So let me get this straight...Michael Moore is the extremist?

[brizz]

Michael Moore has done a truly wonderful thing for Northern Michigan by Organizing an inaugural Traverse City Film Festival (http://www.traversecityfilmfestival.org/) which i posted a thread about in movie talk. However, I wanted to post here one the most ridiculous part of the whole event. One transplanted Rich Bitch Californian has decided that because Michael Moore is involved, the festival is a dangerous un-American event and has organized a pathetic counter festival, dubbed the "Traverse Bay Freedom FilmFest"....Moore has refused to say much other than it's stupid and this festival is about films and bringing them to TC...and hopefully establishing an annual event to bring $$ and attention to a truly beautiful part of the country. I'll present an article from yesterday's paper for her perspective:
Coming back to her roots
Genie Aldrich motivated by Moore's politics

TRAVERSE CITY - Since late June, Genie Aldrich has busied herself assembling a film festival and has become the conservative celluloid counterpoint to liberal filmmaker Michael Moore.
She's spearheading a nine-movie film festival called the Traverse Bay Freedom FilmFest, billing it as a conservative alternative to run concurrently to Moore's Traverse City Film Festival. It opens Friday and continues through Saturday.
A 32-year resident of California, Aldrich, 55, moved to Suttons Bay five years ago after marrying husband, Alan, who vacationed here as a child. She's a financial adviser/stockbroker for Wachovia Securities in Traverse City and is a self-described "citizen, not activist."
Aldrich lived and made her fortune in California. But she said her true nature is Midwestern, having grown up as a poverty-stricken coal miner's daughter in Pennsylvania.
Her father died in a coal mine accident when she was 16, she said. After that, Aldrich said she became self-reliant, working briefly in an Ohio factory before following a friend to California.
She described herself as a self-made woman, saying she turned her life around by drawing on that "Midwestern" work ethic.
"I've returned to my roots," she said. "And now I want to protect them." <From what you snooty twit....culture?!??!?!!?>
Aldrich is working with friend and Hollywood actress Cheryl Felicia Rhoads and American Film Renaissance in Texas to put on the festival. Rhoads, who summered in Onekama growing up, "knows everybody in Hollywood, so she tapped AFR in Dallas," said Aldrich.
The alternative festival is a protest to what Aldrich calls Moore's "extremist outlook on the world."
Moore has repeatedly said the festival he and his committee have organized is not political and he is not presenting any of his own movies.
Aldrich hopes to show people that Moore's world view is not that of the majority, especially for people in northern Michigan.
"(Moore) is consistently and bitterly negative against this country," she said. "Some of the films he is showcasing are anti-big business and anti-military, even though those are the things that have made Mr. Moore a millionaire."
Aldrich's interest in Moore's event began after she read about it. She attended a Traverse City Commission meeting at which city officials debated using the Open Space as a venue for his film festival.
Aldrich introduced herself and indicated she had a Traverse City address. She said last week the address was a friend's mobile home where she stayed rather than drive home in bad weather or when other things kept her in town.
"I'm out of there now," she said. "I'm back at my major home (in Leelanau County)."
At the meeting, she urged city officials to table their decision and obtain more input from residents first.
"I do want to applaud Mr. Moore," she told the commission. "He obviously has the intention of enlightening the citizens up here, but he doesn't realize ... that this is not podunkin USA and we do not need outsiders coming in here telling us what is good for us and what is not good for us ... and if we do, put it before a vote." <uhm...he's from Michigan you dumbass...YOU are the outsider!! And the exact people we who grew up here hate to see overtake the area>
City officials approved Moore's request. That spurred Aldrich to action.
"I stayed up for three nights," she said. "And then I made a single phone call."
The phone call was to a local person she would not name. It was a "pyramid," she said, giving her the backing she needed to get the ball rolling.
"People just began piggybacking on it," she said. "Business people are supporting us through checks, goods, services and product, like programs, grounds crew, popcorn and signs."
Aldrich won't name local supporters except Knorr Marketing in Traverse City. She has a committee that calls themselves "the heartlanders" meeting weekly and said she has a volunteer base of about 150.
"It's a David and Goliath story - the Moore festival is financed by a nonprofit, which is run by him," she said. "Our is a grassroots effort by Traverse City citizens, not a slick machine."
One of the women attending a committee meeting last week, Barbara Bachi of Williamsburg, said Aldrich contacted her about helping. Someone gave Aldrich Bachi's name because Bachi helped organize a protest rally when Moore made an appearance at Elk Rapids High School last fall, said Bachi, also a volunteer for the Grand Traverse County Republican Party.
"She's a great lady," Bachi said. "She stands up for what she feels and she goes for it."
Rhoads, Aldrich's friend of 16 years from California, said she understands her friend's passion.
"He was claiming to present a strictly classic film festival, and he's smart, he does have some (classics)," said Rhoads. "But there are several films in there that are certainly not mainstream, that have an extremist point of view.
"I know she was upset about that - a kind of wolf in sheep's clothing - and I know that's what drove her."

Yes....it's such an anti-American festival!! Here is another article that shows the five films she takes issue with (out of 31) and the alternatives her pathetic little sideshow are offering....truly laughable.


Here are the five films of the 31 on the Traverse City Film Festival roster that Traverse Bay Freedom FilmFest co-founders Genie Aldrich and Cheryl Rhoads use as examples of being objectionable:
• "Land of Plenty," about a security-obsessed man who drives around downtown Los Angeles anxiously looking for terrorists and which Aldrich says gives the impression that there are no terrorists; :lol:
• "The Woodsman" starring Kevin Bacon and exploring the psyche of a pedophile returning to regular life after 12 years in prison, which Aldrich said makes "abnormal behavior seem normal." (uhm...no, it doesn't.)
• "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room," which Rhoads said "is pretty much blaming Bush for Enron when it happened during the Clinton administration";
• "Human Resources," about a management trainee who gets hired at a factory where his father has worked for 30 years, which Rhoads said pits "management against labor, that management is manipulating to get employees fired, this whole class warfare thing"; :lol: (it's also French...but she didn't come out and mention that)
• "Gunner Palace," a documentary following soldiers living in the former palace of Saddam Hussein's son Odai, which Rhoads said emphasizes "the boredom and the endless dreariness of the guys in Iraq. It's like emphasizing the downbeat nature...OK, what else is new? That is part of war. It doesn't emphasize the schools being founded over there, the people's lives, the fact that women can now vote and go to college and all of that stuff." :lol: rotfl :lol: (it's also supposed to be a great documentary and not in any way "anti-bush.")

AFR'S MOVIES
Here is a list of the alternative Traverse Bay Freedom FilmFest movies, which American Film Renaissance founder Jim Hubbard says aren't necessarily political:
• "Confronting Iraq," which supports President Bush's war policies in Iraq. Hubbard said it "might be considered political because it touches on the issue of the Iraq War.":lol:
• "In the Face of Evil: Reagan's War in Word and Deed," a biographical tribute to Ronald Reagan.
"I really don't call that a political film either, it's more of a historical piece," said Hubbard. "Granted, it deals with a politician, but at the same time, a documentary on Julius Caesar would be dealing with a political figure as well, but of course 2000 years ago." :lol: rotfl :lol:
• "Michael Moore Hates America," a documentary on Moore's use of film footage and sound clips to demonstrate director Michael Wilson's premise that Moore uses them to manipulate the truth.
• "America's Heart and Soul," an on-the-road documentary to capture the land and spirit of Americans.
• "On the Waterfront," a 1954 classic about an ex-boxer testifying against a mobster trying to control the longshoremen's union.
• "Charlotte's Web"
• "Top Gun"
• "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

Anyway....I mostly needed to vent this....it is obvious this woman is an idiot...but it galls me to no end that shitheads like her have the audacity to bitch about Moore while they are doing as bad as he ever has, and then some, for no particular reason other than he's doing something great for the community and his homestate. It's pathetic and sad. It's pathetisad. How on earth are we supposed to move on, to heal...to just be when even the most benign event is turned into this because one woman has contacts in Hollywood and made a phonecall? :hairpull:



Final Note: Never have I defended all of what Moore has done...I thought F9/11 was rather Hackneyed....didn't much care for it....He's done good, and not so good....he's human. To harrangue him like this is fucking stupid.

[General Zod]

Michael Moore would never take something about films, like say.. the Academy Awards.. and attempt to politicize it now would he? This woman knows Moore is going to get up and start spewing his garbage and doesn't want hear it. I don't blame her. Even still, I think he has a right to be there as much as anyone else. Going a little further I think she has every right to set up a counter-festival if that's what she wants to do.

And you've always defended Moore...always. Maybe not in person, but every thread on here about him you defend him.

[brizz]

Michael Moore would never take something about films, like say.. the Academy Awards.. and attempt to politicize it now would he? This woman knows Moore is going to get up and start spewing his garbage and doesn't want hear it. I don't blame her. Even still, I think he has a right to be there as much as anyone else. Going a little further I think she has every right to set up a counter-festival if that's what she wants to do.

And you've always defended Moore...always. Maybe not in person, but every thread on here about him you defend him.


First of all....No he is not going to politicize it. This is a decidedly apolitical event. It's something he wanted to do to try and create a Midwestern Sundance. He is completely in the background, and has brought in a plethora of writers, directors, and executives to hold panels on FILM. If she doesn't want to hear him, she isn't exactly obligated to attend. The point is that she is using this to grandstand herself and create an issue where none exists for her own political agenda.

As for me, sure i've defended Moore. Somebody has to. But I have never agreed with everything he's said or done. I have a brain...and I use it. I am no where near as intractable on the subject of his films as those who seem to think he's the antichrist.

[brizz]

Oh, and I groaned watching the Oscar's too....I thought it was in poor taste....I think he does many great things...and I think he does a fair number of boneheaded ones too. In the end though, the good outweigh the bad for me personally.

[darkflounder]

I just can't get past the first part of the thread. TRAVERSE CITY??

This is Northern Michigan, people. If it aint' about fishing, hunting, snow-mobiles or UofM sports...

Granted, I lived in Sault Ste Marie for a year. Traverse City is DA BIG CITY for people in the Soo.

[brizz]

I just can't get past the first part of the thread. TRAVERSE CITY??

This is Northern Michigan, people. If it aint' about fishing, hunting, snow-mobiles or UofM sports...

Granted, I lived in Sault Ste Marie for a year. Traverse City is DA BIG CITY for people in the Soo.
That's why it's so freakin cool :D I mean come on, Sharon Stone at the home of the Cherry Festival!

[mikehunt]

moore <i>is</i> an extremist
this lady sounds a bit extreme too, but it doesn't change that moore is too

[wendersfan]

I don't think Moore's views are really that extreme. I'd describe him as a fairly typical liberal. What's extreme about him is his behavior; the guy will do or say anything, even lie, to help his side win.

[brizz]

I don't think Moore's views are really that extreme. I'd describe him as a fairly typical liberal. What's extreme about him is his behavior; the guy will do or say anything, even lie, to help his side win.
I think that's a very fair statement....aside from the "lie" part ;)

[wmansir]

I don't understand where your anger is coming from Brizz.

Moore made is career via partisan politics and controversy. You know what they say about living by the sword, not that I think this counter-festival is going to have any impact on his own. Besides, perhaps I missed it, but I don't recall hearing Moore ask for a truce so we can move on and heal.

[WCChiCubsFan]

Ok I've looked at both festivals’ schedules on-line and the AFR is simply lame and pathetic.

While I’m certain there will be some on the “right” who will go I just can't imagine why anyone would waste their money attending AFR.

[brizz]

I don't understand where your anger is coming from Brizz.

Moore made is career via partisan politics and controversy. You know what they say about living by the sword, not that I think this counter-festival is going to have any impact on his own. Besides, perhaps I missed it, but I don't recall hearing Moore ask for a truce so we can move on and heal.
I think WCChiCubsFan's post sums it up. Moore has put together a very cool and legitimate event showcasing the best in cinema available now and coming soon to theaters nationally. This woman has decided that because he's involved she will make it a political event by organizing a pathetic little festival of her own - hosted a block from the main venues of the TCFF. It is grandstanding to the nth degree and simply uncalled for. If she were truly a local citizen who cared about her roots, she'd realize what a boon this is for our town and economy. Instead, she is so blinded by her own partisan bullshit that she can't stand the fact that Moore might actually be doing something good. It is worth noting that this event has the support of many vocal - and elected - Republicans who see it for what it is: A wonderful cultural event. My anger stems from the fact that this is the best thing that has happened to this area in decades, and she is trying to sabotage it out of partisan spite. I'm sick and tired of this shit from both sides.

[Numanoid]

Why does it seem that all the crazy conservative activist housewives are from Michigan?

[Mr. Salty]

And you've always defended Moore...always. Maybe not in person, but every thread on here about him you defend him.
And you've always attacked him. What does either have to do with the argument at hand?

[William Fuld]

This is a decidedly apolitical event.

Every other movie in the festival is political. That said, the counter festival is an embarrassment, and I'm not the least bit surprised that that stupid **** Cheryl Rhoads is behind it.

[MartinBlank]

Fahrenhype 9/11......

[brizz]

Every other movie in the festival is political. That said, the counter festival is an embarrassment, and I'm not the least bit surprised that that stupid **** Cheryl Rhoads is behind it.
i'm curious...never heard of her, but by your post she has a reputation...can you elaborate?

[DVD Polizei]

I actually read some of the movie showings, and while I don't really like Michael Moore because he's changed so much since his first statements, I can say the movies do seem interesting. For example:

Me and You and Everyone We Know

A prize winner from this year's Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals, this remarkable first film from director/actress Miranda July feels a bit like Todd Solondz’s Happiness and Palindromes with its offbeat look at love, acceptance and the weird people who cross your path. One of the finest American independent films of the year.

Home Of The Brave

The year was 1965 and Viola Luizzo, a white housewife and mother of five from Detroit, decided she could not sit idly by while black Americans were denied the right to vote. So she went down to Selma, Alabama, to join with Martin Luther King, Jr. – and, for doing that, she was brutally murdered by the Klan. A stunning documentary about an average American who became one of the greatest heroes this state has produced.

Grizzly Man

Timothy Treadwell spent 13 summers living amongst the grizzly bears of Alaska. He made hundreds of hours of tapes doing things that no human should attempt. Then one day the bears ate him. The great German director, Werner Herzog, took Treadwell's tapes, added his own narration, and created what may be the most riveting, crazy, mind-blowing film of the year. You won't stop talking about it for weeks. Presented here in Traverse City through the generosity of Werner Herzog before its nationwide release.

Downfall

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film / 2005 Academy Awards. An extraordinary film about the final days in Hitler’s Bunker. Bruno Ganz is riveting as Adolf Hitler in this unflinching story as told by stenographer Traudi Junge (Alexandra Maria Lara). With defeat an almost certainty, this Gottërdämmerung of the Third Reich reveals its gods to be totally self-centered to the point of insanity.

The Woodsman

One of the best -- and most overlooked -- films of 2004, Kevin Bacon turns in the performance of his career in role few actors would have the courage to take on. Walter is a pedophile who has just been released from prison. He has paid his dues and is determined to lead a normal life. There are those who loathe and hate him and those who try to befriend him. Every day is a struggle as he tries to come to grips with what he did – and the knowledge that he may do it again.

- This was a pretty good movie, btw. I recommend it too.

Human Resources

One of two films by French director Laurent Cantet in this festival, and winner of the French academy award for Best First Film. Human Resources is a contemporary tale about a working class son turned college graduate who comes home to the factory town where he grew up. Equipped with his MBA and hired in as part of management, young Frank must now execute the company's orders – which may result in the laying off of his own father who has worked in the plant for over 30 years.

Jaws - You know, that anti-Republican movie about a big fish "terrorizing" the local beach town.

----

So, while I don't appreciate Moore, I can't say he's totally taken over this event and made it a REPUBLICAN WITCH HUNT. I'm sure he will say something political, but from the movie list, I can honestly say it looks like a good pick of movies. I think I saw one that was obviously political (Land Of Plenty?), but hey, it's not like all of these movies have a theme that is anti-Bush.

Land Of Plenty looks interesting anyway, regardless of it's political twist. From the description, I'm not sure if it's literal or a sattire on "finding terrorists" in NYC.

I don't like Moore and yet I would still go to the event if I was in the area.

[BJacks]

As someone who grew up in Muskegon, MI, I say...who cares about Traverse City?? ;)

[William Fuld]

i'm curious...never heard of her, but by your post she has a reputation...can you elaborate?

She doesn't have a reputation yet, despite her best efforts. She's a low rung slob on the conservative public speaking circuit and writes "articles" styled after her idol, Brent Bozell. She depicts herself as an insider who "knows everybody in Hollywood", but check out her IMDb entry. She's a goof.

And the morons behind the American Film Renaissance are twice as bad.

[General Zod]

And you've always attacked him. What does either have to do with the argument at hand?
I'll freely and openly admit that I attack Michael Moore with every opportunity presented to me. I was responding to Brizz's comment that he doesn't defend Michael Moore everytime, and I was disagreeing with that. Brizz knows i'm going to post in a Michael Moore thread, there's no argument necessary :lol:

I am no where near as intractable on the subject of his films as those who seem to think he's the antichrist.
Heh. Fair enough.

First of all....No he is not going to politicize it.
His being there will politicize it. It's like if Rush Limbaugh was going to show up there and I was to post he's not going to politicize it at all.. yeah right. That's what he does for a living.

[General Zod]

She doesn't have a reputation yet, despite her best efforts. She's a low rung slob on the conservative public speaking circuit and writes "articles" styled after her idol, Brent Bozell. She depicts herself as an insider who "knows everybody in Hollywood", but check out her IMDb entry. She's a goof.
Can you please link one article she has written or show where she's made any public speeches other than that reguarding this movie festival? Try as I might - prior to this whole thing nothing in google has her name on it anywhere. Her name isn't in IMDB that I could find. I just wanted to get more info.

Thanks

[hahn]

I don't think Moore's views are really that extreme. I'd describe him as a fairly typical liberal. What's extreme about him is his behavior; the guy will do or say anything, even lie, to help his side win.

I agree with your first point. I do think he's a fairly typical liberal. I can't think of much that he says that I disagree with. I don't agree with the second point. What has he done that makes him so extreme?

I think conservatives use Michael Moore out of convenience. If they can make his very moderate liberal views seem extreme, then that of course makes all liberals like him also extreme. This is the same sort of crap that conservatives throw out when they try to convince everyone that the media is SO FRICKIN liberal. This way, anything that's printed that goes against conservatives is biased (and of course bias=wrong :rolleyes: ). Anything that is pro-conservativism then must be a true fact because the liberal media would never print anything pro-conservative unless it was absolutely true. It's bullshit and I can't believe how many people buy into this crap.

[classicman2]

I pay very little attention to what Michael Moore has to say about the political scene - just as I pay very little attention to what any 'celebrity' has to say about the political scene.

Whether he's a 'moderate liberal' or a 'raging, left-wing liberal' is rather immaterial. He is a 'minus' to the Democratic Party - small minus, perhaps, but clearly a minus IMO.

[ddd]

This woman is not only extremist, she's also nuts and paranoid.

[VinVega]

I love these Michael Moore threads. These celebrities really get the blood boiling, on both sides. I have yet to figure out why though. ;)

[BigDaddy]

I as the Enron movie and while it did not have good things to say about Bush it hardly blamed him for the fall of Enron. I wish people on both sides of the isle could just agree to disagree on things. The ability to do that is what makes this Country great.

[wendersfan]

I agree with your first point. I do think he's a fairly typical liberal. I can't think of much that he says that I disagree with. I don't agree with the second point. What has he done that makes him so extreme?Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't make films trashing the current administration. Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't intend to follow up that film with plans to make another one about the same administration. Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't use their Academy Awards acceptance speeches as an opportunity to make somewhat egregious, shrill, and divisive political statements.

Moore has pursued his political agenda with a monomaniacal fervor. On the one hand, that he is willing to risk his personal and professional credibility in doing so is admirable; this country always needs idealists in the arts. On the other hand, Moore's single-mindedness has blinded him to the consequences of his actions. He has made himself into a controversial figure, and one who, as classicman stated, probably hurts his cause more than he helps.

[DVD Polizei]

I still like the movie schedule. :up:

[Pharoh]

Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't make films trashing the current administration. Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't intend to follow up that film with plans to make another one about the same administration. Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't use their Academy Awards acceptance speeches as an opportunity to make somewhat egregious, shrill, and divisive political statements.

Moore has pursued his political agenda with a monomaniacal fervor. On the one hand, that he is willing to risk his personal and professional credibility in doing so is admirable; this country always needs idealists in the arts. On the other hand, Moore's single-mindedness has blinded him to the consequences of his actions. He has made himself into a controversial figure, and one who, as classicman stated, probably hurts his cause more than he helps.



Sshh!

[Pharoh]

I as the Enron movie and while it did not have good things to say about Bush it hardly blamed him for the fall of Enron. I wish people on both sides of the isle could just agree to disagree on things. The ability to do that is what makes this Country great.



Unfortunately, that has never been the case in this nation, at least not enough.

[cinten]

I don't think Moore's views are really that extreme. I'd describe him as a fairly typical liberal. What's extreme about him is his behavior; the guy will do or say anything, even lie, to help his side win.

...swift boat veterans for truth...

[VinVega]

Unfortunately, that has never been the case in this nation, at least not enough.
I disagree. What a typical Conservative thing to say. :grunt:

:D

[WCChiCubsFan]

Can you please link one article she has written or show where she's made any public speeches other than that reguarding this movie festival? Try as I might - prior to this whole thing nothing in google has her name on it anywhere. Her name isn't in IMDB that I could find. I just wanted to get more info.

ThanksTry reading the posts again, Fuld is referring to Cheryl Felicia Rhoads and not Genie Aldrich.

Cheryl Felicia Rhoads is in IMDB and if you Google her there are many links available to her web page.

She appears to be a washed up actress who is trying to gain celebrity as some sort of conservative who is a Hollywood insider. The truth is she's a Hollywood nobody.

[kvrdave]

Meh, this may be intended to be apolitical and a nice festival, but I can't see crying because someone else has brought his same tactics to his playing field. It sounds stupid to me as well, but if Pat Robertson actually tried to do something good for the world, I would be amazed when people attacked him based on crap he did in the past, either. Moore has made himself into the type of person that can't do apolitical things....just like Ann Coulter. If he really wants this to take off, he should have had someone else do it.

[hahn]

Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't make films trashing the current administration. Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't intend to follow up that film with plans to make another one about the same administration. Most liberals, even liberal filmmakers, don't use their Academy Awards acceptance speeches as an opportunity to make somewhat egregious, shrill, and divisive political statements.

Moore has pursued his political agenda with a monomaniacal fervor. On the one hand, that he is willing to risk his personal and professional credibility in doing so is admirable; this country always needs idealists in the arts. On the other hand, Moore's single-mindedness has blinded him to the consequences of his actions. He has made himself into a controversial figure, and one who, as classicman stated, probably hurts his cause more than he helps.

Using media doesn't make him an extremist, because it has nothing to do with his actual opinions. You haven't pointed out one OPINION of his that you consider to be extreme. Trashing? He makes fun of the administration and some of the ridiculous things they do. Jon Stewart does the same thing every night and yet, you don't hear NEARLY the same amount of Jon Stewart bashing.

What you seem to be saying is that any celebrity who publicly makes any political allusions is an extremist. Does that make Curt Schilling an extremist? What about Hannity? Rush Limbaugh? Ann Coulter? Or is it simply that you don't like Michael Moore and/or his opinions? Because then you're holding Michael Moore up to a double standard. Somehow, I doubt that you or many other people would protest someone going up there to say that he/she supported the administration and believed in the war. I wouldn't because that's their right to do so. If they had won an award for making a film that had something to do with politics or the Iraq war, I would even consider it appropriate. At the very least, relevant.

[DVD Polizei]

I think we're giving Moore way too much "Forum Time". How about we discuss the movies. Anyone seen them?

[wendersfan]

You haven't pointed out one OPINION of his that you consider to be extreme.
That's because, as I stated in my first post, I don't really think it's his opinions that are extreme.
What you seem to be saying is that any celebrity who publicly makes any political allusions is an extremist.
No, that's precisely <b>not</b> what I'm saying. What I am saying (and if you had bothered to read my follow-up post I wouldn't have to repeat myself) is that Moore has taken it upon himself to attempt to bring down the Bush administration with a single-minded fervor that I would argue borders on the obsessive. It's also counterproductive, a fact to which Moore seems oblivious due to his obsession. Curt Schilling plays baseball, and might make the occasional statement. Hannity, Limbaugh, Coulter (along with people like Paul Krugman and Al Franken) all have as their jobs the role of commenting on current affairs. Moore has made it his job, to the detriment of his art. Now, I'm walking a fine line here, since I obviously enjoy political art, from people like Diego Rivera, Manic Street Preachers, and Voltaire. But what I think Moore has done is cheapened his artistic and political integrity by stooping very low.
Somehow, I doubt that you or many other people would protest someone going up there to say that he/she supported the administration and believed in the war.
I won't speak for anyone else, but in my case that's bullshit, and if you knew anything about me you'd already know that.

[General Zod]

Try reading the posts again, Fuld is referring to Cheryl Felicia Rhoads and not Genie Aldrich.

Cheryl Felicia Rhoads is in IMDB and if you Google her there are many links available to her web page.

She appears to be a washed up actress who is trying to gain celebrity as some sort of conservative who is a Hollywood insider. The truth is she's a Hollywood nobody.
Mystery solved. Thanks WCChiCubsFan! Yeah Rhoads look like a wanna be nobody, and I agree with whomever posted that she was probably the catalyst for all of this.

[hahn]

That's because, as I stated in my first post, I don't really think it's his opinions that are extreme.
And I agreed with that, but then you said his actions are extreme. I disagree. He makes movies. If you know anything about his movies, you'd know that he always rails against big institution, whether it's government, corporation, national associations, or the big media. He made one Oscar speech with one sentence that stated his political stance. I don't find that to be extreme at all. He's passionate about his art and so he pursues it. I don't see why that would be a turnoff.

No, that's precisely <b>not</b> what I'm saying. What I am saying (and if you had bothered to read my follow-up post I wouldn't have to repeat myself) is that Moore has taken it upon himself to attempt to bring down the Bush administration with a single-minded fervor that I would argue borders on the obsessive. He likes expounding on the topic. So what? So does most of the U.S. nowadays. It's a hot topic.

It's also counterproductive, a fact to which Moore seems oblivious due to his obsession. I don't see how. Someone who was against Bush now is in support of Bush because of Michael Moore? Even I don't give him that much credit. Conservatives who disliked him before, now hate him. If you call that counterproductive, I say good for MM.

Curt Schilling plays baseball, and might make the occasional statement. Hannity, Limbaugh, Coulter (along with people like Paul Krugman and Al Franken) all have as their jobs the role of commenting on current affairs. Moore has made it his job, to the detriment of his art. Now, I'm walking a fine line here, since I obviously enjoy political art, from people like Diego Rivera, Manic Street Preachers, and Voltaire. But what I think Moore has done is cheapened his artistic and political integrity by stooping very low. So if someone gives or assigns you a job as political commentator, then you're allowed to make public statements. But otherwise you shouldn't do it, or you cheapen your integrity? Excuse me if that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Besides that, did anyone really give a job to Ann Coulter, or did she take it upon herself to write a book? What do you see MM's job as being? He's only had a 20 year history of making movies about the shady underbelly of big institution. What do you suggest his job actually should be?

I won't speak for anyone else, but in my case that's bullshit, and if you knew anything about me you'd already know that.I don't know much about you which is why I wrote for clarification.

[CRM114]

Hannity, Limbaugh, Coulter (along with people like Paul Krugman and Al Franken) all have as their jobs the role of commenting on current affairs. Moore has made it his job, to the detriment of his art.

And why do you think its a problem? There aren't many liberal bomb-throwers in the media. For every whacky theory Moore gives credence, there are a dozen supported by Rush and Hannity on a daily basis - pounding ludicrous points day after day, endless ranting on RNC talking points. At least Moore doesn't chirp DNC talking points. Anyone that is familiar with Moore's TV shows knows he hasn't been kind to many Democrats either. The only reason he supported Kerry as vigorously as he did (which wasn't much) is because Bush was shown to be incompetent. Moore made the film because like many of us, he felt that Bush was a terrible President and needed to balance (or attempt to) the incessant right-wing talk shows.

[kvrdave]

I will agree that before a few years ago, Moore was much more of a Green Party type guy. If he really wanted to help the Democrats, he should probably go back. I don't think he helps them more than he hurts them.

[bhk]

I don't think he helps them more than he hurts them.

Be quiet!
Moore is great, he goes all over the world saying Americans are easily fooled and then gets rich by doing just that.

[MrE]

Fahrenheit 9/11 is looking more prophetic by the day. Then again, you know what they say about prophets in their own country....

[Tommy Ceez]

Someone organizing a counter festival to go against someone they dont agree with?

Sounds like something Michael Moore would do!

Wait...

what?

[GreenMonkey]

Booo

Bring on the film festival, I can make it to Traverse City in like 2 hours. Rock on! :D

Down with this crazy, her film festival is the political one, here. Lame.

[ddd]

Who would go to film festivals to see Top Gun?rotfl But On The Waterfront is quite good.

[dolphinboy]

Someone organizing a counter festival to go against someone they dont agree with?

Sounds like something Michael Moore would do!

Wait...

what?

What about this festival needs to be countered? Taking a look at the films, would anyone be countering this festival if MM was involved?

Unbelievable, the kind of excuses drag up to justify something that doesn't deserve it.

Not every event needs something else to "counter" it.

[DVD Polizei]

It's rather apparent, Moore is irritating a few people. So much in fact, they follow him to film festivals.

[dolphinboy]

I will agree that before a few years ago, Moore was much more of a Green Party type guy. If he really wanted to help the Democrats, he should probably go back. I don't think he helps them more than he hurts them.

If MM went back to the Green Party to "help" the democrats, then it would only highlight how desperate and pathetic the democrats are.

If they intend to win an election one of these days, they ought not be concerned whether MM supports them or doesn't.

If they have a good candidate and they articulate something that people can believe in or even understand for once, and run a good campaign, MM won't change the outcome.

[Tommy Ceez]

What about this festival needs to be countered? Taking a look at the films, would anyone be countering this festival if MM was involved?

Unbelievable, the kind of excuses drag up to justify something that doesn't deserve it.

Not every event needs something else to "counter" it.
Do you honestly think that in 4 years, if Bush had a film festival at Crawford, Moore would weigh the artistic quality of the films shown before lugging his cameras down there?

[brizz]

the turnout has been outstanding and even better, the many many letters to the editor have been about 95% against this twat and her "faith based" festival - yes, that's what she refers to it as. Most everyone has focused on the blatantly obvious...this woman, born in pennsylvania (which is apparently now part of the midwest) and lived for 32 years in CA making her fortune who is now claiming to represent the "vast majority" of people in the "heartland" is a hypocritical twit. there were apparently tens of people at the first day of the faith fest, while they somehow finagled a screen at one of the two multiplexes for the mainstream offerings today. Her poser partner apparently "introduced" On The Waterfront, billing herself as an "actress/writer" from hollywood. What a sad pair of deuchebags.

Meanwhile, the TCFF has been a huge success, and residents of all stripes have been almost unanimous in their support of it and recognizing it for the boon that it is. I only wish I had the time and money to have seen more than two of the films offered. The crowds at the two I did see were outstanding though. And you have no idea how wonderful it is to have the State Theater back in business....thanks entirely to MM. Everyone is thrilled by this...the Town owes him a tremendous debt.

[DVD Polizei]

It sounds like MM did something nice. I can't argue with that. :up:

[dolphinboy]

Do you honestly think that in 4 years, if Bush had a film festival at Crawford, Moore would weigh the artistic quality of the films shown before lugging his cameras down there?

Despite how ridiculous your scenario is, yes, I do think he would.

[brizz]

Despite how ridiculous your scenario is, yes, I do think he would.
From the festival program:


Welcome to this very first Traverse City Film Festival!

A group of us were sitting around one night and wondering why the good movies rarely come to Traverse City. We know that there are plenty of people in northern Michigan who love to go to the movies, and there are a number of groups who often bring many highly-acclaimed films to the area.

So we thought, "Hey, why not throw a festival of films? Sundance at the Dunes! Cannes by the Bay!" Before we knew it, we were talking to the world's greatest directors and telling them about what a great place Traverse City would be to showcase their films. And faster than you can say, "I'm ready for my close-up," we were being shipped some of the best movies we have seen in years.

As you avail yourselves of the films in this festival, here's a few suggestions. Take a chance on some of the hidden gems we're showing that don't have famous movie stars or might be in a foreign language. Check out the non-fiction films which will knock your socks off. At least 8 of the films in the festival are being shown here in Traverse City BEFORE their national release. So you get to see them here first. Isn't that a cool switch for a change?!

There's lots of other fun things you won't want to miss this week: the free films by the bay (I heard there might be sharks in the water!), the parties where you can meet the directors visiting the festival, and the great conversations which will be taking place on the street after the movies. Also, we are offering some lively free panel discussions with Hollywood insiders who have come to Traverse City to talk about the art of film and what really goes on in tinseltown!

Thanks again northern Michigan for all your support,

Michael Moore


Man, what a partisan asshole! ;)

[Brain Stew]

Do you honestly think that in 4 years, if Bush had a film festival at Crawford, Moore would weigh the artistic quality of the films shown before lugging his cameras down there?
Honestly? I would expect him to make a lame counter-festival. And I would expect people to boycott that counter-festival and call it lame. Just like we are doing with this woman's festival.

Everyone has to get this "two wrongs make a right" mentality out of their heads!

[brizz]

'Faith-based' crowd cheers Freedom FilmFest
By VANESSA McCRAY
Record-Eagle staff writer


TRAVERSE CITY - It was a star-spangled, red- white- and blue-fangled start to the Traverse Bay Freedom FilmFest.
The festival, which organizers say presents the flip-side to the Michael Moore-founded Traverse City Film Festival, opened Friday with a salute to veterans and a film screening.
Genie Aldrich of Suttons Bay co-founded the two-day event that continues through Saturday at Horizon Cinema.
Friday's festivities were held at the Park Place Hotel, where film devotees were greeted by T-shirt-clad volunteers and bunches of patriotic bunting. About 150 attended the first screening of the day, the documentary "Confronting Iraq."
"I wouldn't say this has anything to do with Michael Moore," said volunteer Brandon Darin, 24, of Traverse City. "This is supposed to be uplifting." :hscratch: See two paragraphs up :hscratch:
Darin said the Freedom FilmFest isn't about politics, or simply movies. It's a "pro-American" event, he said.
The Iraq documentary and "In the Face of Evil," a film about former President Ronald Reagan, topped the list of must-see movies for attendee George Galic.
"... They are putting out a point of view that might not be available in mainstream media," the Traverse City resident said of the two films.
Galic said a few of the films shown at the rival festival caught his eye.
"It's not like we are against everything being shown," he said.
The reason he doesn't plan to go to those movies isn't partisan. It's because he expects them to be shown shortly on cable channels.
"When you've got good cable and a big screen TV, you get to be house-cats," he said.
The day of films started with a rally celebrating the festival's tagline: "Faith, family and freedom."
"I'm so moved to see all of you here right now," Aldrich said, singling out veterans, families and "people that lead faith-based lives." :lol: rotfl :lol:
One of the speakers, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Joe Cooper, thanked Aldrich for organizing the festival and "for having the courage of her convictions," a line that drew applause from the audience.
Cooper is the chief executive officer of American Pride Films Group, a new film production company that makes movies with pro-American themes. He criticized the media for not fully reporting stories in Iraq that show strides the country has taken since Saddam Hussein was ousted.
About 50 people were in attendance at the 3 p.m. showing of "Echoes of Innocence," a contemporary Joan of Arc film. Co-founder Cheryl Felicia Rhoads said the turnout was good considering it was in the middle of a workday. {While the matinees in the TCFF were mostly sold-out to crowds numbering in the hundreds a block away}
Prior to the film, actress Morgan Brittany, who has acted in "Dallas" and "The Andy Griffith Show," talked about how Hollywood has changed over the decades.
"There's such a backlash among people in Hollywood against conservatives and people of faith," Brittany said. "We need to make a stand and say we don't want to see the garbage."
Darin, who volunteered as stage manager Friday, said he noticed that many in the crowd were veterans.
"They are proud Americans ...," he said, adding that they want to see movies that reflect that pride.
The Freedom FilmFest is scheduled to show five films today beginning at noon with "America's Heart and Soul" and concluding with a 9:30 p.m. showing of "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

[DVD Polizei]

Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Now, that'll get ultra-conservatives something to bitch about.

[dolphinboy]

Everyone has to get this "two wrongs make a right" mentality out of their heads!

The thing is...the TCFF is not a 1st wrong.

I grew up in Troy and visited TC many, many times. Those bastards actually beat us in the State Football finals. The entire city closed down and drove to Pontiac to support their team.

GREAT people and a GREAT city. I'm very happy for them.

Thanks MM.

[brizz]

The thing is...the TCFF is not a 1st wrong.

I grew up in Troy and visited TC many, many times. Those bastards actually beat us in the State Football finals. The entire city closed down and drove to Pontiac to support their team.

GREAT people and a GREAT city. I'm very happy for them.

Thanks MM.
Wasn't that in 85 or 86? I was there! Sadly, won't be seeing a repeat of that anytime soon I don't think. That was the good old days when we only had the one High school with 1,000 kids per class to pick a team from....still pretty good for a bunch of northern white boys though ;)

[dolphinboy]

Wasn't that in 85 or 86? I was there! Sadly, won't be seeing a repeat of that anytime soon I don't think. That was the good old days when we only had the one High school with 1,000 kids per class to pick a team from....still pretty good for a bunch of northern white boys though ;)

The game was in 1985 (but it was the '85-'86 school year) and you thrashed us good.

It seemed like the entire city of Traverse City was in the Silverdome that day and some said that most of the businesses were completely shut down and the streets were empty in TC.

You had 3-4 times as many people there as we did and our school was only 20 minutes away.

Can't say I feel bad you aren't good anymore, after all there will never be a Troy Film Festival. ;)

[brizz]

The sad conclusion to the Freedom Festival :lol:
Freedom FilmFest
Aldrich happy but isn't sure about an encore
By BRIAN McGILLIVARY
Record-Eagle staff writer

TRAVERSE CITY - For Gerry Schichtel - who this weekend saw "Top Gun" for the first time - the alternative Freedom Film Festival wrapped its debut with "just the kind of movies I like."
Schichtel acknowledged he doesn't go to the movies very often, but said he thought it would be fun to see the classic "On the Waterfront" along with "Top Gun." He wasn't disappointed.
He joined appreciative - albeit small - audiences that chose to view films that promised to incorporate faith, family and patriotism.
"I wouldn't go to any of Michael Moore's films; I don't like his political views," Schichtel said of the award-winning filmmaker and founder of the Traverse City Film Festival.
Most of Saturday's movies were introduced by festival co-founder Cheryl Felicia Rhoads, who focused on faith-based messages and the symbolism audiences should look for in movies.
She encouraged the 15 people who showed up for "On the Waterfront" to have the courage to take a stand, even when it's not popular.
"Remember, you are not without God's love," she said. "You may lose the battle but with faith you will win the war."
Bob and Cheri Shoaff brought their children to see "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Top Gun." With a relative who's in the second seat on fighter jets in Iraq, Cheri Shoaff said "Top Gun," a film about Navy pilots, "was very appealing."
"The Ronald Reagan video was very good, too," Bob Shoaff said. "It was amazing to see what went on behind the scenes."
The alternative film festival's crowds were meager compared to the thousands that attended Moore's festival, but founder Genie Aldrich said she was happy with the turnout.
"There's more than one of us," she said. (Yes....Fifteen!! :lol: rotfl :lol: )
Aldrich said the purpose of her festival was to make a statement, one clearly aimed at Moore, whose documentary films skewered General Motors, the National Rifle Association and President George W. Bush.
"Our presence here is to push back extremists and America-haters," Aldrich said.
Aldrich said she was referring to Moore and other filmmakers who present an "underhanded, distorted message of extreme misrepresentation of life" that fulfills their personal agenda of "covert propaganda." -screwy-
Aldrich said her festival will cost as much as $18,000 and she's still raising money to cover the costs.
For now it's too early to tell if her festival will return next year.
"Right now, it's a day at a time and one film festival at a time," she said.


And even better:
Glitch puts R-rated film onscreen
Organizers pull plug on anti-Moore movie
By MARTA HEPLER DRAHOS
Record-Eagle staff writer

TRAVERSE CITY - The "family-friendly" Traverse Bay Freedom FilmFest turned R-rated briefly when the festival accidentally showed the wrong version of one of its films.
Festival organizers had planned to show "Michael Moore Hates America," a documentary-style film by Michael Wilson that examines the filmmaking methods of director Michael Moore, at 7 p.m. Friday. But about 10 minutes into the film - one of the festival's main attractions - organizers discovered they'd been sent the original R-rated version, containing profane language.
"We knew there were two versions out: one family version, edited for filth, and one potty version," said festival co-founder Genie Aldrich. "Luckily, we had superior films in the hopper so we yanked it." :lol:
Ann Laurence said she was in the audience at the Park Place Hotel when the film paused and the lights came on.
"Then they literally raced to the podium and started apologizing profusely for the horrible language," said Laurence, a Traverse City resident.
Though Laurence and a handful of others left, Aldrich said most in the audience stayed and got free popcorn refills while organizers replaced the film with one about former President Ronald Reagan.
"The great thing about it was that people got the message in the audience," she said. "People are not stupid. People can see films without the f-word." :hscratch:

[brizz]

As for the TCFF:

Grand Prize went to "The Edukators" and "Grizzly Man," while the audience nod went to "The Baxter."

The event featured 31 movies. Moore and co-founder John Robert Williams estimated total attendance would top 19,000 at indoor venues and 20,000 outdoors.

The fastest sellouts were "Mondovino," "A Good Woman, "Grizzly Man," "The Edukators" and "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room," festival officials said. Only two films were not sellouts or near sellouts.

:up: :up:

[sfsdfd]

Aldrich said she was happy with the turnout.
"There's more than one of us," she said.(Yes....Fifteen!!)
There you go again, letting your partisan beliefs wreck your objectivity.

Counting her, there were <i>sixteen.</i>

- David Stein

[hahn]

There you go again, letting your partisan beliefs wreck your objectivity.

Counting her, there were <i>sixteen.</i>

- David Stein

Yeah, you moran. Go get an edukation.

[BKenn01]

I don't think Moore's views are really that extreme. I'd describe him as a fairly typical liberal. What's extreme about him is his behavior; the guy will do or say anything, even lie, to help his side win.

Less than 20% of the population claim they are a Liberal. Most Liberals are labled extremist.

[GreenMonkey]

Haha

The woman has a FILM FESTIVAL with an EDITed version of a film. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA no "potty versions" |rotfl|


I was busy working or I'm sure we would have went up for a day of this.

[Geofferson]

Less than 20% of the population claim they are a Liberal. Most Liberals are labled extremist.
The word liberal has been hijacked in today's world ("liberal" and "left" have become virtually indistinguishable). Many choose to disassociate themselves from that word and the 20% of those that don't (as you speak of) might very well be extremists. ;)

[BKenn01]

The word liberal has been hijacked in today's world ("liberal" and "left" have become virtually indistinguishable). Many choose to disassociate themselves from that word and the 20% of those that don't (as you speak of) might very well be extremists.

Good point, but I just cant figure out how this small minority always manages to elevate itself to the highest postions of power.