You know, Mike, when a so called journalist says to a documentarian/journalist that he needs to watch what he says, that reflects a dangerous opinion of what should be considered 'appropriate behavior' within the profession. I am more than a little worried. If Michael Moore feels that a good tongue lashing is needed of his piers, then I guess they need to accept that and move on. Seriously. When Mike states there are over 3500 American soldiers dead without cause because the media wasn't aggressive enough in their pursuit of 'the truth' regarding Iraq, then it's time the industry take a look at what happened there. Because there are more than 3500 people dead due to an invasion that got Dick Cheney out of hot water with Halliburton stockholders.
Michael Moore: 3500 troops could be alive if media had done its job (click here)
and
Michael Moore takes healthcare issue to voters (click here)
Mike has a legitimate point of view that many people, approximately half the nation of the USA minimally, identify with because it is based in 'the truth.' His approach is unique. He is being criticized as 'not being a journalist' because he doesn't present both sides of an issue. That is not true. To begin, in any of his documentaries, a formal understanding of journalism, he uses humor for the sake of 'connecting with his audience' because of the brevity of the issue. It makes his 'information' more palatable and 'allows' a criticism of the subject when in fact some viewers have no such experience with the subject in the dimension it presents itself in Moore's films.
Additionally, Mike would not have a basis for his documentaries, which take on the 'untouchable' subjects of America's priorities, if in fact a strong basis of understanding to the subject didn't already exist. In a world whereby corporate profits outwiegh the needs and lives of Americans there is a clear understanding to the 'other perspective' long before Mike even loads his camera. Michael Moore always has a tough assignment. His assignment is the job to breakdown the 'front' of social dictates. There is a very loud and clear understanding of those dictates that provided the very basis for the lies of the Bush Administration that provided a legitimacy to an illegal invasion into Iraq.
"Sicko" is no different in that people seeing the film are shocked to realize, the very insurance they have valued as more than adequate to take care of them should ANYTHING arise, is actually an enemy to them due to needed and legislated 'profit margins.' Not only is the insurance industry their enemy but literally is allowed to kill their subscribers at will to insure profits. Hello?
"Sicko" is a chance to embrace Michael and his genius. It is a chance for America to solve it's problems. I would hope that would be a priority. Look. Mike was right about gun control. He was right about Iraq and the Bush Administration. He is right about the health of America. We have the 'fattest' kids in the world. There is something very "W"rong in the USA on many fronts. I would think 'peace' would exist between members of the media/journalism profession with a man that has become a living legacy to 'the truth' and already embraced by half the people of the USA today. Can ALL of us please get it right this time and find a candidate for President of the USA that can stop the USA involvement in Iraq which is completely unjustified and killing and displacing thousands of Iraqis daily. A President that will take on the extremely high levels of carbon dioxide pollution that ONLY the USA contributes to Earth's climate. A President that will take the nation's health seriously.
The Bush/Cheney Administration has polarized the media in a way that is causing it to self destruct. Stop it. Mike is no one's enemy and is a voice we all need to take seriously. I find the interview at ABC interesting before I even heard it, because there sits Mike in his jeans and open collar shirt being interviewed by a 'corporate suit.' I didn't need to hear the interview without realizing it wasn't going to be about me so much as NOT ME.
Thanks, Mike. We love you big guy ! Apples. I love apples, Michael.
