RMalloy PO3
Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 280
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Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 6:53 pm Post subject: Pottersville, Here We Come? |
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A little movie came out in 1946, directed Frank Capra, called It’s A Wonderful Life. I can’t imagine anyone who reads these boards doesn’t remember the movie about a man, George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, who is shown what his town, Bedford Falls, would be like if he had never lived. It had become Pottersville, a sleazy place with crime, gambling, prostitution, and no hope. George learns that his efforts made all the difference in many people’s lives, especially in keeping the town from being bought up and run by Mr. Potter, a greedy, self-serving man.
Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart were also involved in another gem, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Made in 1939, it is the story of Jefferson Smith, a naive Senator who fights against political corruption. It has been many years but I can still remember how the press was controlled by evil men, how many had to work hard to get the true story out. Jimmy Stewart’s scene where he filibusters until he collapses is still powerful. The Swiftvets have been slimed and smeared as Jefferson Smith was, but still prevail. Like George Bailey, they need all our help to spread their message, buy their book, give it to friends and family. Write our papers when a nasty editorial is published, contribute money so the television ads can be shown in more and more markets. Stop buying USA Today because Michael Moore is a contributing journalist and let USA Today know why.
Even though they were made so very long ago both films are still powerful in their message. We can, as individuals, join together to fight the good fight, to not stand idly by and let corrupted persons or groups gain more power over our lives and our country. Like then, our still papers do not seek the truth. Like then, if Kerry prevails, America will become Pottersville. |
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