Disney blocking Michael Moore's new movie

The links I include on the left (appropriately :-) of this site include some news sources that offer news told from a different angle versus much of what one can get from the mainstream US media. I believe it is very important to seek out news from the foreign press and other sources. It's important not to believe everything you hear or read....including here. Question your sources. Investigate. Make informed decisions.

Well, love him or hate him, Michael Moore offers opinions and news that is definitely different from much of what one typically hears. It is important not to censor what Mr Moore and others with non-mainstream views might have to say. Here is the text from an editorial from the NY Times today.

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May 6, 2004 – Editorial, New York Times

Disney's Craven Behavior

Give the Walt Disney Company a gold medal for cowardice for blocking its Miramax division from distributing a film that criticizes President Bush and his family. A company that ought to be championing free  expression has instead chosen to censor a documentary that clearly falls within the bounds of acceptable political commentary.

The documentary was prepared by Michael Moore, a controversial filmmaker who likes to skewer the rich and powerful. As described by Jim Rutenberg yesterday in The Times, the film, "Fahrenheit 9/11," links the Bush family with prominent Saudis, including the family of Osama bin Laden. It describes financial ties that go back three decades and explores the role of the government in evacuating relatives of Mr. bin Laden from the United States shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The film was financed by Miramax and was expected to be released this summer.

Mr. Moore's agent said that Michael Eisner, Disney's chief executive, had expressed concern that the film might jeopardize tax breaks granted to Disney for its theme park, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where Jeb Bush is governor. If that is the reason for Disney's move, it would underscore the dangers of allowing huge conglomerates to gobble up diverse media companies.

On the other hand, a senior Disney executive says the real reason is that Disney caters to families of all political stripes and that many of them might be alienated by the film. Those families, of course, would not have to watch the documentary.

It is hard to say which rationale for blocking distribution is more depressing. But it is clear that Disney loves its bottom line more than the freedom of political discourse.

Link to NY Times editorial on their site

Comments

[Jennifer (Meiersdorff)]

Thank you for your kind comments about my late husband Leo. Mimi's is indeed a great place to enjoy the ambience and excellent food. The link you gave for Leo Meiersdorff is to a gallery that Leo stopped doing business with over 20 years ago. Why they present themselves to the world as having some sort of exclusivity on Leo's work, who knows, but they have no permission to use his name or represent him in any way.

Thanks.