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07/15/2004: ""Fahrenheit 911""
Last night I went to see Fahrenheit 911 with some friends. The theater was packed, even on a Wednesday night. I went into the film knowing a lot about it and having seen much of the footage already as well as having known the majority of facts relayed. Therefore I was surprised at my own strong reaction to the film.
There were parts of it that were heavy handed, and it was definitely propaganda, but I was OK with that because propaganda can get one’s message across more powerfully than a totally unbiased relaying of facts, particularly since I don’t believe anyone in the crowd was unaware of Moore’s reputation or strong personal points of view on the matter.
I especially liked the way he depicted Tom Ridge’s use of the terror alert system to manipulate and terrify the American public. I had noticed right away (as did many) that recently (July 8) Ridge made another big announcement warning of a terrorist attack in the US, although he had no new specific information.
I read the following on a http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361596/board/threads/”>Fahrenheit 911 discussion board at the Internet Movie Database site:
July 6th, 2004: Bush-Cheney campaign predicts 10-15% boost for Kerry after selecting Edwards as his running mate and going to the convention.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/4869209.html
July 8th, 2004: Tom Ridge holds a press conference to announce Osama is planning an attack in the US, though he is not specific (at all) on details. The story brings front page headlines all over the country.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/07/08/ridge.alqaeda/”> http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/07/08/ridge.alqaeda/
AND:
Terrorist
adj : characteristic of someone who employs terrorism (especially as a political weapon); "terrorist activity" n : a radical who employs terror as a political weapon
ter•ror•ism (tr-rzm)
n.
The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.
ter•ror (trr)
n.
Intense, overpowering fear. See Synonyms at fear.
One that instills intense fear:
The ability to instill intense fear:
Violence committed or threatened by a group to intimidate or coerce a population, as for military or political purposes.
Who's using fear for political means now?
All I can say is GO SEE THIS FILM! And even more importantly, try to get Bush supporters to go and see this film. It is *very* powerful.
I am so worried about the upcoming election. I know that the Bush administration is potentially capable of doing anything to stay in power. Read this for example: U.S. Mulling How to Delay Nov. Vote in Case of Attack. My friend Thane predicted something like this could happen 6 months ago and I didn't believe him. He also said if voting were delayed, there could potentially be rioting in the street, at which point Bush/Cheney might see fit to declare Marshall Law. *shivers in disbelief*.