Friday, November 18, 2005
The original idea for PACT America pension accounts came while I was watching the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
I was inspired by the scene where a run on the bank threatens financial ruin until George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) skillfully averts this crisis with personal sacrifice and an impassioned plea for common sense and community values.
Interestingly enough, there's another scene in this movie that flawlessly describes the impending Social Security crisis (the fact that Congress spent the entire Social Security trust fund). And while I have included the dialogue from this scene, the names (and numbers) have been changed to expose the (not so) innocent.
UNCLE SAM: (distraught) I just don't know what happened to it, George, I just don't know!
GEORGE B: One and a half trillion dollars! Uncle Sam, the bank examiner's here and it's not our money, it belongs to the depositors.
UNCLE SAM: George! What - what are we gonna do? We've traced every step I took. We can't stand here in the street!
GEORGE B: Are you sure you didn't put that envelope in your coat pocket?
UNCLE SAM: I - I - I think so... maybe... maybe... Oh, I'm no good to you, George. I'm no good!
GEORGE B: (desperate) Now, listen to me! Now, listen to me! Think! Think, will you?! Now try and think!
UNCLE SAM: (sobs) I can't think any more! I can't--
GEORGE B: (snaps) Where's that money, you silly old fool?! You know what this means? It means bankruptcy and scandal and prison! One of us is going to jail! Well, it's not gonna be me! Now, get out o' my way, I'm goin' home!
