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But this prophetic critique is only a stop on the way to the heart and soul of Moore's film. The inspiration of this movie comes from all the ordinary people Moore finds who take matters into their own hands. There is the profitable, employee-owned bread company where all workers are equally invested and profit equally from their labors. You can do this too! Moore seems to say. There is the neighborhood movement in Florida that assists people evicted from their homes to take those homes back from the banks. And there is the case of the striking workers at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago who refused to accept an abrupt layoff that came with no notice, no severance, and no benefits.
All of these are examples of people's movements that lead to genuine benefits for those involved. Here come the people, Moore says. He suggests we all get up and do something, and take our democracy back from the plutocrats. He has some criticisms of President Obama, but clearly he believes in the power of poor people's movements. What would Jesus do? It's not entirely clear. But when it comes to the rest of us, the message is loud and clear: Yes, we can.
Beth Davies-Stofka teaches courses on comparative religion and the philosophy of religion. She has also been an online columnist and critic and contributes regularly to the Patheos site.
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