The Prophetic Documentary on Misguided Economic Policies

Although released in 1984 during the height of the Reagan era, California Newsreel’s critique of that administration’s economic agenda remains relevant as fierce debates continue on U.S. trade policies, corporate taxation and investments and how best to resurrect manufacturing for well paying employment opportunities for workers and their communities.

The Business of America... probed the economic assumption that private corporations can be trusted to make the investments upon which all Americans depend.

The film contrasted two Pittsburgh steelworkers (who today might represent the “Trump voters”) conventional faith in private enterprise with the actual strategies and priorities of a giant corporation, U.S. Steel. It traced their growing realization that despite "supply side" business claims, increased profits did not "trickle down" to working Americans.

The Business of America... has been labeled “A compelling and insightful chronicle of America’s deindustrialization” by former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, California Newsreel is offering the film for free streaming until September 15, 2018. We hope that the film’s accurate data will serve as a useful tool to counter the current faulty analysis and attempts to revive failed policies.