Why You Should Say No To Fahrenheit911
By Jon Alvarez (11/20/03)
Imagine a scenario in which an American family has decided to pay a visit to the local theatre to see a movie. It's the fall of 2004; the presidential election is right around the corner and we're fast approaching the third anniversary of 9/11. This American family happens upon a documentary titled "Fahrenheit911". They decide this might be a fitting tribute to the victims as well as an accurate depiction of the events of that horrible day. To their shock and dismay, they discover this film to be nothing more than a political hatchet job aimed at attacking and discrediting President Bush.
In order to prevent such an occurrence from happening, a campaign to inform the American public of the true nature of this film has begun. Michael Moore, the film's controversial director, is using the victims of 9/11 for what will surely amount to a political assassination piece. This should bring about a public outcry so loud, a backlash so severe; no theatre chain should be willing to carry it. That will be the ultimate goal of this campaign. If a sense of decency and respect for the subject matter cannot convince them, then a boycott of their establishment might convince them otherwise.
Some critics might attempt to label this campaign as some form of censorship. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are American patriots speaking out against an immoral and indecent attack on our president and our country. Michael Moore has proven that he is an opponent of the war on terrorism and is very anti-American in his views. It is in Mr. Moore's nature to attack and condemn that which he has disdain for, in this case, it's the Bush Administration and its efforts to protect our country. His film promises to be offensive and profane, thus we have every right to speak out, to protest, and to boycott.
One can determine the nature of this film simply by listening to Troy Lum, head of Hopscotch Films, the Australian distributor for the film. According to Mr. Lum: "I'm sure the film will be extraordinarily controversial but also satirical and entertaining". How the words satirical and entertaining can be used to describe a film relative to the events of 9/11 is beyond comprehension. Many Americans consider this national tragedy sacred and to treat it with any level of disrespect will be deemed as an affront to all Americans. The initial outrage upon news of this project forced both Disney and Icon Productions to terminate all association with it. However, Miramax did choose to provide bridge financing for the film. We will see a renewal of outrage over this project and those associated with it as the release date draws nearer.
What could possibly lead us to believe that Mr. Moore would direct a film that is anti-American in nature? For one thing, he has consistently cheered on those who have opposed American policy. While promoting his latest book abroad, he applauded the French for their actions versus our country. Furthermore, he has formed the opinion that "[Americans] are possibly the dumbest people on the planet". He has minced no words concerning his desire to bring down the Bush Presidency. Also, let's not forget his tirade on Oscar night. Despite warnings from the Academy, Mr. Moore chose to deliver a scathing attack on President Bush which serves as confirmation that he is indeed a loose cannon. We won't even mention his well-documented fondness for misrepresenting the truth in his "documentaries".
In other words, Mr. Moore's attitude towards America and his past actions clearly indicate that this film will indeed, be considered offensive by most Americans. For many of us, any reference to 9/11 will certainly evoke strong feelings and memories. It is considered to be this generation's Pearl Harbor. To make it the center of a documentary purportedly aimed at not only exposing ties between the Bush and Bin Laden families, but also to infer that President Bush used this event for a power grab is not only offensive, it is irresponsible and dangerous. The world is watching, opinions are being formed, and Mr. Moore's propaganda piece will surely stoke the fires of anti-Americanism as he attempts to tarnish our image abroad.
Sadly, some Americans continue to treat our country as if it is the bad guy. By their actions and words, Hollywood, the Democrats, and leftists have consistently opposed and obstructed, attacked and criticized, every step taken by the Bush administration to defeat this enemy. Rather than present a united front versus a common foe, they choose to weaken our effort to win by politicizing this war. Michael Moore falls into this category as well. He has chosen to oppose the actions of our country, and while that is most certainly his right, it is most certainly our right to fight back. We are at war, both with an enemy abroad and an enemy within. Battle lines are being drawn, the culture wars continue in America.
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