The Entertainment Reform Bill

For decades now there have been a small but growing number of producers, entertainers, artists and directors (PEAD) who have made a disproportionate amount of revenue compared to the millions of other workers within the entertainment industry. Some of the PEAD rank as mega-stars, bringing in an income through fees and royalties that most people would agree is excessive. For decades this disparity has created a two class system within the entertainment world. At the same time fees paid by the general public have risen to a point where many Americans simply cannot afford this kind of entertainment. Millions of Americans are denied one of the most basic of rights: entertainment. It is imperative that Congress step in, take over the entertainment industry, and bring justice for those Americans who have lived without entertainment, especially the young. The Entertainment Reform Bill will introduce the right tools needed to make this dream a reality. This is just the beginning.

First, PEAD who see personal annual revenues over $250,000 will be levied a special tax rate investment that is 15 percentage points above all other Americans. Those PEAD who see personal annual revenues in excess of $1 million will incur a flat $250,000 per million above their normal tax investment obligations. These additional investment charges will help provide a more equitable entertainment community. (Parenthetically, we have not figured out a way to increase the revenue of those who earn the least, so for now we will resort to taking away from those who make the most, providing equity within the industry).

The second phase of this bill will be the start of the Rural Entertainment Mandate. Mega-star entertainers typically perform only in venues that hold over 10,000 people, which limit these kind of performances to urban areas. Rural Americans are denied this most basic right of entertainment. Under this bill, mega-star entertainers will be required to perform a minimum number of performances per year in venues that hold no more than 250 people and are in areas designated as "rural" by the Entertainment Commission.

Third in this bill will be a mandated limit in ticket prices. Entertainers must have their ticket prices approved by the Entertainment Price Structure Commission. This includes concerts, theater performances, and movies. Excessive pricing will incur a severe tax penalty.

Royalties to private individuals will be abolished. Any recognized royalties will now go into a relief fund that encourages and teaches conservative policies and ideals. For far too long this minority group within the entertainment industry has been treated unfairly, long denied of any equitable opportunities for success. The fund will help rectify years of abuse and intolerance.

Award shows will also be abolished. Americans have long been subjected to this exercise in excessiveness and self-absorption. These shows have served as an annual "in your face" event that divides America into a collective of those who have and those who have not. Additionally, no one should ever be signaled out for displaying excellence.

It is important to understand that with these measures, the federal government is not interested in running the entertainment industry. This is important legislation however as the federal government continues to make itself a larger presence in the lives of individuals, making life better for all. We must all do our part.