Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • October 14, 2009 Michael Moore takes on an American institution by Dennis Seuling Whether you admire Michael Moore as a filmmaker or are put off by the way he incorporates himself into his documentaries, one thing is certain: He challenges the audience as he entertainingly presents information to support his themes. “Capitalism: A Love Story,” Moore’s latest effort, is more an indictment of the excesses and abuses of capitalism than the economic system itself. In fact, he uses his own family as an example to illustrate how American capitalism once worked well for everyone. During the 1950s, his father worked in Detroit in an auto-related industry. His father’s salary alone was enough to support a family of four and buy a new car every three years. Life was good. The company that employed him was making money while paying its employees a decent wage. Moore’s primary complaint is how deregulation, started under the Reagan administration, skewed the distribution Michael Moore gets a less-than-warm welcome when he visits General Motors headquarters in ‘Capitalism: A Love Story.’ State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 of wealth so that one percent of the population now owns 95 percent of the nation’s wealth. He aims his sights at the banks, Wall Street, specific employees of government institutions who championed legislation favorable to their former financial institutions, relentless lobbyists, and the American people’s unquestioning assumption that capitalism is the best system in the world. Viewers see excerpts from those old black-and-white educational films shown in classrooms that touted capitalism as the perfect way of life. These thinly disguised propaganda films were made at a time when the economy was in a lot better shape than it is today. Viewed now, they make one squirm. I admire Michael Moore’s conviction to make fascinating films about important issues (“Bowling for Columbine,” “Sicko,” “Roger and Me”). His films are never dry or boring, and invariably stir up controversy. They offer amusing confrontations, balance antics with pathos, and ask questions the media and politicians avoid. In a segment on the evils of derivatives, for example, Moore asks three experts to explain what derivatives are. All stumble as they earnestly attempt to clarify, only creating greater confusion. Then there are the stunts staged expressly for the (continued on the Crossword page) Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 Reservations Suggested OKTOBERFEST OKTOBER Now thru October 31st Presents Our 40th Annual K IR KERS INN German Beers ON TAP Sauerbrauten • Schnitzels • Bratwurst • Knockwursts Wiesswursts • Nuremburgh Sausages • Goulash Konnsinger Klopps • Rouladen • Potato Dumplings Pancakes & Spaetzel Red Cabbage • Bavarian Kraut • Hot Potato Salad • Apple Strudel VT Specials for Lunch, Early Dining & Dinner - Different Menu Each Week Regular Menu Also Available: Fresh Seafood, Chops, Steaks, Chicken ���������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������� The Waldwick Community Alliance presents its’ annual KIRKERS INN 237 Diamond Bridge Ave, Hawthorne 973-427-7700 www.kirkers.com Pasta Dinner & Tricky Tray To benefit the restoration of the Waldwick Train Station Saturday, November 21, 2009 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. At Waldwick High School $10 adults, $6 kids (under 12) 155 Wyckoff Avenue, Waldwick, NJ Delicious dinner including pasta, sausage & peppers, meatballs, salads, cheeses, soft drinks, desserts and more! Awesome Tricky Tray items including Electronics, Toys, Games, Sports Memorabilia and much more! Donated items for the Tricky Tray are sincerely welcome. Reserve your seats now by calling (201) 873-8919 or purchase online. 9-23-09 ester/janine KirkersOktoberfest3x3(9-23-09) Advertise your restaurant 3 x 3” in The Villadom TIMES. You’ll reach 56,300 households. www.WaldwickCommunityAlliance.org Cook Up Some Business! 10-1