Michael Jordan to North Carolina: ‘HB2 Goes or the Charlotte Hornets Go’ - (Correction: Fake News Site)
North Carolina seems to be getting hit with some pure capitalism and good old fashioned ‘get out of Dodge,’ because stupid. I know there are pockets of sanity down south, but this ain’t one of them.
Michael Jordan is the latest business owner to tell NC that their new law is really bad for business. Mainly because businesses are taking theirs elsewhere.
Since Governor Pat McCrory signed HB2 into law back in March, well over 5,000 jobs have been moved out of state, and over 400 companies, including Facebook, Apple, Paypal, Pyramid Country and StopPack, have expressed concern or anger, warning they may move or cancel plans to expand, costing the state millions of dollars. Entertainers such as Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen and Cirque du Soleil have also canceled their performances in North Carolina to boycott the law.
You would think that the conservative party would love these free-capatilism moves, but they don’t, of course. It’s only appropriate to do something like this if you are bashing liberals. Jordan is not real thrilled with and is letting his anger, and yes, I think it is real anger, show. Buh-bye NC if you don’t fix this. Not maybe, not in a year. Now. You have 30 days to fix this or we’re gone. And, we’re already talking to other cities for our new home.
“With this new law in place, North Carolina currently does not have any anti-discrimination protection in place, something that is vital, not just for our fans but for everyone,” Jordan told reporters. “We are giving the state of North Carolina 30 days to repeal this law or they can expect the the Charlotte Hornets to play elsewhere. I want to make it clear that the Hornets and myself will not stand for this type of intolerance and hate.”
He does give them the out they need. Is the government of NC willing to try to call this as a bluff?
“As my organization has stated previously, the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment are opposed to discrimination in any form, and we have always sought to provide an inclusive environment,” Jordan said. “As has been the case since the building opened, we will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome while at work or attending NBA games. If that means moving the team out of the state if North Carolina doesn’t repeal HB2, then that is what we are prepared to do. I urge you all to call Governor Pat McCrory’s Office and voice your concerns. Together we can keep the Hornets in North Carolina!”
Good on you, Michael Jordan.
And, here are the real repercussions of HB2 as expressed by the North Carolina Justice Center aa a Q&A. 18 Questions, 18 Answers: The real facts behind House Bill. They are even worse than I thought. Way to go, NC.