Screen test

Today Linda and I were part of screen test at Lehighton Demo HQ to determine if we would be suitable spokespeople for a movie to be run during the Democratic Convention, probably before President Obama’s acceptance speech.  Nine Carbon County residents were filmed answering a number of questions about our views and attitudes related to current politics and issues.  If we are selected, we will go to New York later this week for a final filming. 

The director asked me what kind of America I envisioned.  I told him I would give him an example.  In The Grapes of Wrath there’s this scene where an Okie and two kids come into a restaurant and ask for half a loaf of bread.  The waitress tells him they can’t sell him half a loaf of bread.  The counterman sizes the guy up and realizes he has no money, and he tells the waitress to sell the guy half a loaf.  The waitress does, and then the kids ask how much the candy is.  The waitress tells them it’s penny candy, although it is much more.  The guy pays a penny and the kids get the candy.  Two truck drivers who witness the event know the candy costs more than a penny and make fun of the waitress for being a softie.  Then, when they leave, they put down a big tip for the waitress.  It’s working class America united, looking out for each other.  That’s the America I want to live in.  

I’m not sure I could describe that scene without tearing up.  I’m tired of Tea Party greed and Paul Ryan selfishness.  I see a different America.