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An Old Man Potter.

Even though we are well past the holidays and on the better side of winter toward spring, I’ve been reflecting on one of my favorite holiday movies - Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life. And in particular, the villain Old Man Potter, played to the hilt by Lionel Barrymore.

The situation behind my recent reflection is not nearly as important as the lessons to be learned and the opportunity to move forward.

I think the reason why It’s A Wonderful Life is still so popular even after 60 years since the release is due to the fact that nearly all these same characters exist within our own lives, some more prevalent than others. And sometimes roles are switched at intermission. We grow and mature as we experience the movie that’s played out before us everyday.

Most of us strive to do our best despite set-backs, yearning to be that George Bailey who finally makes it back home again, into the arms of those who love him for who he is and not what’s in his checkbook.

Then again there’s that small percentage who were born to play Old Man Potter and never, ever change roles.

Who’s the Old Man Potter in your city, town or community? C’mon, you know you have at least one. Can’t think of who that might be? Here’s 10 tips on how to I.D. this cranky old bird:

1) It’s almost always an older man who has made his fortune playing the numbers game and playing with other peoples lives.
2) There’s usually a younger protege or two, just as miserable, following right behind in his slimy footsteps. A lot like the evil Sith from the imaginative galaxy created by George Lucas.
3) And like those now famous villains, they prefer to operate behind the scenes and in the shadows, pressing buttons and pulling strings. “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”
4) Republican or Democrat. It doesn’t matter. The only political party Old Man Potter is concerned with is the one with the politicians who can be bought and sold.
5) They thrive in any environment where black-balling and black-listing are not only allowed but encouraged.
6) Old Man Potter gets off on other people’s misery, mistakes and misfortunes. He has no compassion. Just contempt and a perverse sense of humor.
7) If you owe Old Man Potter money, you may as well kiss your a$@ goodbye to respect, honor and decency. He’ll call his debt in, again and again, even after you think you’ve paid it in full. Unlimited interest is what keeps Old Man Potter alive and kicking. Those who fall under his influence eventually live in a world dominated by fear, guilt and betrayal, even to the point of betraying one’s own brother or sister.
9) Attacking the victim is rule #1 in overcoming the dominating conditions listed in point # 8. Character assassination is one of the more milder manifestations. Doing the ol’ set-up and railroading are also favorites.
10) Old Man Potter always has a lawyer or two in his hip pocket and/or influential contacts in the city office and county court system. They keep him and his creepy, little proteges out of the one place they belong - prison.

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Old Man Potter is the epitome and living example of that old adage.

The good news is that for every Old Man Potter there’s a Clarence and there’s a George Bailey.

We were also given the one weapon that will defeat the Old Man Potters of the world every time. It was handed it to us a little over 2,000 years ago.

It’s called forgiveness.

I’m still trying to learn to use it. It’s hard, but I’m trying. I’ll get it sooner or later, hopefully sooner. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for Old Man Potter. If you can’t meet him head-on and forgive him for being the character that he is, then turn around and walk the other way toward daylight. And if you are Old Man Potter and you’re reading this, well, I forgive you. But I sure as hell will never forget you. At least now I know who you are.