Posted on 07/02/2007 4:17:47 PM PDT by AFA-Michigan
Some anti-pornography groups are demanding answers as to how much presidential candidate Mitt Romney knew about the Marriott hotel chain's profits of pornography sales during his nearly ten years on the Board of Directors in the 1990's.
The hotel chain is one of many that offer pay per view sex videos for sale through in-room entertainment.
Though Marriott doesn't release their revenues when it comes to X-rated videos, industry analysts estimate it is in the tens of millions of dollars.
During his run for President, Romney has campaigned on a platform of "family values" recently telling a graduation class, "Pornography and violence poison our music and movies and television and video games."
Some of these conservative grassroots activists want to know whether he spoke up or tried to put a stop to Marriott's business dealings back then.
Phil Burress, founder of Citizens for Community Values, has been fighting hotel chains for decades on this issue. He tells The Brody File that every month a group of roughly 15 anti-pornography leaders meet in Washington to discuss the latest happenings.
Mitt Romney's Marriott connection has come up repeatedly. "Ever since he announced for president, it's been a topic of discussion."
Mitt Romney's campaign told CBN the following: "Governor Romney's role as board member was in an advisory capacity on financial matters related to the company and, obviously, he did not have a role in the day-to-day operations or decisions of individual franchise holders."
John Harmer, president of the anti-pornography group The Lighted Candle Society and the former Lieutenant Governor of California under Ronald Reagan isn't buying it. He wants to hear more.
"My attitude toward board members is that they are fully responsible. They knew exactly what they were receiving. I don't think any board member under any rationale could claim ignorance. You're either a board member or not. I can't imagine a board member going a full year and not receiving a revenue report from the company."
Previous news accounts researched by The Brody File show that Romney was paid more than $100,000 per year while on the board of Marriott.
When he left in 2002, J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, called him, "an active, hands-on Director… From his first days on our Board nine years ago, Mitt has been an extraordinarily effective director and visionary leader."
Mitt Romney has a very close relationship with the Marriott family.
Romney's father, George Romney was best friends with Marriott's original founder J. Willard Marriott. Mitt Romney's first name is Willard, in honor of the Marriott founder. The Marriott family gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mitt Romney's campaign when he ran for the U.S. Senate in 1994.
So far during Romney's presidential run, they have given close to $80,000.
When asked about Romney's time on the board of directors, Marriott Spokesman Roger Conner told CBN, "We don't comment on board level matters."
Conner wouldn't speculate whether Romney had any knowledge about the fight to get rid of pornography in room entertainment or whether he did anything about it. He would only say, "This area would not have been a board area…"
Conner is quick to point out that voting on in room entertainment packages would not have been something the board would have voted on. Rather, he says, this is an operations matter.
Moreover, he says that many of Marriott hotels are either owned by others or franchised.
"We have to respect the business decisions and needs of owners. The guest has a choice to opt out of the adult entertainment options."
The Brody File made repeated calls to LodgeNet, one of the main providers for hotel in-room entertainment. We asked whether hotels have the option to opt out of the X-rated films if they would like.
They did not return our phone calls. On their website, it does say that they work "closely with its hotel partners to determine the best mix of titles to maximize viewing levels. Unlike most systems, On Command Video has the ability to tailor the programming at individual hotels to match the demographic profile of that particular property's guests.
Conservative pro-family groups have been putting pressure on hotel chains for years to change their ways.
In a letter to Bill Johnson of the American Decency Association, Marriott's Chairman of the Board wrote in June of 2000, "The in-room entertainment operators who provide our systems rely upon a certain volume of movie types in order to be economically viable. If we were to eliminate the R and non rated offerings, the systems would not be economic."
Industry analysts estimate that roughly 60% of hotel chains provide in room entertainment with the X-rated pornography movie option. Yet, some have decided to drop the adult videos.
In 1999, Omni Hotels announced that it would remove adult pay-per-view movies from its guest room televisions. It took a financial hit but Peter Strebel, Omni Hotels vice president of marketing, said in a press release at the time, "
"Money is not the issue in this matter. Not all business decisions should be fiscally driven. We believe that this is the right thing to do; the right thing for Omni Hotels, our associates and our customers."
Gary Glenn, a well known pro-family activist in Michigan recently sent an email to Justin Hart, one of Mitt Romney's Faith and Values Steering Committee members. Hart also works for the The Lighted Candle Society.
Glenn writes, "It is a matter of record that during the time Romney served as a 'hands on' member of its board of directors, the Marriott Corporation sold tens of millions of dollars worth of hardcore pornographic videos… as a candidate for president, Gov. Romney has a bully pulpit from which he could greatly assist your organization and others in applying sufficient public pressure to Marriott and other white-collar porn peddlers to 'dry up some of that funding'…we encourage you to urge the Romney campaign to initiate public discussion of the above concerns and questions in a proactive fashion, for which he may receive some credit for initiative and leadership on an issue that speaks both to his personal and political integrity and to his trustworthiness should he be elected as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States."
The Brody File contacted Justin Hart who said "In this important fight against pornography there are those people who are determined to make enemies and effect zero change and there are those who propose to use their influence to create serious lasting change - Romney is in this latter camp…pure societal turnaround can only happen when people of influence find the right moment in time to lead change…In my opinion, Romney's record shows that he could very well effect that change to happen. The fact that he included a serious anti-pornography group on his Faith and Values committee suggests this as well."
That's not satisfying to Phil Buress. He wants answers from Romney. "This man is very knowledgeable about the issues, but for him to not know anything about what Marriott is selling, I found that very interesting."
The Romney campaign won't go beyond their initial statement.
Instead they point out that Governor Romney is actively talking about pornography issues and today's culture wars.
In a speech Romney gave nearly three months ago, he said, "I have great faith in the American people. I have faith in our children, and in our grandchildren. But at the same time, I am deeply troubled by the culture that surrounds them today.I'd like to keep pornography from coming up on kid's computers. I'd like to keep drugs off the streets. I'd like to see less violence and sex on TV and in movies and in video games…I believe that the most important work being done to strengthen America's future is the work that is being done within the 4 walls of the American home."
resty,
We are talking about porn being distributed through
an on demand movie service that Marriott places in
every one of its hotel rooms to make money when a
guest watches a porn movie. (the lodge net service
also offers other non-porn movies). We are not talking
about Time Warner or Comcast.
best,
ampu
“Marriott is a brand name put in locally owned hotels. It is a franchise operation.”
Which means that Marriott can put anything it chooses in its franchise contract. If ethics were more important than making porn profits, Marriott would contractually require franchisees — in order to use the name “Marriott” — not to associate the founder’s good name with porn and obscenity.
Restornu, you’re not just arguing that Mitt has no responsibility for Marriott selling porn in the decade he was on the board, you’re actually defending Marriott’s sale of porn itself.
And once again, you make clear that you simply don’t understand the system. You write: “A few of you, your solution would be to deprive all of the guests of this because the package also contains adult stuff.”
Wrong again. We’d simply like to see Marriott adopt the same corporate policy Omni Hotels have, for example. Provide the in-room movie system WITHOUT the porn. Is that so hard to understand, Restor? Apparently so.
I am not restor, I am Rest or Resty or restornu ~ Thank you
My friend would like to make it known that...
The Marriott has been public since 1953. The Marriott family owns about 15% of the company. The other 85% is owned by a whole bunch of investors including major institutions.
It is also worthy to note that the President of Marriott a graduate of Notre Dame who is Catholic
What is the difference between President and CEO?
“The CEO is primarily responsible for strategy: long-range planning, company direction. S/he is the most direct interface between the board of directors/stockholders and the company’s managers and employees.
The president’s role tends to be operational and tactical: S/he keeps the wheels on the car, so to speak, and attends to the day-to-day business of the company. S/he is the manager of all managers.
Now, having said that, the biggest actual difference in most companies will be determined by the legal ownership and structure of the company.“
Resty, the Marriotts can contractually require anything they want of franchisees in return for use of the name “Marriott” on the building.
They can require that onsite restaurants and pools meet all legally-proscribed health and safety standards.
They can require that rooms be kept clean and sanitary.
They can require that franchisees not operate prostitution services from the front desk, even in Nevada where it might be legal to do so.
And if they chose, they could require that in-room movie services in hotels that have the name “Marriott” on the outside not be selling hardcore X-rated pornography and obscenity on the outside.
Instead, Marriott negotiated a system-wide bulk rate contract with “On Command” — which is not the same thing as “on demand” — to knowingly sell and profit from porn.
Prominent LDS Church member John Harmer of Salt Lake City, former California Lt. Gov. and now chairman of a SLC-based anti-porn group The Lighted Candle Society, says it’s wrong for Marriott and other hotels to sell porn.
Since you disagree with prominent church member John Harmer, does that make you “anti-Mormon”? Just checking...
Correction:
And if they chose, they could require that in-room movie services in hotels that have the name “Marriott” on the outside not be selling hardcore X-rated pornography and obscenity on the INSIDE.
It is based on the same principal!
It like King World Productions who is a Supplier and co-producer of first-run syndicated television programming.
They sell package deals which might include in that package things the buyer might not want but it a take it or leave it deal!
http://www.kingworld.com/program/index.html
If you haven’t noticed in the pass 20 years or so its been a while since good could travel on its own with the companion of the opposition!
The choice comes where one chooses not to put that channel on or choose not to purchase something bad.
You have it in the TV shows packages you receive the lemons along with the winners!
Just choose not to watch the lemons and not to buy bad stuff!
(snip)
...hiss...crackle...your false and baseless charges makes you feel like my “friend.”
Just as I predicted. You DID continue to thump your chest talking about how much smarter than me you are. And you DIDN'T say which candidate you support for President.
Good night. : )
None of us who are LDS have to check our free will at the door that is a template you conjured up!
I don’t feel J. Marriott, nor is Mitt responsible no matter how much you would enjoy holding them to your assumptions.
I suggest you take the Marriott test.
Check into your local Marriott, go
to adult selections. Choose one -
any one. Witness that Marriott charges
you extra so that they can pay their
board members. Witness the porn. Then
ask why Romney didn’t have a problem
with this profit center. It’s that
easy.
If Mitt Romney is going to put on the mantle of wholesome family guy, it seems fair to me to ask him if he was involved with any porn-related decision while on the board. If his actions suggest that he battled against the policy, his family-friendly credentials are strengthened. If he didn't try to stop the policy, Romney is open to a charge of hypocrisy which is better discovered now than in the general election (if he were to get the nomination).
It don’t matter one has to make a conscientious choice to purchase among all the free TV just like at home not it might be more raunchy but raunchy is raunchy and has nothing to do with highend hotels it has to do with the fool who exercise free will!
You are so consumed with blind contempt for the LDS and Romney!
Have a nice day!:)
resty,
You do not understand what is involved. This
is why I suggested you take the Marriott test.
Did you complete the Marriott test so quickly???
Once you take the test, you will realize it is
not the same. If you are unwilling to actually
see firsthand the difference between this and
what is offered through pay for view on home
systems, you do not understand.
Beyond this, the point isn’t whether they
are the same or different. The issue
is that -—>>MARRIOTT PROFITS OFF INDIVIDUAL GUESTS
WATCHING PORN. MITT KNEW THIS.<<-— That is
the point for those of us who are anti-porn.
As you know, I’m not voting for mitt for at
least two reasons already, so it matters not
to me. But I am AMAZED that you are unwilling
to see the issue involved resty.
AMAZED.
“You DID continue to thump your chest talking about how much smarter than me you are.”
Smithee, for all I know, you’re a neuro-surgeon and 10 times as smart as me.
But you’ve given no indication of such here, only a kneejerk propensity for false assumptions, false accusations, and premature celebrations.
Given the evidence, no chest-thumping required...
Resty writes: “I don’t feel J. Marriott, nor is Mitt responsible no matter how much you would enjoy holding them to your assumptions.”
I see. The people who sell porn are not responsible for the selling of porn. (Pray tell, Resty, who is?)
Refusing to be drawn into a discussion based on facts and reasoning, Resty then retreats once again to the favorite refuge of Romney defenders:
“You are so consumed with blind contempt for the LDS and Romney!”
(Funny, how come when somebody criticizes Rudy’s record, they’re not accused of being anti-Catholic? And why aren’t McCain’s critics routinely accused of being anti-Episcopalian?)
But why do you keep dodging the question, Resty?
Prominent LDS Church member John Harmer, chairman of the Salt Lake City-based anti-porn group The Lighted Candle Society, says Marriott and other hotel chains are wrong to sell porn. And he does hold board members like Romney responsible.
Since prominent LDS Church member John Harmer disagrees with Marriott and Mitt (and you) on the selling of porn, does that mean prominent LDS Church member John Harmer is also “consumed with blind contempt for the LDS”?
Or since you disagree with prominent LDS Church member John Harmer on this issue, does that mean that you, Resty, are “consumed with blind contempt for the LDS”?
Hint: the easy way out, rather than just keep dodging it, is to finally lay down the “poor victim of religious persecution” weapon you’re so used to wielding and just admit that non-Mormons can agree or disagree with Mormons, and Mormons can even disagree with each other, and none of it has anything to do with their religion.
Marriott’s porn sales, and Romney’s share of responsibility for such sales, have nothing to do with their religion (except to the extent that porn sales is at odds with the tenets of their own faith).
Whoever owns Hilton Hotels is guilty too, and I haven’t a clue what religion if any they are...except I read Paris says she found God in jail recently, if that’s any indication.
Already read this stuff ... something duplicitous about it all.
DanielLongo,
I am glad we have found common ground. That
is the issue. No more or no less. I would
feel the same about any candidate, but in
this instance, the guy is a fairly well
entrenched member of his religion that
opposes porn - as are the Marriott family
members (my understanding).
... and in a POTUS primary, this stuff is
all grist for the mill. Some voters would
like to know this and they have the right
to ask. Mitt has the right to answer or
avoid answering. His call, since he will
have to weigh the consequences.
I simply like to see how consistent a person
is with their professed beliefs. In mitt’s
case, it is just idle interest, since I am
not voting for mitt in any race.
And Daniel, you are right, it destroys families.
Though this be a brief moment of agreement,
I’m with you on it.
ampu
Should the two of you continue this mischaracterization, I will consider the two you doing this with the intent to distort the true situation!
Than I suggest if you have Digital Cable you better remove it for you have access to Porn in your home brother!
resty,
Who do you think purchases the package from
Lodgenet? Who do you think gets a cut of the money
when porn is purchased? Lodgenet is installed
to be a money maker for the hotel (Marriott isn’t
the only one) and it’s a HUGE one.
1. I am not mischaracterizing what they do -
I’ve witnessed it many times in a Marriott
when I stay there.
2. It doesn’t matter to me whether you consider
it anything. You are uninformed, having never
stayed there. You did not take the test.
best,
ampu
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