This investigative documentary reveals how American corporations orchestrated the dismantling of middle-class prosperity through rampant deregulation, the outsourcing of jobs, and tax policies favoring businesses and the wealthy. HEIST exposes the roots of the American economic crisis and the destruction of the American dream. The collapse of the U.S. economy is the result of conscious choices made over thirty five years by a small group: leaders of corporations and their elected allies, and the biggest lobbying interest in Washington, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. To these individuals, the collapse is not a catastrophe, but rather the planned outcome of their long, patient work. For the rest of the country, it is merely the biggest heist in American history.
This lecture launcher directed by Steve James shows how Seattle became ground zero in 2013 for the heated national debate about increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour. "The Value of Work" gives voice to supporters and the opponents, including the mayor, an activist city councilwoman, small business owners, and minimum-wage workers affected by the unprecedented legislation. Part of WE THE ECONOMY, a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.