Fahrenheit 9/11
I find it ironic that I’m writing my belated review of Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 on July 4, the day Americans choose to celebrate their independence and their core values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The irony is that many people consider Michael Moore’s movie to be unpatriotic. They think that by attacking President Bush’s approach to foreign policy, Moore is directly attacking American interests. I believe that these people are more concerned about American pride and the economy than doing what is right - something a bunch of men were trying to do when they signed the Declaration of Independence.
That being said, I enjoyed Fahrenheit 9/11. I also plan on voting for President Bush in the upcoming election. I might not agree with all of his policies and actions, but I still think he’s the best choice. John Kerry likes to point out problems with President Bush, but I have yet to see him deliver substantial information about what HE plans on doing, if elected.
Unlike most of the capacity audience watching the movie with me, I walked into the theater planning to vote for President Bush and came out planning to vote for President Bush. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not a stubborn supporter of President Bush. In fact, I’m open to and welcome criticism about him. I think he’s incompetent in many aspects, but I agree with him on many issues. Furthermore, I just think John Kerry is a horrible choice for president.
Enough about my political orientation. Purely from the aspect of entertainment, Fahrenheit 9/11 was an excellent movie. There was a balance of humor, seriousness, and reality that many ‘factual’ movies never attain. I was touched by the story of the mother who lost her son in Iraq, and I was shocked by the links between President Bush and the Saudi government. If nothing else, Fahrenheit 9/11 was well worth the $16 I paid to see it, and, if given the chance, I would watch it again.
From a factual perspective, Fahrenheit 9/11 places the spotlight upon the danger of calling any production a ‘documentary’. Everyone, including researchers and movie directors, has bias. People have attacked Moore for producing a highly biased ‘documentary’, but the last I heard, Moore himself admitted that his movie was more of an ‘op-ed’ piece than a documentary. If you want a completely fair and honest treatment of President Bush’s actions, don’t watch Fahrenheit 9/11. In fact, don’t read any newspapers, watch any TV shows, or listen to anybody. Just close your eyes, cover your ears, and be content.
One last thing. My previous post quoted Benjamin Franklin regarding the balance between safety and liberty. I completely agree with him: there is NO balance between safety and liberty. If you’re willing to give up any of your rights, you don’t deserve any at all. Give a mouse a cookie, and he’ll want a cup of milk. The fear of terrorism has allowed politicians to sign away American liberties through the Patriot Act. If the goal of the terrorists who destroyed the World Trade Center was to destroy the American way of life, they have certainly achieved their goal. It’s not too late to take their victory from them.
September 15th, 2004 at 7:10 am
It’s weird hearing that you’re voting for Bush when you complain about the direction of Gay Marriage and Liberty vs. Safety. I wonder what Bush administration actions you support? I can’t think of any that don’t screw over the majority of the country for the benefit or the few. I would suggest reading Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, by Al Franken, before the election. Unlike folks like O’Riely, Limbaugh, et. all, Franken gives references to his facts, rather than just make up shit.
Also, what makes Kerry a “horrible choice for president”? I’ve heard a number of people who say they’re voting for Bush because “something just doesn’t seem right about Kerry”. That drives me nuts. Is all the bullshit really working? Are a draft-doger and an AWOL criminal *actually* turning the nation against a medal-winning Vietnam veteran?
October 21st, 2004 at 6:58 am
Alas, another hardcore Kerry supporter. What’s weird about my stance on gay marriage and my desire to vote for Bush? I don’t believe in giving rights to gay couples, and I certainly don’t believe in gay marriage. Bush agrees with me; I can’t say the same about Kerry.
I might not perfectly agree with the administration’s policy towards Homeland Security, but it appears that the Democrats would have done the same thing. Just check Kerry’s debate responses.
What makes Kerry a horrible choice for President? Let’s see:
a) He wavers in his decisions and doesn’t seem to have a cohorent policy on many issues. At one point he’s for the war in Iraq, and at the other, he’s against it. Likewise with funding for troops. He says he’s for nuclear power, but he refuses to support any method for disposing the inevitable nuclear waste.
b) He tries to cater to the Christians, but many of his policies seem to lack moral guidance. He says he’s against gay “marriage” but would still extend the same rights to gay couples. I see no difference.
c) He has no major policy tied with his name. If anything, he’s been a wallflower in Congress.
Anyways, your heated reply only makes me think that you’re a lifeless troll who googles for Republican blogs only to post some cookie cutter attack message.