My letter of boycott to the local network.

[KitSileya]

Here in Norway we have one network that shows most of the popular shows from ABC, such as LOST, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. I sent them a letter (here translated from the original Norwegian) telling them I'll boycott Disney programming on their channel:

"As you probably know, there is a great upheaval in the US right now because the ABC network has shown a "docudrama", 'Path to 9/11', with clear misinformation and direct lies. It puts the blame of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 on President Clinton and his staff, by showing scenes that those portrayed claim never happened, and by not showing the things President Clinton did to prevent terrorism and stop bin Laden, which was actively resisted by the Republicans in Congress at the time.

Our relationship to a network is based on trust, because we as viewers have neither the time nor the ability to check everything that is shown and said. In Norway, we are so lucky as to have tv networks that clearly show both sides of the issues, and who are not afraid to investigate things more closely. Disney and ABC clearly do neither. Since not only were they enlightened about the factual mistakes in the "docudrama", but also were warned against showing such falsehoods, but chose to air it anyway, it can be argued that they deliberately tried to destroy the reputation of President Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Sandy Berger, John O'Neill, Richard Clarke and others who worked hard to prevent terror attacks. In other words, in a certain light one can claim this program is pure propaganda.

I therefore feel that I, as viewer and customer, cannot support such a company. I will in the future read TV2's program carefully, with the intent to boycott programs made by ABC, such as LOST, Grey's Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives, and products of other Disney companies. In addition, if you were to show this "docudrama" without making very clear that it is propaganda, I will consider the trust between us broken, and I will boycott your entire network. I hope that this will not be necessary, as I am a regular viewer of programs such as God Morgen, Norge* and the TV2 news.

Yours sincerely,
KitSileya
Lektor**"

*the channel's morning show
**the title used by teachers with a Master's degree.

[qnr]

1. Seems like a very effective way of presenting your thoughts. Good work n/t

[KitSileya]

2. Thanks.

I feel that it is important that those of us who live in countries where the networks actually listen to their viewers tell them how we feel. This might in turn put pressure on Disney and ABC - they rely on syndication, do they not?

[KharmaTrain]

3. Let This Thing Show Worldwide...

It pretty much has already...and what is there to lose?

A majority of those outside U.S. borders have long viewed not only this regime, but its lapdog media as propagandists and sources that can't be trusted. The credibility of this crapola has been so badly debunked, this show is becoming a study of how television is used to manipulate and distort. If anything, showing it to an audience that is already wise to these antics only helps to amplify the outrage this regime has engendered. It's also going to help create a backlash Disney never expected.

The bottom line is this crap cost 40 million to "produce" and after its shown (most networks are obligated to carry this manure in order to get the better shows...and were misled up until the last moment about the show's authenticity) and the chances of it ever coming close to recouping that money on DVD sales are slim. It has zero chance of being shown in theaters...which is where the real big money is made. Let this dog manure fade into the background as its distortions are so blatant that anyone short of being brain dead will tune this noise off or laugh it off altogether.

I hope that Progressives let the Truth be the ultimate judge of this show...not some censor. Let history view this sham as an attempt to exploit 9/11 for political and corporate gain and how it backfired.

What I'd love to see is a concerted effort by Progressives, Liberals and others worldwide of Disney brands. It'd be a thrill to read about cancellations at Euro-Disney or a drop of attendence at their parks that can be traced to our voting with our pocketbooks.

Cheers...

[KitSileya]

4. Hey, I am certainly voting with my pocketbook.

I will check the dvds I buy, and not buy any Disney ones. Forget PotC2 - I was eagerly awaiting it on dvd, and #3 in the cinemas, but no more.