Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 1229 Look at the shape of my mouth, he is a liar

"Hello, Ronald, long time no see. I didn't expect you to make another interesting movie."

Old George shook hands with Ronald, then bent his hands and put them on his chest, making a signature gesture to praise the child.

"I'm just looking for some investors for talented artists. I introduced to the students at T&T that this is the director and star of this movie, Kevin Costner." Ronald smiled and pulled out Costner. Introduced to the great leader and his family.

"Sir, ma'am..." Costner smiled and moved forward, kissing Barbara's hand in a gentlemanly manner.

"Hahahaha..." First Lady Barbara's favorite Hollywood male star was very happy to be complimented by Costner.

The group went to the screening room of the White House and watched "Dances with Wolves".

Ronald had watched the movie several times. He found that the commander was not really interested in the movie. Instead, he twisted his neck from side to side. It was not until the scene of Costner and the Indians hunting buffalo that he was interested. A little more interested.

Ronald now understood that this White House screening must be a gesture by George Sr. to please the people and be his 80% Mr. He tried to use the timing of the Indian Act vote and the release of the movie "Dances with Wolves" to win over people's hearts and increase his approval rating.

On the other hand, Mrs. Barbara was very immersed in the plot and watched the whole story very seriously.

After watching the movie, Barbara asked the waiter to bring the fast food, and everyone ate some food in the lounge.

"This is the sushi that Diane wanted. I picked some egg rolls, vegetables, and eel sushi. You know, my husband doesn't like sashimi. The sight of it will turn him off."

Diane was dressed very conservatively today, with a knee-length skirt and flat shoes. She looked like a good wife and mother in the Hollywood movies of the 1950s. Barbara liked it very much, and even specially introduced a few words about food. Of course, she immediately went to chat with Kevin Costner. Old Hollywood male stars were her favorite.

"Do you want to see my Oval Office?" Old George walked up to Ronald with pizza and Coke and gave him a wink.

"Ah, of course, I have always wanted to see the office of the supreme commander of our country. It is my honor." Ronald followed immediately, still a little confused in his heart, what can old George have to say to himself?

"Would you like some whiskey?"

"Thank you, I'll have some."

George Sr. led Ronald to the Oval Office, asked the entourage to leave, and personally took out an opened bottle of whiskey.

"Well..." Ronald took the initiative to pour two glasses of wine. After the commander clinked glasses with him, they both drank it down.

"I know everything about little George. He has done a good job. I hope he can do something good, but he is not suitable for politics." The commander-in-chief pondered for a moment and said something to praise his eldest son.

He knew very well that his wife Barbara doted on her youngest son Jeb, the eldest son who was most like him and was not loved by his mother. Maybe it was because the two looked so similar and both had cheating experiences, which touched some of Barbara's hidden pain. I don't miss Jeb, but I am obsessed with his Latina wife...

Thinking of this useless son, old George was a little helpless, but he was captured by a short Latina woman who taught Spanish. Nothing like the standards a young man from a long-established New England family should have in choosing a mate.

Parents always want to create better conditions for their children. The most important thing for a political family is that someone inherits the political resources and connections they have accumulated over the years. But little George's IQ may not be able to handle this, and Barbara is unwilling to help him.

Fortunately, in these two Japanese mergers and acquisitions, under Ronald's guidance, George Jr. has accumulated enough resources. Even if you don't engage in politics in the future, there will be no problem in being a happy rich man under your own protection.

Old George turned to look at Ronald. The young man did not take credit or say anything inappropriate. He just looked at himself with respect. "Congress will vote on the Indian Business Act next week. I will mention it in public speeches." Your movie..."

"Thank you, Tatong Prime Minister. This is an honor for me and all the main creators." Ronald was basically sure that this was old George rewarding himself in disguise. Anyway, it was a good thing, Ronald immediately expressed his thanks.

"Do you want to join politics?" Old George suddenly asked, "I have talked with Daniel (Inoue) before, and he spoke very highly of you. You understand the rules of politics and your background is suitable."

George Sr. looked at Ronald, waiting for his response. This person is a suitable candidate for politics. He has a certain base of public opinion and knows how to make deals on Capitol Hill in Washington. If he can become a politician, he will be a good supporter for George and his family in the future.

"I know nothing about politics, and I am not an actor. My interest is in film and television creation..." Ronald made a joke. The success of the former commander-in-chief gave many people in Hollywood an inexplicable confidence.

"I understand, cigar, want one?" Old George thought to himself that you have done so many things for my son, and now you have stated that you do not want to enter politics. From this point of view, either Ronald is an honest man with no political ambitions, or he has big ambitions... No matter what the situation is, he can handle it clearly during his time as the commander-in-chief.

"Thank you..." Ronald helped cut the cigar and lit the fire. Together with the commander-in-chief, he enjoyed a fine cigar in the symbolic office of the country's highest power.

"If you have anything to do, you can ask little George to come to me." The two chatted for a while, and old George said to Ronald with a smile.

"I will. The leading students in T&T have helped me a lot in my career..." Ronald guessed what the old man meant. There was indeed no major issue that required his intervention. Anyway, keep it to yourself and limit the favors you ask for within the scope of your career.

"You are really a political talent, but it's a pity that your ambition is not here..." The commander laughed, and put his arm around Ronald's shoulder and patted him.

"Beep..." He rang the bell and called his entourage, "Take a group photo for us here..." Then, the commander signaled his entourage to send Ronald out.

"Hey, what did Tom say? (Tom Foley, Speaker of the House of Representatives), okay...hahahaha..."

Ronald, who followed his entourage out, heard the commander's very confident laughter, as if he had achieved some major political move.

"Oh, you're back..." Diane was already waiting for him in the green living room commonly used for private receptions. Her husband disappeared for a long time, which made Diane a little upset. She was very happy to see Ronald back.

"Where's Kevin?" Ronald took Diane's hand and asked about the situation.

"Mrs. Barbara personally took him to visit the White House. I don't want to go, so I'll wait for you here."

"Ronald, it's such a shame that you didn't come with me and Cindy... It was such a dreamy experience to be given a tour of the White House by the First Lady."

After a while, Kevin Costner also came to the lounge, and the group walked out again.

"Where have you been?" Diane asked Kevin Costner.

"We went to the swimming pool, the Lincoln Bedroom, and the Rose Garden, which was designed by Kennedy's wife Jacqueline. It was really great to hear the first lady introduce you to various places and the allusions related to the past commanders and first ladies. "

It was the first time Kevin Costner received such courtesy, and he was very happy. This is a topic that I can brag to my children many years later.

Thinking of this, he shook his head regretfully, "It's a pity that the Commander-in-Chief received some important people in the Oval Office. Cindy and I only saw one door and were not able to go in and experience it for ourselves. We don't know where it came from. What distinguished guest..."

"Pfft..." A mouthful of mineral water spurted out from Ronald's mouth.

……

A few days later, the commander-in-chief answered many questions in front of White House reporters. In the past few days, he has signed the Disability Protection Act and raised the upper limit of troops stationed in the Middle East to 5000. However, what attracted the most attention was the new government budget bill that he announced that he would sign and pass. The bill would reduce the federal budget by nearly $1400 billion over the next five years and includes $ billion in new taxes...

"I...didn't your dad say during the campaign that there would be no tax increase?" Ronald called George Jr. in shock. George Sr.'s promise during the campaign still rang in his ears, and he actually started cheating on it in the second year. Doesn’t count? "We voted for your father. This is an important consideration. This is too much." Next to Ronald was Douglas Jr., who worked for George Sr. in Staten Island and Manhattan and attracted many donors and votes. Yuan, his credibility is not very good now.

"Hey, I just found out. I heard that Jeb is supporting this bill." George Jr. said that he didn't know about this new bill in advance.

"Really?" Douglas Jr. didn't believe it. This family had no credibility in speaking now.

"I promise, otherwise I will give you a heads-up in advance. House Whip Gingrich and Elephant Party National Convention Chairman Ed Rollins are very angry."

Little George explained briefly that his father really attacked suddenly. After George Sr. proposed the budget, Gingrich angrily hung up the explanation call from the commander-in-chief. And Ed Rollins was so angry that he sent an open letter to Elephant Party members in the House and Senate, asking them to distance themselves from the leader.

"What do you think, little George?" Ronald sounded like he still believed what his eldest son said. He was not favored to begin with, and coupled with some strange words the commander-in-chief said to him in the White House, taken together, it seemed that the commander-in-chief was really determined to do something big.

"I am an old Ronald Elephant Party member. My philosophy does not allow me to raise taxes on the people." Little George was also very angry this time. His political allies are now blaming him. His political agenda is huge. Shocked, I am now discussing with my wife to leave my father's team and return to Texas to make plans.

"Don't worry, Ronald, Doug, I will keep your kindness in mind. I have a way to compensate you. When I finish handling the things here, I will go to New York to find you. Laura, Tell the daughters to keep their voices down..." The voice of his wife Laura instructing the children could be heard in the background.

"How much money will we lose if this bill passes?" Ronald asked Lawrence, the accountant in front of him. He heard that taxes would be increased by 140 billion, and he quickly asked him to come over to settle the accounts.

"In fact, you will not pay more, but will save a tax." Lawrence got the latest version of the draft tax increase bill. This bill actually has little to do with billionaires like Ronald.

The main part of the tax increase comes from middle-class families. The draft raises the top personal income tax rate from 28% to 31%, increases wage and consumption taxes, and limits tax deductions for high-income individuals.

At the same time, it increases access to the earned income tax credit for low-income families and limits the top rate on capital gains tax to 28%.

"In general, he has the greatest impact on middle-class families, but it reduces taxes on the poor and rich. Even if you are a high-income individual in Hollywood, you still need to pay a higher minimum federal income tax."

"That seems like a lot..." Ronald muttered. America's tax laws are, at least on the surface, very fair. Because wealthy high-income individuals have various tax exemptions and exemptions, the taxes paid by a high-income individual may be even lower than those of the middle class.

In order to reduce this unfairness, the federal government established a minimum federal income tax, which stipulates that the tax deduction cannot be less than a percentage of the tax payable. The original tax rate was 21%, which means that no matter how many tax deductions and exemptions you have, you still have to pay 21% personal tax. However, the new bill of T&T raised this tax rate to 24%.

"In comparison, the new tax law can save you millions in taxes every year." Lawrence smiled and underlined the following two clauses.

The top federal capital gains tax rate is capped at 28%, and the tax-deferred benefit on investment income has not been eliminated. Many corporate income tax relief provisions have not been canceled as expected.

Therefore, compared with the residual dividends Ronald receives from the Directors Guild every year, the bulk of his income includes dividends from movies, income from video tapes, and his own investment income. Because it is operated through the company, he will pay a lot less. taxes.

"But the sponsors and voters I mobilized to vote for him will no longer believe in me this time." Douglas Jr., who was originally interested in local politics, was still angry. The political resources he had accumulated in Staten Island and Manhattan were wiped out by the commander-in-chief.

"Stop complaining. At least your investment income can be deducted...USD. This money is enough for you to buy a Congressman." Donna next to her poked Douglas. Of course, she wanted to be the wife of a politician more than to be the wife of a politician. Be an investment analyst that she likes.

If Douglas Jr. runs for Congress in the future, she will also face a difficult choice. Donna could only be happy to eliminate little Doug's career in politics at once. In the future, the financial resources of the two people will be more inclined to investment.

"Okay, that's it...as long as we don't raise taxes, we can't control anything else." In Ronald's heart, he basically had the answer to why old George did this.

Attorney Lindsay Dole, who is familiar with the law, called him and told Ronald that due to the recent economic downturn and the increase in federal spending, the fiscal deficit has reached a worrying level.

The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced Budget Act passed by Congress has strict regulations on the government's deficit increase. If the deficit budget is to increase, government spending must be cut. Such large-scale spending cuts can only start from two places, government medical insurance and pensions, or national defense.

As for the national defense tax increase bill, the commander-in-chief made a choice, not to reduce expenditure but to increase revenue. This has almost made it clear that there will be a substantial increase in the defense budget next year...

"Hey, okay, I'll just be the heir to my rich family and never want to be in politics again." Douglas Jr. sighed, and his original ambitions aroused by some of his comrades in the Elephant Party also disappeared.

"It's not like the Commander-in-Chief has completely abandoned us..." Little Douglas began to joke after the psychological burden was gone.

When answering another reporter's question, the T&T mentioned the movie "Dances with Wolves" and called on Congress to vote for the passage of the Indian Business Act.

This move actually made the members of the Elephant Party very angry. The leader almost betrayed the Elephant Party and colluded with the Donkey Party. Although the Elephant Party is the minority party in both houses of the House of Representatives, the leader blatantly abandoned most of the opinions of members of his own party and instead cooperated with the opponent party for the sake of the budget and some unimportant bills (such as the Indian Business Act) , simply chilling. Speaking of the mid-term elections that are about to begin, is he really not afraid that the Elephant Party will retake both houses of Congress?

No matter what the congressmen thought, after Ronald calmed down, he still thanked the commander for this performance.

At least the large-scale release of "Dances with Wolves" was greatly helped by the leader. In order to reduce the media's backlash against tax increases, the White House is desperately provoking discussion of the "Indian Act."

The Donkey Party, which likes this bill, has much greater influence in the media than the Elephant Party, and is explicitly or covertly helping the White House manipulate the media agenda. After all, the poor will benefit from this tax increase bill, and the tax increase will offend their own base of votes and make the Donkey Party happy to watch the joke.

For a time, except for some local TV stations, most national TV stations were working hard to report on the tragic history of the Native Americans and their long-term efforts to obtain the correct naming business operation.

As for news reports on tax hikes and the public opposition of the Elephant Party whip and the National Conference Chairman to the President, they did not occupy as much time on television as the discussion of the new film "Dances with Wolves".

"The support rate of the Grand Commander has dropped from 79% at the beginning of the year to just over 55%," the latest news brought by Richard.

"It seems that we have become the beneficiaries of Dances with Wolves." Ronald smiled.

The commander-in-chief was so generous that he watched Dances with Wolves at the White House and verbally praised the film to reporters. It seems that he wanted to save the approval rating that was almost certain to decline. After all, this movie may be the only issue on which he can gather more than 80% support in the short term.

"It seems useless to me..." Richard shook his head. Compared with matters related to vital interests such as tax increases, an Indian movie will have little effect on changing the public's support for the commander-in-chief.

Even Richard complained about old George Duo. At first, most of their agent's income fell within the scope of paying taxes.

"Don't worry about him, as long as our box office rises." Ronald understood Richard's grievances. "As long as the movie's box office exceeds expectations, I plan to pay a bonus to the main creator."

Ronald knew that most Hollywood employees were affected by the tax increase, and he made up his mind that as long as Dances with Wolves does well at the box office, he would send some small money to all the staff of the film to make up for the amount they would have to pay this year. Overpayment of taxes.

Come with a little favor to win over people's hearts.

"So do you and Niceta. I will compensate you in other ways." Ronald said to Richard with a smile. His agents, especially Richard, have helped him do a lot of work that is not within the scope of agents. It is time to give them more benefits to repay their loyalty over the years.

"Look at my mouth, the commander-in-chief is a liar!" Ed Rawlings, chairman of the National Convention of the Elephant Party, appeared on TV. He issued notices to members and candidates facing congressional midterm elections, telling them to distance themselves from the leader. As a result, White House Chief of Staff Sununu worked hard and united with powerful people in the party to remove him from his post.

The media loved the image of the former chairman scolding their commander-in-chief on TV. This sentence was originally the slogan of George Sr.'s campaign, "Look at the shape of my mouth, no tax increase." Now the content has been changed by his own people and openly said on TV, and it has become a national laughing stock.

　I stayed up late last night and am very sleepy today. I’ll update these first, I’ll make it up tomorrow

　　

　

(End of this chapter)