From MooreWatch:
What do Michael Moore and Hezbollah have in common? Not much, really, except they both share the same visceral hatred of America, and are working together to promote Mikey’s new film.
Big deal – - it’s all about the money, right?
Michael Bin Moore
visceral hatred of America ….. Michael Moore may be strongly against the current US government, but why does that make him “anti-American”? When Clinton was president the conservatives weren’t labeled as anti-American – or do you have to be right-wing to be “truly” American?
Moore is against more than just the current government, Tim. The problem with arguments like yours is that you immediately boil it down to political party. Republican vs. Democrat — but that’s not the case with Michael Moore. I don’t have to call him anti-American, Michael Moore speaks that message all by himself:
Said Moore to a German audience:
This is how the guy represents Ameria. It’s just one example of his anti-Americanism.
His quote may represent Americans he hangs around with – - but it certainly doesn’t represent myself, my family or people I’ve had the pleasure of socializing with.
It’s not about what political party one belongs to, Tim. Read his books, if you haven’t. This guy hates America….that’s my opinion.
Now, now Lisa, Moore may be against your “vision” or characterization of what America really is, but does that really make him “hate America” as you say. Tim makes a good point. It is all too often convenient to label those with whom we disagree as heretics or loonies to find a comfort zone that makes us feel better.
Personally, I am on the left and have no use for the guy. Michael Moore is as irrelevant to me as Hannity and some of the extremist right wing folks. Moore’s rants are often completely and selectively exaggerated and dishonest, and many of his arguments are designed more to sell books and movie tickets than they are to contribute to the political debate in your country.
If anything, he is doing things the great ole American way – profiting on an idea that he has. That hardly makes him “un-American”.
By the way….the new site looks great!
As I said in my earlier comment, TH – - I have my opinion of Moore…it has nothing to do with his political party affiliation and more to do with his antics, statements and actions.
BTW, TH – - thank you
I’m liberal in the literal sense – although I’m more likely to side with the left, I don’t support any particular political party as at the end of the day they’re all corrupt in some way. Many of the Americans I converse with are almost obsessive about their political views however – I think one of the differences between the US and the UK is that us Brits tend to be more laid back (a better description than “reserved”) while you Yanks are more passionate about things, meaning there are probably more fanatics and extremists. I know of plenty of people that fit Moore’s description, although presumably he was pointing out the worst aspects and not mentioning the better stuff. I tend to admire people that stand up to authority, which is why I like the guy (I re-watched Bowling for Columbine recently – did you not think he made some valid points? Certain things – like the bank that gave away free guns – made a lot of Brits roll their eyes and think “only in America ….”)
Anyway, I’m rambling here. I think my point was this: What criteria do you have to fill to be able to call yourself “American”?
The very fact that you actually believe Moore’s movie in that an American can walk into a bank and walk out with a gun minutes later says a lot, Tim. I admire people who question authority, too – - what I don’t admire are people who swallow whole that which is spoon fed to them as fact without checking it out.
Criteria? Do I need it? I’m an American because I was born here. Same as Michael Moore – he’s an American because he was born here. I dont’ believe I was questioning the man’s heritage. You can be an American and hate the country in which you live… in my opinion, Moore is a perfect example of that.
Ok, ok, maybe I’m being a little naive here, and you’re probably getting bored of this anyway. You do seem to put on a pair of rose-tinted glasses to view things you are in agreement with, then take them off to look at the other side though. As for Moore, I know he is actually American, but some people think that you have to do things “the American way” – whatever that is – to be truly American.
I’m the last person in the world to view things through rose colored glasses, Tim…but I’ll give you a break because you’d only know that if you really knew me.
On the contrary, I’m just someone who is confident in her beliefs – not that I can’t be swayed…but I believe what I believe. At the very least, you can’t say I’m a fence-sitter
Careful about painting all Americans with the same brush, Tim. I live with a Brit – and I have to remind him about the same thing, every now and then