This 7-minute cartoon from the 70's about greed and racism in America still resonates today
"Freedom River" features the incredible voice of Orson Welles.

"Freedom River" a 1971 cartoon parable.
An interesting historical document from 1971 has resurfaced online because people believe it is as relevant today as it was 53 years ago. “Freedom River,” a 7-minute cartoon parable, shows that no matter how much time passes, Americans continue to contend with the same destructive forces.
“Freedom River” was directed by Sam Weiss for Bosustow Productions. The cartoon features narration by the great actor-writer-director Orson Welles. Welles directed what many call the greatest film of all time, “Citizen Kane,” as well as other classics such as “A Touch of Evil” and “The Magnificent Ambersons.”
The story of “Freedom River” mirrors that of America’s founding. Settlers from foreign lands find a river that promises liberty and abundance. The settlers fall in love with their new home and a world where they are finally free to pursue their own happiness.
However, the settlers began to take paradise for granted. They exploit the river they love while forgetting what drove them to discover it in the first place.
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“And so it happened that because they so coveted the river, they barred from it people who looked unfamiliar or talked differently in the false belief that strangers were not deserving – little remembering that not long ago they too were strangers,” Welles’ Narrator says. “And when some among them arose and selfishly took more than their share, the people did not stop them but instead resolved to do the same, instead of helping those that were ill and weak. They despised them and chastised them for their idleness. And even as the river grew weak and muddy, glib leaders said it was strong and clear. The people became confused. They did not know what to do.”
Fifty-three years after “Freedom River” was released, it still resonates with many because America still grapples with destructive greed. The country also has to contend with waves of xenophobia that crop up every time a new group of people attempts to establish themselves in the Land of the Free.
The film also addresses the perils of environmental destruction, a problem that first entered the public consciousness in the late ‘60s and is now one of the most critical issues we face as a species.