Documentary explores dangers of growing income gap

The Second Saturday Documentary Series presents Inequality for All on Saturday, August 8, at 1:30 p.m., in the sanctuary of Niles Discovery Church, 36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont.

The American economist, author, and professor Robert Reich examines the widening income inequality in the United States and offers his remedies in this 2013 documentary. At the heart of the film are two simple questions: What is a good society? and What role does the widening income gap play in the deterioration of the nation’s economic health?

“We’re in the biggest economic slump since the Great Depression,” says Professor Reich, “and we can’t seem to get out of it. Why? Because, exactly as in the 1920s, so much of the nation’s income and wealth are going to the top, that the vast middle class doesn’t have the purchasing power to keep the economy going.”

Reich says that people are stressed and angry in no small part to rising debts. “Until we can take a step back and understand the big picture, we can’t do anything to get ourselves out of this mess,” says Reich. “Our democracy as we know it depends on it.… One of the best ways to help people understand the challenges we face, is with a movie that can grab an audience and move them to action. And this movie will do exactly that.”

A discussion will follow the screening.

The Second Saturday Documentary Series is co-sponsored by Niles Discovery Church, Tri-City Perspectives, and the San Jose Peace & Justice Center.