From: Walter Miles <walter at nova.org>
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>
Date: Thu, 01 May 2003 19:48:36 -0400
Subject: [WSFA] "It's A Wonderful Life" (was Re: Anti-Potterism)
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

George Bailey's solution to most problems is collective grassroots
effort.  To me, the movie's about the life-long struggle of a VERY
American sort of socialist revolutionary (disguised as a mere
liberal), a "Think globally. act locally" kinda guy.  Whether it
originally intended to or not, it also hints at the weakness of
that approach:  it's way too hard to find people that have the
talent, patience, commitment and courage, and the /resources/ to
fight powerful institutions (Mr. Potter's REALLY the overtly nasty
face painted on a pervasive, monopolistic institution).  Perhaps
George Bailey's character is the most fantastical element in this
rather fine fantasy.  Hmmm, Jimmy Stewart playing Mother Jones...

On 04/29/03, Strong, Lee wrote:
LS>     It's a very good movie especially given that it includes a major
LS> science fictional concept (alternate historical universes) within a
LS> "mainstream" film.  I recommend it highly.

Eric said:
EJ>>> May I remind you that 'Potter' is an evil name in American mythology?
EJ>>> What do you think of when you hear "Mr. Potter"?  Me, I think of the
EJ>>> old banker who tormented George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life".
EJ>>> Perhaps if Harry had a different last name, his books wouldn't arouse
EJ>>> so much controversy?

Definitive.  :-) :-) :-)

...and Mike responded:
MW>> It occursto me that I've never satthroughthe entire movie; just seen bits
MW>> & pieces of it while surfing in Decembers.

"Surfing in Decembers," what a grand story title.

Now for more gasoline, and another coke bottle...

Walter