Assigned Entry #4 Capitalism Rhetoric

      I have watched Michael Moore's film Capitalism: A Love Story, and I must say that he was quite adroit in his rhetoric. His use of the rhetorical triangle was masterful. He showed the world the absolute absurdity of the economic crisis. He used near equal parts of logic, credibility and emotion. The film moved along with the help of his humor. The topic would be enough to engender anger with no input of his own. Everyone I know cheered when he went to the banks demanding the money back. We all knew that it would not happen, but it was a symbolic gesture  that spoke volumes. I have always enjoyed his films because he brings to light issues that need to be addressed in a way that is entertaining and not self righteous. I am currently reading The Grapes of Wrath in my Critical Reading class. The similarity in the economy of then and now is startling. In chapter 22 of the book, John Steinbeck mentions the Bank of the West. He writes: "That bank owns most of the valley, and its got paper on everything it don't own." In the foot notes he states that the real name is Bank of America. Steinbeck added: "probably shoot me as it is." It seems that as far as banks go, it is buyer beware, and apparently has been for awhile. I was surprised that a bank would have survived with unethical practices.
       Although, I think what happened was not capitalism at work. True capitalism would have allowed the banks to fail. Too big to fail would not not entered the discussion. What happened was the privatization of profits and the risks publicly shouldered. A few people made large profits while many people lost homes and livelihoods through the misconduct of corporations. The economy works best with a vibrant middle class. It is that very class that is being squeezed out of existence. The gap between the "haves and the have nots" is widening at an alarming rate.The trickle down economy does not work. A bubble up economy does. The anger will continue to build as long as there is a inequity in the income levels like what is seen today.
 Here is a teaser from his movie, Capitalism: A Love Story. I am sure the love story part is ironic. I will watch for the next movie he releases because, I agree with most of his views. He says it better than I ever could hope to.