A film by David Smick about the American Dream
from executive producers Michael Douglas and Barry Levinson
America’s Burning opens with forceful rock music and images of the Statue of Liberty’s torch and face, the flag, the stock market’s screen of numbers, girls twirling batons, lots of cash, crowds, the White House, cash, people hoping for some food, waiting on line for food, the stock market, and more cash.
Words on the screen:
Chapter One
Depressed, dysfunctional, alienated and powerless
I fear this might become depressing, but it’s not. The minute I hear the sound of Michael Douglas’ voice in narration, I know that somehow everything will work out okay.
“America’s on fire. You have to be crazy not to be terrified by what’s happening today” he says, in his familiar soothing tone. “You think today’s divisions and hate won’t have consequences? Don’t bet on it. Parents can feel it in their bones that their children’s future is being jeopardized. The risks all around us are mind boggling and no one’s got a game plan. The situation we’re experiencing today feels like we’re on the eve of destruction. We’re feeling vulnerable as a country…”
As the story unfolds we are shown, in an even-handed, non-partisan way, what is going on in this country and why. It reveals the many reasons for today’s struggles and division. One big one is economic: the seeming death of the American dream and the endless effort for upward mobility. It can be frustrating to fight for democracy if people fear their children will never be able to get ahead. Both parties have failed so far to come up with creative solutions, which could include Wall Street types sacrificing a bit to help devise a plan to save the middle class.
“Both sides are redefining hypocrisy to a new low, and that’s dividing us even further” says Douglas. “Both use the same rallying cry, ‘I’m saving our democracy from destruction by the other side!’ But the line is becoming a tired cliche because if the parties really wanted to save our democracy, they would sit down with each other to try to find common ground. In most cases, they’re not.”
The appearance of comic relief is much appreciated. My favorite is a clip from the 1942 film Casablanca that perfectly illustrates the same type of hypocrisy as today, and comedian George Carlin whose political and societal observations are spot on 30 years later.
“But ultimately, America’s problem is more than the economy, our dysfunctional politics, and our broken system of communication” says Douglas. “Our problem is us. We need to find that revolution of the heart. We need to break free of the chains of hate and division. We need to make our way back to unity.”How can each one of us find our own inner revolution of the heart?
One way to start is by seeing the film. I’m going to lovingly suggest it to a family member because our points of view are sometimes different. After he sees it, I’m thinking we can put our heads (and hearts) together and then take some actions that help everyone. We can find more things to agree on (besides Seinfeld reruns).
I remember when Bill Clinton had a talk with Ted Turner about the environment. Bill said that in politics he likes to “find something we can agree on.” Good idea. Ted said that America has a history of successfully handling emergencies, but when it comes to sensible planning ahead, not so much. I think we should try not to wait for emergencies.
Since watching America’s Burning I better understand the issues behind the issues, and specific solutions that need to happen. It exciting to realize that we actually can transform fears and anger into unity and strength. For example, we can meet with people in groups and one-on-one, and rediscover the power of community and personal connection. As comedian Bill Burr so wisely says, “Here’s the deal. We’re never going to solve this sh_ _t until we’re all on the same page.”
The film includes an imaginary television news segment covering a brand new day in America. It can happen! “There are significant reasons for hope – as we scream for a return of the American dream.”
America’s Burning has burned right into my consciousness as a positive new influence. It also reminds me of the John Lennon quote: “Everything is okay in the end. And if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
