Okay, I decided to do the second part of this a little differently... what can i say? The game changes the more desperate our situation gets. Forbes magazine published their list of the 100 wealthiest celebrities back in June. Maybe a good way to start paying off this atrocious national debt would be to ask each and every one of these famous people to give up their entire earnings for one year. I know that sounds outlandish, but think about it... I am sure all of these people have some savings that they could fall back on. And although each one of these people probably has a small army of assistants and bodyguards that depend on them for income, I'm sure they could dig in their deep pockets and help bail us out. Even those on this list who are not American citizens probably make most of their money here.
Total income for these celebs (from number 1 Oprah to number 100 Barack Obama)= $4,110,000,000.00
All I am saying is this: If every one of these people put in their yearly incomes just once it could put a nice little dent in the national deficit. It may not be a lot in the long-run, but I am sure there are many other celebrities that could help out. Besides, wouldn't that make them more money in the long run? If we get this debt paid down we can go see more of their movies, read more of their books, and listen to more of their music.
Just a thought... you decide.
Showing posts with label state of the union. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state of the union. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Economic Crisis... Look to the Stars.
So a lot of people are starting to worry about this gigantic stimulus package. Not just about when it will start working, but how are we going to pay for it. The short answer is future tax increases. This means that later in life you or the next generation will have to deal with this. It's almost like the government is handing us a giant credit card and saying "don't worry you can pay this off later... with interest." But what if we could pay it off now?
Here is a great way how... It's time to use our one remaining resource. Many notable (& wealthy) celebrities supported the ideas of hope and change during the campaign of our new leader. Now they can put their money (or rather the money we pay them) where their mouths are! While we are at it, let's start at the top!
J.K. Rowling- although she is a Brit, she has made a large portion of her money from Americans kids... and unfortunately some adults. She tops the list at a massive $300 Million a year! Maybe she could take less than half of that (a meager $140 Million) and donate to our cause...?
Oprah- although J.K. Rowling does make more than her, she is at the top of the American list with a wopping $275 Million a year. I'm sure she could donate some to the cause of her favorite politician... let's say $125 Million?
50 Cent- he has come a long way and would improve his image even more by bailing out the economy. He rakes in about $150 Million each year, maybe he could donate $45 Million to the cause? Think of all the publicity, think of all the little white suburban kids who will love you even more!
Jerry Bruckheimer- the famous producer of big-budget movies and tv crime dramas pulls down about $145 Million a year. I'm sure he could donate $40 Million and maybe he could get the movie rights?
Steven Spielberg- even though the latest Indiana Jones movie was pretty awful, the man still makes about $130 Million each year. Think of the blockbuster that he and Bruckheimer could make if they teamed up... "Economic Meltdown" the movie. We'll take $30 Million from him.
Tyler Perry- this guy makes about $125 Million a year from movies and television. That's enough to make me dress up like an old lady and try to act as well. I think even Madea could part with $25 Million to help us all out.
Tiger Woods- come on! You hit a little ball in a hole with a stick and still make over $115 Million a year! He could probably part with $15 Million of that to help us all out.
The Police- okay we all know that Sting has got to be making more than the other two guys... what were their names? Combined they post at about $115 Million each year, and they would be happy to part with $15 Million of that I'm sure. Come on just write a new hit and you'll make it back. Can you?
Jerry Seinfeld- the funny man pulls in the laughs and about $85 Million a year. There is some great material waiting for you in this mess we are in, but you need to pay first. Let's say $10 Million?
Jay-Z- from street hustler to bona-fide, this guy has made it... and made it big! He comes in the list at about $82 Million a year. Plus, he gets to spend his evenings with Beyonce... so he could probably kick in about $10 Million.
Beyonce Knowles- speaking of her, she is right behind her new husband with a cool $80 Million a year. I know that someone that pretty has to do a lot of upkeep, but I am sure she could spare $10 Million.
Will Smith- the fresh prince of America takes his spot on the list at $80 Million a year. If he kicked in $10 Million to help out he would barely have to lift a finger to get it back. Just don't put out another rap album...
Johnny Depp- creepy Johnny seems to excel at roles where other actors would not know what to do. And he gets paid well for his skill, about $72 Million a year. If he donated $8 Million to the cause, it would be helpful. Come on, just dress up like a pirate again and you'll make that up.
Simon Cowell- i'm not really sure if this Brit even lives in the U.S., but he has enough money to live wherever he wants. Mr. Mean comes in at about $72 Million a year. He has been breaking hearts and annoying the public for quite awhile now, if he donates $8 Million we can just call it an asshole tax.
Howard Stern- speaking of assholes, this one makes about $70 Million a year. Maybe he could soften up his image and donate $8 Million to the cause.. or do it anonymously, I don't care.
David Beckham- this Brit brings in about $50 Million each year, and gets to sleep with the weird but hot spice girl... well I only assume they sleep together. Since he works here, maybe he could "kick"-in $5 Million and if he wants to help bailout Great Britain as well all the better.
$489 Million so far!
Cameron Diaz- the always gleaming actress makes around $50 Million a year, that is a hell of a smile! Maybe she could donate $5 Million of it to a really good cause... saving our asses!
George Lucas- with the latest Star Wars & Indiana Jones movies pretty much sucking... the man still rakes in about $50 Million a year. It might improve your fan base to give up $5 Million of it, but nothing will improve crappy CGI.
James Patterson- the hardworking author finds time to produce two books a year for his fans when others can't even produce one! No wonder he pulls down about $50 Million a year... we would like $5 Million, please.
David Letterman- despite working to get his people back to work faster than most during the tv strikes and his production company owning the rights to several other shows... this nighttime star still finds himself with the hours to do the Late Show and rake in about $45 Million a year. Not bad Dave, can we have $4 Million?
Michael Jordan- washed up basketball player... more like wise investment superstar. The guy hasn't played in years but brings in more money now than most of the NBA, a nice $45 Million each year! And we would love the king of air even more if he donated $4 Million of it.
Phil Mickelson- the world's second ranked golfer makes about $45 Million a year... I guess it is good to be almost king? Now fork over $4 Million.
Stephen King- speaking of Kings... this one-time school teacher turned prolific horror writer shocks the world into letting him make about $45 Million each year as well! The only thing that would be scarier than his books would be us paying off this stimulus package! $4 Million please.
Judge Judy Sheindlin- this tough talking lady brings in about $45 Million each year herself. It makes sense too, I mean would you want to negotiate with her? May we please have $4 Million, ma'am?
Leonardo DiCaprio- this guy has grown into a fairly good actor and is paid well for his dramas... about $45 Million a year. If he gave us $4 Million of that I might even "feel like I'm flying..."
$528 Million so far!
To be continued...
Here is a great way how... It's time to use our one remaining resource. Many notable (& wealthy) celebrities supported the ideas of hope and change during the campaign of our new leader. Now they can put their money (or rather the money we pay them) where their mouths are! While we are at it, let's start at the top!
J.K. Rowling- although she is a Brit, she has made a large portion of her money from Americans kids... and unfortunately some adults. She tops the list at a massive $300 Million a year! Maybe she could take less than half of that (a meager $140 Million) and donate to our cause...?
Oprah- although J.K. Rowling does make more than her, she is at the top of the American list with a wopping $275 Million a year. I'm sure she could donate some to the cause of her favorite politician... let's say $125 Million?
50 Cent- he has come a long way and would improve his image even more by bailing out the economy. He rakes in about $150 Million each year, maybe he could donate $45 Million to the cause? Think of all the publicity, think of all the little white suburban kids who will love you even more!
Jerry Bruckheimer- the famous producer of big-budget movies and tv crime dramas pulls down about $145 Million a year. I'm sure he could donate $40 Million and maybe he could get the movie rights?
Steven Spielberg- even though the latest Indiana Jones movie was pretty awful, the man still makes about $130 Million each year. Think of the blockbuster that he and Bruckheimer could make if they teamed up... "Economic Meltdown" the movie. We'll take $30 Million from him.
Tyler Perry- this guy makes about $125 Million a year from movies and television. That's enough to make me dress up like an old lady and try to act as well. I think even Madea could part with $25 Million to help us all out.
Tiger Woods- come on! You hit a little ball in a hole with a stick and still make over $115 Million a year! He could probably part with $15 Million of that to help us all out.
The Police- okay we all know that Sting has got to be making more than the other two guys... what were their names? Combined they post at about $115 Million each year, and they would be happy to part with $15 Million of that I'm sure. Come on just write a new hit and you'll make it back. Can you?
Jerry Seinfeld- the funny man pulls in the laughs and about $85 Million a year. There is some great material waiting for you in this mess we are in, but you need to pay first. Let's say $10 Million?
Jay-Z- from street hustler to bona-fide, this guy has made it... and made it big! He comes in the list at about $82 Million a year. Plus, he gets to spend his evenings with Beyonce... so he could probably kick in about $10 Million.
Beyonce Knowles- speaking of her, she is right behind her new husband with a cool $80 Million a year. I know that someone that pretty has to do a lot of upkeep, but I am sure she could spare $10 Million.
Will Smith- the fresh prince of America takes his spot on the list at $80 Million a year. If he kicked in $10 Million to help out he would barely have to lift a finger to get it back. Just don't put out another rap album...
Johnny Depp- creepy Johnny seems to excel at roles where other actors would not know what to do. And he gets paid well for his skill, about $72 Million a year. If he donated $8 Million to the cause, it would be helpful. Come on, just dress up like a pirate again and you'll make that up.
Simon Cowell- i'm not really sure if this Brit even lives in the U.S., but he has enough money to live wherever he wants. Mr. Mean comes in at about $72 Million a year. He has been breaking hearts and annoying the public for quite awhile now, if he donates $8 Million we can just call it an asshole tax.
Howard Stern- speaking of assholes, this one makes about $70 Million a year. Maybe he could soften up his image and donate $8 Million to the cause.. or do it anonymously, I don't care.
David Beckham- this Brit brings in about $50 Million each year, and gets to sleep with the weird but hot spice girl... well I only assume they sleep together. Since he works here, maybe he could "kick"-in $5 Million and if he wants to help bailout Great Britain as well all the better.
$489 Million so far!
Cameron Diaz- the always gleaming actress makes around $50 Million a year, that is a hell of a smile! Maybe she could donate $5 Million of it to a really good cause... saving our asses!
George Lucas- with the latest Star Wars & Indiana Jones movies pretty much sucking... the man still rakes in about $50 Million a year. It might improve your fan base to give up $5 Million of it, but nothing will improve crappy CGI.
James Patterson- the hardworking author finds time to produce two books a year for his fans when others can't even produce one! No wonder he pulls down about $50 Million a year... we would like $5 Million, please.
David Letterman- despite working to get his people back to work faster than most during the tv strikes and his production company owning the rights to several other shows... this nighttime star still finds himself with the hours to do the Late Show and rake in about $45 Million a year. Not bad Dave, can we have $4 Million?
Michael Jordan- washed up basketball player... more like wise investment superstar. The guy hasn't played in years but brings in more money now than most of the NBA, a nice $45 Million each year! And we would love the king of air even more if he donated $4 Million of it.
Phil Mickelson- the world's second ranked golfer makes about $45 Million a year... I guess it is good to be almost king? Now fork over $4 Million.
Stephen King- speaking of Kings... this one-time school teacher turned prolific horror writer shocks the world into letting him make about $45 Million each year as well! The only thing that would be scarier than his books would be us paying off this stimulus package! $4 Million please.
Judge Judy Sheindlin- this tough talking lady brings in about $45 Million each year herself. It makes sense too, I mean would you want to negotiate with her? May we please have $4 Million, ma'am?
Leonardo DiCaprio- this guy has grown into a fairly good actor and is paid well for his dramas... about $45 Million a year. If he gave us $4 Million of that I might even "feel like I'm flying..."
$528 Million so far!
To be continued...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money...
How about w take the last idea and make it even simpler...
At this point there is a little less than $400 Billion bailout money left out of the original $700 Billion. That is what is left after our government has given a lot of it to banks and large corporations. They have also committed a lot of it towards rescue plans for businesses down the road. Since in theory those are our tax dollars at "work", why not give the American people some of it.
227,719,424 U.S. Citizens 18+ (estimated)
-
2,188,226 U.S. Citizens 18+ in jail (estimated)
-
14,703,600 U.S. Citizens 18+ making more than $150,000 per year (estimated)
-
12,500,000 U.S. Citizens completely relying on the government/not paying taxes (estimated)
=
198,327,598
X
$2,000 each
=
$396,655,196,000
I'm sure most of us out there could use $2,000. It could even be set-up as a slogan: $1,000 to spend, $1,000 to save. That much money directly stimulating the economy and the banks might be the "shot in the arm" we need.
At this point there is a little less than $400 Billion bailout money left out of the original $700 Billion. That is what is left after our government has given a lot of it to banks and large corporations. They have also committed a lot of it towards rescue plans for businesses down the road. Since in theory those are our tax dollars at "work", why not give the American people some of it.
227,719,424 U.S. Citizens 18+ (estimated)
-
2,188,226 U.S. Citizens 18+ in jail (estimated)
-
14,703,600 U.S. Citizens 18+ making more than $150,000 per year (estimated)
-
12,500,000 U.S. Citizens completely relying on the government/not paying taxes (estimated)
=
198,327,598
X
$2,000 each
=
$396,655,196,000
I'm sure most of us out there could use $2,000. It could even be set-up as a slogan: $1,000 to spend, $1,000 to save. That much money directly stimulating the economy and the banks might be the "shot in the arm" we need.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Political Bull Shit
I apologize ahead of time for the less than stunning title. My brain has been afflicted lately with politics and I fear they are getting the best of me. As we grow closer to next year’s presidential election it seems the country will become even more divided. The many issues that face this nation (and the world) will be in debate and the mud-slinging & liable will begin. Although this may seem like an entertaining time, I am never amused by the unrelenting coverage of the media and how the public eats it up. In the end, it seems most Americans vote for the “lesser of two evils” or at least cast their vote in against the “other guy” and pick a president no one wants. No one that is, except the extremists from the far left or far right. Ah yes, the great debates over gay rights, abortion, illegal aliens, the war in terror, health care and even gun control will be had soon… and then quickly pushed aside to make time for whatever issues are plaguing the newly elected president’s lobbyist friends.
We have all heard of lobbyists and the wonderful mess their money and politician’s greed makes. It is fascinating to me that an official elected by the people can spend most of their time helping their rich buddies. Furthermore, it seems insane that there is not more of an uproar from the people about this… But then again presidential elections have nothing to do with reality TV, so why should anyone care?
I have in the past thought that presidential elections were a waste of time. I have only been able to vote in two elections and only voted in the first one…. (ah, Ralph Nader… Why did I waste my vote on you?). I have preached the word of Anti-Politicalness for quite some time. But no matter what you may have heard from my family, people can grow up. Despite my distrust of all politicians, I am officially announcing my candidacy for potential voter! Attention Political Scumbags: Now is your chance to impress me… so get to it! After I have gathered enough information on the major presidential candidates, I will post again on why they are all stupid.
We have all heard of lobbyists and the wonderful mess their money and politician’s greed makes. It is fascinating to me that an official elected by the people can spend most of their time helping their rich buddies. Furthermore, it seems insane that there is not more of an uproar from the people about this… But then again presidential elections have nothing to do with reality TV, so why should anyone care?
I have in the past thought that presidential elections were a waste of time. I have only been able to vote in two elections and only voted in the first one…. (ah, Ralph Nader… Why did I waste my vote on you?). I have preached the word of Anti-Politicalness for quite some time. But no matter what you may have heard from my family, people can grow up. Despite my distrust of all politicians, I am officially announcing my candidacy for potential voter! Attention Political Scumbags: Now is your chance to impress me… so get to it! After I have gathered enough information on the major presidential candidates, I will post again on why they are all stupid.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Is There Any Room Left In America For Me?
Obviously I have established myself already as a “comic book dork.” That being said, this last week was sad for me… and some people at Marvel comics too. Steve Rogers (the original Captain America) was killed. I know what you are thinking… it is just a comic, and I will get to that. Also, knowing the pattern of comics, Marvel will probably bring him back at some point. The reason I am writing about this (again) is that the comics I have been reading lately have reminded me of a question I have tried to bury in the back of my mind. Well, really a lot of different questions.
First of all, has the country changed enough that there is no room for a person like myself? The sharp divide in the U.S. over, well every damn issue, has reached a boiling point. We have red versus blue states, left versus right, and all kinds of division today. The battle between those who want personal freedom and those who want protection is growing. I see friends who once used to stand with me in the middle being pulled to one side or the other.
Secondly, was I born in the wrong generation? Yes, I believe so. Not just because of my music and literature preferences, but specifically because I still uphold “outdated” values when it comes to today’s standards. You see, I believe in personal freedoms with the responsibilities they demand. I am not willing to trade my freedom or my safety, and in our current climate that puts me in a small minority. People have said that I can’t have both, and maybe that will be true soon… but I cannot condone hostile governments or chaotic republics.
Third, will these feelings clear up when the current president is not in the office anymore? Here is my two-sided answer… No, because it is not just him and his administration that are screwing up this country. Okay republicans are stuck on things like abortion, wars, & not taxing their rich buddies… But democrats are not the answer either! They are stuck on being a damn reaction to the republicans… and a lot of them are rich pricks too! The other side of that answer… do you really think our country and possibly the world will last that long? You tell me!
I know there have to be more out there like me, but I wonder if anyone else worries about our current direction as much as me… as for the idea that it is “just a comic” part of me agrees, but read my previous comic post for that.
First of all, has the country changed enough that there is no room for a person like myself? The sharp divide in the U.S. over, well every damn issue, has reached a boiling point. We have red versus blue states, left versus right, and all kinds of division today. The battle between those who want personal freedom and those who want protection is growing. I see friends who once used to stand with me in the middle being pulled to one side or the other.
Secondly, was I born in the wrong generation? Yes, I believe so. Not just because of my music and literature preferences, but specifically because I still uphold “outdated” values when it comes to today’s standards. You see, I believe in personal freedoms with the responsibilities they demand. I am not willing to trade my freedom or my safety, and in our current climate that puts me in a small minority. People have said that I can’t have both, and maybe that will be true soon… but I cannot condone hostile governments or chaotic republics.
Third, will these feelings clear up when the current president is not in the office anymore? Here is my two-sided answer… No, because it is not just him and his administration that are screwing up this country. Okay republicans are stuck on things like abortion, wars, & not taxing their rich buddies… But democrats are not the answer either! They are stuck on being a damn reaction to the republicans… and a lot of them are rich pricks too! The other side of that answer… do you really think our country and possibly the world will last that long? You tell me!
I know there have to be more out there like me, but I wonder if anyone else worries about our current direction as much as me… as for the idea that it is “just a comic” part of me agrees, but read my previous comic post for that.
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