(Photo: House of Cards)

Dear Netflix Honchos,

I’ve been reading about how your House of Cards production company has been strong-arming the Maryland General Assembly, asking for millions of dollars in tax incentives to shoot in Maryland. Or y’all will take your ball and go home.

Really? How very…um…asshole-y of you. I don’t know if you realize, but my state is teetering on a budget precipice, trying to make ends meet. Or perhaps you know but don’t give a rosy red. As of Monday, the increase was dead, but MD legislators pulled a fast one and moved the money you demanded out of the NON-PROFIT ARTS FUND. Like a loan shark, you demand or else, and the self-serving toadies acquiesced. But what happens when local artists find themselves without funding, just so y’all can stay here? You’re not going to help us with that, are you? Didn’t think so.

Apparently Kevin Spacey was lobbying in Annapolis this week, hoping for votes to approve the increase. So basically, he’s saying screw Maryland artists, hooray for Hollywood! Mr. Spacey, may I suggest an alternative; if you’re so gung-ho for more House of Cards money, why not pay it out of your own pocket? Problem solved!

I say that if Hollywood wants location shots – whether they’re in Baltimore, Washington DC or Hollywood, Florida – they shouldn’t balk at the price, instead of leaning on local governments to bend to your will at the expense of local programs and taxpayers. “But we bring money!” you cry! Sure you do. But the local Maryland arts scene brings more money to the state than you do.

You get what you pay for people. And you know y’all have the money. You just think you’re entitled to use someone else’s.

Love,

AF

PS: your show is a downer. Couldn’t get past episode 4 of season 1. All the fine acting in the world doesn’t make up for that. All the fanfare surrounding your show feels like so much DC Metro & Hollywood bandwagoning.