I Refuse To Believe They Couldn’t Have Found A Better Picture Of
Ok kids, here’s a little lesson in what Alterman rightly calls the So-Called Liberal Media. The New York Times has a story about Disney blocking distribution of Michael Moore’s new film, which was supposed to be put out through their Miramax arm.
The film is (brace yourself) harshly critical of “president” Bush, and it certainly looks as though Disney is reluctant to release it because (among other reasons) their Disney World gets some dandy tax breaks in Florida, run, of course, by the “president’s” brother.
But check out a few things in the story. First of all, that picture. I’m not Michael Moore’s biggest fan but I know there’s pictures of him where he doesn’t look like Scooter, the old hick down at the gas station. Then look at what the writer of the article says about Moore’s career to date:
“Mr. Moore’s films, like “Roger and Me” and “Bowling for Columbine,” are often a political lightning rod, as Mr. Moore sets out to skewer what he says are the misguided priorities of conservatives and big business. They have also often performed well at the box office. His most recent movie, “Bowling for Columbine,” took in about $22 million in North America for United Artists. His books, like “Stupid White Men,” a jeremiad against the Bush administration that has sold more than a million copies, have also been lucrative.”
Ok, first of all, notice anything missing? Like that it doesn’t mention anywhere that “Bowling for Columbine” won a freaking Academy Award? No, it’s just “highly lucrative.” I’ll criticize Moore for being a “professional liberal” as much as anyone, and I have, but not to mention that in the opinion of his peers (and most critics), he’s also pretty good at what he does is selective reporting.
Finally, that word “jeremiad.” Cool choice of vaguely middle eastern-sounding word, isn’t it?
“Jer`e*mi”ade\, n. [From Jeremiah, the prophet: cf. F. j[‘e]r[‘e]miade.] A tale of sorrow, disappointment, or complaint; a doleful story; a dolorous tirade”
What Liberal Media?
