On Monday night, I had the pleasure of watching the 1939 film classic, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” The movie starred Jimmy Stewart, and was one of the most popular films about American government ever made. After its release, the film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

Jimmy Stewart plays Mr. Smith, a man who was probably no different than you and I. After the death of the current Senator, the governor of an unnamed state had to pick someone to fill the spot until the next election.

The film showed how big money political bosses (big business) basically tell politicians what to do. In this case, the big money wanted the Governor to pick a stooge who had an honest background, but basically would do what he was told to do. They chose Mr. Jefferson Smith, who was the head of the Boy Rangers.

Once Mr. Smith found out that his fellow Senators did not actually represent the people who elected them, he tried to make a difference by standing up to big business and the crooked politicians. When he did, they tried to destroy him. Big business used the power of the press to twist the facts and turn his supporters at home against him.

Unlike today, Mr. Smith actually succeeded.