Following the Path of the Meltdown

A new documentary tracks the meltdown of Wall Street and its impact on housing throughout the country. The New York Times offers this review.

1 minute read

September 3, 2009, 12:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg


"'American Casino,' directed by Leslie Cockburn, who wrote and produced the documentary with her husband, the liberal journalist Andrew Cockburn, begins on Wall Street, where various whistle-blower types describe the climate of greed and carelessness that produced the financial meltdown. The documentary dates the origins of the crisis to the insertion of a provision in the 2000 Commodity Futures Modernization Act, introduced by Phil Gramm, the Texas Republican and former senator who was then chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, exempting credit-default swaps from government regulation."

The film tacks the path of the housing market's downfall, travelling from Wall Street to a neighborhood in Baltimore and eventually to the foreclosure capital of California.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog