You may be surprised that Hollywood made a patriotic movie way back in 1939 that is still inspiring today. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a complete lesson on what’s wrong with American politics … AND what to do about it.

According to Brittannica.com, “the story concerns Jefferson Smith (played by Jimmy Stewart),  a hokey, idealistic youth leader who is appointed to the U.S. Senate by his state’s political authorities on the assumption that he will be a pliable stooge.”

All along the way, it is the people of his hometown who support and inspire Jeff Smith to stick to the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The story begins when the people show up to a press conference and shout “No!” to stop the Governor from appointing his criminal crony to the Senate. He sends Jeff Smith instead. While there, Senator Smith uncovers and refuses to go along with a corrupt plan. His enemies pay all the newspapers to print lies accusing Jeff Smith of being corrupt himself.

The people act again to give the story a happy ending when they learn the truth, thanks to the local Boy Scouts, who work all night to print the real story and distribute their little newspaper all over town.

Is it only in the movies that timely action by ordinary people brings about a Hollywood ending?

Keep this wonderful movie and its inspiring message alive by watching with your family and friends. We the people are still and always the only ones who can keep the government honest.

When government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”- Thomas Jefferson