"It's A Wonderful Life" – the 1946 movie produced and directed by Frank Capra – still has it right. Any credit union CEO who does not get a kick in their principles when hearing George Bailey's passionate soliloquy to Mr. Potter about the virtue of home ownership clearly is in the wrong industry.

Consider the following: "…But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter. And what's wrong with that? Why…Here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You…you said…What'd you say just a minute ago?… They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait! Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken-down that they … Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars?

"Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about…they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be!"