Americans 'too depressed' for sex, porn barons seek US bailout

Posted Thu Jan 8, 2009 1:10pm AEDT

Two porn moguls, including Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt, are seeking a $US5 billion ($7 billion) bailout from Washington, arguing that the limp US economy has thrown cold water on the adult entertainment industry.

Flynt and Girls Gone Wild video series creator Joe Francis asked the newly convened 111th Congress "to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America" in a bailout move similar to the one set aside for US car makers.

"Congress seems willing to help shore up our nation's most important businesses, (and) we feel we deserve the same consideration," Mr Francis said in a statement.

"In difficult economic times, Americans turn to entertainment for relief. More and more, the kind of entertainment they turn to is adult entertainment."

The pair were quick to admit that "the $US13 billion industry is in no fear of collapse, but why take chances?"

Mr Francis, recently imprisoned for nearly a year on a prostitution-related charge after pleading no contest in a plea bargain, cited industry figures that show adult DVD sales and rentals decreasing 22 per cent in 2008, as people turn to the internet for pornography.

With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind," Mr Flynt said.

"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."

Mr Flynt said people were "too depressed to be sexually active."

"This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such, but they cannot do without sex."

From here

The line at the trough is getting bigger.

I wonder what the holy rollers would say?

Me thinks they have a different opposition, the much cursed internet. (Maybe I should have posted this in the geek forum, it could work in the joke forum too.)

You have to admire Larry, he never stops trying does he?

And people wonder how the rich keep getting richer, even in times like these.

(ps: They mention that DVD sales and rentals are down as more people look to the internet for porn, but fail to mention that they both are most likely heavily invested in internet porn or porn related business.)

However, had they worded their appeal differently, and used different spokespersons, and represented themselves as a part of the film industry as a whole, their chances would have been much greater.

The whole thing was an amusing PR stunt. He was not really expecting any cash.

But he'd take it if given.........right ?

I think the Thai Police deserved a big bailout.

"In times like this it's a cannot afford to drink tea anymore."

I say, give them 10 billion.

the limp US economy has thrown cold water on the adult entertainment industry

You couldn't make it up!!!

The porn industry going tits up. Or should that be tits down !!

Well the porn industry is very cylical. One minute it's up, five minutes later it's down.

Plus of course they are badly affected by the DIY industry.

Well the porn industry is very cylical. One minute it's up, five minutes later it's down.

Plus of course they are badly affected by the DIY industry.

Absolutely. They were probably a bit Premature asking for this money

reminds me of a T-shirt that was around as a pun on the music industry's first attempt to clamp down on home-tapers, it read "home <deleted> is killing prostitution"

In the past several years it has become obvious that a number of politicians (New York governors spring to mind) have done their share to help the industry.

The porn industry going tits up. Or should that be tits down !!

Buns up and tits down probably.

The limp economy is resulting in flaccid returns and premature withdrawals. The main thrust of is aimed at financially lubricating the whole industry, for a quick way of getting it through the hump. Tight rules and assumptions make for titillating news.

Sextrordinary news, but that's the long and the short of it these days.

Of course the problem lies with Wall street. All that trading in Bull markets and Bear markets, they should be getting into the Beavers.

I think the Thai Police deserved a big bailout.

"In times like this it's a cannot afford to drink tea anymore."

Off-topic, but I have been meaning to post this for some time now.  Your avatar is oddly disquieting. I like it and am not complaining, but it is rather creepy!

I think the Thai Police deserved a big bailout.

"In times like this it's a cannot afford to drink tea anymore."

Off-topic, but I have been meaning to post this for some time now.  Your avatar is oddly disquieting. I like it and am not complaining, but it is rather creepy!

Thanks. (I think)

Of course the problem lies with Wall street. All that trading in Bull markets and Bear markets, they should be getting into the Beavers.

The Beavers always come along during a Bull market and seem to disappear during a Bear market. Don't know why that is.