It’s a Wonderful Life!
Happy Thanksgiving from SAW Habitat!
One of the staples of the holiday season is Frank Capra’s classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In case anyone needs a refresher, it tells the story of George Bailey, who is despondent one Christmas Eve, and considering ending his life. His guardian angel Clarence demonstrates the value of George’s life by showing him what his town would be like had he never been born.
To me, there is a significant scene in the film that speaks eloquently to our work here at SAW Habitat. I was going to summarize it, but it seems to make better sense to include the full text here. The scene takes place at the Bailey Building & Loan, where the board of directors is making decisions about how to proceed after the untimely death of the founder, George’s father, Peter Bailey. George debates with the villainous Henry Potter, a corrupt businessman with great material wealth and little moral or ethical fiber:
Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. Just a minute. Now, you’re right when you say my father was no business man. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I’ll never know. But neither you nor anybody else can say anything against his character, because his whole life was – Why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn’t that right, Uncle Billy? He didn’t save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he dId help a few people get outta your slums, Mr. Potter. And what's wrong with that? Why – here, you’re all businessmen here. Doesn’t it make them better citizens? Doesn’t it make them better customers?
You, you said that they – What’d you say just a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even thought of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what?! Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they’re so old and broken-down that – You know how long it takes a workin’ man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you’re talking about, they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn’t think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they’re cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you’ll ever be.
George respects and appreciates the struggle of so many neighbors, who are working hard to provide for their families and maintain a safe and comfortable home. Potter is unmoved by his words, but George pleads a strong case for building community and mutual aid. The words resonate with me, for whatever that is worth, and I think they offer a good summary of our work at SAW Habitat.
Thank you for your support of that work: materially and spiritually! We wish you and yours a wonderful holiday!
All the best,
Kevin Maroney
SAW Habitat for Humanity
Director of Development
