Porn industry seeks federal bailout
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Another major American industry is asking for assistance as the global financial crisis continues: Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis said Wednesday they will request that Congress allocate $5 billion for a bailout of the adult entertainment industry.
“The take here is that everyone and their mother want to be bailed out from the banks to the big three,” said Owen Moogan, spokesman for Larry Flynt. “The porn industry has been hurt by the downturn like everyone else and they are going to ask for the $5 billion. Is it the most serious thing in the world? Is it going to make the lives of Americans better if it happens? It is not for them to determine.”
Francis said in a statement that “the US government should actively support the adult industry's survival and growth, just as it feels the need to support any other industry cherished by the American people."
“We should be delivering [the request] by the end of today to our congressmen and [Secretary of the Treasury Henry] Paulson asking for this $5 billion dollar bailout,” he told CNN Wednesday.
Flynt and Francis concede the industry itself is in no financial danger — DVD sales have slipped over the past year, but Web traffic has continued to grow.
But the industry leaders said the issue is a nation in need. "People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt said in the statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."
"With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind. It's time for congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America. The only way they can do this is by supporting the adult industry and doing it quickly."
So far, there has been no congressional reaction to the request.
–CNN’s Chloe Melas contributed to this report
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This is clearly done to make a point about how some people think that bailouts of any kind are absurd. To all those who are asking if this is a joke, the answer is definitely YES. If you can't see that you really need a lesson in common sense.
What's next? Legalize prostitution and drug trafficking. WAFJ! What A Freaking Joke!
If the tax payers money is going to bailout this people. Then I think the American people would like to get some action in return.
Anyone who thinks the porn industry is serious with their request should lose the right to vote.
That's it! I am moving to Canada!!! Where's the TAXPAYER bailout package.....
Better Larry Flynt than Wall Street. Well played sir! I am in line for my $5bn next.
Wow! This is funny! I find it highly unlikely that the porn industry is suffering that much! Guys spend there money on booze, babes and food and that is about it! I am a liberal Democrat and I would never support this idea! If the porn industry dies, there is always the web! lol!
This is just Larry Flint tweaking the nose of the government once again. He doesn't expect a bailout, nor does he need one. He just likes to score a political point every now and then.....and the bailout thing was just too easy to pass up.
What makes them Sick? Aside from your own personal feelings, they are a business... The Provide a Product for a Price..
it may not be the most socially acceptable business, but I would rather give them my money then to a large bank or financial investment firm that took horrible gamble's with and left me with nothing to show for it....And then in turn ask for 3 bailouts while exectutive management takes luxury retreats.
Finally someone asked for sensible bailout.
Relax you nitwits.
Flynt is doing what he has done for 30+ years, which is to demonstrate the hypocrisy of American government, morals and business. What is the government going to say? "Sure smut peddler, have some tax dollars!"
NO.
He's doing it to prove a point: that they'll give money to idiots who sell poorly made goods that people don't want to buy (American cars) and will never pay back, but not to an industry that consistently earns a profit and has a wining track record because PEOPLE WANT IT.
So put your bibles and pitchforks away. Geez, you hillbillies are clueless..
Enough with the bailouts – no matter the industry! If anyone needs money, just send them to a bank for a loan like any other business/individual, or if it comes down to it file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection!
Frodo: Hilarious!!!!!!
To those here pondering whether or not this is a joke, I believe this is Larry Flynt making a point in his own sardonic manner. I really don't think the industry ACTUALLY expects any government money in the form of a "bailout". I think they're trying to make a statement that there are other industries without the lobbying power of banks and automobile manufacturers that are suffering just as much. And what the heck, they get some (relatively) free publicity out of it!
One man cannot elect a Senator.. Run for office.... Let the Majority decide...Next you will have a "Kingdom" ,,,, Your God Forbid!!!!
Not that I care.... Just equality.... Black is White??? Or did it change since Obama????
Guess they're just gonna have to suck it up.
Time are rough for everyone!! 🙂
Cars were invented to drive to hooters and brothels. I don't care if the car industry goes down but I need my porn. I'll cycle if I have to.
Those of you who say you want the porn industry to die are just prudes. Why do so many Americans have so many hang ups? I don't support a bailout for the porn industry b/c they are still doing just fine at least. But come on people. Stop being so prude! America just aint right...
I don't know about the bail-out, but porn is an important function for our society. Our society should be more open about sexuality and refrain from villifying porn actors and sex workers. Yes – there are extremes and ...over-indulgence, and issues not addresed for porn addicts. And there are serious facts cocerning sex-slavery, subjugation, and child pornography, however there are adults who willingly do porn and should not be lumped in with all the atrociousnous the industry seems to attract. If we sweep it under the rug – get rid of it, then only the seedy of society will controll it. It is just sex.
This is the greatest thing ive heard in a long long time.
These men are patriots.
If it makes you angry then you are missing the point.
The only industry USA actually own, the rest comes from China and Middle East. God bless US economy
Are you serious..?! Well if they're asking for a bailout, can I have one as well..? I'm broke from Christmas.
C'mon really..? lol...what a joke 😀
Joe Francis? Did they finally let that sleaze-ball out of jail? Shouldn't he be busy seducing more underage girls?
Jesus the comments here are insane. Look at the article and read it people. Don't take it to heart. Both Flynt and the other goon are using this as a parody! Its funny as hell but in their underlying issue they have a point!