Trickle Down Economics on Broadway
by Larry O'Connor
It’s no secret that Broadway theatre owners are generally members of the Democratic Party. The late Gerald Schoenfeld, long-time Chairman of the Shubert Organization had the honor of certifying the ballot for then-Gov. Clinton at the 1992 DNC in New York. Rocco Ladesman of the Jujamcyn Theatre chain is a big contributor to Democratic nominees as is James Nederlander (although he has spread a little bit out to some GOP causes).
So, given their party affiliation, it was surprising to see them make a pilgrimage to Albany to protest a proposed tax on theatre tickets on Broadway.
“The theatre leaders, according to the Times, argued that the taxes would not only hurt ticket sales but could set off a chain reaction that would affect other tourist-related businesses, including restaurants and hotels, as well as such theatre-dependent businesses as carpentry shops, costume makers and even dry cleaners, who handle theatre costumes.
Landesman, testifying before the Assembly and Senate leaders, said, ‘With the ongoing demise of the financial sector, policy makers must fight to nurture and protect industries, such as Broadway, that have been proven to generate tourist dollars . . . . I ask you to also recognize the dire consequences this tax proposal may have on the hard-working men and women employed by Broadway, as well as the thousands of other businesses that rely on Broadway spending.’”
Is it me, or does this sound like a better argument for supply-side economics then Jack Kemp could make? I thought “trickle-down” concepts like giving tax relief to a strong, big, corporate business like Broadway Theatre owners would in turn benefit the middle class economy by helping the “hard-working men and women employed by Broadway, as well as the thousands of other businesses that rely on Broadway spending” was an old, tired idea from the past.
Why would Rocco Landesman not embrace a tax on large corporations to help fund … no, wait … to INVEST in important programs that the Democrat controlled government will impose on the willing and grateful citizens of the Empire State?
I’m looking forward to next season’s new hit: “NIMBY, The Musical!”
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11 Comments
Nice observation. I would deduct half a point for a Kemp reference, though.
NIMBY, The Musical?
Do Kerry and Kennedy sing?
Since you brought him up, we really missed the boat with Jack Kemp. I was sure he was going to be McCain’s running mate.
We need a true free market capitalist in Washington. Ron Paul is lonely.
Hmmm . . . ‘Ron Paul Is Lonely’ That song writes itself.
“Nimby, the Musical” On Tour would play really well in Cape Cod too! The songs write themselves. “Windmill of No Kind”. Poor Kennedys and Cronkites, what will happen to their yacht races?!?
What Broadway needs is a Joe-the-Plumber-y kind of guy. One who will be able to ask the tough questions about stimulating Broadway “from the bottom up”, and possibly shed some light as to how the restaurants, hotels, carpentry shops, costume makers… and even dry cleaners will “have a chance at success, too”.
I can’t wait for the resident Liberals here to try and defend this nonsense. When Republicans ask for tax cuts for businesses (even small ones), they’re accused of “Only caring about the rich,” but when rich Democrats fight tax increases (or even ask for tax breaks for themselves), it’s because, “Art is so important.”
I never fail to be amused at the ridiculous leaps of logic that pass for cogent thought on the Left.
Gordon:
“Theatre” is very American too, I assure you. Check out the names of all the Broadway houses as listed here at Playbill.com: http://www.playbill.com/events/listing/1.html
My Favorite Year (by the way, YOU used the British spelling) has already been done… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Favorite_Year_(musical)
Analyze This could make a pretty fun play, not sure about a musical
I really like the idea of color of money…
Not sure about the staging of the other two though.. it would be a challenge to handle the scenic elements.
Thanks for reading!
trickle down ecnon has sent our economy to ruin. Everyday new headlines reveal how the cheaters at the top have taken huge salaries and stolen billions in the era of deregulation. Your economic philosophy has been made a mockery of…what planet do you live on?
The planet where under Jimmy Carter we had 20% interest rates, double digit unemployment, high inflation, gas shortages, etc… People who think our economy is currently "ruined" aren't looking closely enough at history. Tax cuts under Reagan led to decades of growth, which has allowed unprecedented levels of home ownership and wealth (if you think our poor are the same as the rest of the world's poor, you should try a trip to another country). There have been cheats in the system due to deregulation, and I agree that should be addressed. In this specific article, I believe the author points out something important. The same people who rail against "corporate welfare" are happy when that welfare assists businesses they like.
In the 19th century they called it "Horse and Sparrow" with the theory that if you feed the horse enough oats, some will filter through to the road for the Sparrows to eat.
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