AMERICAblog: Cinemark CEO gave $9,999 to anti-gay Prop 8 bigots
paulbot5
· 1 year ago
I wish you guys would fight this hard against something like the federal reserve which steals trillions of dollars and makes the rich richer :\
googiebaba
· 1 year ago
How in the world are we supposed to fight the federal reserve? Boycott money?
Steve_in_CNJ
· 1 year ago
mostly in the south, midwest and west coast: http://www.cinemark.com/theater_list.asp (seems a shame that MLK Jr basically wasted his life when he could have been fighting the federal reserve.)
Busboy
· 1 year ago
Bush wants the major 3 to go bankrupt so that the labor union contracts will be dissolved and the big 3 can come back out of bankruptcy with a "pared down" and cheaper workforce.
cjbrdwng
· 1 year ago
Well - now we know where we should protest in Las Vegas, other than the various Mormon churches.
Cinemark runs Century Theaters, which has theaters INSIDE casinos, such as the Orleans, Suncoast, Sam's Town, Santa Fe Station, and South Point casinos. Nothing on the Las Vegas Strip (unfortunately), but the Orleans is not far from there (and right across the street from a gay bar - Charlie's incidently), and the Suncoast is near one of the more affluent neighborhoods (Summerlin)
Protesting outside them - that could make some news.
Thank you for posting the list of their theatres. One is quite close to my home and my kids USED to go there.
No more.
jharp
· 1 year ago
You got it. No cinemark for me and my family. And I will spread the message to friends.
Keep at it.
DaveDFW
· 1 year ago
This isn't too surprising--the Cinemark on the Tollway in Plano showed "The Passion of the Christ" on all of its 20 screens just a few years ago.
But just recently they hosted a preview sceening of "Hairspray" at the Legacy Cinemark for our Collin County gay group.
There must be some interesting competing interests within the company.
Bush_Bites
· 1 year ago
Fox is like that.
They peddle racy stuff on their entertainment network.
Then they peddle manufactured outrage about racy stuff on their "news" network.
annatopia
· 1 year ago
you beat me to it. since this guy lives in plano texas - one of the reddest parts of the entire friggin' country - i am not suprised he gave to prop hate.
eclare
· 1 year ago
I think their only relevant interest is profit, which actually makes them a great mark for a boycott.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
You are so right. They are a public company with a fiduciary duty to maximize profits for shareholders. If their CEO's political activities hurt the bottom line, he is breaching those duties and should be fired. Cinemark's board of directors need to be made aware of this, and they need to see that this is affecting the bottom line.
Busboy
· 1 year ago
Maybe they're AC-DC?
piminnowcheez
· 1 year ago
I don't see any good reason why the Century SF Centre 9 or the CineArts @ Empire theaters in San Francisco should be able to stay in business.
I won't be going any more. Too bad because the CineArts @ Empire was a cool little neighborhood theater that sometimes had indie films. Oh well.....
Kabuki Theaters baby!!! You can actually reserve a seat in advance and you have lots of legroom and can have double seats to snuggle up to the hubby in.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Amen. I think someone should organize protesters to stand in front of the Century 9 seven days a week and hand out flyers encouraging people to walk a block to the Metreon instead.
Gary SF
· 1 year ago
I just sent them this message - I had to pick from a list of issues and I picked "Human Resources":
I am seeking your comments regarding the planned nationwide boycott of Cinemark due to the Alan Stock's $9,999 contribution to ban same-sex marriages in California.
you mean the "thank you for the last and greatest betrayal of the last and greatest of human dreams?" i have always thought he was referring to the jfk assassination, but that's just me. i could be that and everything that has followed.
like hunter thompson, he was an idealist and romantic way down deep ...
anarchy
· 1 year ago
movies are your best entertainment value.. NOT!
LOL.
Crazywookiee
· 1 year ago
Hey, just to let everyone in the Long Beach, CA area know, the movie theatre at The Pike, in Long Beach, is a Cinemark theatre.
John, if you could let everyone know, that would be awesome. There is a pretty large gay community in Long Beach, and the Pike is one of the -major- hangout places in LB.
DavidinPS
· 1 year ago
The Century Theaters at The River in Rancho Mirage is gay central for the Palm Springs crowd. I believe they also do the Met broadcasts.
Cinemark are the owners of the theatres at the San Francisco Westfield Shopping Center. Heavily patronized by the LGBT community and its allies. perhaps a little boycott and onsite demonstration?
Topher
· 1 year ago
OT but the Anti-8 protest here in New York tonight was awesome! We started in front of the Mormon Temple (which the police had quartered off and taped up the windows), marched down Broadway, and filled Columbus Circle. People stretched all the way from Columbus Circle back to the Temple. Thousands of people! There is another protest here on Saturday, but I'm truly hoping the CASC finds this whole thing unconstitutional by the end of the week.
I am so proud that the majority of the people I was able to organize to come tonight were straight. I feel like we are entering a true period of change in America. This is forcing people to examine themselves, and it seems like they are waking up to all of the lunacy that has been going on for the last 25 years. Keep fighting!! We are effecting change!!
Dagobert2nd
· 1 year ago
There are a lot of Cinemark theatres in the South (San Francisco) Bay area. I've already been mostly avoiding them because of behavior like this: http://www.amiba.net/pressroom/independent_cine... I will not set foot in them again. I think it would be good to make an example of them until they fire this bigot. Their CineArts theatres care foreign and independent films - which I would guess most of the attendees are pro-gay - maybe some picketing should happen to them.
MikeinSanJo
· 1 year ago
Yeah, this sucks! Seems MOST of the theaters in San Jose-area are theirs:
Fremont - Cinedome 8 (39153 Farwell Dr.)
Milpitas - Century 20 Great Mall (1010 Great Mall Drive)
Mountain View - Century Cinema 16 (1500 N. Shoreline Blvd.)
Newark - Cinedome 7 (6000 New Park Mall)
Palo Alto - CinéArts at Palo Alto Square (3000 El Camino Real)
Redwood City - Redwood Downtown 20 (825 Middlefield Rd.)
San Jose - CENTURY 24 (741 Winchester Blvd.) - Century 25 (1694 Saratoga Ave.) - Century 10 Berryessa (1171 North Capital Ave.) - Century Capitol 16 (3690 Hillcap Ave.) - CinéArts Santana Row 6 (3088 Olsen Drive) - Oakridge 20 (925 Blossom Hill Rd.)
Union City - Century 25 Union Landing (32100 Union Landing)
Any word on the status of AMC Theaters?
NavyMom44
· 1 year ago
Thanks for the info, I was planning to take the kids to a Cinemark theater in Houston this weekend. I will drive an hour away from my home this weekend to an AMC theater, it is not the miles or time but the principle and a teaching point for the kids.
scottinsf
· 1 year ago
More of that charming mormon love. Where would these children learn this? The county this happened in is 95% mormon.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could get the studios to refuse to let Cinemark show their films?
P.S. I was in my local Cinemark yesterday (wish I had known then) and they had posters and promotional postcards for 'Milk'. It will be showing there soon. I guess they are screening it because they love the ending.
Dagobert2nd
· 1 year ago
Someone should organize a letter writing campaign to studios telling them we won't see their movies at Cinemark.
PeerOne
· 1 year ago
Your last sentence said it all.,.what's awful is it's probably true given this latest donation expose.
Cpeterka
· 1 year ago
9999 is what he gave?
LOOKS LIKE HE TRIED TO STAY JUST BELOW THE RADAR ON GIVING... OOP'S !!!
FunMe
· 1 year ago
This is beautiful!
Did you know we are all witnessing history in the making? Everything starts small but grows big especially if it is a cause that affect HUMAN BEINGS.
It might be El Coyote first, with the OWNER's daughter still saying she would NOT contribute to NoOnH8. And she even had a press conference! What a bigot! All explained, according to her, because "my Morman church made me do it!"
Then it is the theaters.
This is a WAKE UP call to America: if you chose to discriminate or TAKE AWAY rights from others thinking your actions don't have consequences ... you are wrong! What you contribute to - especially if you are a business - will come back to bite you if you end up giving money (especially over $9 THOUSAND dollars!) You will have to pay for it in the form of lost customers.
I have no pity for these businesses.
The peace and equality revolution marches on!
smallhandff
· 1 year ago
Sid Foulger, of high-rise construction co Foulger-Pratt, gave 50K to Support 8. Pity there's no way to boycott his business, aside from promising not to let him build my next office building.
Cinemark Theatres - Contact Information Corporate Office: Cinemark USA, Inc. 3900 Dallas Parkway, Suite 500 Plano, TX 75093-7865
Send your emails....here's mine... http://www.cinemark.com/contactus.asp There are 3 three of your theaters located in Portland Oregon, and two of these are within minutes of my home that I have frequented. Due to your companies support of Prop 8 in California myself and many of my friends will no longer step foot into any theaters owned by your company. Sincerely, Craig Fuller
Bostonian_Queer_in_Dallas
· 1 year ago
Plano Texas: The land of the $33,000 millionaires living on credit cards, phony new money, tacky mansions, big haired air head trophy bitch wives, brat kids, Hummers in every four bay garage, and all designed by fags. They need us to adore them and Christian Dior them. But we can't have basic tax rights or simple civil unions to ensure that our partners are taken care of. These people are essentially rich white trash. Azle, Texas values but with ostentatious debt in their 10,000 sq ft kitsch palaces.
annatopia
· 1 year ago
what would all those trophy wives do without their gay hairdressers?
honestly, maybe it's time for the dallas area gays to start refusing service to those bitches.
Bostonian_Queer_in_Dallas
· 1 year ago
Actually the dress designers are refusing to service some of the Tyler rose festival bitches this year...its a big tacky ball where the ladies all wear over the top evening wear...several were donors on Prop 8...now they'll have to wear pret a porter!!!!!
annatopia
· 1 year ago
the horrors!!
HAHA
=)
-anna
RitornaVincitor
· 1 year ago
Sorry to you, BQinD, but now that Bush is on his way out I am SO looking forward to not hearing about Texas on the news every single day.
Bostonian_Queer_in_Dallas
· 1 year ago
Oh we are glad of that too....
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
You hit the nail right on the head. Ok, all of the reasonable people move out of Texas, we will take Austin, and the rest of it can secede. Perhaps they can recieve guidance from Todd Palin at the AIP.
steve_in_mexico
· 1 year ago
On this page you can look up their International theatres.
There are a lot of them in Mexico City, and down into South America, too.
I actually found a human resources emaill address for Cinemark. Write them, I am sure there many many gay and lesbian employees would LOVE to know what Mr. Stock has been up to. Spread this email to as many people that you are able.
I will never ever step foot in your theater again. I will make it my duty to inform others not to. Alan Stock, CEO took it upon himself to give nearly 10,000.00 to the Yes on Prop eight campaign in California, stripping millions of it's citizens basic human rights. Being that Mr. Stock lives in Texas, I hardly think he is affected by what happens in California on this very personal issue. Mr. Stock should take responsibility for his own marriage and stop worrying about things that have no affect on him and his family.
Mr. Stock is a revolting horrible hateful bigot. 10 grand is no small sum to send out to a cause that does not effect him one bit. Wow, he must really really hate gay people. I imagine many of the gay and lesbian people in your company would love to know this little tidbit of information. And they will. I will send out as many links to pertinent groups on the internet and encourage others to write Mr. Stock and avoid your theaters like the plague.
You have one theater in my home town in Jacksonville, FL. However if I am traveling and it is the last place on earth to see a movie, I will refuse to give your company anymore of my money. Now multiply my sentiment by million's gay and lesbian customers in this country, you have yourself a very real problem.
Your company must be the absolute worst place to work. I pity your employees.
Sincerely,
Mark M Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
DalTxDave
· 1 year ago
Thank you for that sentiment. Here in Dallas, I keep telling people that until the "GLBT" cause unites and publicly boycotts any biz that they see as not accepting of the GLBT community - then nothing will ever change. Case in point: Remember, the blacks boycotting the buses in Mississippi in the 60s - that caused the companies to almost go bankrupt and change began.
Same concept here. We should boycott the hell out of this business & Exxon-Mobile!!
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
YES. We need to do a little less partying....and a little more protesting, or slowly but surely while we are not looking.....We will be forced to go through conversion therapy as kids or some insane end result such as that. I truly believe this is their goal. Florida is the worst....Men, particularily come down for the party and could care less about politics. I am no stranger to having a good time, but because Florida is so transient many are not involved.
In arkansas as of this election you cannnot adopt. I am one of six kids, and frankly I am more responsible than many of the straight members of my family, yet I am considered unfit to raise a child. It's madness, and I am sick and tired of it.
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
Wow, Cinemark is an equal opportunity descriminating company. They hate people with disabilities too. Looks like they had a little law suit on their hands and were FORCED to accomodate for ADA requirements. That comes from the top down. Alan Stock is a first class schmuck.
Let's boycott the bastards. Besides, can anyone afford to go to the movies any more after the conservatives ruined our economy?
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
I agree, Sundance as well. And for those that say, well you are hurting inocents thgough collateral damage, I say SO WHAT. Think of all of the gay families in California that are now in termoil as a result of this nonsense. You have to break a few eggs to make an omlette.
RitornaVincitor
· 1 year ago
I'm with you! Hey, I know. Let's make a Republican omelet, and then throw it out!
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
OH....and here is their contact info. Give them a call, I am sure they would love to hear from you.
3900 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 500 Plano, TX 75093-7865 United States (Map)Phone: 972-665-1000 Fax: 972-665-1004 Toll Free: 800-246-3627
One other interesting note: This company employs about 13,600 people world wide. Even on the conservitive side, there must be at least 700 gay people working at this company.
Whinger
· 1 year ago
As long as we're boycotting theatres, how about the Paramount in Oakland? Its vice-president, Lorenzo Hoopes, gave $26,000 to Yes on 8.
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
WOW. He has a special place in his heart for hate. What an ass. I can't imagine giving up that much money for something that does not even affect you. I just don't get it.
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
Someone needs to compile a TOP TEN corporate contributor list of yes and eight.
mac_in_WA
· 1 year ago
While I think protests and boycots are extremely usefull in knowing where my dollars are spent I have wished that the gay comunity would advocate holding these blatently unconsititutional measures to be publicly visible to the entire comunity. Remember the whites only /blacks only signs in the past. I think that these are both shamefull but accurate portrayals of the law as it exists. In other words if the CA supreme courts judge that marriage is a privilige to be awarded to heterosexuals only the constitution should be written as such in each "civil rights" or minority section that defines the rights.
If the Court upholds prop 8, I htink that it will be years before another initative can be placed to overturn it. As such there will be years to "educate" the public as to what this means.
I think that San Fransico has it in their power to post in large print Marriage is a special privilige granted to heterosexuals only in the waiting rooms of any of the registrars. Posting on the walls all of the rights granted to married people versus all of the rights granted civil unions. This would be uncomforatable for all to experience even the bigots but I believe it to be facturally accurate and if it shed light on the injustice what better way. It would have to be fully supported by the "gay establishment" before any mayor/ councilmen could enact this "controversial" measure.
I think that the public really likes discrimination if it is invisible and doesnt challenge their presumptive ideas. I am thinking back to the days when it was illegal to be gay in a few states like Texas. Just think about how quickly that would change if there were warnings on the highway entering Texas, Homosexual activity is illegal in the State of Texas or we welcome everyone except homosexuals. Truth in advertising rapidly tells it like it is.
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
I like that. Good points.
dubious63
· 1 year ago
Here is a list of their theaters in the San Francisco Bay Area: Corte Madera - Century Cinema (41 Tamal Vista Blvd.)
Daly City - Century 20 Daly City (1901 Junipero Serra Blvd.)
Hayward - Century Theatres at Hayward (1069 B Street)
Larkspur - Century Larkspur (500 Larkspur Landing Cr.)
Mill Valley - CinéArts Sequoia (25 Throckmorton Ave.)
Richmond - Century Hilltop 16 (3200 Klose Way)
San Bruno - Century at Tanforan (The Shops at Tanforan)
San Francisco - CinéArts at the Empire (85 West Portal Ave.) - Century 9 San Francisco Centre (835 Market St.)
San Leandro - Century 16 Bayfair Mall (15555 East 14th Street)
San Mateo - Century 12 San Mateo (320 East 2nd Avenue)
San Rafael - Century Northgate (7000 Northgate Drive) - Century Regency (280 Smith Ranch Road)
Sausalito - CinéArts Marin (101 Caledonia)
justbecauseican
· 1 year ago
actually, all century theaters were bought out by Cinemark, and now Cinemark owns them. They just didn't change the names. Same for the CineArts, also Cinemark theaters.
DalTxDave
· 1 year ago
Thank you for that sentiment. Here in Dallas, I keep telling people that until the "GLBT" cause unites and publicly boycotts any biz that they see as not accepting of the GLBT community - then nothing will ever change. Case in point: Remember, the blacks boycotting the buses in Mississippi in the 60s - that caused the companies to almost go bankrupt and change began.
Same concept here. We should boycott the hell out of this business & Exxon-Mobile!!
Next step - educate those bigots. It was rightfully said here that bigots will discriminate quietly - but not publicly. Hold those bigots accountable publicly - publish the names of Church's & Businesses that discriminate.
David Merino Dallas, TX
David Merino
Stechjo
· 1 year ago
Bigots need to be known and that means turning over the rocks they hide under.
I wonder what good might have been done if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Hate had given $25 million to feed the hungry instead of taking my rights away.
These hypoChristians need to be exposed for what they are.
Dan
· 11 months ago
The problem in this case is that it is not the business that is supporting the proposition, so your boycotting of the business doesn't really accomplish anything at all.
Any company that uses company money, sure. Point 'em out, even I'll boycott them. This is not such a case, however.
Stechjo
· 1 year ago
The only thing these bigots understand is the power of the almighty dollar and it's the one thing in my possession that I have some control over.
I'd like to see pickets outside the Cinemark Theaters all over the country.
CarolAl
· 1 year ago
As grampy often said, "We will rout them out and make it public. You will know their names, my friends!" Not a bad idea here. Marriott, Cinemax, LDS, who else is responsible for Prop Hate? Create a list. Publish their names every day for a month. Between protests, boycotts, letters, and phone calls, withholding the almighty dollar is the language they best understand.
SAMOSAM
· 1 year ago
You all sound so hateful! I don't really understand it all. I am not Mormon, but I do know that they had less then 3% of the yes on 8 vote. There are way more gays in California then Mormons and no on 8 raised more money. It is disgusting how much hate there has been toward the Mormon Church. They are not against gays just for the institution of marriage to remain between man and women. Just call it something different. I am sick of seeing everyone act like it has been so rough being gay and comparing it to the blacks civil rights movement. There is no comparison whatsoever. C'mon! I am all for gays having rights but why so hateful. The gays seem to be more hateful and judgmental then anyone. Why are they not hating the black community? They had a huge % of the yes on 8 vote. Why not even hate Obama? The black community came out to vote in record numbers for Obama. Go picket in Compton if you are all so upset about Prop 8. How about not hating at all and get your facts straight before you go pointing your finger. California had it on the ballot therefore giving the power to voters to vote.
UAL_777
· 1 year ago
The Mormon Church specifically organized itself to block a proposition in another state. As a result of Mormon money many lies were prodcast regarding the consequencies if 8 failed, such as putting Obama's face on a flyer saying that he approved of Prop 8, which was a bold face lie. If the Mormon Church wants to continue to pump money into poltics to further it's own agenda, it should lose it's tax exempt status. I also imagine you would feel very different if you were gay. Imagine living in a world where you are regarded as a pervert and denied rights just because of who you are. This is a civil rights movement! I enourage people to look around the world, in South Africa, many parts of Europe and South America, Gay marriage is legal - this is the future. Please let the country move forward, in a decade we will look back and think how bigoted this whole issue really is . . .
Stechjo
· 1 year ago
Former CEO and current Board Member of eBay, Meg Whitman, has publicly endorsed PROP 8. Since she's Republican, this isn't any great surprise, but she's done all of this in advance of her potential run for Governor in 2010.
As if she she'd ever get my vote. It's good to know who one's enemies are.
I have closed my account, however once Meg leaves, I'll reinstate it.
davidwf
· 1 year ago
Cinemark theaters doesn't exclusively discriminate against gays, but also against the handicapped. Hmmmm. Check out Cinemark on Wikipedia! BOYCOTT SUNDANCE!! Why should we let even the smaillest amount of our money go into the pockets of the very people who will use it against us??
Infinity1107
· 1 year ago
Cinemark does not discriminate against gays and the handicapped. Cinemark/Century has even allocated handicapped seating for handicapped customers and thier families.. haven't you seen all the chairs labeled especially with the wheel-chair sign? Plus literally every business in America is insepcted by the ADA to make sure they comply with handicapped standards and that they are accessible for everyone.
On the gay part, Cinemark employees many members of the GLBT community. Yes the CEO may have donated $$ to Prop 8, but it doesnt mean that the company as a whole is homophobic either.
davidwf
· 1 year ago
Unfortunately, the CEO got his money from the business to which I will no longer be patronizing. Also, as a side note, the handicapped had to FIGHT HARD for those handicapped seats.
Not to mention the bullying of smaller theater chains to prevent showing "blockbuster" films.
Shame on Cinemark for being the corrupt bigoted corporation that it is. Your pathetic email will be posted so that everyone can see how pathetic you are.
Sincerely...
Infinity1107
· 1 year ago
We are on the same side of this issue buddy, whats up with the hostility.. did you read my other blogs I posted.. ?
davidwf
· 1 year ago
sorry, i thought i was responding to the email sent to me in response of my original email.
d
LogicalThoughts
· 1 year ago
Well. lets think about this.. Cinemark, a MAJOR employer in the United States, and you want to picket a company that helps support many people of all ethnic and religious and sexual back grounds?? Im gay I work for cinemark, and i collect a Sizeable paycheck , and it doesnt bother me. Last time i checked its a free country to do what you want to do. Cinemark isnt a gay company. Just the fact that they are stillin business in todays economy says enough.
Infinity1107
· 1 year ago
I agree with you that Cinemark CEO Alan Stock has the right to his views and ideology. However, as a CEO of a major American Corporation, he has also the responsibility to think hard about the choices he makes. He is the representative of Cinemark 24-7 whether he likes it or not. I am dissapointed that he chose to support discrimination and hate when I am sure Cinemark/Century Theaters has many GLBT employees. I think Cinemark should DOUBLE the amount of $$ Mr. Stock contributed to this hatefull law and donate to an organization that supports GLBT causes like the Human Rights Campaign..etc. We need to send a message to other CEO's that they need to think about the organizations they support because it could potentially harm the company's they represent.
LogicalThoughts
· 1 year ago
He is a morman though. Was it a personal contribution or a Corp check?
LogicalThoughts
· 1 year ago
It's one check for under $10k by a morman CEO that employs me by the way, A ( GWM ) paying me a check of more than $80k a year.
Dan
· 11 months ago
Wait. Wait. You want the COMPANY to use COMPANY MONEY to support gay rights, to offset what an INDIVIDUAL with PERSONAL MONEY donated? How is that fair or any more okay?
I never thought in a million years I'd ever defend CEO's, but even I find it ridiculous to think that they don't have a right to have a personal life and at least some personal freedom.
sguth
· 1 year ago
How does it make since to discrimate and Boycott a company because someone who works for them did something you disagree with? It was not money donated by Cinemark as a whole but by an individual who happens to work for them. Not everyone has the same opinion, its America land of the free, a country built on decisions made by people who disagree. Whether you agree with Prop 8 or not Mr. Stock paid the money out of his own pocket and not Cinemarks. At least respect the values and ideals of America and Grow up.
Infinity1107
· 1 year ago
I agree with you Sguth, at the same time, Mr. Stock is the HIGHEST representative of this PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANY so he owes it to investors and employees to think hard about the decisions he makes and the ideology he supports. If you ask me, he like the company should remain NEUTRAL. CEO's need to learn that they represent their company's 24-7 and their actions may lead to revenue loss of their company.
jambak
· 1 year ago
Hey sguth, I understand what you are saying and agree. Thanks for respecting the values and ideals of America by acknowledging our rights as tax paying Americans to express our differing opinions, spend our hard-earned money where we want and to freely make the choice to avoid Cinemark.
Surely you can understand why one or two or a thousand gay people would not want to patronize a business whose CEO spent a thousand dollars of his own money to take away their rights. It's as simple as that. It's our preference to see Milk elsewhere.
Infinity1107
· 1 year ago
Cinemark as a corporation does not discriminate against the GLBT community. I am a member of the GLBT community and a member of the Cinemark family as well. I love working for Cinemark and I think it is a very tolerant workplace. I am dissapointed that the CEO chose to donate money to PROP 8, but it was his own money and not Cinemark's. However, I strongly feel that the CEO made a great mistake by choosing to endorse hate and discrimination. He after all is the highest ranking member of Cinemark and represents the company at all times. Mr. Stock should have thought about all the GLBT employees Cinemark/Century has and how Prop 8 would personally affect them. All CEO's not only Mr. Stock need to learn that they represent their companies 24-7 and the decisions they make and ideology they support could end up hurting all of us.
Dan
· 11 months ago
Why is it that only celebrities are allowed to support or oppose these things? Anyone else has to remain anonymous and not speak up. A CEO does not represent the company at all times. I think that is a ridiculous thing to claim. EVERYONE is entitled to an opinion AND a personal life. Because again, I have to keep mentioning this, if this guy publicly opposed the ban, no one would tell him he shouldn't have publicly gotten involved.
Dan
· 11 months ago
And what do you think of all of those CEOs and company chairpeople who publicly supported and funded Barack Obama when he was running for President?
lindsey27
· 1 year ago
If you'd like to let Alan know your thoughts on the matter:
Alan Stock, Chief Executive Officer Cinemark 3900 Dallas Parkway - Suite 500 Plano, TX 75093-7869 (972) 665-1000 astock@cinemark.com
And if you *really* want to get their attention, start contacting the Cinemark board of directors (who are essentially Alan Stock's boss) and let them know how Alan's action is going to affect their company's bottom line which they have a fiduciary responsibility to protect. Emails and direct phone numbers where known:
Lee Mitchell, Chairman Cinemark 3900 Dallas Pkwy - Suite 500 Plano, TX, 75093-7871 (972) 665-1000 lmitchell@cinemark.com
Benjamin Chereskin, Managing Director Madison Dearborn Partners 3 First National Plaza 70 W Madison St - Suite 3800 Chicago, IL 60602-4342 (312) 895-1310 bchereskin@mdcp.com
Carlos Sepulveda, President Interstate Battery System of America 12770 Merit Dr - Suite 400 Dallas, TX 75251-1296 (972) 991-1444 carlos.sepulveda@ibsa.com
Raymond Syufy, President Cinemark Holdings 150 Pelican Way San Rafael, CA 94901-5550 (415) 448-8400 r_syufy@centurytheatres.com
Enrique Hernandez, Managing Director Allen & Company 711 5th Avenue 9th Floor New York, NY 10022 (212) 832-8000
Vahe Combalagian Madison Dearborn Partners 70 W Madison St - Suite 4600 Chicago, IL 60602-4342 (312) 895-1000 vcombalagian@mdcp.com
Roger Staubach, Executive Chairman The Staubach Company 15601 Dallas Pkwy - Suite 400 Addison, TX 75001-6055 (972) 361-5001 rogerstaubach@staubach.com
Donald Soderquist Cinemark Holdings 3900 Dallas Pkwy - Suite 500 Plano, TX, 75093-7871 (972) 665-1000 dsoderquist@cinemark.com
Steve Rosenberg, CEO Centego Marketing 4965 Preston Park Blvd - Suite 190 Plano, TX 75093 (972) 985-2500 srosenberg@centego.com
KB
· 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this contact info -- I would love to be able to compliment Mr. Stock on doing what he feels is right regardless of the hatred it would subject him to!!
JoninSF
· 1 year ago
Thanks for your list of BoD members. Here is a copy of Correspondence with the Marketing guy at Cinemark - in reverse order - my response to his reply to my message.
From: Jon To: JMeredit@cinemark.com Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 6:36:27 PM Subject: Re: No Longer Attending Your Theaters
Mr. Meredith:
Thank you for your very pristine "corporate policy" response. You should know "and appreciate" that many of your customers (the millions who voted against Proposition 8 and the millions who were directly affected by it) do not view this simply as "personal issues outside the work environment, on . . . political, social or religious activities" but rather as a matter of basic civil rights. Other corporations, share that view and did donate to defeat this pernicious attack on the rights of LGBT citizens in California and America. They have made it a matter of corporate policy to not stand on the sidelines during this struggle for the basic rights of their customers and fellow human citizens.
While it may take years for history to judge whether Cinemark's position, or lack thereof, made good corporate sense, you can be certain that it will be remembered for the positions it did not take, the views of its leadership for the views they did take, and it will be without the financial support and patronage of myself, my friends, family and numerous other citizens who disagree with your leader's "personal expression" of contempt for the rights of others.
Sincerely,
From: James Meredith <JMeredit@cinemark.com> To: Jon Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 4:08:07 PM Subject: RE: No Longer Attending Your Theaters
Dear Jon:
I received your correspondence regarding your concerns about the Proposition 8 vote in California. Please know that Cinemark made no financial contribution to either side on this issue, nor does Cinemark have an opinion on this issue. It would be inappropriate to influence our employees’ position on personal issues outside the work environment, especially on political, social or religious activities. Cinemark is dedicated to providing high quality entertainment for all of our customers. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on race, creed, religion or sexual preference. We appreciate the importance of this matter to you. We hope that you equally appreciate that any individual act or contribution is just that, individual acts of personal expression and do not reflect company positions or policy.
Sincerely,
James Meredith Vice President, Marketing & Communications Cinemark USA, Inc. 3900 Dallas Parkway, Ste 500 Plano, TX 75093 972.665.1060 (office)
From: Jon Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 3:04 PM To: James Meredith Subject: No Longer Attending Your Theaters
Dear Mr. Meredith"
I have been informed that, Alan Stock, CEO of your company took it upon himself to give nearly $10,000.00 to the Yes on Prop eight campaign in California, helping to strip millions of it's citizens basic human rights. (Source - link below following my signature). Being that Mr. Stock lives in Texas, I hardly think he is affected by what happens in California on this very personal issue. In light of your organization's head taking such a blatantly discriminatory position, I will no longer be attending movies at any of the theaters affiliated with your company.
As an avid movie goer, (at least 2x per week) I realize this will be a hardship given I live in San Francisco, where your company has numerous theaters it owns and manages. In uncertain economic times, everyone has to be careful about where they spend their entertainment dollars. I for one do not want my good times to be a source of funding to organizations whose leaders support bigotry and who worked to help eliminate our rights in California.
I have also informed my friends and family about this manner and you should expect to be hearing more about it in the San Francisco Bay Area media soon.
Again, in the sake of fairness, when someone outside the state of California supports Prop 8, everyone is quick to comment about how what happens in California doesn't affect them. But if we reverse his position, if he were a Texas man who donated a lot of money to oppose Prop 8, that attitude would change drastically. People might even be rallying behind him and calling him a hero.
I agree with you that he shouldn't stick his face in this business, I just can't help but feel how all of these arguments only apply to one side, despite the fact that one can easily simply apply it to the other side to show the hypocrisy.
anonymous (to protect my job)
· 1 year ago
As an employee of Cinemark, I find this completely irresponsible and dispicable. It's true, you are free to donate money to any cause you choose, but the CEO represents the company he leads at all times. If he wanted to support Prop. 8, he could have done it anonymously and privately without offending his customer base and his many gay and lesbian employees around the country and beyond. I sincerely hope that he loses his position for taking what many of his employees see as a hateful view. A CEO of a major, publicly traded company should be much smarter than this.
Send emails to the corporate office requesting his termination or resignation. Boycotting/protesting won't mean as much to the big wigs.
It isn't just homosexuals that are sickened by this. I am a straight male in my twenties and I am appalled by his ridiculously stupid behaviour and beliefs. Shame on you Mr. Stock. You've earned this money off the backs of peole like me and publicly donated it to a cause that will be very, very embarassing years from now when Gay rights are accepted as they should be.
lindsey27
· 1 year ago
BRAVO. As a fellow CINEMARKER I totally agree with you. Mr. Stock, like other CEO's represent their company at all times whether they like it or not. I know of many gay and lesbian employees at Cinemark and I have always found Cinemark a great and tolerant place to work at. I hate the fact that all this going on because we are losing so many customers and so much money. I want my company to succeed because those of us, like you and I depend on the success of Cinemark for our livelihoods. However I totally disagree with the way Mr. Stock handled things. At the least the CEO's of Regal and AMC had better common sense than to get involved in this matter. Plus Mr. Stock has never commented or apologized for the entire situation... that is NOT LEADERSHIP a CEO should portray. Shame on you Mr. Stock.
Dan
· 11 months ago
I agree to some extent. I don't necessarily agree that he represents the company at ALL times, but I agree that if he really wanted to, he should have done it anonymously. But at the same time, I have to just wonder how you'd feel if he had publicly donated money in opposition of Prop 8. Would you feel the same way? Would you still suggest he donates anonymously?
Adam Kratt
· 1 year ago
Not only should we boycott Cinemark for Alan Stocks contribution to writing hate and discrimination into the California State constitution but we should boycott Mormon owned companies for their support of an organization that practices desecration of Jewish souls through forced baptism of dead jews especially those murdered in the Holocaust by the nazi's because they were Jewish.
Joe from Texas
· 1 year ago
We have known about this issue for about two weeks now. Being a part-time employee of Cinemark, if I had that kind of money, I would've done exactly what Mr. Stock did. I know you people are very sensitive about this issue, but I'm sure you know deep inside that your lifestyle is just not right. I know about all the protesting going on around the country, but you have to face it sooner or later that the voters have already spoken, and the decision has been confirmed, so just do us all a favor and accept it.
lindsey27
· 1 year ago
Joe from Texas,
I know of many Gay and Lesbians that work for Cinemark here in Plano. Cinemark is a great and very tolerant place to work at. Too bad we cant say the same for the leadership skills of Mr. Stock and the entire controversy that threatens Cinemark. People like us that live in Texas have no business sticking our noses in the legislation other states propose. We wouldnt like it if Californian's stuck their nose in Texan's affair. That being said, Civil Marriage is a constitutional right. You say say in your comment " your lifestyle is just not right." Who the heck made you God? It is not up to you or anyone to decide what is right for two consenting adults that love and respect each other.
Josh
· 11 months ago
Joe from Texas never said he was God. I believe he was just agreeing with Gods opinion of the matter. The Bible is quite clear on the explicit commands that God gives on the matter of homosexual marriage.
And Joe not in Texas, real mature with the whole "go to hell. Wait you already are by living in Texas." I think my fourteen year old nephew would have said the same thing.
Joe not in Texas
· 1 year ago
Joe from Texas, go to hell. Wait you already are by living in Texas. Do us all a favor and drop dead.
Eddy
· 11 months ago
Well if Joe from Texas is going to hell then u will be right there along side of him Joe not in Texas. Praise GOD you don't live in Texas u suck!!!! Your a f-ing sorry loser get the fuck over it and move on. Cinemark is a good company and NONE of this bull-shit you homo's are doing or think your doing is hurting them, if anything all the talk is only helping them sell and sell and sell more tickets and yummy buttery popcorn. So actually everyone should be thanking complete morons like you Joe not in Texas for your mean and hurtful words, keep up the good work JOE!
Kimberley
· 11 months ago
Way to go Joe! They know that they need help. Just because someone is born with tendencies toward alcoholism doesn't mean they need to live their life as a drunk. Same thing with homos.
Nick Meinzer
· 1 year ago
And yet, of course they are going to be showing Milk, a film about a gay politician's struggle against the very thing he is paying to fight against......
Dan
· 11 months ago
Well duh. The decision to show Milk is a business decision made in the interest of the company. The decision to donate money to support Prop 8 was a personal decision made by one person on his own accord with his own money.
It's sort of like, I don't think people should drink soda, but I'd gladly sell it at the place where I work to anyone willing to spend money on it.
mark
· 1 year ago
NOT one dime to Cinemark Tinsletown theaters.
I don't need hot buttered HATE on my popcorn. there's a website MOVE SUNDANCE, which recommends New Mexico as a host State.
mark
· 1 year ago
LGBTs should also write film critics and ask them not to review films booked in Cinemark theaters....think queers have some friends in that career, ya think? Major film studios need to hear from us we won't see their films if they play in Cinemark theaters. Let those H8ful TX Know-NOTHINGS play RETROSPECTIVE cruddy DVDs of talent challenged Chuck Norris' lame Texas Ranger.
Timmy
· 1 year ago
Of course it's everyone's freedom to donate to whatever cause he wishes, so some might be able to justify why Focus is allowing its film, Milk, to be shown in Cinemark theaters. But Focus Films has the timely opportunity to make a statement against the kind of violence that contributed to the murder of Harvey Milk by pulling its distribution of Milk from Cinemark theaters. You should already know that no one with any scruples would see Milk in one of Alan Stock's theaters anyway, so why not make real statement against discriminatory laws against gays and lesbians that perpetuate violence against gays instead of capitalizing on it?
hwnew
· 1 year ago
Hooray for Alan Stock for putting his money behind his convictions!
This was a personal donation, not a corporate donation. Why don't you nonsensical people calm down and accept that the majority wants the definition of traditional marriage to stay the way it is? Quit trying to intimidate others for their beliefs.
coyote
· 9 months ago
It's not so much an issue of an individual contribution. Last year Mr. Stock was paid $7,922,329 compensation by Cinemark. He's not just a ticket taker... he is the face of the company. If we learned that he was a member of the Klan, he would have been fired immediately. Yet he has contributed to an equally bigoted cause, and he continues to hold his job, earning over $30,000 every day from Cinemark.
When Cinemark disavows Mr. Stock, I will start going to their theaters again.
in the middle
· 1 year ago
I am staright but have many gay friends. Someone telling me they are gay is the same as them telling me they have shoes. So what. I couldn't care less. I judge a person on their character. I am totally for civil unions and all the rights that come with those, being granted to the gay comminuty. I would be truthful in saying that I am dissappointed in the hate that and misdirected anger in the blogs below. It's hard to give credit to someone who spews hate while they preach against it. You lose all your credibility. Taking your anger out on a company a person works for is the same thing as boycotting the maker of his underwear. It is just plain stupid. Your fight is with the people who voted to take your rights away. Change their minds. Change their attitudes. Change the environment in which this hate resides. You can not do that with terroistic tactics that reflect badly on yourself. Stand up and protest but do it to the PEOPLE who did this. Don't hurt the innocent employees and by standers as that will only set you back. Don't make enemies of your friends. You will need the help of those outside the gay community if change is to come as you want it. Good luck.
sohappymike
· 11 months ago
so very very true ! well put !!
David
· 12 months ago
People need to stop and think what the issue is. If the point is for gay folks to acquire the legal rights of “marriage” then new tactics need to be tried. Most folks I have spoken to are not opposed to gay couples having the same rights (and responsibilities) as married heterosexual couples. It is simply a redefinition of the word “marriage” I and many are opposed to. In this day and age with new words popping up due to technology advances a new word for a same sex union should not be out of the question. Broach the subject from a different perspective and most would not be offended by giving their blessing or at least give their OK on the union. Some people will never give their blessing to such a union, this does not make them bigots, it makes them Americans with a difference of opinion as all are entitled to.
Steve
· 12 months ago
I agree with you David!!! Marriage should not be redefined. The homosexuals can have equal rights but they should not be able to dictate the definition of marriage.
Aleks
· 11 months ago
You're right, everyone should get civil unions on paper. Churches can continue to perform marriages, but the state will only recognize the civil union contract. Marriages should be left to the churches and have nothing to do with legal rights.
Dan
· 11 months ago
If he had used assets directly from the corporation to support Prop 8, maybe I could get behind the protest full heartedly. But it was a personal donation. I can't in good conscious boycott an entire business solely on something someone in the business did in his own personal life, with his own money, on his own accord. (Granted, I have been boycotting Cinemark for several years now anyway for a number of non-gay rights issues, so hey, I'll take whatever support I can get in my anti-Cinemark cause. I'm just saying that I don't think it's really all that fair to punish a business based on the personal life of one man.)
I mean, let's reverse the roles. What if the CEO donated his personal money to fight Prop 8? What would people say to that? If people who support Prop 8 start a boycott against the business, many would argue the same thing; that it was his personal money. He can do what he wants and support whatever causes he wants.
I support gay folks, and I would oppose Prop 8 if I lived in California, or were a celebrity, or had money, but I know I would like to be able to support or oppose what I chose to without having people punish the place where I work as a result.
I do hate Cinemark though. Anyone who wanted to see Milk shouldn't have planned on going to Cinemark to begin with. You should support your local theaters, particularly any arthouses that might be around and playing the film.
H. (Bart) Vincelette
· 11 months ago
I believe that many who disparage the gay anger resulting from the failure of Prop . 8 , are missing the point or have no understanding whatsoever of the core issues . Same-sex marriage simply offered a diplomatic means , of sorts , to continue the oppression of homosexual Americans. If marriage were such a significant issue to the religious and political right ; organizations to prevent separations and divorce would be a common as Starbucks. " They ' are adamantly opposed to 'our' very existence ; such that they have no qualms about using slander , lies , defamation and innuendo ; endlessly . The most defining moment for conservative Christians , in my opinion , came during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. It revealed beyond any doubt ; their ideological disdain for gays and any rights 'we' might claim to "life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness". They successfully fought the use of any public funding for research into HIV and the development of treatment options ..The subsequent delay in acquiring effective medications denied thousands even a fighting chance at survival or additional life , and assisted the global epidemic we see today. This and other historic injustices , along with the largely ignored events of violence , bloodshed and murders , form the foundation of the anger that is directed towards the supporters of campaigns like Prop 8 , to diminsh or eliminate the rights of gays .
Nicole Smith
· 5 months ago
Go, Stock! I hope that Stock isn't bullied into backing down. He's defending his beliefs; let the man alone.
All Comments
http://www.cinemark.com/theater_list.asp
(seems a shame that MLK Jr basically wasted his life when he could have been fighting the federal reserve.)
Cinemark runs Century Theaters, which has theaters INSIDE casinos, such as the Orleans, Suncoast, Sam's Town, Santa Fe Station, and South Point casinos. Nothing on the Las Vegas Strip (unfortunately), but the Orleans is not far from there (and right across the street from a gay bar - Charlie's incidently), and the Suncoast is near one of the more affluent neighborhoods (Summerlin)
Protesting outside them - that could make some news.
http://www.cinemark.com/tspage.asp
No more.
Keep at it.
But just recently they hosted a preview sceening of "Hairspray" at the Legacy Cinemark for our Collin County gay group.
There must be some interesting competing interests within the company.
They peddle racy stuff on their entertainment network.
Then they peddle manufactured outrage about racy stuff on their "news" network.
http://www.cinemark.com/century_showtimes.asp?f...
http://www.cinemark.com/century_showtimes.asp?f...
Kabuki Theaters baby!!! You can actually reserve a seat in advance and you have lots of legroom and can have double seats to snuggle up to the hubby in.
I am seeking your comments regarding the planned nationwide boycott of Cinemark due to the Alan Stock's $9,999 contribution to ban same-sex marriages in California.
Thanks.
http://www.cinemark.com/contactus.asp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nYoahyaPuA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7_MYrVzU-Y&NR=1
He's really got our number, doesn't he?
like hunter thompson, he was an idealist and romantic way down deep ...
LOL.
John, if you could let everyone know, that would be awesome. There is a pretty large gay community in Long Beach, and the Pike is one of the -major- hangout places in LB.
Uh-oh. I see no reason to patronize them.
I am so proud that the majority of the people I was able to organize to come tonight were straight. I feel like we are entering a true period of change in America. This is forcing people to examine themselves, and it seems like they are waking up to all of the lunacy that has been going on for the last 25 years. Keep fighting!! We are effecting change!!
http://www.amiba.net/pressroom/independent_cine...
I will not set foot in them again. I think it would be good to make an example of them until they fire this bigot. Their CineArts theatres care foreign and independent films - which I would guess most of the attendees are pro-gay - maybe some picketing should happen to them.
Fremont
- Cinedome 8 (39153 Farwell Dr.)
Milpitas
- Century 20 Great Mall (1010 Great Mall Drive)
Mountain View
- Century Cinema 16 (1500 N. Shoreline Blvd.)
Newark
- Cinedome 7 (6000 New Park Mall)
Palo Alto
- CinéArts at Palo Alto Square (3000 El Camino Real)
Redwood City
- Redwood Downtown 20 (825 Middlefield Rd.)
San Jose
- CENTURY 24 (741 Winchester Blvd.)
- Century 25 (1694 Saratoga Ave.)
- Century 10 Berryessa (1171 North Capital Ave.)
- Century Capitol 16 (3690 Hillcap Ave.)
- CinéArts Santana Row 6 (3088 Olsen Drive)
- Oakridge 20 (925 Blossom Hill Rd.)
Union City
- Century 25 Union Landing (32100 Union Landing)
Any word on the status of AMC Theaters?
mormon love
P.S. I was in my local Cinemark yesterday (wish I had known then) and they had posters and promotional postcards for 'Milk'. It will be showing there soon. I guess they are screening it because they love the ending.
LOOKS LIKE HE TRIED TO STAY JUST BELOW THE RADAR ON GIVING... OOP'S !!!
Did you know we are all witnessing history in the making? Everything starts small but grows big especially if it is a cause that affect HUMAN BEINGS.
It might be El Coyote first, with the OWNER's daughter still saying she would NOT contribute to NoOnH8. And she even had a press conference! What a bigot! All explained, according to her, because "my Morman church made me do it!"
Then it is the theaters.
This is a WAKE UP call to America: if you chose to discriminate or TAKE AWAY rights from others thinking your actions don't have consequences ... you are wrong!
What you contribute to - especially if you are a business - will come back to bite you if you end up giving money (especially over $9 THOUSAND dollars!) You will have to pay for it in the form of lost customers.
I have no pity for these businesses.
The peace and equality revolution marches on!
Cinemark Theatres - Contact Information
Corporate Office:
Cinemark USA, Inc.
3900 Dallas Parkway, Suite 500
Plano, TX 75093-7865
Telephone: 1-800-246-3627
Jointheimpact.com
http://www.cinemark.com/contactus.asp
There are 3 three of your theaters located in Portland Oregon, and two of these are within minutes of my home that I have frequented. Due to your companies support of Prop 8 in California myself and many of my friends will no longer step foot into any theaters owned by your company.
Sincerely,
Craig Fuller
honestly, maybe it's time for the dallas area gays to start refusing service to those bitches.
festival bitches this year...its a big tacky ball where the ladies all wear
over the top evening wear...several were donors on Prop 8...now they'll have
to wear pret a porter!!!!!
HAHA
=)
-anna
There are a lot of them in Mexico City, and down into
South America, too.
http://www.cinemark.com/theater_showtimes.asp?t...
human.resources@cinemark.com
Here is my letter:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I will never ever step foot in your theater again. I will make it my duty to inform others not to. Alan Stock, CEO took it upon himself to give nearly 10,000.00 to the Yes on Prop eight campaign in California, stripping millions of it's citizens basic human rights. Being that Mr. Stock lives in Texas, I hardly think he is affected by what happens in California on this very personal issue. Mr. Stock should take responsibility for his own marriage and stop worrying about things that have no affect on him and his family.
Mr. Stock is a revolting horrible hateful bigot. 10 grand is no small sum to send out to a cause that does not effect him one bit. Wow, he must really really hate gay people. I imagine many of the gay and lesbian people in your company would love to know this little tidbit of information. And they will. I will send out as many links to pertinent groups on the internet and encourage others to write Mr. Stock and avoid your theaters like the plague.
You have one theater in my home town in Jacksonville, FL. However if I am traveling and it is the last place on earth to see a movie, I will refuse to give your company anymore of my money. Now multiply my sentiment by million's gay and lesbian customers in this country, you have yourself a very real problem.
Your company must be the absolute worst place to work. I pity your employees.
Sincerely,
Mark M
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Same concept here. We should boycott the hell out of this business & Exxon-Mobile!!
In arkansas as of this election you cannnot adopt. I am one of six kids, and frankly I am more responsible than many of the straight members of my family, yet I am considered unfit to raise a child. It's madness, and I am sick and tired of it.
http://www.ada.gov/cinemark/cinemark4main.htm
3900 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 500
Plano, TX 75093-7865
United States (Map)Phone: 972-665-1000
Fax: 972-665-1004
Toll Free: 800-246-3627
One other interesting note: This company employs about 13,600 people world wide. Even on the conservitive side, there must be at least 700 gay people working at this company.
holding these blatently unconsititutional measures to be publicly visible to the entire comunity. Remember the whites only /blacks only signs in the past. I think that these are both shamefull but accurate portrayals of the law as it exists. In other words if the CA supreme courts judge that
marriage is a privilige to be awarded to heterosexuals only the constitution should be written as such in each "civil rights" or minority section that defines the rights.
If the Court upholds prop 8, I htink that it will be years before another initative can be placed to overturn it. As such there will be years to "educate" the public as to what this means.
I think that San Fransico has it in their power to post in large print
Marriage is a special privilige granted to heterosexuals only in the waiting rooms of any of the registrars. Posting on the walls all of the rights granted to married people versus all of the rights granted civil unions.
This would be uncomforatable for all to experience even the bigots but I believe it to be facturally accurate and if it shed light on the injustice what better way. It would have to be fully supported by the "gay establishment"
before any mayor/ councilmen could enact this "controversial" measure.
I think that the public really likes discrimination if it is invisible and doesnt challenge their presumptive ideas. I am thinking back to the days when it was illegal to be gay in a few states like Texas. Just think about how quickly that would change if there were warnings on the highway entering Texas, Homosexual activity is illegal in the State of Texas or we welcome everyone except homosexuals. Truth in advertising rapidly tells it like it is.
Corte Madera
- Century Cinema (41 Tamal Vista Blvd.)
Daly City
- Century 20 Daly City (1901 Junipero Serra Blvd.)
Hayward
- Century Theatres at Hayward (1069 B Street)
Larkspur
- Century Larkspur (500 Larkspur Landing Cr.)
Mill Valley
- CinéArts Sequoia (25 Throckmorton Ave.)
Richmond
- Century Hilltop 16 (3200 Klose Way)
San Bruno
- Century at Tanforan (The Shops at Tanforan)
San Francisco
- CinéArts at the Empire (85 West Portal Ave.)
- Century 9 San Francisco Centre (835 Market St.)
San Leandro
- Century 16 Bayfair Mall (15555 East 14th Street)
San Mateo
- Century 12 San Mateo (320 East 2nd Avenue)
San Rafael
- Century Northgate (7000 Northgate Drive)
- Century Regency (280 Smith Ranch Road)
Sausalito
- CinéArts Marin (101 Caledonia)
Same concept here. We should boycott the hell out of this business & Exxon-Mobile!!
Next step - educate those bigots. It was rightfully said here that bigots will discriminate quietly - but not publicly. Hold those bigots accountable publicly - publish the names of Church's & Businesses that discriminate.
David Merino
Dallas, TX
David Merino
I wonder what good might have been done if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Hate had given $25 million to feed the hungry instead of taking my rights away.
These hypoChristians need to be exposed for what they are.
Any company that uses company money, sure. Point 'em out, even I'll boycott them. This is not such a case, however.
I'd like to see pickets outside the Cinemark Theaters all over the country.
I also imagine you would feel very different if you were gay. Imagine living in a world where you are regarded as a pervert and denied rights just because of who you are. This is a civil rights movement! I enourage people to look around the world, in South Africa, many parts of Europe and South America, Gay marriage is legal - this is the future. Please let the country move forward, in a decade we will look back and think how bigoted this whole issue really is . . .
As if she she'd ever get my vote. It's good to know who one's enemies are.
http://kara.allthingsd.com/20081030/silicon-val...
I have closed my account, however once Meg leaves, I'll reinstate it.
On the gay part, Cinemark employees many members of the GLBT community. Yes the CEO may have donated $$ to Prop 8, but it doesnt mean that the company as a whole is homophobic either.
no longer be patronizing. Also, as a side note, the handicapped had to
FIGHT HARD for those handicapped seats.
Not to mention the bullying of smaller theater chains to prevent
showing "blockbuster" films.
Shame on Cinemark for being the corrupt bigoted corporation that it is.
Your pathetic email will be posted so that everyone can see how
pathetic you are.
Sincerely...
of my original email.
d
way, A ( GWM ) paying me a check of more than $80k a year.
I never thought in a million years I'd ever defend CEO's, but even I find it ridiculous to think that they don't have a right to have a personal life and at least some personal freedom.
Surely you can understand why one or two or a thousand gay people would not want to patronize a business whose CEO spent a thousand dollars of his own money to take away their rights. It's as simple as that. It's our preference to see Milk elsewhere.
Alan Stock, Chief Executive Officer
Cinemark
3900 Dallas Parkway - Suite 500
Plano, TX 75093-7869
(972) 665-1000
astock@cinemark.com
And if you *really* want to get their attention, start contacting the Cinemark board of directors (who are essentially Alan Stock's boss) and let them know how Alan's action is going to affect their company's bottom line which they have a fiduciary responsibility to protect. Emails and direct phone numbers where known:
Lee Mitchell, Chairman
Cinemark
3900 Dallas Pkwy - Suite 500
Plano, TX, 75093-7871
(972) 665-1000
lmitchell@cinemark.com
Benjamin Chereskin, Managing Director
Madison Dearborn Partners
3 First National Plaza
70 W Madison St - Suite 3800
Chicago, IL 60602-4342
(312) 895-1310
bchereskin@mdcp.com
Carlos Sepulveda, President
Interstate Battery System of America
12770 Merit Dr - Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75251-1296
(972) 991-1444
carlos.sepulveda@ibsa.com
Raymond Syufy, President
Cinemark Holdings
150 Pelican Way
San Rafael, CA 94901-5550
(415) 448-8400
r_syufy@centurytheatres.com
Enrique Hernandez, Managing Director
Allen & Company
711 5th Avenue
9th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 832-8000
Vahe Combalagian
Madison Dearborn Partners
70 W Madison St - Suite 4600
Chicago, IL 60602-4342
(312) 895-1000
vcombalagian@mdcp.com
Peter Ezersky
Quadrangle Captial Partners
375 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10152
(212) 418.1700
peter.ezersky@quadranglegroup.com
Roger Staubach, Executive Chairman
The Staubach Company
15601 Dallas Pkwy - Suite 400
Addison, TX 75001-6055
(972) 361-5001
rogerstaubach@staubach.com
Donald Soderquist
Cinemark Holdings
3900 Dallas Pkwy - Suite 500
Plano, TX, 75093-7871
(972) 665-1000
dsoderquist@cinemark.com
Steve Rosenberg, CEO
Centego Marketing
4965 Preston Park Blvd - Suite 190
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 985-2500
srosenberg@centego.com
From: Jon
To: JMeredit@cinemark.com
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 6:36:27 PM
Subject: Re: No Longer Attending Your Theaters
Mr. Meredith:
Thank you for your very pristine "corporate policy" response. You should know "and appreciate" that many of your customers (the millions who voted against Proposition 8 and the millions who were directly affected by it) do not view this simply as "personal issues outside the work environment, on . . . political, social or religious activities" but rather as a matter of basic civil rights. Other corporations, share that view and did donate to defeat this pernicious attack on the rights of LGBT citizens in California and America. They have made it a matter of corporate policy to not stand on the sidelines during this struggle for the basic rights of their customers and fellow human citizens.
While it may take years for history to judge whether Cinemark's position, or lack thereof, made good corporate sense, you can be certain that it will be remembered for the positions it did not take, the views of its leadership for the views they did take, and it will be without the financial support and patronage of myself, my friends, family and numerous other citizens who disagree with your leader's "personal expression" of contempt for the rights of others.
Sincerely,
From: James Meredith <JMeredit@cinemark.com>
To: Jon
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 4:08:07 PM
Subject: RE: No Longer Attending Your Theaters
Dear Jon:
I received your correspondence regarding your concerns about the Proposition 8 vote in California. Please know that Cinemark made no financial contribution to either side on this issue, nor does Cinemark have an opinion on this issue. It would be inappropriate to influence our employees’ position on personal issues outside the work environment, especially on political, social or religious activities. Cinemark is dedicated to providing high quality entertainment for all of our customers. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on race, creed, religion or sexual preference. We appreciate the importance of this matter to you. We hope that you equally appreciate that any individual act or contribution is just that, individual acts of personal expression and do not reflect company positions or policy.
Sincerely,
James Meredith
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Cinemark USA, Inc.
3900 Dallas Parkway, Ste 500
Plano, TX 75093
972.665.1060 (office)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jon
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 3:04 PM
To: James Meredith
Subject: No Longer Attending Your Theaters
Dear Mr. Meredith"
I have been informed that, Alan Stock, CEO of your company took it upon himself to give nearly $10,000.00 to the Yes on Prop eight campaign in California, helping to strip millions of it's citizens basic human rights. (Source - link below following my signature). Being that Mr. Stock lives in Texas, I hardly think he is affected by what happens in California on this very personal issue. In light of your organization's head taking such a blatantly discriminatory position, I will no longer be attending movies at any of the theaters affiliated with your company.
As an avid movie goer, (at least 2x per week) I realize this will be a hardship given I live in San Francisco, where your company has numerous theaters it owns and manages. In uncertain economic times, everyone has to be careful about where they spend their entertainment dollars. I for one do not want my good times to be a source of funding to organizations whose leaders support bigotry and who worked to help eliminate our rights in California.
I have also informed my friends and family about this manner and you should expect to be hearing more about it in the San Francisco Bay Area media soon.
Sincerely,
http://www.americablog.com/2008/11/cinemark-ceo...
I agree with you that he shouldn't stick his face in this business, I just can't help but feel how all of these arguments only apply to one side, despite the fact that one can easily simply apply it to the other side to show the hypocrisy.
Send emails to the corporate office requesting his termination or resignation. Boycotting/protesting won't mean as much to the big wigs.
It isn't just homosexuals that are sickened by this. I am a straight male in my twenties and I am appalled by his ridiculously stupid behaviour and beliefs. Shame on you Mr. Stock. You've earned this money off the backs of peole like me and publicly donated it to a cause that will be very, very embarassing years from now when Gay rights are accepted as they should be.
I know of many Gay and Lesbians that work for Cinemark here in Plano. Cinemark is a great and very tolerant place to work at. Too bad we cant say the same for the leadership skills of Mr. Stock and the entire controversy that threatens Cinemark. People like us that live in Texas have no business sticking our noses in the legislation other states propose. We wouldnt like it if Californian's stuck their nose in Texan's affair. That being said, Civil Marriage is a constitutional right. You say say in your comment " your lifestyle is just not right." Who the heck made you God? It is not up to you or anyone to decide what is right for two consenting adults that love and respect each other.
And Joe not in Texas, real mature with the whole "go to hell. Wait you already are by living in Texas." I think my fourteen year old nephew would have said the same thing.
Just because someone is born with tendencies toward alcoholism doesn't mean they need to live their life as a drunk.
Same thing with homos.
It's sort of like, I don't think people should drink soda, but I'd gladly sell it at the place where I work to anyone willing to spend money on it.
I don't need hot buttered HATE on my popcorn.
there's a website MOVE SUNDANCE, which recommends New Mexico as a host State.
Major film studios need to hear from us we won't see their films if they play in Cinemark theaters. Let those H8ful TX Know-NOTHINGS play RETROSPECTIVE cruddy DVDs of talent challenged Chuck Norris' lame Texas Ranger.
This was a personal donation, not a corporate donation. Why don't you nonsensical people calm down and accept that the majority wants the definition of traditional marriage to stay the way it is? Quit trying to intimidate others for their beliefs.
When Cinemark disavows Mr. Stock, I will start going to their theaters again.
I would be truthful in saying that I am dissappointed in the hate that and misdirected anger in the blogs below. It's hard to give credit to someone who spews hate while they preach against it. You lose all your credibility.
Taking your anger out on a company a person works for is the same thing as boycotting the maker of his underwear. It is just plain stupid. Your fight is with the people who voted to take your rights away. Change their minds. Change their attitudes. Change the environment in which this hate resides. You can not do that with terroistic tactics that reflect badly on yourself. Stand up and protest but do it to the PEOPLE who did this. Don't hurt the innocent employees and by standers as that will only set you back. Don't make enemies of your friends. You will need the help of those outside the gay community if change is to come as you want it.
Good luck.
I mean, let's reverse the roles. What if the CEO donated his personal money to fight Prop 8? What would people say to that? If people who support Prop 8 start a boycott against the business, many would argue the same thing; that it was his personal money. He can do what he wants and support whatever causes he wants.
I support gay folks, and I would oppose Prop 8 if I lived in California, or were a celebrity, or had money, but I know I would like to be able to support or oppose what I chose to without having people punish the place where I work as a result.
I do hate Cinemark though. Anyone who wanted to see Milk shouldn't have planned on going to Cinemark to begin with. You should support your local theaters, particularly any arthouses that might be around and playing the film.