Filmmaker Michael Moore has announced plans to create a sequel to "Fahrenheit 9/11." While Moore's films can entertain, the probability runs high that he'll editorialize and bend the truth to his whim. That said, we encourage him to make it. Read on.
In an interview with Daily Variety, Moore laid down his goals for "Fahrenheit 9/11 1/2" as he sees them: "Fifty-one percent of the American people lacked information (in this election), and we want to educate and enlighten them. They weren't told the truth. We're communicators and it's up to us to start doing it now."
The truth? Educating the masses? Enlightenment? Those are big words coming from a man who made a dishonest movie to contend a dishonest president. Bush supporters, if anything, were over-informed. They heard that Bush lied. They got the message, but they disagreed or found Bush more closely aligned with their personal politics.
America had the chance to choose, and they did. Demeaning those who voted for the president won't win votes for any Democrat in the future. Anecdotally, Republicans throughout the middle of our country have said they felt marginalized and isolated by the media. And if that's the case, slandering Republican voters by calling them know-nothings is exactly the wrong move.
We're not arguing that Moore doesn't have the right to free speech - just that he needs to use that speech responsibly. Moore, you make some good flicks, but you can't convert everyone. Take a look around the country. What happened Nov. 2 means something - don't ignore it.
When Moore's proponents shrink away from using his talking points in arguments - no matter how convincing - something has gone wrong. The media shouldn't have to pick through Moore's films with a fine-toothed comb after every premiere. Fact-checking really helps when you're trying to portray the truth.
Moore has the bad habit of preaching to the choir. Complain all you want about Bush polarizing America's political parties, but Moore is equally guilty. If Moore wants to affect change with this sequel, he'll have to do it the right way.
Polarization is not what Americans need right now. Repairing bonds and restoring civilized political dialogue should be our first priority. Moore's next anti-Bush movie needs to carry open invitations to independent and Republican voters, clueing them in that this movie isn't "for Democrats only."
A message can't be effective without broad reach. Sure, it's fun to lampoon the president. He's got that funny Texas accent, and is prone to saying strange, inarticulate things. Pushing an agenda of deception allows an otherwise logical, weighty argument to mutate into trashy anti-Bush rant.
It's too bad we find his films entertaining, invigorating and a source of some talking points, even if they're a little embellished.
Besides, Moore shouldn't complain - Bush's re-election is keeping Moore employed. "The Daily Show" will keep its high ratings and Tucker Carlson can keep being a "dick." In Bizarro World, Bush is good for Hollywood. We'll see you at the premiere.
