Incorporating interviews with people from around the world, Considering Democracy raises questions about the quality of American democratic life compared to that in other industrialized nations. Young filmmaker Keya Lea Horiuchi challenges viewers to question assumptions about healthcare, work hours and vacation time, the accuracy and scope of commercially-supported news, American foreign policy and aid, the influence of corporate campaign financing on U.S. domestic policies, and the “revolving door” through which many legislators become lobbyists (or vice versa). The eight suggested questions for “refreshing your dialogue” with American politicians include: “Can we have universal healthcare?”, “How is it that we have 24-hour news channels, yet get so little information?” and “Why are my tax dollars going to fund weapons for other countries?” In numerous interviews with citizens from Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia, Americans are described as being rather ignorant of the world outside their borders, and unaware of the global impact of American foreign policies. Although clearly critical of the recent Bush administration, the documentary nevertheless maintains a positive, good-humored, hopeful tone as it tackles difficult issues, backed with supporting statistics and facts. DVD extras include deleted footage and additional comments by Horiuchi. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)
Considering Democracy: 8 Things to Ask Your Representative
(2008) 58 min. DVD: $28. A Girl with a Camera Productions (dist. by The AV Cafe). Volume 24, Issue 2
Considering Democracy: 8 Things to Ask Your Representative
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