Mickey Mouse clubbed: Disney's cartoon rodent speaks out on the Eldred decision

Reason, April, 2003 by Jesse Walker

reason: Hey. This isn't really Mickey Mouse, people. His name is--uh, I think it's Bruce.

Mickey: Sometimes they make a threat, and sometimes they let something slide. You never know what they're gonna go after. But don't let that stop you! Civil disobedience requires courage.

reason: He's not even a mouse. He's some sort of marsupial.

Mickey: [Sighs.] You're a sellout, Walker.

reason: I've got responsibilities, Mick--um, Bruce.

Mickey: God, you disgust me. I'm looking at another 20 years on the inside, and you can't throw one little pebble at the company that's keeping me out of the public domain?

AT THIS POINT, three Disney bounty hunters entered the bar and seized Mickey. An intense struggle reportedly ensued, but our correspondent missed it, opting instead to crawl out the men's room window.

Associate Editor Jesse Walker is author of Rebels on the Air: An Alternative History of Radio in America (NYU Press).