Disney has supposedly nixed the plans of its subsidiary, Miramax, to distribute agent provacateur Michael Moore's new anti-Bush film "Farenheit 911." The film "links Mr. Bush and prominent Saudis — including the family of Osama bin Laden — and criticizes Mr. Bush's actions before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks," according to the NYT.
Personally, I could care less whether Miramax distributes the film. It's a free country - if Moore thinks Bush is Satan and in cahoots with the Saudis, so be it. If Disney sticks to its decision not to distribute the film I'm sure Moore's supports will scream and holler that this is some sort of First Amendment question. Let's quite that storm before it starts: There is no federal, nor state, government action to supress Moore's speech. This is purely a business decision by Disney. If Disney determines that it will hurt the bottom line it should by all means stand firm in its decision. Heck, even if the decision is predicated upon Disney CEO Eisner thinking Moore's a moron it's a Disney business decision.
And let's be completely honest, Moore is a moron. Case in point:
Mr. Moore does not disagree that "Fahrenheit 911" is highly charged, but he took issue with the description of it as partisan. "If this is partisan in any way it is partisan on the side of the poor and working people in this country who provide fodder for this war machine," he said.
What?! The poor and working people are fodder for this war machine? First, last time I checked our military was 100% volunteer (you have to speak slow and explain these kinds of things to those of Moore's ilk) - that means that all of those serving their country and bravely risking life and limb everyday to secure Moore's right to produce such drivel do so of their own free will. Many people seem to forget that these soldiers are paid, they're not slaves. The benefits of service can be the ticket out of poverty or the working class for some of these soldiers (ex: a little thing called the G.I. Bill). If Moore is so concerned about our soldiers maybe he should spend of his time, energy, and money raising support for them - Buy some flak jackets instead of making films that bash your country. Second, calling our soldiers "fodder for this war machine" is just plain garbage. Armed, dedicated Islamic insurgents have certainly taken a toll on our troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan. But, to insinuate that in liberating the peoples of two countries our soldiers have become "fodder" is in poor taste and disgraceful to the memories of all those that have lost their life in the War on Terror.
I respect Moore's right to make films like "Bowling for Columbine" and "Farenheit 911." Very few, if any, people will watch a Moore film and not have already made their mind up about guns or whose to blame for 9/11. I respect his right to make the asinine comments he's infamous for. More importantly, I respect Disney's decision to distance itself from the moron.
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