Gangster movies bankrolled generations of writers, directors, actors and all manner of supporting casts and studio bosses. None was more controversial than the original “Scarface,” based loosely on a book about Al Capone. The 1932 B&W version stars Paul Muni, an impeccable Academy Award winner who had the rare privilege of choosing his roles. Believe it or not, in the roll-up to WWII, Hollywood was in many ways the arch custodian and protector of American morality. The highest qualities of human character were often lionized. Depravity was trashed, decency treasured. Good extolled and evil reviled. With rare exception, that Hollywood is “dust in the wind” as rock legend Kerry Livgren noted in the 70’s. Just before the 1932 movie Scarface rolls its opening credits, the following Prologue appears in a newsy font:
This picture is an indictment of gang rule in America and of the callous indifference of the government to this constantly increasing menace to our safety and our liberty. Every incident in this picture is the reproduction of an actual occurrence, and the purpose of this picture is to demand of the government: ‘What are you going to do about it?’ The government is your government. What are YOU going to do about it.?
The last sentence is an accusation, aimed directly at the American theater audience. That same accusation is light years more pertinent today, but for an entirely different reason. The Scarface Gang of Chicago eventually went down in a hail of bullets. But Tony Camonte’s (Capone’s) 1932 crimes, and those of many other organized crime gangs to follow, were child’s play compared to the villainy of government like the Washington D.C. Beltway Gang, circa 2019. Capone was a racketeer. His business was protection, bootlegging, narcotics, prostitution and graft. His crimes affected lots of people — thousands. By comparison, the Beltway Gang’s business is fraud on an epic scale through misappropriation and misapplication of taxpayer funds and subverting The Constitution of the United States. These crimes affect lots of people — millions upon millions — and the very life of a nation. For a new gangster movie, therefore, the 1932 Prologue would read more like this:
This picture is an indictment of gang rule in Washington D.C. and of the callous indifference of the Government to its constantly increasing menace to our safety, security and liberty. Every incident in this picture is the reproduction of an actual occurrence, and the purpose of this picture is to demand of the Government: “What are you going to do about it?” The Government is OUR Government. “What are WE going to do about it?
Yes, that last sentence is an accusation, aimed at Americans who claim they love their country. Their answer appears to be a resounding “NOTHING.” Continually ignoring history, well-meaning Americans believe that electing new politicians will clean house in Washington. How many times will they listen to and believe this kind of election hype?
“This is the most important election in American history.” Really?
“We have come to an historic crossroads.” Truly?
“Please help us save America with your $25, $50, $75, or $100 gift.” Seriously?
Then you hear opinions from those same quixotic Americans, infected by instant gratification, who view the Trumpster as a Superhero. They actually believe Donald will drain the swamp and make Government Great Again. To Trump’s credit, he hasn’t promised the impossible. Give the real estate street fighter credit. He’s the Lone Ranger and Josey Wales, come to town. But he can’t cure cancer. And Washington is eaten alive with it. Socialism already occupies the seat of government and that will not change until the American people rescue The Constitution and the Rule of Law. Easier said than done, Matlida. Don’t make book on it ever happening. The odds against it are astronomical. If you think this pessimism is based on exaggeration, read the tea leaves.
The U.S. national debt is $22 trillion. Tick. Tick. Tick.
The U.S. unfunded liability (Social Security, Medicare Parts A, B, and D, Federal Debt held by the public, Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits) is $122 trillion, projected to be $157 trillion by 2023 — a $35 trillion jump in just four years. Tick.Tick. Tick.
U.S. spending of $4.75 trillion is higher than revenue of $3.65 trillion. Tick. Tick. Tick.
12.5 million illegal immigrants and their 4.2 million citizen children cost Federal and State Governments $166 billion annually. While U.S. Sanctuary Cities insolently subvert the Law.
The U.S. DOJ has been corrupted at the highest levels by unlawful activities to take down a sitting President.
Corrupt Federal officials, past and present, have lied under oath, obstructed justice and walked away untouched, nullifying our cherished “Equality Before the Law.”
As the financial asteroid speeds toward earth, there is some good news for the can kickers. The Democrat Party is honest and proud enough to show its true colors and raise the flag of Socialism for all to see. Their gang doesn’t hide in the shadows of pretense. Ducking and weaving, the GOP gang knows all about pretense and sleight of hand, preferring to hoist a white flag to see which way the wind is blowing at any given time. Grudgingly, you must admire gangsters who gamble and risk their freedom and their very lives. While in Washington, the only way gangs play is with House Money.
www.conventionofstates.com