Heist: Who Stole the American Dream?

Timely and well-organized, this program looks at the long-festering causes of our current economic malaise with an unbiased, bipartisan perspective and identifies the politically unpopular but necessary steps to bring about a permanent resolution. The thesis is that today’s crisis began four decades ago with governmental deregulation, tax code changes favoring the wealthy, outsourcing jobs, and legislation sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans that has led to the decimation of the middle class. A wide variety of contemporary and vintage film footage is coupled with clear, crisp graphics and animation to supplement an array of expert commentary from individuals both inside and outside the government that provides an understandable description of the current crisis. Viewers have the option of viewing either the uncut version or two edited versions. The lengthiest version seems to be unnecessarily repetitious, but its enhanced details may be just perfect for some viewers. All programs offer the choice of English subtitles, and the two lengthier formats include a chapter selection option. This versatile program would be effective in a variety of settings. For libraries with hefty budgets.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL