APRIL 19, 2011

Atlas Shrugged: Part I Movie Reviews

Friday night, three CF staffers braved sold-out theaters to watch the much anticipated Atlas Shrugged movie, a film that was big on buzz and short on funds. The movie, like the novel, uses the experiences of railroad executive Dagny Taggart and steel magnate Hank Rearden to demonstrate the superiority of individualism, freedom and entrepreneurship over regulation and forced charity.

Here are our reactions:

Nick: I wasn't too impressed. With choppy scenes, mediocre acting, and cheesy music playing over scenes that weren't well explained, I must say that I was a little let down. As a true fan of Ayn Rand, I went to see the movie wearing my Ragnar Danneskold t-shirt, I had hoped the film would live up to novel and that was certainly not the case. However, Rand's story is still powerfully refreshing, shunning the collectivist mentality that justifies coercion for the sake of equality. So despite the poor filmmaking, I'm ready for the sequel.

Elizabeth: The book is always better than the movie, and Atlas Shrugged is no different. Once you get past the opening minutes, which inform you that skyrocketing oil prices—thanks to unrest in the Middle East—have reinstated the dominance of railroad transportation, the story is free to progress uninhibited by modern day inconsistencies. I admit I was disappointed with the very brief appearance of Dr. Stadler, the character who compromises his principles for social approval (sound familiar?), but those who've made it through the 1,069 page novel will appreciate the film's devotion to the book.

All in all, the movie's amateurish undertones are eclipsed by the powerful ideas that turn much of today's popular wisdom on its head. Any thoughtful person unfamiliar with Rand will be challenged by the films unabashed defense of capitalism, the ultimate goal of both the novel and the film. For that reason alone, I think the film is well worth watching.

Katrina: Knowing Atlas Shrugged was a low-budget film, I wasn't expecting Oscar material. Then again, I haven't read the book so I really didn't know what to expect. This movie was clearly for those who have read the novel. While the larger themes of free markets and free people come through loud and clear, many of the nuances are lost to awkward transitions and confusing scenes. Atlas Shrugged is a great story that needs to be shared with the world; unfortunately this film does not have the mainstream appeal necessary to attract those unfamiliar with Rand and her works.

posted by ELIZABETH STELLE, KATRINA CURRIE, NICHOLAS FETT | 04:41 PM | 1 comment

APRIL 14, 2011

Happy Tax Freedom Day 2011, Pennsylvania

According to the Tax Foundation, if every Pennsylvanian started working on January 1, we would have to work until April 14, or 104 days of the year, in order to pay off their total tax burden. So Happy Tax Freedom Day!

The commonwealth has the 11th highest tax burden in the nation, slightly worse than the national average, with a Tax Freedom Day of April 12.  The highest state and local tax burden in 2011 went to Connecticut, which won't celebrate Tax Freedom Day until May 2, whereas Mississippi's Tax Freedom Day occured on March 26.

Another way of looking at it is, if you work an 8-hour workday, the first 2 hours and 20 minutes of every day go towards paying the taxes.  

Looking at the national tax burden over time is also cause for concern.  As the chart shows, Americans would have to work until May 23 (an extra 41 days) this year if the measure included paying off the federal deficit. 

More on Tax Freedom Day from the Tax Foundation.

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 00:00 PM | 0 comment

FEBRUARY 24, 2011

And the Oscar for Higher Taxes Goes to…

Given that Gov. Corbett may end Pennsylvania's $75 million film tax credit program, the film industry is out in force to prove it's more unique than other industries, saying it deserves the credit because it helps create jobs. The reality is other industries also create jobs in response to lower taxes. Ending the film tax credit program would allow for lowering taxes on all businesses, not just one.

Tell us what you think would boost the Keystone State's economy the most, by voting in our poll.

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 01:43 PM | 0 comment

FEBRUARY 23, 2011

PLCB's Scheme to Preserve Power

This week, we received the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's semi-secret alternative to liquor store privatization given to legislators-a scheme to preserve its power. This proposal goes beyond the typical PLCB's stunts, such as trying to make wine more convenient by having Pennsylvanians blow into a tube at wine kiosks.

"Alternatives to Privatization" is a blatant attempt to retain power, continue cronyism, increase state debt and charge consumers more.

• More Debt. The PLCB wants to issue $1 billion in new revenue bonds and then use PLCB profits to pay off the bonds for the next 20 or 30 years-a payment of $80 million per year. Sounds just like the Turnpike Commission's plan to borrow more while raising tolls and then tolling I-80, and we know how that turned out.
  
  
• Cronyism. The PLCB wants to be exempt from both state Civil Service Act (governing who they can hire) and the Procurement Code (removing any oversight of PLCB contracts).
  
  
• Higher Fees. The PLCB recommends doubling liquor licensing fees for restaurants, golf clubs, bars, hotels, and other private businesses and would also increase fines.
  
  
• Imitate the Private Sector. The report acknowledges the problems of the current monopoly system and recommends market based pricing, allowing more wine kiosks to remain open on Sundays, permitting the PLCB to set benefits for workers outside of the state benefit plans, enabling compensation flexibility, selling lottery tickets in state stores and issuing coupons for customers.

In other words, the alternative to privatizing liquor stores is to make state stores function like private stores. Sounds like a good argument for privatization.

PLCB Alternatives Memo

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 05:28 PM | 1 comment

FEBRUARY 23, 2011

Three Reasons for School Choice

A few recent editorial pieces have highlighted the variety of reasons Pennsylvania needs more school choice for parents and students.

A recent Philadelphia Inquirer article by Benjamin F. Chavis, former CEO of the NAACP, and Kevin P. Chavous, chairman of the Black Alliance for Educational Options and Democrats for Education Reform, explains why school choice is a civil rights issue.

Susquehanna University professor Matthew Rousu looks at the costs and benefits of school vouchers in a Patriot News op-ed, and concludes that, while no panacea, the benefits—improved academic performance—outweighs the costs.

Finally, Daily News columnist Joe DiStefano looks at Senate Bill 1, noting that the expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) in that proposal means more choice for middle-class families. Moreover, he notes the benefits to taxpayers: by giving families choices with a voucher or a tax credit scholarship that is only a fraction of school district spending, school choice saves taxpayers money.

For more on school choice, visit www.commonwealthfoundation.org/schoolchoice

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 00:10 PM | 0 comment

FEBRUARY 21, 2011

Video: Matt Brouillette Breaks Down PA's Fiscal Problems

Commonwealth Foundation President & CEO Matt Brouillette was recently interviewed by Tony May, a partner at Triad Strategies.  They discuss a broad range of topics including Pennsylvania's current fiscal situation and 5 Ways Governor Corbett can cut $5 billion from the state budget.

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 10:00 AM | 0 comment

FEBRUARY 15, 2011

The Constitutionality of School Choice

Despite Pennsylvania taxpayers spending $26 billion annually on public schools and more per student than 39 other states ($13,000 per child); and despite a decreasing student enrollment of nearly 27,000 student while adding nearly 33,000 employees since 2000, Pennsylvania public schools failed to deliver anything other than stagnating returns on that investment.  There is hope though, as parents and lawmakers are realizing the true potential of school choice in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1, The Opportunity Scholarship Act sponsored by Sen. Jeff Piccola (R) and Sen. Tony Williams (D), would expand scholarships available to children in lower- and middle-income families through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and provide low-income students in failing public schools with a state-funded voucher.

The educational establishment is doing everything they can to ensure they don't lose their monopoly status. Claims continue to arisen that SB 1 vouchers are unconstitutional.  Below is the testimony of Richard Comer, senior attorney for the Institute of Justice, and Phil Murren of the law firm Ball, Murren and Connell, discussing the constitutionality of school choice in Pennsylvania. 

Constitutionality of School Choice (IJ and Murren)

This is not the first time that school choice opponents have challenged the constitutionality of various programs.  Gov. Ridge's proposed Educational Opportunity Grants also received attacks of unconstitionality.  A scholarly constitutional analysis  by Susan Fiorentino, Esq., and Dr. Colleen Sheehan concluded that,

The Educational Opportunity Grants to children clearly comports with the public benefit test set forth by both the framers of the Pennsylvania Constitution and subsequent rulings by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 00:30 PM | 0 comment

JANUARY 27, 2011

New Ad Takes on Teacher Unions

A new full page advertisement for school choice is appearing in newspapers throughout the state this week. Cutting straight to the point, the ad goes after teacher unions and school board officials for holding students hostage in failing public schools by denying parents a choice.

Senator Anthony Williams described school choice as the civil rights issue of this century adding:

Standing in the way of school choice for needy kids in failing urban schools is like Gov. George Wallace standing in the doorway of a classroom to continue the segregation of the ‘60s. Why would we block access to great schools for children in need?

A couple of days later Charlotte Hummel, President of William Penn School District in Delaware County responded saying, "I will be standing in the schoolhouse door."

Ad courtesy of the Center for Education Reform and various other school choice organizations.

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 00:30 PM | 1 comment

JANUARY 12, 2011

Rendell's Last Round of Pork

Governor Rendell recently released his 2010 commitment list for RACP funds (subscription). The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, or RACP, is a taxpayer-funded state borrowing program for "economic development," i.e. corporate welfare. As the commitment list shows, RACP became a slush fund for Governor Rendell and his politically connected friends.

Not surprisingly, the City of Brotherly Love topped the recipient list, with 43% of the $408 million going to projects in Philadelphia. Comparatively, only $39 million went to projects near Pittsburgh and $36 million went to Philadelphia's four suburban counties.

Also high on the funding list of recipients were Gov. Rendell's political allies, John Murtha and Arlen Specter; the Murtha Center and Specter Library combined received almost $12 million. Gov. Rendell also committed $30 million to the American Revolution Center in Philadelphia.

Unfortunately RACP, like all economic development schemes, only redistributes jobs and wealth for projects that most likely would have happened anyway, like the new Penguins Stadium, or for businesses that will continue to fail, like TastyKake. Instead of more handouts, maybe Gov. Rendell should have done the responsible thing and resisted the urge to pile on the debt, leaving office with a projected General Fund deficit of $5 billion.

Below is a detailed list of the recipients, courtesy Capitolwire.

Rendell RACP 2010

posted by NICHOLAS FETT | 06:00 PM | 0 comment