While we're on the "Corporations own the world, we just breathe here" tune, here's
another verse.
Quote:
Monday, June 27, 2005
Disney Death: Goofy state regulation
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
Walt Disney World's exemption from amusement ride regulation in Florida is hardly amusing. It's long been said that the aerospace industry was the 800-pound gorilla in Washington state politics but it looks like just a chimp compared with the clout the amusement park industry enjoys in Florida.
Four-year-old Daudi Bamuwamye died June 13 while on the "Mission: Space" ride at the Orlando park, but under Florida law, state inspectors need permission from the theme park's management.
Thanks to heavy lobbying by Disney officials, an attempt at reform after a 1989 carnival ride death was turned into a boon for the large theme parks there, exempting such operations as Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea World and Busch Gardens. Florida regulators can inspect the smaller amusement parks and carnivals, but not the big ones. The smaller operators must report a death or serious accident within four hours, but the large parks are asked to make only quarterly -- and voluntary -- accident reports.
Washington law requires annual inspections of such facilities and reports of accidents requiring medical attention are to be made within 24 hours.
The recent death may have had nothing to do with the ride, but allowing Disney to block state investigation into the case is just goofy.
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Why? The only answer is "bought and paid for". Which leads to the question, are politician expenses short term liabilities, or capital expenses?