Almost a quarter of a century has passed since the release of the movie 'Wall Street,' and the film seems more relevant than ever. The self-righteous screeds of financial tycoons denouncing President Obama all read like variations on Gordon Gekko's famous 'greed is good' speech, while the complaints of Occupy Wall Street sound just like what Gekko declares at one point in private: "I create nothing. I own." At another, he asks his protege, "Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you, buddy?"
How the GOP Tries to Transform America into a Selfish, Souless Place
Paul Krugman, New York (NY) Times
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Almost a quarter of a century has passed since the release of the movie “Wall Street,” and the film seems more relevant than ever. The self-righteous screeds of financial tycoons denouncing President Obama all read like variations on Gordon Gekko’s famous “greed is good” speech, while the complaints of Occupy Wall Street sound just like what Gekko declares at one point in private: "I create nothing. I own." At another, he asks his protege, “Now you’re not naïve enough to think we’re living in a democracy, are you, buddy?”
Yet, with the benefit of hindsight, we can see that the movie went a little off at the end. It closes with Gekko getting his comeuppance, and justice served thanks to the diligence of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In reality, the financial industry just kept getting more and more powerful, and the regulators were neutered.
More...
Related:
How the GOP Tries to Transform America into a Selfish, Souless Place, Leo Gerard, AlterNet
- In the spirit of their self-centered mentor Ayn Rand, Republicans are trying to disfigure America so she resembles Pottersville, the 'bankers town' in "It's a Wonderful Life."
- A Republican Insider Looks at the Rise of the Religious Right
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Speaking out: Several rape victims documented, including Marine Corps 1st Lt. Ariana Klay (shown center) who was raped by her senior officer and his friend, have contemplated suicide following their attacks and speak out now for awareness.
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In the iconic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” an angel offers the beleaguered main character, George Bailey, the stark choice between a hometown named for a cruel banker or one created by and for the middle class.
Penn State and Nebraska during a prayer before their game at Beaver Stadium, in State College, Pennsylvania, November 12, 2011. (Photo: Chang W. Lee / New York Times)
