Sneak Peek at "Fahrenheit 9/11"

Actually, John, one of us knows exactly what Michael Moore's movie "Fahrenheit 9/11" is because I saw it in Cannes. Moore's film is definitely political, but those hoping for a "Frontline" style documentary that makes a damning case against Bush may be a little disappointed. It does critique Bush strongly, but the film is as much an emotional look at life in Iraq for the soldiers and civilians. (Seeing a dead Iraqi baby is sad, but not an argument about the invasion either for or against.)

The movie is entertaining (though perhaps not quite as good as the solid "Bowling for Columbine") and could possibly have an impact on undecided voters since it reminds them of so many facts they might have forgotten or never known. (It is much more careful with its facts, I think, than say "Bowling for Columbine" or Moore's other movies.)

This boycott - the attempt to pressure movie theaters into not showing the movie -- is typical of the radical right and contrary to what a true believer in a free market economy (whether it be of jobs or ideas) should do. Remember, NO ONE on the left tried to "ban" The Passion of the Christ or try and pressure movie theaters not to carry it. They simply expressed concern about the script and then the final film and argued with Gibson and its backers in the public arena. Everyone on the left repeatedly said he had the right to make the film and have it seen. (Obviously.)

Contrast that with those on the right who attack religious-themed movies they DON'T approve of and organize boycotts, protestors and so on. (Think of The Last Temptation of Christ, Jean Luc Godard's Hail Mary, Canada's Jesus of Montreal etc.) Quite un-American.