Culture is not a luxury

Following the announcement of the latest measures taken by the Government of Spain directly related to cultural matters, a considerable group of country music media have decided to join together to express a common disagreement. We hope the above is then shared and supported emotionally as much as possible for our readers, as concerned as we are.
All headers that we signed this manifesto we share a passion for music, each reflecting in its own way, so quirky and independent. Beyond that another feature virtually defines us all: with few exceptions, our political commentary pages had been until today, when some are already close to thirty years, tangential or even nonexistent. However, we live an extraordinary historical moment requires no less extraordinary response by all. We are aware that Spain passed through very complicated. Nor that in this situation citizen demand lower-middle income enormous effort every day resulting in hundreds and thousands of new human tragedies. At the same time, we see the benefits stunned millionaires of managers of those boxes that have broken the country, the compensation of senior succulent who leave their positions in the middle of the scandal, indecency of many of our politicians. Into this landscape the Government has decided to give a new twist to an already untenable situation by taking a series of measures to condemn the general public to little more than destitution and a particular sector of the music and culture popular, to disappear.
Among the measures taken on Friday July 13 is the increase of 8% to 21% of value added tax (VAT) on the price of tickets to cinemas, theaters, music festivals and concerts. It is the final blow to an industry that depends on leisure spending for survival and has been seeing progressively cornered by the decisions of our rulers. Because in the world of popular music, unlike other industries and even cultural subsidy has always been low and zero if not directly, however, tripping the list of private initiative by the Administration is endless: from the unfulfilled promise by the previous government considering disks and direct as a cultural product and reduce its tax to 4% to the prohibition of access to a concert hall to minors, to the promoters and barriers to regular restaurateurs to keep live music schedule. Emphasis deserves no response to our leaders have over the last decade the problem of illegal downloads, which has wiped out countless jobs at record labels and distributors.
Record labels, distributors, promoters, venues, business promotion and communication, technical and above all musicians are the victims of contempt and even hatred that show our leaders for a sector that is much of that 3% of GDP generated by the culture and that is in the process of decomposition. Also one of the best windows possible for that brand "Spain" that our politicians are so fond of walking: does anyone doubt how much they do for the image and economy of this country our musicians and festivals?
Of course among the victims, we are faced us, the press, we see how advertising (an important source of income. And again insist, that no public money) is in retreat. First were the result of record sales void, then the big brands because of the fall in consumption and now will the promoters, venues and festivals, condemned by the rise in VAT from Finance Minister, Mr. Montoro. This, coupled with the inevitable drop in newsstand sales, it definitely puts us in a difficult situation to overcome.
So the reason for this manifesto is twofold.
On the one hand, to show our absolute solidarity with other colleagues from the world of music, offer our support and demand his at once: if this thing will be saved only by the united force that we show.
On the other, turn to all who read us, we know that you are many and faithful. The truth is that time is over and we face a now or never: o claim what we consider right or we will be deprived of it forever. And this warning refers both to the possibility of seeing your favorite band playing in your city and access to education and health. Not for us to draw a specific acronym, but ask with all our strength and consistency that you act according to your conscience from today about what is happening around you, living in Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Burgos or a village Galicia. Do not be silent. Do not get too comfortable and claim what you think is right. And if, despite our efforts continue to deny us not forget what has taken place in recent years when it comes time to vote.
Call today against the increase of VAT:
MADRID 19:30 pm: PLAZA DEL REYLEON 19:30 pm: PLAZA SAN MARCELOCORDOVA 19:30 H: PLAZA OF THE THREE CULTURESSEVILLA 19:30 h: C / SANTA MARIA LA BLANCA SANTA CRUZ 1.BARRIOBARCELONA 19H: THEATRE BORRÁS. PLAÇA URQUINAONAPALMA DE MALLORCA 19:30: Placa Espanya (Al CoStat estació weather)VALENCIA SQUARE SANT AGUSTÍ 20:0020:00 ALACANT IES Jorge JuanPlaça de les 20:00 CASTELLÓ Classrooms