Michael Moore poisons the political process
Editors Note: The Standard-Times is pleased to announce that Peter Friedman has joined us as a freelance columnist. Dr. Friedman is a professor of mechanical engineering at UMass Dartmouth, a retired naval submarine officer and a self-described conservative. His column, "The Conservative Corner," will generally appear on the first and third Thursday of each month.
Recognizing that democracy requires an informed electorate, our founding fathers ensured an open debate by establishing freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Although I have been very critical of their editorial positions, the editors of The Standard-Times feel that the debate must include dissenting opinions. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent conservative perspectives.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is Michael Moore. With dishonesty and character assasination, he poisoned the debate and corrupted the political process. Hollywood and the leftist media have placed him on a pedestal, in spite of overwhelming evidence discrediting him.
Michael Moore had a problem in "Bowling for Columbine"; he wanted to portray the National Rifle Association as uncaring about the violence at Columbine. Because the facts did not support his position, he used the editing room and his imagination. Among his many deceptions, Moore created the appearance that, in the aftermath of Columbine and against the wishes of the residents in Denver, the NRA organized a provocative "pro-gun rally."
The truth is that the NRA had scheduled Denver as the host city of its annual meeting years in advance and the bylaws that govern nonprofit organizations made it illegal to cancel. However, out of respect for the residents, the NRA eliminated all but the legally required membership votes. Charlton Heston delivered a very compassionate and conciliatory speech expressing his sorrow for the tragic events. This did not stop Michael Moore. He cut speeches that occurred over a one-year period and placed lines out of context, even splicing in mid-sentence. His masterful, but deceptive, editing succeeded in making Heston's speech sound like a taunt. Using these tactics, a producer has the ability to make anybody appear to support any position.
A number of comprehensive editorials, most notably one by Christopher Hitchens, demonstrated a similar and extensive list of inaccuracies with "Fahrenheit 911." For the skeptical reader, even the bipartisan 9-11 Commission debunks Moore's flamboyant claim that Saudis were given special permission to leave after 9-11.
What does it say about the character and arguments of a man who resorts to editing comments out of context, rearranging the sequence of events and outright fabrication? What does it say about Hollywood that they awarded "best documentary" to a film that they knew in advance was completely factually deficient?
Michael Moore has an even greater character flaw; it is that he is willing to callously destroy the reputation of honorable men to advance his agenda. Charlton Heston, who now suffers from Alzheimer's disease, was a civil rights activist and personal friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. During a time when civil rights activists were often murdered or blackballed from working, Heston marched alongside Reverend King and picketed to advance civil rights. Moore did not let the facts interfere with his "documentary." In his now famous (or infamous) interview, Moore branded Heston as a racist.
It is ironic that in his first hit movie, "Roger and Me," Michael Moore was a little guy battling a rich and powerful man to protect the rights of the powerless.
Now he has become a powerful mega-millionaire willing to destroy others, including an aging and ill Charlton Heston, a man who personally fought racism when it was dangerous to do so. While this makes Michael Moore hypocritical and mean, what he has done to the political process is even more serious.
Peter Friedman of Dartmouth writes a regular column for The Standard-Times. His email address is conservativecorner@hotmail.com
This story appeared on Page A14 of The Standard-Times on August 5, 2004.
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