Frontline Season 5 Episode 15 The Politics of Greed

Frontline season 5 episode 15 dives deep into the political greed that has overrun America. Aptly titled "The Politics of Greed," this episode explores how the pursuit of profit and power has affected government policies over the years, and how it continues to shape the country today.

The episode starts by taking us back to the Reagan era, where the seeds of modern-day capitalism were sown. We are shown how Reagan's administration deregulated several industries, including banking and financial institutions. This move led to the creation of new financial instruments that allowed businesses to profit immensely. However, this deregulation also led to a series of financial crises, culminating in the 2008 financial meltdown that shook the world.

The episode then goes on to show how big-money interests have infiltrated American politics, paving the way for the dominance of wealthy elites. We are presented with a series of case studies that illustrate this point. For example, we see how big corporations have lobbied to relax environmental regulations to save money, even at the cost of public health. The episode also highlights how the Koch brothers have poured millions into conservative causes, thereby influencing policy decisions across the country.

Frontline season 5 episode 15 also explores the Citizens United decision, which allowed corporations to donate unlimited sums of money to political campaigns. The episode shows how this decision has altered the political landscape so that only candidates with financial backing can succeed. The result is that politics has become more polarized, with fewer voices able to break through the fray.

The episode then looks at how this political greed affects everyday Americans. We see how the wealth gap has widened over the years, with the top 1% of Americans owning a greater share of the GDP than ever before. The show also highlights how income inequality is reflected in a range of social issues, from healthcare to education.

Finally, the episode concludes by offering some suggestions for moving forward. It urges Americans to reclaim democracy by voting in candidates who represent the people, rather than the interests of big money. It also suggests that individuals can make a difference by supporting organizations that fight for causes they believe in, such as environmental protection or civil liberties.

Overall, Frontline season 5 episode 15 is a sobering look at the corrosive effects of political greed. Through its exploration of history and present-day issues, the episode shows how the pursuit of profit and power has upended the American way of life. However, it also offers hope, pointing towards a brighter future where citizens can take back control of their democracy.