Reply #28: I was thinking about this movie today as well

[Tsiyu]

except I was thinking about how we can re-create the economy, by patronizing local businesses rather than chain stores owned by massive corporations; by making different choices about where we spend our money.


In "It's A Wonderful Life," George stays in Bedford Falls almost out of spite for Old Man Potter, but also because he cannot abandon his neighbors and his family. His vision for the community is one of decent homes for hardworking people without a thought of an outrageous profit for himself.

Old Man Cheney - I mean - Potter, on the other hand, has another vision for the community, as shown in the movie by George's being shown the wretched "Potterville."

We Americans continue to funnel more money into Potter's pockets even though we know what he ultimately wishes for us. When we start supporting the George Baileys of the world - politically and socially and in the marketplace - we can create an entire new economic reality.


In the book Alas, Babylon, after nukes hit the US some people find or loot very expensive jewelry and insist on wearing and hoarding it even though they know it will end up killing them due to its highly radioactive condition.

Some people are just that enamored of "stuff."

But what if you bought your kid one safe, sturdy handmade American or Canadian or European toy rather than ten toxic toys from China? Sure, you can get more "stuff" if you buy cheap, but what is the long term cost? And isn't all that cheap crap just floating around on your kid's floor right now, anyway? Not beloved or even noted except when you or your kid step on it?

That's just one example that came to my mind. I'm sure others can come up with similar comparisons.



It really is up to each and every one of us. Bedford Falls or Pottersville.



Thanks for your post,HamdenRice :hi: Sorry for running off at the keyboard...It really is a great movie to watch for a simple version of how mortgages work.