Public Enemy…or Public Hero?
Double check your perspective.
By David Blane
Atlanta, Ga 7/8/2009
In Michael Mann’s latest film adaptation of outlaw story Public Enemies, the Dillinger gangs’ historical and influential robbery sprees across America seem to be somewhat justified. Mann’s depiction of public enemy number one John Dillinger is less of a psychopath and more of an entrepreneur or risk taker. This film reminds us to rethink our current situation in terms of a similar time in history.
There is a scene in which Edgar Hoover (1st director of the FBI) is trying to convince the bureau to let him take the investigation nation wide. Objections like state’s rights and too much federal power were brought up. If this is allowed to happen, where does the federal jurisdiction end?
John Dillinger was a hero of the people who had become untrusting of banks and government because of the great depression. As usual, when the people become wary of government the response is propaganda and fear mongering. Often times (much like today. Clips below) people saw banks and government as equal perpetrators with the anomaly that fit the average Americans’ sympathies, and yet, one whom we lack today: a John Dillinger. A man who simply extorted the government and banks’ inadequacies because he saw opportunity and excitement.
Some see John Dillinger as the first perverse hero of Hollywood proportions. But, it is worth taking the time to think, what if America needs a rule breaker?
At this point, who should the American people be looking too? Does inventing more laws, invading more privacy, and sacrificing more liberty solve the problem? Of course not. With bills being passed to encourage non-ending wars, irreconcilable debts, and sacrifices of freedom, at what point does a ‘public enemy’ like John Dillinger have to prove to us the importance of fighting against a growing government before it becomes a crime?!
Fighting against a ‘Gangster’ government
The threat of marshall law -
“Now nobody get nervous, you ain’t got nothing to fear. You’re being robbed by the John Dillinger Gang, that’s the best there is!” – John Dillinger in the movie Dillinger, 1973.
I am a writer, web developer, photographer and beer-lover. I like to create things and make them work well and efficient.
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