Is the media grossly misreporting the taxes paid by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney? According to one review of his 2011 return , very much so. Mitt and Ann Romney ‘s 2011 adjusted gross income (AGI) was about $18.6 million, with their total federal income tax coming to $1.9 million, or 14.1 percent. This number is a bit misleading, however, when analyzing Mitt Romney tax returns . It implies the Romneys kept 85.9 percent of what they earned, which isn’t the case. First off, they clamed $4.6 million in itemized deductions, including $1.3 million in state and local income taxes and $215,000 in real estate taxes. That’s more than $1.5 million they never saw, and the generous couple also donated $1.3 million in cash and another $921,000 in securities. Another $2.21 million they did not keep for themselves. The Romneys earned $2.2 million in qualified dividends and $6.8 million in capital gains in 2011, income taxed at the favorable rate of 15 percent. While this rate seems low, it has been taxed at the corporate level first at a higher rate – 35 percent. The government has been paid twice, in other words. Finally, the Romneys paid $103,000 in foreign taxes, which has nothing to do with offshore accounts, but global investments taxed in their nation of origin. According to this analysis, on $18.6 million of productivity, they paid $10.8 million in taxes and gifts to charity, keeping just 42.1 percent of what they produced. Yes, this still makes them extremely wealthy, and no, it does necessarily make Romney any more (or less) qualified to be President of the United States. Viewed through a different lens, however, Romney’s generosity and tax burden is not the example of responsibility-shirking greed his opponents might like you to believe. U.S. Presidential Election 2012 : Obama-Biden Romney-Ryan View Poll »
Tuesday night was a celebrity bonanza at the Time Warner Center in New York’s Columbus Circle for the New York premiere of director/star Ben Affleck ‘s acclaimed Argo . Stars Bryan Cranston , Alan Arkin , John Goodman as well as producers George Clooney and Grant Heslov were just part of the cortege of A-listers and New York glitterati who dined at the Porter House Steakhouse where Affleck held the spotlight in the bar talking to folks. Guests were divided into two screenings of the Toronto and Telluride film festivals world premiere based on the true story about a CIA agent (Affleck) who rescues six Americans hiding in the Canadian embassy at the dawn of the Iranian hostage crisis that began in November 1979. ML caught up with actor Bryan Cranston as well as Affleck at the event. Between chatting with a parade of well-heeled well-wishers including best pal Matt Damon, Oliver Stone, Sting, Ted Koppel, Brian Williams and more, Affleck gave a little insight on what motivated him to take on the project, telling ML he decided to make Argo happen because it was a fascinating story that was also a challenge, admitting to some fear in the beginning. “I wanted to direct it because it’s a challenge directorially,” he told ML. “It has three competing challenges: It’s a comedy, it’s a nail-biting thriller and it’s a CIA-intrigue spy story. I thought if I can execute that and combine those elements and execute them, unify them and tell something that is true and maintain the integrity of the truth of the stories then I could do something quite special. It’s the favorite thing I’ve ever been involved with.” In the movie, actor Bryan Cranston plays Jack O’Donnell, one of the six Americans hiding in the Canadian Ambassador’s residence after a daring escape into the streets of the Iranian capital soon after the American embassy was overrun by angry mobs with the acquiescence of the country’s new ruler Ayatollah Khomeini. Cranston said he received the Argo script from his agent and that Affleck and producer Grant Heslov had specifically asked for him to read it. “I thought, ‘Oh that’s flattering.’ And I thought, ‘Please God, let the story be as good as the offer,'” he told ML. “And it was quite frankly even better. The story is fantastic. It’s true, important and the screenplay by Chris Terrio is great. What I took away from this and what I think what audiences will is that it’s a simple story about people being selfless and doing things for all the right reasons – just to save other human beings. There’s no greater noble effort than this.” Ahead of production, a fellow actor touted to Cranston the chance to work with Affleck who in turn put a plug in for Affleck’s work ethic and being an all-around great guy. Events such as Tuesday night’s are meant to showcase Oscar contenders in their best light. And the Peggy Siegel Company, which hosts a number of these dinners and parties tied to screenings, is front and center in organizing events for titles hitting the awards circuit. “I got a tip from Jon Hamm, who said, ‘You’re going to love working with [Affleck].’ And I went, ‘Oh good,'” said Cranston. “As an actor turned director he’s one of the best and just as a director in and of itself, he’s terrific. He’s a kind and a thoughtful man. And he’s willing to do the work. People only see the finished product, but he’s very passionate about stories.” “I didn’t want to make a story that was partisan right before the election,” Affleck said to ML about Argo and the audience he hopes will come to see it when it opens this weekend. “I want a movie that the Repubicans I know and am friends with can go see. I do not want a movie that could be politicized internationally vis-a-vis, Iran. I went to great pains to just tell a factual story with out being didactic or tell the audience what to feel.” Argo Log line: On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies. Academy Award-winner Ben Affleck ( Good Will Hunting ) directs and stars in the film, which is produced by Oscar-nominee Grant Heslov ( Good Night, and Good Luck ), Affleck, and Oscar-winner George Clooney ( Syriana ). [ AbovePhoto by Marion Curtis/Starpix ]
President Obama and First Lady Michelle are all coupled up on the Nobember cover of EBONY Magazine! The 2012 Election is 30 days away, and the incumbent, President Barack Obama, and his wife, the First Lady Michele Obama gracefully cover the November issue of EBONY. In the cover feature, written by MSNBC political analyst Melissa Harris Perry, and in an open letter from The President to “African American Families,” the second term hopeful thoroughly outlines for voters what he’s done over the past four years to benefit the country at large, and specifically the African America community. The President ‘s points in the article hone in on Jobs, Health Care, Education, and Crime and Violence, to name a few. And, he makes his second term plan clear—continue to improve the economy, accessible health care, foster community sustainability via education, health care and stable families. Here are a few quotes from the cover story: On Jobs: “African Americans were hit especially hard by the recession…but over the past 30 months, businesses have created 4.5 million new jobs.” On Education: “We created the first-ever White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans.” On Health Care: “…the numbers of working poor who don’t have health care who are African American or Latino are higher than the general population…the 30 million people who are going to be able to get health care for the first time…are going to be African Americans.” What do you think? Will this help his case for addressing African American issues?
Don’t miss your chance to rock the vote! Voter Registration Deadlines Are Today In Seventeen States Seventeen states have voter registration deadlines today. If you live in one of these states and you haven’t registered to vote yet , today is your last day to do so before the election on November 6th. Some of these states also have new restrictive voter ID laws on the books. The Brennan Center for Justice has launched an online guide to restrictive voter ID laws across the country to help voters navigate the new requirements before election day. They’ve also produced an informative PSA that explains some of the changes to voting rules. Today is your last day to register to vote in these states: Arizona Arkansas Colorado Washington DC Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Montana New Mexico Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Utah If you live in one of these states, find out how you can get registered NOW!
Celebrity Election Activists With one month left until election day, the 2012 presidential candidates need all the help that they can get to bring it home. While the majority of Money Mitt’s heavyweight endorsements are said to come from the banking industry and President Obama notorious for celebrity endorsers, both candidates have accumulated their fair share of A-listers who aren’t afraid to get involved and use their celebrity status for a good cause by getting as many people as possible registered and informed. Check out a few Hollyweirders who have been blazing the campaign trail right along with their candidate of choice.
Also in Monday morning’s round-up of news briefs: Bradley Cooper is to receive a Hollywood award. CNN is launching a unit for documentary distribution and The Paperboy scores in the specialty box office over the weekend. Osama Bin Laden Raid Film Seal Team Six To Air 48 Hours Before Election Seal Team Six: The Raid on Osama Bin Laden is the first high-profile dramatisation of the attack on the al-Qaida leader’s Pakistan hide-out. The incident, in May 2011, was widely regarded as a coup for the Obama administration, following former President Bush’s failed seven-year attempt to catch Bin Laden “dead or alive.” Produced by the Weinstein Company, the film will be broadcast on the National Geographic Channel on Sunday November 4th, The Guardian reports . Christian Bale Returns to David O. Russell FBI and Con Artists Film David O. Russell took over the project that was at first titled American Bullshit from Ben Affleck. Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale were attached to star, but then Jeremy Renner signed on to replace Bale and Amy Adams joined the cast. But now Bale is back and the project is untitled. It is based on a true story about an infamous con artist (Bale) and his partner/love interest (Adams) who are working with a federal agent (Cooper) to take on dirty politicians and mobsters, Vulture reports . Bradley Cooper to Receive Hollywood Film Awards Honors Cooper will be feted by the awards for his role in David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook . He will receive the “Hollywood Actor Award” at the 16th annual Hollywood Film Awards at its gala taking place October 22nd, THR reports . CNN Launches Unit to Acquire Documentary Films for Theaters and Television CNN Films will secure feature-length documentaries to air on CNN and CNN International as well as for theatrical distribution. The move is part of a wider strategy to acquire original non-fiction content to complement CNN’s news programs. Girl Rising , a film which inspired a global action campaign to promote girls’ education, will air in spring 2013, Deadline reports . Specialty Box Office: Paperboy Strong in Debut; House I Live In , Wuthering Heights , The Oranges Fair Lee Daniels’ The Paperboy lead the pack of specialty newcomers with a solid $110,033 at 11 locations and an average of $10,003. That gives the Oscar-nominated director a respectable first showing for his follow-up to his lauded 2009 film Precious, although it falls short of spectacular. Even so, it bested the weekend’s other new titles in limited release. Only Abramorama’s House I Live In came close with a $9,827 average in 2 theaters, Deadline reports .
No wonder the Jets ain’t isht… SMH. Via NYPost : Jets owner Woody Johnson was asked if it was more important for him that his team have a winning season or Romney wins next month’s presidential election. “I think you always have to put country first,” said Johnson, who is the chairman of Romney’s campaign in New York, on Bloomberg TV’s “Money Matters.” “I think it’s very, very important not only for us, but for our kids and grandkids that this election come off with Mitt Romney and Ryan as president and vice president.” Johnson vented his frustration with the Jets’ 34-0 loss to the 49ers on Sunday. “The coaches and I were not happy with what happened yesterday, and the players aren’t either,” Johnson said. “So our job now . . . we are still leading in the AFC East , but that performance was absolutely unacceptable.” Like his coach Rex Ryan, Johnson had to fend off questions about Tim Tebow replacing Sanchez as the team’s starting quarterback. “There’s going to be more pressure, but this quarterback can get the job done,” Johnson said. “He really can. He had a bad day, the whole team had a bad day. Receivers have to be in the right spot. A few plays here and there, which is the norm of football today that went against us . .. and it could have been a different game.” The question about the 2-2 Jets’ starting quarterback situation have grown as Sanchez has struggled the past three weeks after a stellar season opener against the Bills. “It doesn’t mean Tim Tebow is going to be starting next week, but it’s a question that’s going to be asked more frequently if this progresses because it’s unacceptable,” Johnson said. “We failed in all three areas — offense, defense, special teams — and we let our fans down.” Sounds like this guy is oblivious to the fact that BOTH his teams are losers. Photo Credit: Dale Stephanos
The Jewish Council on Research and Education released a hilarious new ad this morning featuring legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson. In the funny clip the movie…
Coming off of his new book release, we wonder whether or not Zimmerman’s “friend” is looking for publicity?? According to The Miami Herald Trayvon Martin grabbed his killer’s gun just moments before he died and uttered a profanity-laced threat. In a desperate life-or-death struggle, George Zimmerman clutched Trayvon’s wrist, broke his grip on the semi-automatic firearm and shot him once in the chest. That account appears in a new book written by Zimmerman’s best friend and confidante. There’s just one problem: Zimmerman never said that to the police. Now the book, Defending Our Friend: The Most Hated Man in America, and author Mark Osterman’s two television interviews have landed on the prosecution evidence list, as more versions of Zimmerman’s story emerge. A man who wrote a book calling Zimmerman “the kindest and most sincere” person will wind up in court — for the prosecution, experts agree. “It was emotionally draining for George as he relived that awful moment when he managed to control the gun, then fired out of fear for his life,” Osterman wrote. Osterman, U.S. air marshal who lives in a Central Florida, was among the first people Zimmerman’s wife called on Feb. 26 when she learned her husband had just shot someone. Osterman rushed to the scene that night, and accompanied his best friend every step of the way through the investigation, including his first three interrogations by Sanford police. Afraid for the Zimmermans’ safety, Osterman took the couple in from the very first night of the shooting. His 172-page book describes how Zimmerman told the story of the killing over and over again until he was physically drained. When he told it to police, Osterman said, Zimmerman threw up. No sympathy here…we’re still feeling sick to our damn stomach’s every time we hear new “evidence” from this tragic case. Images via twitter
The Romney Robot…better known as Ann took to the media yesterday defending her boo-thang Mitt Robney after he insulted almost half of the nation. In an interview with Radio Iowa, she was forceful about her hubby’s goals… “Stop it. This is hard. You want to try it? Get in the ring,” she said. “This is hard and, you know, it’s an important thing that we’re doing right now and it’s an important election and it is time for all Americans to realize how significant this election is and how lucky we are to have someone with Mitt’s qualifications and experience and know-how to be able to have the opportunity to run this country.” Obama’s leading Money Mitt in the polls and after all of the damage the Republican candidate has done this past few weeks, we’re interested to see how October will end up as far as numbers are concerned. Images via WENN
