the next few days and wont participate in any more headed by Obama and House
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (whom they see as in the pocket of the Internet giants like
Google).
One of those events is a major January 31st fundraiser attended by First Lady Michelle
Obama at the Beverly Hills home of Avant and Sarandos. Theres another LA fundraiser for
the First Lady on February 1st. And both President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden
will be coming for more fundraisers here in coming weeks. The moguls are telling Avant
and Sarandos to count them out. Now is when all the fundraises are starting. But
everyone in my position is really pissed. Its a real conundrum, one mogul told me.
Alarmed by the mogul boycott, Sarandos sent a personal plea to the Hollywood studio
chiefs over the weekend begging them to continue supporting the Obama re-election
campaign even though he knows they are disappointed with the Obama administrations
position on the piracy bills. Several moguls, in response, sent back word saying Fuck
You basically, one insider tells me, expressing how they feel used and abused by the
President despite their campaign contributions. Ive learned that Fox Filmed Entertainment
Chairman Jim Gianopulos even sat down and wrote his good friend (and fellow Greek-
American) Sarandos an articulate note over the weekend the gist of which said that he andhis fellow moguls wont give any more money if they keep getting taken for granted. One
insider told me, Jim explained that this notion that the Hollywood community will continue
giving regardless of its business interests has to be taken into consideration. The
message was, Dont expect Hollywood to show up and say Who do I write the check to
anymore.
The moguls are reminding Obama et al that, in the words of one studio chief, God knows
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how much money weve given to Obama and the Democrats and yet theyre not supporting
our interests. Theres been no greater supporters of him than weve been from the first day
and the first fundraisers continuing until he was elected. We all were pleased. And, at its
heart institutionally, Hollywood supports the Democrats. Now we need the administration
to support us. This is a very important time for Hollywood. The issue at hand piracy
is a legitimate concern. But Google and those Internet guys have been swiftboating the
entertainment industry by saying were trying to shut down the Internet just because we
dont want them to advertise pirated movies. As for other claims, we make 24. We dont
make national security problems.
The boycott even extends to many of the moguls families who also are big Obama and
Democratic Party donors. The situation is serious because many moguls and/or their
families comprise Obamas top bundlers in the TV/movie/music biz. Bundlers as defined by
opensecrets.org are people with friends in high places who, after bumping against
personal contribution limits, turn to those friends, associates, and, well, anyone whos
willing to give, and deliver the checks to the candidate in one big bundle. These donors
direct more money to the candidates than anyone else. As of September 2011 these 357
elite bundlers were directing at least $55,900,000 for Obamas re-election efforts money
that has gone into the coffers of his campaign as well as the Democratic National
Committee, according to opensecrets.org. That figure by now has significantly increased
and will continue to do so.
COMMENTS (93)
Bwahahahaha this miserable bill gets killed and The Savior gets cut off the Hollywood creep money teat
whats not to love this week?
Comment by Buck Futt Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:31pm PST
Its just the moguls. Hes still going to get gobs of money from Hollywood, big thinker.
Comment by writer Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:03pm PST
I dont know. This is clearly a Hollywood ultimatum:
DO OUR BIDDING OR ELSE!
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Id be pissed, too, if I bought and paid for a President and then they dared to think for themselves! I
hope they kept their receipts so they can get a refund.
Comment by Duh Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:03pm PST
This is better entertainment than what they are putting out in Hollywood. I dont know about you but I
personally cant remember the last movie I saw at the theater. Tickets are too high as well but who wants
to see the crap they put out there. Of course they are screaming because they are hurting in their
pocketbook. You are 100% correct. Whats not to love about this week? hahahahahaha
Comment by Rifka Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:24pm PST
In this article is a microcosm of how broke our political theatre is.
Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator??? Good God! How many hundreds of thousand dollars
are we flushing down the toilet paying this twit? The moguls are basically whining Hey I paid for favors
, now where is mine? We knew this is what our government had become, now here it is out in the open.
And before someone tries to give Obama ,an unrecognizable waft to him of credibility, watch the tortured
syntax and squirming his acolytes do,to twist him into a position to side with the public, and still have
organized hold-ups in Hollywookd.
Comment by Lenn Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:04pm PST
So these moguls can say that they are pulling out of support Obamas re-election, yet they cant say who they
are? If you feel strongly about something, say your name.
Also, I love how they are basically supporting the removal of freedom of speech. I think a lot of people really
need to read the constitution before they open their mouths. Shame on you Hollywood.
Comment by Chris Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:32pm PST
Dude, theres like less than 20 of them in total. Count them yourself.
Comment by brick Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:49pm PST
and exactly who will the Hollywood elites vote for? Obama. So dont waste our time with this gibberish.
Comment by corbin Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:33pm PST
This jibberish is important. There is a line between supporting a party or an individual you share idealogy
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with and the statements made here.
It is illegal to give money with the understanding that you are getting something favorable in return.
It is bribery before and blackmale after the fact.
The reason for not revealing the names behind he quotes is called incrimination.
Comment by Mikki Dean Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:53pm PST
The most shocking thing about this is the openness with which the hollywood moguls are flaunting their
bribery and vote-buying.
It used to be that this was all hush-hush, and done behind closed doors, but these guys are screaming
from the rooftops, I spent a lot of money buying your votes and now that you wont pass this bill, Im
going to give my money to one of the other guys who will honor my bribery.
Comment by The truth Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:54pm PST
Gosh, now the moguls know how the average American voter feels.
Comment by Kitty Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:33pm PST
I thought buying off politicians was illegal. Hollywood stops donations because they did not pass legislation for
all of us?
F*%$ You Hollywood!
Comment by JoeTheFilmmaker Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:35pm PST
Ok, so let me get this straight.
Hollywood Executives: (to president) Youre not representing our special interest inspite of what the
American people want, and so were gonna blackmail you by withdrawing all of the bribes we normally
give to your re-election campaign! Well put that money in a candidate who will do whatever we want
when we bribe him to do it!
Why are the American people not enraged that people have been buying legislation from our elected
officials up to this point?
Comment by Rick Walker Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:01pm PST
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Another case of special interests attempting to buy legislation
Comment by Steve Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:35pm PST
Hey Hollywood Moguls ..Get out of our free country you freedom hating terrorists!! Take your trashy moviesand music with you!
Comment by GO Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:36pm PST
Tech trumps filmed entertainment exponentially. The studios are a croissant on Googles breakfast buffet. Yes.
Their money is good. But they are not seeing the internet or technology clearly and never have. That is their
problem. Movies will endure. The studios will skim the cream and distribute thje best of it all. And they need to
figure out piracy issues that match the scale of the technology. Their mean little solutions take too much and
dont acknowledge the scope the importance of the internets strengths. They cant make a net deal with theinternet. Great that the president is leaning for common sense and the wealthier, more relevant tech side on this.
Wikipedia(and the rest of it) matters more than any of Ruperts ^^%$ or objectives, of course.
Comment by Mini Moguls.... Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:36pm PST
Good for Obama for standing strong against these thugs! The internet must remain free!
Comment by ike Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:36pm PST
This one has some strange bedfellows and alliances shaping up. I detest Obama, but agree with him that this
SOPA bill is awful in the unfettered power it grants. I have NO sympathy for Hollywood. These jerks have it so
that it is a major financial decision to see a movie. These same guys dont want me to back up my ebooks
Comment by David Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:37pm PST
Yes we want legislation and rules that will help fight piracy, BUT these are half thought-reactionary bills to a
very serious problem. HOLLYWOOD leading the charge in a digital conversation? Um, no. Ask the record
business (If you can still find anyone who works in it) about how to best handle this situation.
Get people in the room who understand how the internet works and finds ways to a workable solution.
Comment by Bernie Stevens Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:38pm PST
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Hey, wouldnt it be great to create a business model that worked and allowed for innovative new practices like
Spotify and Netflix to combat piracy instead of trying to legislate censorship?
No? Well how about giving content creators whats due? Oh wait, you still want to screw them over?
Great job
Comment by Tyler Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:39pm PST
Well I think it is about time we start boycotting Hollywood and not allow these elitists to get their say. Let them
start feeling the pain.
Comment by FH Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:42pm PST
Ive learned that other moguls privately are having direct and personal conversations with Obama and his
administration and the Democratic Party.
Look how easily both Democrats and Republicans can be bought. Perhaps the scorned media moguls should
invest the money they would have donated toward innovation.
Comment by Anon E Mouse Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:42pm PST
HA! Obama turning. Obama not keeping his word. Hey Hollywood welcome to REALITY! The reality of the
majority of Americans have been experiencing for the last 3 years. HOPE and CHANGE. Average gas price the
day Obama elected $1.96. Today $4.25. Over 2 million jobs lost and not be reinstated.
Hey next time Media Mogusl this is what happens when you dont VET a presidential candiate?
Obama has never released his college or medical records!! We didnt know really anything about this man,
other, than the one he provided. The media failed because they were in love and romantic over Obama and the
Democrats to right all the wrongs of history.
You voted the party line. Well, I guess elections have consequences. As Obama said We won.
Comment by Mr Chickasaw Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:43pm PST
And the alternative is Romney? Really? Think again, Hammurapi.
Comment by cj Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:43pm PST
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Holy crap, its Disney/Universal versus Sony Betamax all over again.
Comment by Joe E in the IE Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:43pm PST
Fantastic. Now Hollywood can put their money behind Mitt Romney, who will flip flop on them at the lastminute.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:44pm PST
My my
Maybe their all in candidate is pissing them off
Maybe the unnamed Moguls should check out Ron Paul
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:44pm PST
Ron Paul is the only candidate whos actively stated that SOPA/PIPA is a bad law. Theyre not going to
run from Obama to Ron Paul.
Comment by Jen Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:40pm PST
Talk about the greed of the 1%. All those liberals in Hollywood would crush internet innovation and
independence to make a few dollars more. Oh yeah, tell that money doesnt matter to these guys.
Comment by AnneP Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:44pm PST
How telling. This story confirms that SOPA/PIPA is about money in the pockets of the 1%.
Comment by Sorry Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:44pm PST
Haha, looks like even HOLLYWOOD is against the impending police state being constructed before our eyes. I
guess Obama is gonna have to go back to Chicago for the rest of his cash!
Comment by James Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:45pm PST
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How is this a Police State action. He knows the legislation needs to be fine tuned. These so-called moguls
are acting like spoiled brats. If anything, the Administration is weighing the arguments of internet
entrepreneurs who argue that the currently written legislation will damage the internet. If anything, it is
anti-police state.
Comment by Stacks Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:43pm PST
The moguls are such out of touch jackasses. Go ahead, blame people other than yourself. You should innovate
your way out of the problem. The problem isnt the internet itself. The problem is companies like Pirate Bay. You
will never eliminate piracy in a digital age by pointing fingers at others. Its just some crap you want to say so
investors let you keep your job. There will always always be assholes who steal things. You cant legislate
morality. Take a cue from the recording industry.
The day you put ALL the content online in an ad supported way (so you can monetize it), is the day piracy
evaporates.
Comment by cynical bastard Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:45pm PST
I hope Obama stands firm and shows the media moguls they cant always buy the laws they want.
1) If I went over to Century City mall and robbed somebody, nobody would be saying the mall should be blamed
and shut down. That seems to be the gist of these laws.
2) The definition of theft here still needs to be clarified. Taking something when the original owner still retains
their copy is something different from classical theft. When I see a JPG on a website that I like and right click
save as and make it my wallpaper, am I stealing it? We need to figure out what constitutes theft.
Comment by James Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:45pm PST
Any industry that inflicts Sandlers JACK AND JILL on an innocent public needs to punished anyway.
Think Ill start my own boycott of Hollywood.
Bastards.
Comment by DFR Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:48pm PST
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I got the Greatest Respect for both Hollywood and Free Internet but
I am happy that Hollywood is getting THIS BOOT on the Neck Lesson from this Empty Food Stamp LOONE.
I hope and Pray all these Great Americans called Hollywood keep their words.
For American Freedom.
Comment by Welcome to the BOOT Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:49pm PST
Ive always been a movie buff, but now my family and I NEVER EVER go to the movies. These moguls have
gotten their last nickel from me.screw them and their lefty pol buddies.
Comment by Billy Club Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:49pm PST
At least they admit their donations are nothing more than bribes the problem for free speech is that Obama
learnt his politics in Chicago so he takes them.
Comment by DH Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:49pm PST
Dear Hollywood: That your boy, you helped birth him now you cant disown him. Just cut him off your
purse. The problem? Who else you going to turn to. He has you by the short ones.
Comment by taek kenn Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:50pm PST
Also, I wonder why that Swiss survey from a few weeks back hasnt gotten more coverage. They asked young
people who pirate content what their monthly budget for entertainment was, and if they were spending any less
due to their piracy. Turns out they were just using the money they dont spend on the pirated stuff to, surprise
surprise, buy other entertainment content.
The industry, by this survey, would take in just as much money. Admittedly, some people are still getting things
for free, but theyre not putting any less money into the coffers of the conglomerates than if they had no Internet.
Very interesting survey, Id like to hear more about it. But of course it doesnt back up the industry mantra/party
line that (cue Carl Sagan voice) Billions and Billions of Dollars are being lost
Comment by James Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:50pm PST
I am a dual Australian/American citizen. I pay taxes and vote in USA and I make my living off of movies, TV,
music, and materials that may be pirated. Yet Im more concerned with the slippery slope of censorship than I
am PirateBay. Where are all the actors, musicos, and other 1st Amendment martyrs always fighting to protect
free speech? Are their studio/label paymasters holding them back?
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So a bunch of old men in Washington who still cannot figure out email are trying to write laws to alter the
internet? If you are an influential politco or investor, which side would you join forces with? The old-guard
Hollywood and Record biz (whove been playing catch up since the web began)? OR the tech/net biz which mints
oceans of money and jobs and is the future?
There are 27 laws already existing to combat piracy. The truth is that MPAA and RIAA are willing to concede
power to the FCC to govern and control in exchange for the ability to thwart new start-up social media sites who
dont pay royalties to Hollywood. Sounds like Munich in pre-WW2 Europe!
You have to love the irony of Murdoch using Twitter to show his disgust (a site which itself can be shut-censored
due to SOPA-PIPA). The best part of this entire debalce is that average citizens (who use the net! wow!) are
fighting back. To prove how cutting edge they are, the MPAA and RIAA will next likely outlaw casettes, VCRs,
and CD burners too.
Sincerely,
Nick Cave
The owner of 247 Copyrights and Intellectual Property including films, scripts, and songs who supports
anti-SOPA/PIPA.
Comment by Nick Cave Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:50pm PST
cannot be said any better. bravo!
Comment by derby Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:04pm PST
Amen brother Nick and not only do I love your work/art Ive paid for it (not pirated it), both in recorded
form and in concert and hope you get a royalty from my latest purchase of the Criterion CollectionsWings of Desire DVD.
P.S. Hwad (what I call Hwood and who I used to work for) did try to put the kibosh on both VCRs and
DVDs, until realizing both formats saved their collective booties. But, like the fruit fly, their memories
and life cycle is short, so dont expect them to learn from the pastha
Comment by JFF Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:40pm PST
This is great news not only is the bill dying off but so are donations to olbarry.
F*%$ You Hollywood!
In general I couldnt have said it better, though in this case maybe thanks are in order.
Comment by SlapChopVince Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:50pm PST
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Shut up Hollywood Stop trying to screw with the internet, and put all that energy into trying to make an original
movie! You havent had one in years with all this remakes!
Comment by Izziem Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:50pm PST
When youre on the side of Rupert Murdoch youre on the wrong side.
Comment by AJ Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:51pm PST
Maybe we should stop giving Hollywood OUR money. Let them rot on the left coast. Soon we will be able to
create our own movies all with CGI. No actors. No more big paydays for them.
Comment by edm Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:51pm PST
Where are all the morons, oh wait, moguls who were crying at the message of hope. I know a screenwriter who
twits, sorry, tweets all day to try and stay relevant. He googooed over Obama. Was on that bandwagon too,
trying to be relevant. Hes quiet now. Oh yeah, his total box office is always a loser yet somehow he continues to
work with only the best. Ah, something fishy when the work output is so far from the level of talent he works
with. It feels nepotistic.
Comment by Toh1764aqh99London Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:53pm PST
Are they really moguls, or are they the 1%?
Comment by Bob Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:53pm PST
Shortsighted by the moguls, if true.
A Republican President would appoint more morality police judges that will uphold ridiculous FCC fees like
Janet Jacksons wardrobe malfunction.
Comment by Jon Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:54pm PST
Why is it that Hollywood doesnt have to adapt to the market? Why does the entertainment industry get to
dictate the market?
Shouldnt they adapt? Seems to me this is like a very successful door-to-door salesman paying the government
to force people to live in his neighborhood so he doesnt have to walk very far from home.
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There are other ways of achieving their goal besides building the frame work for a regulated internet. Rules are
already in place, enforce those.
Comment by jowen101 Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:55pm PST
When wikipedia goes dark, the world is free of a major source of incorrect and biased information for a while.
Good riddence..
Comment by Rick Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:55pm PST
Hes wrong philosophically, but it wont matter hell make it up in smaller donations from the broader
constituency.
Comment by Asuka Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:55pm PST
Thank you for this story.
When Hollywood frets about diminishing revenues, it should worry a little less about piracy and instead take a
long, hard look at its support of Obama as a factor.
As a Republican voter and Army veteran, Ive been insulted for far too long by the entertainment industrys
almost exclusively left-leaning, antipatriotic output. I feel alienated by most of what is produced by entertainers
today, and will not spend my money on work that does not give my values even a fair hearing. Its not worth my
money or my time.
Once studios begin treating me and those who think like me with dignity, I will be more than happy to buy their
DVDs, CDs, and tickets to their films. In the meantime, I wont illegally download their work. Ill ignore it.
Comment by C. Flowers Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:56pm PST
The money quote and maybe should have been the Headline (by a studio chief, no less): And, at its heart
institutionally, Hollywood supports the Democrats.
If there was ever any doubt about institutional bias
Comment by TruthJunkie Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:56pm PST
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This article spells it out in plain english. Moguls (extremely wealthy individuals)wont contribute (payoff)
Obama because he wont deliver up the internet on a silver platter. Even Obama, or more likely someone in his
administration, is smart enough to figure out that votes are more powerful than money.
Comment by Shine A Light Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:57pm PST
So the moguls donate to the campaign, not out of any set of principled political ideology, i.e., were
Democrats and were supporting our candidate, but strictly as a policy buyout. Normally this is called BRIBE
MONEY. They, and most other big campaign contributors, no matter what party, are buying votes for legislation
that advances their particular profit driven agenda. What is not corrupt here? This is what has turned American
democracy into a spider pit of political hacks guiding our foreign and domestic policy in a time of great political
and economic peril. These bastards are dangerous and should be widely perceived as such. Time to march, kidz.
Comment by Walter Alter Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:58pm PST
Let them pull their support. I am not an obama supporter, but I refuse to be held hostage by a bunch of
sniveling cry babies. Listen the music industry adapted in the 90s. The movie industry will adapt. It already
has. I enjoy my Netflix account. Maybe if the movie industry would start utilizing the internet like every other
freaking industry out there, they might actually have some support.
People that have things they wish to keep offline will find ways to keep it offline. This is something the
government does not need to stick its nose into.
Maybe it is time to boycott the industries that do not support the free and unrestricted use of the internet.
Comment by tax revolt Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:58pm PST
So, whats the news here? Obummer throwing his supporters under the bus? Hes been doing that since he was
crowned. Funny how they thought he would march in lock step with them. He only cares about himself.
Comment by Matman Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:59pm PST
Guess what Hollywood..we surround you! We the people are boycotting your movies and your networks because,
we dont want this divisive huckster in the the Whitehouse to prevail for another four years. You see if we dont
have a livelihood, neither will you. I dont have a pot to p!ss in let alone money for your propaganda, havent
since Nov. 2010..Thanks to Obama! If Hollywood wants to go on, America need prosperity not
communism..idiots!
Comment by mariee Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 3:59pm PST
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And where does our money go for buying a movie ticket or a dvd/bluray? Towards 55 million dollars worth of
political endorsements.
Comment by Kevin Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:00pm PST
Even an idiot like Obama knows the people will turn on him if they touch the Internet. But he is trying to do his
usual sit on the sidelines and take credit later for being among/or the first to complain crap. What a tool.
Comment by YES YOU CANABISSED Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:00pm PST
Its okay . . . he says he doesnt support it but he will sign it . . .
Comment by MiddleWay Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:00pm PST
Oh Boo Hoo
Comment by dwoof Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:01pm PST
So Hollywood is one of the biggest 1% in America! Take that Occupiers!
Comment by Chukkal Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:02pm PST
Hey geniuses,
The REST of the Democrats in the nation are opposed to this bill. Welcome to democracy. Sorry you had to lose
once.
Now enjoy continue making terrible product and your ridiculous salaries.
Comment by writer Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:02pm PST
Fine. Well just take the money we were going to use on movies etc. and donate it to Obama while DLing
everything were not spending money on. Problem solved.
Comment by Nick Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:03pm PST
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So essentially it comes down to this:
Moguls: Only were allowed to buy influence! When internet companies do, its morally wrong!
For what its worth, both approaches are shitty and will eventually wind up screwing most people most of the
time. 357 people effectively donating almost $60mm? Yeah, were still fucked.
Comment by NoOneOfConsequence Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:04pm PST
We definitely need more tools for fight blatant piracy, but either the bills were drafted poorly OR there were a lot
of misinformed protestors.
At least one protest email appeared to suggest the bills provisions were targeting those who primarily engage
in piracy.
I havent read the bills but, likely most anything on the internet, you need to verify yourself.
Comment byjeb Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:04pm PST
Publish the names if these moguls in the article so we can stop supporting them. The impact of SOPA and PIPA
is bigger then protecting profits and IPs. Stay of the couch and wake up!!!
Comment by Creative grunt Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:38pm PST
Can I ask the Hollywood geniuses a question?
HOW exactly would SOPA be enforced on foreign entities in China or Taiwan outside US jurisdiction?
Obviously, there MUST be another agenda to the SOPA.
ANSWER-Internet censorship
Once it starts, where does it stop?
That is WHY we hoi polloi are upset.
YOU people dont see the BIG PICTURE.
Comment by Lowell Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:41pm PST
Where the hell were these moguls when Obama signed the NDAA a few ago, making it legal to send a United
States Citizen to jail for life without ever having a trial???
Obama has become the tyrant that first shows up with a box of candy and a bouquet of flowers before he strips
you of your rights!
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Comment by John Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:43pm PST
You know, Boycotts are sounding like an excellent idea these days.
I mean, a boycott against Hollywood that is.
Comment by Matthew W Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:43pm PST
The Hollywood moguls dont get their way and they stomp their feet like two year olds. SOPA is bad all around.
And, yes it is nice they admit their money is pure and simple bribery.
Comment by Deb Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:44pm PST
This coming from the guys who go out of LA (like Canada/Mexico) to film because it is cheaper due to taxincentives. I work in the industry, and yes, even though stealing is wrong, the only pockets this hurts is the suits
at the top of the food chain. I still remember the commercials of people like me, working in the biz, saying that
you are stealing from them (a grip/screenwriter/a makeup artist etc). Every single last one of us gets paid are
salary regardless of how well these movies do in the box office. I have not yet understood why the suits havent
changed there business model. Look at the music industrythey finally accepted digital distribution (ie, iTunes,
which actually saved their business). These guys are all idiots, just saying. ..
Comment by Jordan Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:44pm PST
God knows how much money weve given to Obama and the Democrats and yet theyre not supporting our
interests.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Comment by Mya Nama Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:53pm PST
What? Hollywood got screwed? They paid for Obama and he isnt producing? They FORCED an
unconstitutional POTUS on us with their money. bite the pillow Hollywood.
I for one an glad those asshats are suffering from their poor choices in Obama.
Supreme Court Case Minor v Happersett in 1875 defined Natural Born Citizen and that definition is a person
born to TWO parents who are citizens in the US or its territory.
Obama says he was born under the British Nationality Act of 1948 (See factcheck or Fightthesmears the
Obama campaign site) because his father was British, and so Obama was born British.
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He never was and never could have been a Natural Born Citizen and Hollywood is RESPONSIBLE for helping to
HIDE this historical TRUTH. CitizenMAYBE if he was born in Hawaii and can prove it but really, forget the
birth certificate, it is irrelevant. It doesnt matter where the bastard was born, even if it was in JFKs lap in the
Oval Office. His Dad was British, and so is Obama.
Obama is an usurper and should be REMOVED from office immediately and put in prison for high crimes and
misdemeanors. EVERYTHING that bastard has done is illegal and unconstitutional, starting with the oath of
office.
Hollywood, WAKE THE HELL UP! Stop supporting this illegal candidate in every possible way and force him
out of the office he has NO LEGAL RIGHT TO.
Comment by Dianna Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:54pm PST
People need to read what the administration is saying. Theyre not against this legislation. Just like NDAA the
admin is lying to you. Theyll pretend to be against it but behind closed doors theyll actually want it stronger or
find another way to get it through in another bill or something.
This is a very dangerous administration that wants dictatorial type powers.
Comment by Fat Libertaran Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 4:55pm PST
Quit funding all of them!
Kick them all out on 11/6!
Comment by Saul Levy Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:19pm PST
Obama, or whoevershould start taxing the hell out of Hollywood.
Comment by Get them back Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:19pm PST
Enraged, party of 1.
Comment by Lula Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:19pm PST
If theres one thing we know about studio executives, its that they are gutless. What they say and actually do are
two entirely different things. When Obama comes to town, theyll be lining up to kiss his ass.
Of course, they can always support Romney but something tells me that Romney blames Hollywood for the
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problem with todays youth. Thats a relationship that seems doomed from the beginning.
Comment by Joe in SM Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:20pm PST
Well, now that i just found out where my NETFLIX subscription money is going (To the OBAMAS and
Democrats), I Guess I will consider cancelling my NETFLIX movies subscription. Any one else want to keep
supporting the OBAMAS and DEMS?
Comment byJoe Dionne Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:22pm PST
There are so many ways to technically overcome this problem legislation is NOT required.
The internet is not the problem. Hollywierd is pissed because their boy didnt play along as predicted. well.
tuff-chit
They got the world by the stones when they got the DMCA handed to them. and now they want more (read:
ALL).
I have NO sympathy for Hollywood at all
Comment by Steven Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:56pm PST
Good! Like the music industry did, Hollywood is starting to get a stink all its own with this nonsense. And
consumers cant be bought like politicians.
Make better movies, lower the ticket prices, make content more available online faster steps to better
business. Not biting the hand that feeds you.
Comment by Max Renn Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:58pm PST
Since President Obama has no connections to special interests Im sure the controversy shouldnt bother him
much. After all, he was able to choose between the Unions and environmentalists on the Keystone pipeline issue.
Those groups arent special interests either.
This is quite a hoot.
Comment by Jim M Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:58pm PST
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No biggie.
Obama, just let us know how much your campaign is short because of these increasingly irrelevant fossils and
we will send in the donations..
Just like last time, remember?
Comment by Heretic3e7 Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 5:59pm PST
Hey, now there is an idea. Cutting off monetary contributions to a person or group that is acting counter to your
interests.
What a good idea!
Hey Hollywood, want to guess who Im cutting off?
Hint: Its not Obama and they have been doing nothing but turning out crappy sequels of late.
Comment by Heretic3e7 Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:02pm PST
Hollywood has already been shown to violate FCC privacy and software laws, act in conspiratory manners, and
have a defacto monopoly on the production and distribution of all media. It wants to turn the internet into a
consumer-only platform to control, and turn general computing PCs into XBoxes which have little function
except proprietary tasks.
Hollywod doesnt belong on the internet.
Mabye there needs to be anti-trust investigations
Comment by johnT Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:03pm PST
Theyre just pitching a hissy fit. Theyll clam down and be there with check books in hand at crunch time.
Comment by ICallBS Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:08pm PST
Now is the time to return copyright law to its constitutional base.
To protect only for a limited time the power to solely exploit a creators idea, then return that idea to the
freedom of the public domain, not to protect Mickey Mouse for the Disney Corporation in perpetuity.
Lets abandon the police state that Hollywood demands for its own greed and instead open the copyrights to 20
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years, as we do with patents.
Imagine the incredible movies that will arise, and the income they will generate, when everything written prior
to 1992 becomes free to use.
Comment by RS Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:10pm PST
Its extremely entertaining watching the Drudge readers trying to figure out who to yell and scream the most
about the MPAA (which a lot of these geniuses clearly are confusing with the news media) or Obama (who
they hate because someone on TV told them to).
This is one of the rare situations where theres a good guy and a bad guy, folks. If you guys had even an ounce of
self-awareness or intellectual integrity, youd give Obama credit for doing the right thing on this one. Of course,
most of you still cant even give him credit for killing Bin Laden, so I know that kind of honesty, maturity and
nuance may be too much for you.
Again, Obummer (hardy har!) didnt punt, hoping to keep everybody happy he made a statement. He LED.But feel free to get excited about Santorum or whatever.
Comment by Elmore Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:10pm PST
Screw the greedy Whorelywood bastards! The only reason all this piracy exists is because of their outrageous
pricing and fee structures! To hell with all of you, and may the piratical practices of the free Internet drive you
all to lower your prices to reasonable levels. When people can purchase for a reasonable price, they will
generally conform to the ethical norm. When prices and fees are like they are now, people will seek alternative
sources.
Wake up Hwood!
Comment by Doubltap Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 6:10pm PST
This article was printed from http://www.deadline.com/2012/01/exclusive-hollywood-moguls-stopping-obama-donations-
because-of-administrations-piracy-stand/
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