Say Anything Blog

Until Republicans removed the spending from the “economic stimulus” spending spree, Democrats had earmarked millions of dollars in subsidies for Hollywood.  But would the cost of those subsidies in an already bloated spending bill have been worth being able to call for Hollywood compensation limits of the sort the Obama administration is foisting upon the executives of companies that took bailouts?

Probably not.  But it’s fun to think about.  Especially given how often Hollywood derides things like profit motive and capitalism in its movies and shows while the stars of those movies and shows lecture the rest of us about driving hybrids and using public transportation from the back of their limousines on the way to their private jets.

Until Republicans acted this week, the Senate was actually prepared to bestow hundreds of millions of dollars of stimulation for Hollywood. The “Hollywood clause” would have given movie studios special tax breaks and enabled them to depreciate the costs of production equipment at a quicker rate. Perhaps, however, Congress should consider reinserting that provision. Doing so would give us the perfect excuse to impose the types of compensation controls on the movie industry that President Obama is now demanding of other industries who receive federal help…

But seriously, for the people who are leading the environmental movement and spearheading efforts to turn the Academy Awards green, cut back on the number of SUV’s in their entourage, and demonstrate frugality to Al Gore, this is such a great opportunity to demonstrate restraint and help out the new President. What better way to show solidarity with Democrats who want to impose a command and control economy and to confiscate wealth from the rich. Especially since everyone needs to make sacrifices right now. Not to worry though, Steven Spielberg and crew, it will feel patriotic.

Of course, Obama is also talking about expanding the caps on compensation he’s put in place to companies that didn’t take any bailouts.  So I’m assuming Obama will be targeting multi-million dollar paydays for the George Clooney’s and Sean Penns of the world, right?

Any moment now, right Barry?