AFA THROWS IN THE TOWEL

For nine years the Tupel0, Mississippi-based American Family Association has supported a boycott of the Walt Disney Company and it's various products and facilities for what it percieved as the erosion of it's squeaky-clean family image.

The AFA was founded by Donald Wildmon, a conservative United Methodist minister from Tupelo, as the American Federation for Decency. The organization is now headed by his son, Tim, although Don Wildmon still holds the title of Chairman.

Citing new challenges in the culture wars along with what it sees as "positive signs" at Disney --- including CEO Michael Eisner's scheduled departure in September --- the AFA announced Tuesday that it was ending it's participation in the boycott. Other religious demoninations and organizations, including the Southern Baptist Convention, Assemblies of God, and Focus on the Family, still support the action.

IMHO, a boycott doesn't do a great deal of good in the long run. It's like talking about Wal-Mart: You can complain about their business practices all you want, but as long as it is offering decent products at a price lower than comparable items elsewhere, people --- indeed, including you --- will continue to shop there. Disney provides entertainment that people want to see and experience, and those that are willing to pay for it will do so regardless of their religious background. That is as it should be.