Ignorant or Apathetic? I don't know and I don't care.

Last night I was invited to a showing of the new documentary "I.O.U.S.A.", which examines issues facing our nation such as taxes, unbalanced budgets, national debt and the percentage of that debt which is now owed to foreign investment, and ever-expanding entitlement programs. The film was followed by a nationally broadcast town hall with a panel of some very smart individuals, including Warren Buffet, Peter G. Peterson, who's foundation I believe funded the documentary, and former comptroller general David Walker.



I highly recommend the movie. Despite the highly charged political topics, which could be red meat to partisans on either side of the aisle, the movie and panel of speakers were very careful to be as apolitical as possible regarding blame for our current situation and proposed solutions. The opening of the movie is a collage of speech snippets of Presidents from Kennedy through G.W. Bush giving mostly the same speech...our nation is facing a coming financial crisis and their administration has a plan to make things well again...for the children. Just words. This collage is followed by a series of graphical representations, pie charts, and anecdotes that simply and clearly present the history and present situation of debt, spending, budgets and economic leadership. "Man-on-the-street" interviews demonstrate the frightening (unfortunately, not shocking) ignorance and apathy regarding the statistics presented, such as debt and unfunded yet promised entitlement programs adding up to over $175,000 per U.S. citizen. The end of the movie touches on some potential actions individuals can take to work towards long-term solutions.



The town hall following the movie was just as good. It's powerful to hear a panel of extemely intelligent speakers combine wit and humor with serious knowledge and debate, and the panelists all deliver. Buffet is fast and loose and charismatic, with at least one great zinger every time he opens his mouth. Walker is serious and passionate. Peterson is thoughtful and focused. A transcript of the town hall can be read here.



Regretfully, the premier filled about 1/3 of the seats in the theater, while I imagine Tropic Thunder and Mama Mia did quite a bit better. One of the panelists quipped the line about the professor who asks his class "What is worse, ignorance or apathy?", and a student in the back of the room lifts his head from the desk and replies "I don't know and I don't care". This is the challenge Peterson and Walker face...how to find a large enough audience willing to listen to, understand and care enough about these issues when the story (economics, graphs, numbers) isn't sexy and the actions required involve a lot of bitter medicine. However, the movie is well done and the people behind it are passionate, capable, well financed and are thinking long term.



Definitely take a moment to check out the above links to the movie and town hall transcript, and maybe even pass some of the info along to those in your circle. Then see the movie. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be shocked and thrilled, and you'll learn.