Bombing Capitalism

On a throwback vibe, you could say that Capitalism: A Love Story is the bomb.

By exploring the economic system of capitalism as an evil, Moore fires a salvo into the heart of America's social machine. Along the way, he explodes some serious myths: Myth #1: that the economic system of capitalism is the same as or tied to the political system of democracy. Myth #2: That to be an American is to be a capitalist and that to be anti-capitalist is to be anti-American. Myth #3: That people of color with bad credit, who bought houses that they couldn't afford, caused the financial meltdown in the United States. Myth #4: That mainly Blacks and Hispanics are losing their homes to foreclosure.

He also drops other bombshells, such as the internal Citigroup memo declaring that the United States is no longer a democracy but is, rather, a plutocracy, where the richest one percent of the country is in charge of the rest of us peasants, and where government has been warped in the past 30 years to serve the rich. Then there is the relatively unknown Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur from Ohio -- not one of the usual suspects on talking head news shows -- calling the bailout of Wall Street a financial coup d'etat and telling Americans who have lost their homes to become squatters in their homes and not leave. There is the laundry list of Washington insiders who received sweet V.I.P. mortgages from Countrywide, which was a leader in dispensing high-interest "sub prime" loans to homeowners. The explosions go on and on.

Moore's documentaries, exposing the smelly underbelly of American society, have always included poignancy, comedy, and a smart-assed attitude. In Capitalism: A Love Story, he ties together all that he has covered in the past, beginning with Roger and Me, a funky exploration of General Motors, released 20 year ago, followed by documentaries on America's gun culture, post-9/11 realities and the warped health care system.

His current exploration of ideology provides a convenient framework for Moore to again organize his attitudes toward the world and life. So we see those Chicago workers from Republic Windows and Doors staging the factory takeover that garnered international attention. We see, again, the shameful aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We see, most poignantly, the national frustration that helped to elect a black man who promised change.

Moore is bold and he minces no words in his attack. He goes for broke, betting that he can bring the American public -- or at least a sizable gang -- to join him. Or he thinks that we will at least stop drinking the fantasy Kool-Aid that we, too, might make it into realm of the magical one percent.

His level of success in that effort will not change the fact that he has produced his documentary masterpiece.

 

 

Comments

[Entitlement]

I'm learning to be more narcissistic. My house is up-side-down. My stocks fell to half their value. They've gained some ground. My wife with a Ph.D can't get a job. I'll be lucky to retire at 80.

I just saw Michael Moore's movie. I try to question things and try really hard to find the truth.

For my own sake, even if Mr. Moore's movie turns out to be a great opinion piece, it is at least a rationalization for me to explain how I got where I am.

I'm holding my own. But, a lot of people aren't. I have less than nothing if that is possible. Others are losing everything.

How wrong can Mr. Moore's movie be when I feel what he is saying, see what he is saying and hear what he is saying? The question starts to become, "what can I do about it?" For those who have nothing left to lose, I wonder what that will come to mean?

Are the barbarians at the gates waiting for us to implode? Or, have the barbarians been inside the gates for a while now?

Or should I have faith in staying the course, or trickle down? What other euphemisms have there been for duping the public? We seem kind of corrupt and amoral. Is that true? What about all those family values we like to talk about? What about values we were supposed to have?

[berrycooda]

Hmmm...isn­'t it capitalism that got M. Moore where he is today.

Or doesn't that count when he can dis everything, except what he
gains from the things he is criticizing.

Seems like he just likes to stir the pot. Nothing comes from it other
than the fact that it has made him wealthy and
GUILTY OF CAPITALISM­...

[dac253]

Actually, what got Michael Moore here today is GM dismantling their company for short term profits, children growing up in a culture of fear, our government's dealings with terrorists, and a broken health care system. Out of intellectual curiosity, you should watch this movie.

I would love to see evidence against what he's said in this movie, but I don't think there will be any. I had always thought capitalism was a good thing because it created competition (which leads to better products); but from what we see all around us, and what Michael Moore is pointing out, it's a hoax.

[MinasTirith]

While I have no doubt about Mr. Moore's ability to present the actions unfolding on the true battlegrounds in America, nor do I doubt they will garner deeply affirmative nods from those who see the film for the expose it is.

It will also however, carry the same weight with some as presenting a fact that contradicts or challenges a religious zealots point of view.

It won't dissuade the died in the wool arm flailers out there from more arm flailing, who will simply call it the equivalent of blasphemy.

But hopefully, those who are wondering where the truth is running in this issue will be enlightened into action.