We're Not Broke

We're Not Broke is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary from 2012, directed by Karin Hayes and Victoria Bruce. Produced by Green Lion Films, it delves into the stratagems used by corporations to evade tax in the US, and exposes the shocking truth about the state of America's financial system. The title itself is a sharp rebuke to those who claim that the US is bankrupt and in dire need of spending cuts – suggesting, instead, that we're dealing with a case of systemic tax evasion by giant corporations.

The documentary begins by painting a picture of the financial crisis that kicked off in 2008. It takes audiences on a journey through a nation battling unemployment, reduced benefits, and seemingly insurmountable debt. The film then carefully unfolds a counter-narrative, revealing how some multinational corporations have figured out ways to pay little or no taxes, thus contributing significantly to the country's financial problems.

The film features an array of informed voices, including those of tax law experts, investigative journalists, and lawmakers, who together offer a comprehensive analysis of the situation at hand. Noteworthy names among these include economist and author James S. Henry, wealth inequality expert Chuck Collins, and US Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont.

James S. Henry, a former investigative journalist, offers a deep dive into the finesse with which corporations manipulate global finance to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. His straightforward and comprehensive explanations shed light on the corporate machinations that have led to the depletion of US coffers, and by extension, the degradation of services that US citizens have come to depend on.

We're Not Broke also features the robust analysis of Chuck Collins, a renowned scholar on wealth inequality. Collins' incisive commentary unpacks the perils of such financial maneuvers to the backbone of society, as he dissects how the wealth gap is widening in dangerous proportions - creating an unsustainable situation with potentially volatile outcomes.

Adding political perspective to the narrative, Bernie Sanders articulates how these dangerous financial practices are not only ethically indefensible but also dramatically detriments the fabric of American democracy. Sanders extends a powerful voice to the economically marginalized, placing the issue within the larger context of social justice and advocating for comprehensive reforms.

However, We're Not Broke is not all talk; it features palpable action, too. The film documents the growth of grassroots movements like US Uncut – a network of activists who became popular in 2011 for their stance against corporate tax cheats. They give voice to the frustrations of the common citizen by demonstrating against tax-evading corporations and lobbying for political change. Their journey from local demonstrations to nationwide protests serves as the heart and backbone to the film - providing audiences with a sense of hope amidst the cynical exposé.

Within its 80-minute runtime, We're Not Broke is a powerful exponent of investigative filmmaking. It serves as an eye-opener into the murky world of corporate tax evasion, showcasing how large corporations exploit loopholes and overseas tax havens to escape paying their rightful share towards public goods and services.

More than just finance and taxes, We're Not Broke taps into an emotional undercurrent, touching on themes of societal fairness, economic justice, and the corrupting influence of big money on democracy. It hammers home the point that corporations should contribute just as individuals and small businesses do and highlights the need for urgent systemic reform.

In essence, We're Not Broke aims to shift the narrative on fiscal responsibility from individuals and small businesses to the corporate titans who've long escaped their fair share of the burden. With its meticulously researched content, sweeping perspective, and heartfelt call to action, it leaves a lasting impression on its viewers and pushes for much-needed dialogue on tax fairness and economic equality. This film is an essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the deeper layers of the American economic crisis and the corporate tactics contributing to it.