For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. (1 Timothy 6:10 [NRSV])

Oddly enough, Michael Moore never references this biblical text in his film Capitalism: A Love Story. I say "oddly enough" because this is indeed his theme throughout the film. He would contend that this describes our society and that we have "pierced [ourselves] with many pains."

In many ways this is really a twenty-year update on his first film, Roger and Me. He offers a look at corporate America and some of the abuses that have come to light in recent years as the economy and many Americans have gone through a time of crisis. Ever since Roger and Me he's been pointing out the ways in which the corporate world operates without regard for the people whose lives it touches in so many ways.

There are, of course, many causes for the various problems in the economy. But could the real "root" be the love of money? Isn't that what Capitalism and the American way of life are built upon? Doesn't that account for the American dream, the rise of the middle class, and our high standard of living? Yes—but maybe we should qualify that. For all the good that comes out of our economic system, there are also "all kinds of evil."

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