Resonating (updated)

Posted Sep 5th 2007 1:01AM by Jim Kenefick
Filed under: Manufacturing Dissent

In this article in Variety, I ran across the following quote:

"When I saw 'Manufacturing Dissent' at the South by Southwest Film Festival," said Stephanie Sharis, director of creative development for AOL, "I felt it was saying some compelling things that would resonate with our audience."

One can only hope this is true. I hope that the audience that finds Manufacturing Dissent through these pages allows the point to resonate with them. Moore is a liar, and worse, he's a bad person. He's a smaller (in influence) version of the very men he rails against.

Go ahead. Watch the movie. I challenge anyone to defend half the crazy things that Moore says and does. Watch the part where he denies, on Donahue, that he knows the man who got him a job with Nader, and the labor leader that helped him in the early days of Roger & Me. That alone should make you want to avoid him forever. Watch how he treats Canadian journalists - a group he will proclaim to love - when he finds out they are looking at him through the lens.

Actually, to be fair, you can watch how he orders others to treat the Canadian journalists, as he doesn't have the courtesy or the courage to be filmed telling them to get out.

There is a lot of material in Manufacturing Dissent...I hope you'll take some time not only to watch it, but to let it resonate with you. If you can't trust the messenger, you can't trust that he's brought you the entire message.

JimK is a co-founder and one of a number of authors of Moorewatch.com

*UPDATED*

I'm having trouble adding a comment, but I wanted to respond to the lies of Bruce Colwell below. I have never been an employee or contractor for or a representative of any pharma or insurance company. Ever. I work for absolutely no one, and no one pays me for my opinion in any way. Bruce Colwell is a liar, and I defy him to offer one iota of evidence that any pharma or insurance company has ever paid me to shill anything, ever. I will take it a step further - no representative of any insurance or pharmaceutical company has ever paid me for an opinion or to write anything. I am not usiing any wiggle words here. I have never and WILL NEVER sell my opinion to anyone. Bruce Colwell is a liar.

As for his ridiculous use of the term "Swiftboating," if that means I am using Moore's own words and actions to demonstrate why he is unfit to offer advice and/or lead any kind of movement, then I gladly accept the accusation.

Lastly, it's usually the tactic of the lesser mind to associate disliking Moore and his lying ways with being a supporter of Bush. The two are NOT inclusive and never have been. It is entirely possible to dislike Moore's lies and tactics and also not be a fan of the current President. People like Bruce Colwell don't seem to be able to grasp that simple point.

Reader Comments

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1. Kenefick of Moorewatch.com is Swiftboating Moore. He is a shill for the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. He may dislike Moore who he accuses of being a showman, but has nothing to say about the substance of Moore's views of the condition of American health. He challenges others to prove that Moore is right, which inverts the responsibility he should own. So Moore is a showman, so right-wing, hot-talk radio listeners don't like him. I'll take Moore over insurance companies and pharmaceutical shills. Maybe you also like Dubbia the Incoherent.

Bruce Colwell at 5:35PM on Sep 6th 2007

2. Your petty nonsense has no relevance at all to the important issues Michael Moore brings to the attention of millions of people - albeit in a slanted and argumentative way (which, by the way, he never denies). Political issues are always discussed in the context of the writer/broadcaster/film maker - even 'documentaries'. We are well aware of the slant Michael Moore puts to 'facts' - it is his interpretation. Anyone with a brain, except you perhaps, recognizes this.

It appears you have even managed to 'manufacture' a few petty inconveniences (like your inability to score an interview), and gathered a few disgruntled persons who were unable to ride on MM's popularity (and just might be lying themselves) for your own purposes. But, it won't work - its a very poor 'come-back' - let's see if you'll even print this.

Rob at 5:36PM on Sep 6th 2007

3. Your petty nonsense has no relevance at all to the important issues
Michael Moore brings to the attention of millions of people - albeit
in a slanted and argumentative way (which, by the way, he never
denies). Political issues are always discussed in the context of the
writer/broadcaster/film maker - even 'documentaries'. We are well
aware of the slant Michael Moore puts to 'facts' - it is his
interpretation. Anyone with a brain, except you perhaps, recognizes
this.It appears you have even managed to 'manufacture' a few petty
inconveniences (like your inability to score an interview), and
gathered a few disgruntled persons who were unable to ride on MM's
popularity (and just might be lying themselves) for your own
purposes. But, it won't work - its a very poor 'come-back' - let's
see if you'll even print this.

Rob at 5:36PM on Sep 6th 2007

4. Dissent is not manufactured. It is a response to a corrupt system that has nothing but corporate interested to protect. Corporations have the only voice in our government and therefore the We The People are left holding the bag and paying the bills while the capitalist take the money and run! The infra-structure of this country is in shambles, medical care, schools, housing, mental health care. While the "robber barons" of our day bask in the glory of corporate greed. Who needs "manufactured dissent?"

Response from JimK: The answer to your question is "Michael Moore." He manufactures large portions of his "dissent." So...there you go. Who needs "manufactured dissent?" Michael Moore. That's how he got - and stays - fabulously rich.

Robert Riner at 9:02PM on Sep 13th 2007

5. You must have been believing his lies to list him as an icon.

E. Goodman at 9:03PM on Sep 13th 2007

6. Whether Michaels Moore's movies are fact or faction is besides the point. The point is that they make you think. And that is a good thing. Too many people in this country are like sheep. They are incapable of thinking for themselves. We are supposed to have a government that is capable of strong, honest intelligent thougt and action and all we have are a bunch of soggy minded sheep.

R.L.Cokee at 9:25PM on Sep 13th 2007

7. Michael Moore is a good, old-fashioned muckraker. Good for him. Documentarians and journalists pretend to be impartial. Moore at least has the honesty to tell you where he stands. Those claiming he's some left-wing nut, however, are full of hot smoke. His take on gun control in Bowling and his take on health care in Sicko are far more moderate than one would expect from the reaction on the right side of the aisle.

Most people I've known who "can't stand Michael Moore" are usually lost for words when asked to explain why. They'll say "he's a liar" but when asked to cite his lies their faces will go blank. (You see, Rush told them he's a liar, but they forgot what he "lied" about.) Ultimately, they'll say that they can't stand the look on Moore's face. In other words, they can't stand the self-satisfied look on a fat man's face when he criticizes a handsome bonehead like Bush. I guess it reminds them too much of high school, when the nerd predicted that the jock wasn't gonna get a scholarship, and was right.

Response from JimK: I'm not at a loss for words. Debbie and Rick aren't at a loss for words. Who are these people that are at a loss for words to explain why they dislike Moore? Are they like the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny? Stories you tell the other political infantiles to make yourselves feel better or something?

Not that he's a decent man or a good president, but your stupid little dig about jocks is a complete failure: Bush became the damned President. Twice. That particular jock? He got his scholarship. You can cry in your hemp tee-shirt now.

pat speer at 9:33PM on Sep 13th 2007

8. I am grateful to the producers of "Manufacturing Dissent." This %uFFFDdocumentary%uFFFD confirms the mounting desperation of the conservative conspirators in this country and their fear that the horrible mess they have made of America is soon coming to an end.

It is amazing that, with this country edging closer each day to political, economic, and agricultural disaster that you greedy, evil people can sustain your denial of everything horrific you have shaped from the despicable debacle in Iraq to the imminent catastrophe of global warming. You will not be content until this country is at world war and blood runs down our own streets. Even then, you cowards will find a way to profit by it and avoid accountability.

Why don%uFFFDt you take your time and money and do an authentic documentary about the real liars and cheaters in this country like Halliburton, OPEC, the Pharmaceutical Plunderers and the countless other corporate criminals who build their gluttonous bank accounts on the backs of disadvantaged citizens and the blood of patriotic soldiers. Oh wait, Michael Moore already has!

This petty, pathetic little film does not hurt Michael Moore, the man or his message, in the slightest. Every real American knows the truth by now and the truth will soon set us all free from the criminal madmen who have brought us all into this hellish nightmare.

Response from JimK: The sky is falling! The Sky is falling! If we just elect Democrats, the sky won't fall! Forget the fact that the Democrats are exactly as corrupt and incompetent! That doesn't matter! They're magic!

Tyler at 11:13PM on Sep 13th 2007

9. I have yet to meet one single person who calls Moore's films "all lies and propaganda" that has actually SEEN any of the films. They watch far right propagandists on FOX News like Sean Hannity and regurgitate his biased views because they are incapable of viewing the films and deciding for themselves.

Response from JimK: OK, you're just being stupidly partisan now. The vast majority of all the people I have ever communicated with online regarding Moore have watched the films. This is a ridiculous comment.

Michael at 9:54PM on Sep 13th 2007

10. Michel is one of the best directors of our time. He shows us controvesial films and points out simple truths. The people that hate him hate the fact that he exposes them and shows us the truth. Especially right wing conservatives that make lots of money off of our ignorance.

Response from JimK: If the fact that people "hate" Moore is proof that he shows us the truth, then by YOUR logic, Bush is the most truthful man in America.Pretty stupid theory, isn't it?

Miriam at 9:55PM on Sep 13th 2007

11. Question - Has Mr. Moore donated his earnings to any of the people that he has claimed have been harmed by all the big bad companies? His opinions mean nothing. It always amazes me that he can't wait to make millions on a movie about the big bad corporations yet where do you think he is getting his financing from to do his films? Why is he not giving away his DVD's? Who finances his projects? Does he have a "real" job? He's no different than any other money making corporation. Just another loudmouth...if America is so bad please move like Baldwin, Streisand and all the other Hollywood actors threatened to do if Bush was re-elected...hmmm, they are still here.

Mary at 9:58PM on Sep 13th 2007

12. Michael Moore is an entertainer -- and political commentator -- his job is to bring about a discussion of issues. He shines a bright light onto areas that other comedians like Rush Limbaugh, and Fox Noise would rather keep in the dark.

No one should beleive 100% of anything that they see or read.

Moore does a far better job of illuminating the issues than any other source in the American media today.

Response from JimK: So lying, complete fabrication and intentionally deceptive editing are perfectly acceptable means of "illuminating issues?" How so?

William at 10:23PM on Sep 13th 2007

13. I think Michael Moore is anti american as all his Hollywood friends are. We can have differences BUT we are all Americans and we are fighting a war. And you have to know what side you want to be on. Obvious with all the anti american comments these people have made they are on the wrong side. It's dangerous for our Country and our Soldiers. They are an embarresment to our Country. What must other countries think when they continue to mouth off. How wonderful for them they have all made there fame and fortune of the Country they are all so miserable living in. If there all so unhappy I don't understand why they stay. If we are in a terrible Country like they say why is that everyone is trying to get in her to make a living? If they spouted off in other countries about there President they would be put in jail or kicked out. Freedom Of Speech is a wonderful thing. Shame on all of them. I hope people have learned over the years not to contribute to there lifestyles anymore by supporting there movies. We are in tough times. But if you are an American then act like one.

Judi at 10:37PM on Sep 13th 2007

14. Undoubtedly Michael Moore was that fat, very plain looking, clumsy kid who never got picked for a team in school. His vitriol stems from his hatred of those he thinks picked on him. He is a political sociopath who wants to vent his spleen regardless of how many lies and untruths he can gather to supposdely make his "hit films." Hits with the ignorant, ultra leftist, effete individuals who neveer served in the military and have been living on the dole since they can't get decent jobs.

Jim Oshust at 10:38PM on Sep 13th 2007

15.
Hey, Tyler!

"the imminent catastrophe of global warming"?
Oh, please! Maybe Moore can do a "documentary" on that next? I'm sure it would be just as "factual" as anything else he's ever done. LOL!

"This petty, pathetic little film does not hurt Michael Moore, the man or his message, in the slightest".

You're right about that. Moore does that all by himself.

You are so wrapped up in your irrational hatred for Bush and all things American, that you will grasp at anything to try to justify it. Including, sadly, Moore's moronic fantasy films.
Is America perfect? Of course not. But we ARE better than anywhere else! All you need to do is to look at how many people are trying to get into the country to see that.
Has Bush made mistakes? Yup. He sure has. Just like every other President that has come before him. Maybe he should even be impeached. He's certainly done plenty to make me regret voting for him. (Bush is a lot of things, but a Conservative isn't one of them.)
I really don't get the whole Halliburton conspiracy thing, by the way. There are only a handful of companies in the WORLD that do what Halliburton does. Why shouldn't we give the contract to an American company? So Cheney gets a pension from them? So what? It's a set amount that doesn't go up or down if the company does better or worse. Besides, he resigned his position with the company BEFORE he became VP for the very reasons you are whining about. I think that showed a fair amount of integrity.

Unlike Moore, who has no integrity. He is an America hating fearmonger who preys on the small minds of people like you.

Oh, by the way, do you count Moore and the rest of his Marxist Hollywood cronies as "criminals who build their gluttonous bank accounts on the backs of disadvantaged citizens"?

Oh, don't forget. The reason Moore has the right to say the things he does is because of "the blood of patriotic soldiers".

Ronzo at 10:48PM on Sep 13th 2007

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