Mr Smith Goes To Washington is on TCM. Is it a fairy tale?

Was there ever a time when one man of common means could actually stand up in the Senate for what is right and win?

In any case I love this movie.

Egypt is our example.

:hi:

that led to the protests in Tunisia that led to the downfall of the Tunisian autocrat that led to protests in Egypt after they saw what happened in Tunisia that grew and grew and grew (thanks to facebook and twitter) that led to the downfall of Mubarak.

Sort of like another Jimmy Stewart classic, "It's a Wonderful Life".

As to your question, I doubt if an ordinary Joe could have made a difference in the Senate anytime after the Civil War. Certainly not since the start of the 20th century.

To think, Frank Capra was considered a right winger when he made those movies.

Mr. Deeds goes to town also. I'm also a little smitten by Jean Arthur. ;)

And yes it's possible, though improbable, that someone can get up there and make a stand for something, and maybe win out in the end.

But if you recall he resigned at the end, and therefore the status quo did win.

confessing.

That will never happen.

I think the ability to lie with a straight face is a prerequisite for the office.

nt

If you REALLY want to get a government to change you gotta do what those Egyptians are doing right now.
You have to strike fear in their hearts by coming out in large large numbers.
Life is a numbers game. All of it.

When the few (small number) rulers see the angered masses (large number) calling for the rulers' heads in the streets...
...the rulers either employ their protectors, the military, with their massive firepower (large number) or seek to flee if they think that firepower will be inadequate (small number) to stop the angry mob.

Mubarak chose to flee. He thought he was outnumbered & that even the threat of the military could not ultimately stop the mass of people.
In fact, the military turning on the people may have increased the numbers willing to stand against the status quo in the streets.
The people stood together united & ran off at least one corrupt leader.

That Mr. Smith Goes To Washington jazz is a myth. Has always been, is now, & always will be. Just Hollywood fantasy.
Enjoy it for what it is (entertainment) but know what you really have to do to get oppressors to change.
John Lucas

Just sayin'. It's dramatic and all. Good movie. But in the end, it's about fillibustering.