This letter was sent today by the entire Democratic leadership of the US Senate. This letter is such a major shot across the bow of Disney, it's not even funny. It is FILLED with veiled threats, both legal and legislative, against Disney. US Senators don't make threats like this, especially the entire Democratic leadership en masse, unless they mean it. Disney is in serious trouble.

 

Read it, then read my analysis of it below:

September 7, 2006

 

Mr. Robert A. Iger

President and CEO

The Walt Disney Company

500 South Buena Vista Street

Burbank CA 91521

 

Dear Mr. Iger,

 

We write with serious concerns about the planned upcoming broadcast of The Path to 9/11 mini-series on September 10 and 11. Countless reports from experts on 9/11 who have viewed the program indicate numerous and serious inaccuracies that will undoubtedly serve to misinform the American people about the tragic events surrounding the terrible attacks of that day. Furthermore, the manner in which this program has been developed, funded, and advertised suggests a partisan bent unbecoming of a major company like Disney and a major and well respected news organization like ABC. We therefore urge you to cancel this broadcast to cease Disney’s plans to use it as a teaching tool in schools across America through Scholastic. Presenting such deeply flawed and factually inaccurate misinformation to the American public and to children would be a gross miscarriage of your corporate and civic responsibility to the law, to your shareholders, and to the nation.

 

The Communications Act of 1934 provides your network with a free broadcast license predicated on the fundamental understanding of your principle obligation to act as a trustee of the public airwaves in serving the public interest. Nowhere is this public interest obligation more apparent than in the duty of broadcasters to serve the civic needs of a democracy by promoting an open and accurate discussion of political ideas and events.

 

Disney and ABC claim this program to be based on the 9/11 Commission Report and are using that assertion as part of the promotional campaign for it. The 9/11 Commission is the most respected American authority on the 9/11 attacks, and association with it carries a special responsibility. Indeed, the very events themselves on 9/11, so tragic as they were, demand extreme care by any who attempt to use those events as part of an entertainment or educational program. To quote Steve McPhereson, president of ABC Entertainment, “When you take on the responsibility of telling the story behind such an important event, it is absolutely critical that you get it right.”

 

Unfortunately, it appears Disney and ABC got it totally wrong.

 

Despite claims by your network’s representatives that The Path to 9/11 is based on the report of the 9/11 Commission, 9/11 Commissioners themselves, as well as other experts on the issues, disagree.

 

Richard Ben-Veniste, speaking for himself and fellow 9/11 Commissioners who recently viewed the program, said, “As we were watching, we were trying to think how they could have misinterpreted the 9/11 Commission’s findings the way that they had.” [“9/11 Miniseries Is Criticized as Inaccurate and Biased,” New York Times, September 6, 2006]

 

Richard Clarke, the former counter-terrorism czar, and a national security advisor to ABC has described the program as “deeply flawed” and said of the program’s depiction of a Clinton official hanging up on an intelligence agent, “It’s 180 degrees from what happened.” [“9/11 Miniseries Is Criticized as Inaccurate and Biased,” New York Times, September 6, 2006]

 

Reports suggest that an FBI agent who worked on 9/11 and served as a consultant to ABC on this program quit halfway through because, “he thought they were making things up.” [MSNBC, September 7, 2006]

 

Even Thomas Kean, who serves as a paid consultant to the miniseries, has admitted that scenes in the film are fictionalized. [“9/11 Miniseries Is Criticized as Inaccurate and Biased,” New York Times, September 6, 2006]

 

That Disney would seek to broadcast an admittedly and proven false recounting of the events of 9/11 raises serious questions about the motivations of its creators and those who approved the deeply flawed program. Finally, that Disney plans to air commercial-free a program that reportedly cost it $40 million to produce serves to add fuel to these concerns.

 

These concerns are made all the more pressing by the political leaning of and the public statements made by the writer/producer of this miniseries, Mr. Cyrus Nowrasteh, in promoting this miniseries across conservative blogs and talk shows.

 

Frankly, that ABC and Disney would consider airing a program that could be construed as right-wing political propaganda on such a grave and important event involving the security of our nation is a discredit both to the Disney brand and to the legacy of honesty built at ABC by honorable individuals from David Brinkley to Peter Jennings. Furthermore, that Disney would seek to use Scholastic to promote this misguided programming to American children as a substitute for factual information is a disgrace.

 

As 9/11 Commission member Jamie Gorelick said, “It is critically important to the safety of our nation that our citizens, and particularly our school children, understand what actually happened and why – so that we can proceed from a common understanding of what went wrong and act with unity to make our country safer.”

 

Should Disney allow this programming to proceed as planned, the factual record, millions of viewers, countless schoolchildren, and the reputation of Disney as a corporation worthy of the trust of the American people and the United States Congress will be deeply damaged. We urge you, after full consideration of the facts, to uphold your responsibilities as a respected member of American society and as a beneficiary of the free use of the public airwaves to cancel this factually inaccurate and deeply misguided program. We look forward to hearing back from you soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid

Assistant Democratic Leader Dick Durbin

Senator Debbie Stabenow

Senator Charles Schumer

Senator Byron Dorgan

 

 

 

 

The Senate Democratic leadership just threatened Disney's broadcast license. Not the use of the word "trustee" at the beginning of the letter and "trust" at the end. This is nothing less than an implicit threat that if Disney tries to meddle in the US elections on behalf of the Republicans, they will pay a very serious price when the Democrats get back in power, or even before.

 

This raises the stakes incredibly for Disney.

 

 

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2006/09/senate-democratic-leadership-t hreatens.html

 

 

"Your Democratic party in action. These vile treasonous scumbags have sworn to uphold the Constitution of the US and now are conspiring to undermine the 1st amendment. Just how low will these slugs go. These bastards are beneath contempt. They care not for the US, its Constitution, or winning the war on terror. These rabid egotistical vermin care only about acquiring power and to hell with anyone or anything else.

Anyone that still supports these traitors is a traitor themselves.

 

Funny how those that cry and whine about our freedoms being eroded under Bush are supporting the party that is attempting to negate our most basic freedoms. The freedom of free speech an freedom of the press."

"Funny how those that cry and whine about our freedoms being eroded under Bush are supporting the party that is attempting to negate our most basic freedoms. The freedom of free speech an freedom of the press."

 

*Waits for certain people to start screeching how the government are behind this and not really the Democrats.*

Haha, shut it.

 

Democrats/Republicans.......it's all the same. Just like here in the UK with Labour & Conservatives.

 

I expect the hardcore Dems over there to just as bad as the hardcore Republicans

Sad but true.

 

Do you think its actually worth voting? I dont. Maybe local councillars but not the general election.

here's what Scholastic had to say:

 

Scholastic Replaces 'The Path to 9/11' Classroom Guide With New Discussion Materials Focusing on Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Skills

 

 

NEW YORK, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scholastic, the global

children's publishing, education and media company, today announced that it

is removing from its website the materials originally created for classroom

use in conjunction with the ABC Television Network docudrama, "The Path to

9/1l," scheduled to air on the ABC Television Network on September 10 and

11, 2006. A new classroom discussion guide for high school students is

being created and will focus more specifically on media literacy, critical

thinking, and historical background.

"After a thorough review of the original guide that we offered online

to about 25,000 high school teachers, we determined that the materials did

not meet our high standards for dealing with controversial issues," said

Dick Robinson, Chairman, President and CEO of Scholastic. "At the same

time, we believe that developing critical thinking and media literacy

skills is crucial for students in today's society in order to participate

fully in our democracy and that a program such as 'The Path to 9/11'

provides a very 'teachable moment' for developing these skills at the high

school level. We encourage teachers not to shy away from the controversy

surrounding the program, but rather to engage their students in meaningful,

in-depth discussion."

The new guide clearly states that Scholastic had no involvement with

developing the ABC docudrama, and that the company is not promoting the

program, but that the program can provide a springboard to discussion about

the issues leading up to 9/11, terrorism and the Middle East. The guide

will focus on three issues:

1. Media Literacy -- what is a docudrama; how does it differ from a

documentary; what are the differences between factual reporting and a

dramatization?

 

2. Background to 9/11 -- what are some of the causes of unrest in the

Middle East and other parts of the world that give rise to attacks on

the U.S. and other countries?

 

3. Geography and Culture -- there is a long history of conflict in the

Middle East. How well do students understand each of the countries

involved and what influences their behavior?

Scholastic has been providing free educational materials for use in the

classroom in conjunction with television programs and films since the

1950's. Classroom discussion guides have also been created in the past to

support discussion of major events such as the Challenger and Columbia

shuttle disasters, the shootings at Columbine and many others.

"As we have done with many discussion guides in the past related to

major events, we encourage teachers to engage their students in these

important discussions about news, media and public opinion. Understanding

and evaluating media messages can be challenging for adults and young

people alike and developing media literacy skills is critical for students

in order for them to be well-informed participants in our democratic

society," added Robinson.

The Scholastic mission is clearly stated in its credo and editorial

platform which includes the statement: "Good citizens may honestly differ

on important public questions. We believe that all sides of the issues of

our times should be fairly discussed -- with deep respect for facts and

logical thinking -- in classroom magazines, books and other educational

materials used in schools and homes."

The new guide will be available on Friday, September 8 at

http://www.scholastic.com/medialiteracy.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (Nasdaq: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher

and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology.

Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and

products for use in school and at home, including children's books,

magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television

programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products

and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary

school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and

direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and

television networks; and the Company's Internet site,

http://www.scholastic.com.

Sad but true.

 

Do you think its actually worth voting? I dont. Maybe local councillars but not the general election.

 

Yeah, the local council elections is where the difference can be made - If you vote for people who you think will fight for the peoples rights and not just someone who is a lover of whoever is PM.

 

But general elections...hmmm, it's almost as if we are screwed either way.

If you look at it realistically, no Lib will ever get in power, no green, no BNP (which is a good thing!) - no other party except Labour or the Conservatives can win the general election for the foreseeable future. It's just the way the county is set up at the moment......unfortunately

Haha, shut it.

 

Democrats/Republicans.......it's all the same. Just like here in the UK with Labour & Conservatives.

 

I expect the hardcore Dems over there to just as bad as the hardcore Republicans

 

ahh yes in many ways the Dems AND Repubs are the same

everyone can have their own opinion, thats why i dont post news articles or documents on here because there are never going to be any agreements....only pages and pages of arguements. Lets just say this, whatever mistakes the Democrats have made.....it didnt get a tens of thousands of people killed.

Im fine with opinion but they are using thier power to scare and intiminate ABC...thus trying to stop free speech rather then voicing their dislike for the movie.

oh puhlease!!!!

 

now you're free speech?? lol I though you said there was no such thing as free speech??? lol

 

anyhoo... if the movie is a docudrama... which clearly states its how 'they' (the creators) interpetted the 9/11 commisson report.. I don't see the problem... its just a freakin' movie!!

 

Now, I don't think its in good taste to fabricate facts, and pass them off as actual findings in the case, as such is the case with this movie. A lot of people still consider this a touchy subject.. and as we have proven.. everyone remembers that differently.... regardless of hard facts or not...

 

I think ABC should go on with the show.. as long as they broadcast disclamers.. I think they're in the clear.

Hmmmm,

 

look.....Bush Announces Sept. 11th Primetime Address, Asks ABC To Interrupt "Path Of 9/11"

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eat-the-press/2006/09/08/bush-announces-sept-11th_e_29034.html

 

Feed the lies George....your a good little tool for the elite.

oh puhlease!!!!

 

now you're free speech?? lol I though you said there was no such thing as free speech??? lol

 

anyhoo... if the movie is a docudrama... which clearly states its how 'they' (the creators) interpetted the 9/11 commisson report.. I don't see the problem... its just a freakin' movie!!

 

Now, I don't think its in good taste to fabricate facts, and pass them off as actual findings in the case, as such is the case with this movie. A lot of people still consider this a touchy subject.. and as we have proven.. everyone remembers that differently.... regardless of hard facts or not...

 

I think ABC should go on with the show.. as long as they broadcast disclamers.. I think they're in the clear.

 

We have never had true freedom of speech. But we have more then any nation. But the dems cry fascist for bush and look what they're doing!lol

Why does ABC feel the need to release a "dramatic" version of what happened? The true version not scary or tragic enough. It's not like all the players aren't around to be interviewed for the actual facts. They are creating their own version and all the hick retards of this country will see it on the TV so it must be true because they don't know what the word docudrama means. :dozey:

Why does ABC feel the need to release a "dramatic" version of what happened? The true version not scary or tragic enough. It's not like all the players aren't around to be interviewed for the actual facts. They are creating their own version and all the hick retards of this country will see it on the TV so it must be true because they don't know what the word docudrama means. :dozey:

 

I doubt any Hicks will watch it. I think Jerry Springer will be on at the same time some where......

 

But most of America knows Clinton and Bush dropped the ball and hurt us.

Mate our goverment never had the ball.

Because our leaders are dumb.

Well some are dumber than others. :laugh3: Did you hear what Bush said on the news interview with Katie Couric? "The hardest part of my job is proving the connection between Saddam and 9/11"......ummmm maybe because there isn't one. :thinking:

Well you cant blame the man for being mislead. Alot of people saw the intel and thought they were linked.

Of course a lot of people thought they were connected....because they created "false evidence". It went from absolute "overwhelming evidence" to "nothing".

Sorry but the cia had bad intel no one created it. the white house was fooled just as much as many americans.

Hmmmmm. Yeah, right.

I'm a Conservative

Well you cant blame the man for being mislead. Alot of people saw the intel and thought they were linked.

 

 

bad intel my ass!!!! That may be true... but he's the fuckin PRESIDENT!!!! Where's the acceptance of his mistake? He has never apologized?? He should claim some sort of responisibility... it is HIS country he is running.. and representing to the world!!!

 

 

---and I like the way he interrupted the movie lol bastard :P I wasn't even watching it to be honest.. I tried on Sunday.. but then it got all laggy and stupid.. it wasn't even a 'docudrama'... it was more like a 'soap opera'... it was stupid. The Dems were just trying to stir the pot.. idiots they are. And of course.. the Pres. had to add his two cents with his wack ass speech. He's even more a moron.

ok Cam I am ok with wanting to hold Mr Bush accountable,but we should hold everyone accountable for who did this mess. Republicans and Democrats in office.

Yeah, of course....there's a whole bunch of guys and dolls who need locked up for it....like the CFR, the real mafia.....those guys are the ones who have too much control.