American comics: You're asked to fish, but you catch a Superman template?

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On February 14, 1933, on the eve of Valentine's Day and Roosevelt's inauguration, all the banks in the United States began to collapse. State trust companies were on the verge of bankruptcy, and banks collectively failed. The nation's banks had less than $6 billion in gold reserves but had to handle $41 billion in deposits. Banks faced the inability to satisfy everyone's demands, and the phenomenon of fleeing banks spread throughout the country.

The collapse of financial trusts may seem unpredictable, but in fact, there have been similar examples before.

As soon as the news of the bank's collapse was announced, Xu Fu sent a reporter from the Daily Courier (which merged with the Daily World to become the Courier World) to the offices of the bank and the Monetary Council.

The committee was a special task force commissioned by American senators during the Great Depression to investigate trading practices that led to the Wall Street crash.

Since the committee was established, they had been trying to find out the truth, but the bankers always refused to hand over their banking records. The dispute lasted for a year, and the committee finally concluded: "The banking system is in such a bad state that it would be too dangerous to make this public or tell the House of Representatives."

Today's bank failures seem to confirm the committee's conclusions.

In response to the initial signs of a banking system collapse, the Banking and Currency Committee established a subcommittee led by Ferdinand Piccardo, a former deputy district attorney and legal counsel for New York.

A reporter from The Courier-Post captured 260 shots of the bankers appearing one by one before Piccolo, demanding accountability for their misconduct.

The public was stunned; their favorite businessman, the guardian of American corporations, had actually come out.

On the day J.P. Morgan, America's highest-paid banker, was summoned, the Courier-World first reported that a "crowd of onlookers" had gathered at the door, crowding the corridor of the committee room that employees had to traverse every morning. When Morgan boldly stated, "I point out without hesitation that I consider private bankers to be an asset to the nation, not a danger," Piccolo replied, "What is your trade or profession?" When Morgan answered "private banker," laughter erupted in the room.

Dishonest and selfish bankers like Morgan were ultimately a danger to America. According to research, they did not pay taxes between 1930 and 1932, for which Xu Fu aptly called them "banking rogues" in The Messenger World.

Besides Morgan, many other figures typically looked down upon by the public were also exposed for their true colors. One such figure was Samuel Insol, the utility magnate who fled to Europe as his company began to collapse.

Chapter 871 Preserving Investments

When he was accused of embezzling public funds, he simply asked, "Which banker or business tycoon hasn't done what I did?"

Among the first bankers summoned by Piccardo to testify, Charles Michel, chairman of National City Bank, the nation's second-largest bank, was considered to have played a leading role in "the frenzied speculation that led to the collapse of the company."

In 1929, Michel earned dollars, and to avoid paying income tax, he sold the stock to his wife at a price far below its actual value, and later bought it back at the same price.

“To be honest, I sold that stock to avoid taxes,” Charles Mitchell admitted. He acknowledged that the bank provided its executives with a $240 million interest-free loan to help them preserve their investment.

The editor of The Messenger World, which reported on the incident, said: "The only difference between a bank thief and a bank president is that the thief works at night."

One bank after another collapsed, ultimately causing a huge financial disaster throughout the United States.

People thought the Great Depression had reached its worst point, but they didn't realize that something even worse was possible.

Reporters from The Courier-Mundo didn't even have to go far to capture photos of the crowded lobbies outside any bank.

At this point, the only one who might feel gratitude is Hoover.

Because he handed everything over to Roosevelt.

When the nation is plunged into a massive financial disaster, Superman is aptly released into a series of comic book content related to banking.

The story begins where the "Pocket Universe" ended: Superman is exiled to space after believing he has killed someone. During one of his exiles, he unexpectedly finds himself on a magical planet where everything is controlled by a bank, and everyone can freely sell everything they own through the bank.

Superman witnessed a child entering a bank and an elderly man with white hair walking out of it.

Superman learns from a random passerby that a child sold their age at a bank. In this world of banks, only bankers are the true masters; they control all the resources of the planet, even the air you have to buy from them to obtain it.

Each person was equipped with a special machine that provided them with the air they needed during the day.

The entire planet's inhabitants work for bankers just to earn enough money to survive on air every day, and if they can't afford the price, they're forced to sell their lives.

When Superman appeared, he was seen by bankers as a malign threat to their rule because he could survive without breathing.

In an attempt to eliminate Superman, the banker sends men to try and kill him.

However, they underestimated Superman's power. The bankers' tactics proved ineffective against Superman's overwhelming strength, ultimately destroying the bank and exposing the bankers to the grotesque alien rats.

This banking story, serialized in The Courier World, quickly caused a huge stir throughout New York City.

At a time of economic turmoil and widespread concern about banking problems, the story of Superman resonates with the public's expectations, even though in real life, people face banks for their savings and pray that the banks where they deposit their money won't collapse.

However, deep down, they undoubtedly felt disgusted with the bankers who had set all this up.

Especially the scene at the end of the comic, where Superman leads the bankers out of the bank, revealing their ugly appearance, allows readers who see this scene to vent some of their pent-up anger.

These alien rats don't look like greedy bankers in real life at all.

Undoubtedly, the publication of Xu Fu's cartoon provoked anger among financial institutions, especially bankers, who viewed the cartoon as a distortion and malicious slander against them.

But Xu Fu didn't care about this.

Since the financial crisis, these bankers have long since left their high positions. It can be said that the collapse of banks severely impacted those who believed that saving money was the right thing to do, and thus changed the concept of saving for an entire generation of American people.

When banks cannot be trusted, people should spend their money on useful things so that they don't regret it after the banks fail.

Of course, the content of comics is merely an outlet for emotional dissatisfaction with the fairness of reality; it cannot truly change what is happening.

On the very day Roosevelt took office, the nation's financial heart stopped beating, and the stock market officially closed.

On March 4, 1933, the east portico of the Capitol was packed with people attending Roosevelt's inauguration.

"I, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, solemnly swear: ... ‖."

Standing before the Capitol, Roosevelt took the oath with a solemn expression. The impact of the bank failures was greater than anticipated, and Roosevelt inherited the nation from Hoover, leaving it in ruins.

"...I am convinced that my fellow citizens expect me, when I take office as president, to speak to them frankly and forcefully, as the current situation in our nation demands. Now is the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. We must not shy away from the truth, but rather face honestly what is happening in our nation today. This great nation will persevere as always; it will rebound and prosper..."

At that moment, Roosevelt, sitting in his wheelchair, took a deep breath and looked at the speech manuscript lying in front of him, lingering on a particular paragraph.

This is the speech he completed after meeting with Xu Fu, discussing and re-examining it, and the next paragraph is what Xu Fu insisted on including.

"Therefore, let me first state my firm belief: the only thing we (the King) fear is fear itself—a nameless, irrational, and unreasonable fear that renders all human endeavors futile. In times of turmoil in our nation, a frank and dynamic leadership has gained the understanding and support of the people, thus preparing the necessary conditions for victory, and I believe it will receive the same support at this crucial moment..."

Did you get a picture?

In front of the VIP section of the East Portico of the Capitol, Xu Fu curiously turned his head toward John the Younger.

"Disconnected."

While filming FDR's inaugural address on Capitol Hill, John Jr. nodded precisely at Xu Fu.

On John's shoulder was a state-of-the-art camera, modified by Ferro Farnsworth based on Xu Fu's suggestion. This new generation of electronic cameras was easier to use and produced clearer images compared to the heavy, wheeled models that required wheels for movement.

Chapter 872 A Conversation by the Fire

"...Let us meet the dark years before us with the passion and courage that national unity gives us, with a clear awareness of pursuing tradition and cherished moral values, and with the satisfaction that young and old can gain by fulfilling their duties with a clear conscience. Our goal is to ensure the success of national life and lasting peace."

His gaze swept across the crowded facade of Capitol Hill, and Roosevelt's speech came to an end.

"...They expressed a demand for direct and decisive action in the face of difficulties, they demanded discipline and direction from their leaders, and now they have chosen me as the instrument to realize their wishes, and I accept this generous gift."

"...At this moment of national veneration, we humbly ask God to bless each and every one of us, and to guide us in the days to come."

The last sentence of the speech was accompanied by applause from the audience.

Roosevelt himself, assisted by two congressmen, walked down from the podium in a wheelchair.

According to the ceremony's program, the inaugural dinner follows the presidential oath and is hosted by the president, vice president, and invited guests at the Presidential Inaugural Committee, which is composed of 260 members from the Senate and the House of Representatives. The committee is responsible for preparing and managing the inauguration ceremony and usually features dishes from the new president's and vice president's hometowns.

The presidential inauguration parade followed, and in the afternoon, the presidential motorcade, accompanied by the armed forces honor guard, civilian bands, marching bands, and various floats, proceeded along Pennsylvania Avenue.

It was subsequently decided that the president, vice president, and guests would watch the parade from the reviewing stand in front of the White House.

This parade was prepared by the US Army Joint Task Force for the presidential inauguration.

Last but not least, the inaugural ball was held; the Presidential Inaugural Committee hosted several balls to celebrate the new president's inauguration.

This dance tradition originated in 1809, when President James Madison took office.

The entire process was meticulously planned, and for Roosevelt, the only day of celebration was his inauguration.

On his second day in office, he quickly got to work, issuing two presidential circulars: one calling for a special session of Congress on March 9 to consider the Emergency Banking Act, and the other announcing a four-day recess for all banks (bbaj).

A special congressional session authorized the government to control the treasury and issue currency based on bank assets, while also authorizing severe penalties for hoarding and exporting gold. Bank layoffs helped alleviate the panic and tension gripping the financial sector, allowing the government to stem a wave of exodus and buy time for hasty money printing.

At the same time, in order to appease the public and gain their support, Roosevelt announced the holding of his first press conference, which later became a regular practice.

As New York's largest-circulation newspaper to date, The Courier World was naturally invited to the press conference.

Meanwhile, due to the relationship between Xu Fu and Roosevelt, the reporter from The Courier World performed excellently as a questioner throughout the press conference, asking pre-arranged questions in a concise and clear manner, thus facilitating Roosevelt's work.

With the assistance of the Courier-World, the first White House press briefing was a resounding success. According to reporters present, President Roosevelt answered questions about the financial situation and other matters in a relaxed and harmonious family atmosphere; his frank and casual manner was charming, and the press erupted in thunderous applause after the reception.

The day after the press conference, Congress swiftly passed the Emergency Banking Act, one of the few pieces of legislation in American history to pass without obstacles. The act authorizes the president to review each bank on a case-by-case basis, allowing solvent banks to open as soon as possible and reorganizing insolvent banks.

The day before, the bank reopened on March 12, eight days after Roosevelt took office as president.

"Congratulations, Mr. President..."

Xu Fu was invited to meet Roosevelt, who had successfully taken office as president, in the reception room downstairs at the Presidential Palace.

"The inaugural address was excellent, and the White House has reportedly received more than 50 letters to date."

When accepting Xu Fu's congratulations, Roosevelt's face showed a faint smile, which then turned into deep sorrow.

“These letters are like people’s expectations; each one is difficult and unusual.”

Rolling through the reception room in his wheelchair, Roosevelt smoked his pipe and looked at the loudspeaker set up by White House staff next to the fireplace.

"What is the current situation at the banks?"

Taking a deep breath, Roosevelt looked at Xu Fu and asked a question. As president, he received daily briefings on the national situation, but he needed the help of media experts like Xu Fu to obtain a more detailed understanding of the reality.

He did not want to become a president like Hoover, alienated from the people.

"The escape continues. It is said that long lines have started outside many banks, with everyone carrying empty suitcases, intending to take all their money out of the banks."

Upon hearing Xu Fu's description, Roosevelt frowned. "But aren't the banks already closed for the holidays?"