B's Notebook

I recently wrote a letter to my congressman, David Dreier, CA 26th. With the letter I sent a copy of Michael Moore’s newest movie, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” because I wanted to talk about the end of capitalism. I am so tired of the same old games of fear and exploitation, divisiveness and poverty, that plague our society. The days are over where we willingly stand by while the wealth of the nation funnels into the hands of the rich. The story is old and tired. I thought I would let Mr. Dreier know my thoughts.

Congressman David Dreier

United States House of Representatives

233 Cannon HOB

Washington, D.C. 20515

March 29, 2010

Dear Congressman Dreier,

I just watched Michael Moore’s movie “Capitalism: A Love Story,” and I thought it would be good for yourself and your staff to watch, if you haven’t seen it already. Maybe you can have a movie night.

The best part about it is that it speaks to the heart, and in our hearts we know that capitalism is a system that no longer serves even the very basic needs of the people. It serves the wealthy, and that is fine if we are all wealthy, but I am not, and neither are the 95% of Americans that are considered, in the movie, as not being members of a democracy, but a “plutonomy” – a society for the wealthy. Just watch the movie, Mr. Moore shows a Citibank letter declaring as much, and we know Citibank speaks the philosophy of the wealthy.

Our hearts also know that this system of free enterprise, competition and the profit motive sells us these very ideals as a type of propaganda in the hopes that we will not blame the system for our troubles, but ourselves. But the reality is that our hard-earned money is taken from us in larger and larger amounts in the form of taxes, fines, fees and tickets and, of course, the bailout; and our public services are being slashed endlessly because of budget cuts. We are tired of propping up the already wealthy and hoping that the money will trickle down. We don’t buy “personal responsibility” anymore as being the only factor contributing to our success.

One obvious question we all have is, Why did we bailout the banks if the free market is a sink or swim system? We are sinking, why can’t the banks? By the way, we know there is not a real “free market,” but a highly streamlined system whose laws and political/corporate revolving door benefit the connected and the well to do. We the people are apparently not connected because we are in debt, sick, overweight, stressed and struggling to make ends meet. We need a new system that cares for the needs of all people, not just the rich.

Listen to what FDR says in the movie when he declares his intent for a second Bill of Rights. I couldn’t believe it either, but Mr. Moore shows the video of President FDR announcing on national television that a second Bill of Rights should include the right for all Americans to:

1.  A job

2.  An affordable home

3.  A living wage

4.  Good and adequate medical care

5.  A good education

6.  An adequate pension

7.  Paid vacation

Could you imagine how much all people would thrive if our constitution required that we seek to spread the prosperity in this manner? It would be amazing! Unfortunately, FDR died shortly after his proposal and modern capitalism does not come even close to providing these needs through the free market.

Mainly, my objective in writing you and sending this movie is just to let you know that we know. We know who Capitalism benefits and what’s going on, we see who our own government and economic system is really serving, and we say enough is enough! We want real change now!

We know the truth is coming out and we are grateful for people like Michael Moore who can show us the effects of this broken system. We anxiously await a new system truly by, of, and for the people, not just the wealthy people. I hope you are able to get behind us and support our deepest heartfelt desires to create a better world for all.

Thank you, and enjoy the movie.

Peace,

Brian Coe

Sierra Madre, CA

p.s. The special features are excellent.