Michael Moore, sit down and be quiet!NBC15 Blog Listing
Michael Moore, sit down and be quiet!
Topic Author: Christine Bellport
Posted: 7:22 AM Apr 23, 2008
Replies Posted: 53 comments
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Michael Moore, sit down and be quiet!

Hello,

Well, Michael Moore is off and running his mouth again.  This has NOTHING to do with me being a Democrat or a Republican, by the way. 

Moore is endorsing Senator Barack Obama in the Presidential election.  Which he has every right to do.  

What I don't appreciate is how he tries to speak for me. 

After bashing Hillary Clinton (again, that's his right), he talks about what Americans feel.  He said, "I, like the majority of Americans, have been pummeled senseless for eight long years,"  he writes.  "That's why I will join millions of citizens and stagger into the voting booth come November, like a boxer in the 12th round, all bloodied and bruised with one eye swollen shut, looking for the only thing that matters - that big 'D' on the ballot."

Well Mr. Moore, I walk proudly into every voting both knowing that I live in a free country and, as a woman, I can work, wear whatever clothes I want to and marry whomever I want.  For him to try to paint of picture of how we feel is just so off base.  He should try to look to other countries and see how they kill people who ARE trying to go vote or stone a woman to death if she is accused of adultery.  Maybe then he will rethink his arrogant, overly-dramatic comments about our country.

Believe me, he makes millions every year.  Michael Moore has no idea what the majority of Americans feel about their lives, their situations and their country.

Christine

 

 

 

Read Comments
Posted by: Greg Location: Madison
This whole Michael Moore rant by CB (and others) is silly to begin with. One would have to be somewhat obtuse to think that MM or any other public figure is truly speaking for EVERYBODY. I'm a democrat, but I don't think that FOX News or right-wing talking heads speak for me. It's a free country, we just have to accept the fact there will be opinions we don't necessarily agree. Christine hopefully has learned something from this discussion.

Posted by: Mike Location: Madison
I agree CB! It really hacks me when people address a figure (politican, professor, rotary group) and use words like "Everyone, Majority, We, All, Most, The entire, or plurals like "The students of your class", or "The constituents of your district" If it is soo important that we all be represented in this matter, then let us all put our names on the letter, not just the annonymous masses, writing letters with no email address, or street address, or slipped under office doors during the night. It just cracks me up that some people who take the most controversial stand forget to sign their name to the documentation... even blog postings! We (my dog & I- but my dog doesn't have opposable thumbs so can't type) are behind you 100%!

Posted by: Greg Location: Madison
No, but I usually have trouble remembering REALLY long names.

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
actually, my real name is Alexander Hamilton/Thomas Jefferson/John Adams/Sam Adams/George Washington/James Madison/Monroe/Hancock/Payne/Franklin/Andrew Jackson/Lincoln/Roosevelt/Reagan/Scoop Jackson/Leiberman/McCain. Not "ditto head". Ever heard of me? doubt it...

Posted by: Greg Location: Madison
Thank you Frank Burns!! (alright, Steve). You are a true ditto-head. I guess we must add "Newsweek" to the list of anti-American, communist sympathizers (not forgetting Michael Moore is #1). Like most Neo-Cons, you don't let yourself get burdened with facts. Hail Rush & Bill!!

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
our purpose has been to foster democracy and freedom under which people and nations are free to choose their own destiny. Our graves dot the world, silent testimony to America's noble purpose. From Valley Forge to Gettysburg, from Pearl Harbor to Baghdad, there have been days when America's experiment in freedom and democracy seemed about to fade. The Soviets were going to bury us, remember? We buried them. That others have joined our party is a cause for celebration, not malaise. So go ahead and sing it: God bless America.

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
We were once limited by only our dreams. Now we are limited by politicians who can't see beyond the next election. They punish entrepreneurship and innovation through regulation and taxation. They punish success and reward failure. Profit is a dirty word. They want to redistribute income rather than create wealth. Maybe America could compete better if we didn't have the highest regulatory and corporate tax burden in the world. We import oil from terrorist supporters while leaving ours in the ground. China is building nuclear and coal plants. Why aren't we? Newsweek notes the world's largest refinery is being built in India. The nation that put men on the moon hasn't built one in more than three decades. Government and environmentalism run amok have made us afraid of our own shadow. That can change and must. Newsweek says America has lost the ability to dictate to this new world, but dictating to anybody is not what we're about and never has been. As in our own struggle for liberty.

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
No other country could have done it or was willing to. We defeated Nazism, fascism and communism. We will defeat Islamofascism. If an Indian billionaire is now richer than Donald Trump, so what? We made it possible. Yeah, China is booming and Russia is resurgent, at least in economic terms. But we see nobody sneaking across their borders looking for a better life. Is it really a better life when the direction you would take it is controlled by a central government to whom freedom of speech, religion, press and all the freedoms America offers its citizens and the world are just words? Newsweek says "the facts on the ground — unemployment numbers, foreclosure rates, deaths from terror attacks — are simply not dire enough to explain the present atmosphere of malaise" in which most Americans think we're on the wrong track. Perhaps cover stories such as Newsweek's explain it. We will not drink from their half-empty glass. This is not to say America doesn't have its problems.

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
Newsweek thinks the U.S. is fading in a "post-American world." beg to differ. We are still Reagan's shining city on a hill. As in earlier times, reports of our impending demise are greatly exaggerated. It is insulting and ironic for Newsweek's May 12 cover to show the backside if the Statue of Liberty, as if to say our best days are behind us and we are no longer the light that attracts and gives hope to the world. OK, maybe we no longer have the world's largest shopping mall or the world's largest Ferris wheel, but that's not what the millions who sail past Lady Liberty are looking for. They are looking for freedom, the freedom to live out their lives and dreams as they, not their governments or feudal masters, see fit. They seek better lives for their children knowing that hard work and ambition in this new land will be rewarded. Thanks to America's sacrifice in two World Wars and many smaller ones, that freedom and the prosperity it brings has been spread around the world.

Posted by: Ross Location: Madison
Christine, I completely agree with your posting of Michael Moore. Aside from the fact that we are both Michigan natives, he needs to shut up! I am the rarest of rare. A black Rebublican who supports Obama. However, I refuse to speak for others. This is the great country where we are allowed to have our own beliefs and opinions. The problem is that Moore infringes on the beliefs of others. He only beliefs in a soverign democracy that fully supports his beliefs. How is that a democracy?

Posted by: Angie Location: Madison
When I get engaged, I'm going to shout it from the highest mountaintop so everyone will know (including Michael Moore)! Yeah! OMG! It's going to be a-MA-zing!

Posted by: Christine Location: Madison
Al, I promise I won't.

Posted by: Al Location: Monona
You're right Steve...but there should be more comments than Leigh's wedding. I'm so tired of hearing about it already....I wish she would get married tomorrow so she can stop boring us with all the petty details no one cares about. Promise us Christine, if you get married, that you will leave the wedding minutia to your friends, and not on this blog.

Posted by: Anonymous Wow a topic topping someone's engagement! It must REALLY be important!

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
kinda cool that this topic has the most posts on nbc15 other than Leigh's engagment. CB you must be doing something right....or M. Moore you must be a lightning rod.

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
wow, I leave you alone for a few days and look what you do...note I said "Reifenstahl". Goebbels is way over the top. we shouldn't drop Nazi reference bombs like that unless we refer to murderous dictators of which M.Moore is not. I do take objection to calling him 'truthful' since his slanted eye journalism is more biased then searching for truth. True documentary should shine a light and not state an opinion. M.Moore's distinction to film is that he does just that; thinks for you. It's not unlike Bill O'Reily who steers questions towards his own answers. There is blame in media on the right and left. M. Moore just happens to be front and center. For real docs on guns and war see these: "Columbine: Understanding Why (2007), 'Hearts and Minds' (1974) and for Mr/s Anonymous: spend 9 hours with 'Shoah' (1985) and you'll never make that Goebbels mistake again. LOVE YOU CB!

Posted by: Jimbo That crazy Michael Moore. Boy, does he stress me out!

Posted by: David Location: Madison
Goebbels school of PR? I'm unsure if you know much about world history, I'm guessing by the ignorance of your comments that you don't. Comparing a Nazi that contributed to the slaughter of over 4 million Jews with an American filmmaker that has tried to get reasonable healthcare for Americans and guns off of the streets is just ludacris. I wasn't going to respond to your post, but how dare you? Whether or not you may agree with Mr. Moore, comparing him to Goebbels is just plain idiocy.

Posted by: filbert Location: Anytown, USA
Anonymous and similar posts - let me pose a question. If one is an outright liar in the views, they shouldn't be called out, huh? Is that what you're saying? So MM isn't the only graduate of the Goebbels School of PR.

Posted by: Anonymous You may not like what Mr. Moore says or does, but he has made important contributions to the dialogue on gun control, the "war on terror," and many other issues facing our nation. He makes millions because he works hard to seek out the truth (not just what GW and his cronies want you to believe is the truth...weapons of mass destruction, we didn't know how bad Katrina was initially, we are making progress in Iraq...please!!) and present it in a way that is informative and thought provoking. My guess is that he makes you uncomfortable. He is challenging you to take a look at things from a different perspective and some people just aren't ready to come out of their individual bubbles and do that. For all you had to say about Mr. Moore, I find it a bit ironic that you are using your local celebrity to "bash" him for his views and they way he presents them. If you take a look at the polls Americans are sick and tired of the sham know as the Bush presidency and are ready for change.

Posted by: Katie Location: Waunakee
Oh my Lord. Christine u should stick to simpler blogs. This one is out of control. Next time try discussing people's favorite colors!

Posted by: John Location: Poynette
Sandy, don't be such an easy target. I was just trying to get your goat. (which apparently I did) As far as MM goes, I am not a big fan of the man. And yes you have to take what he says and portrays with a grain of salt at times. But I will give him credit for at least TRYING to do something besides sitting at a computer and b****ing on blogs like we all are doing. How many of us would attempt, or know how to even begin, to get K-Mart to stop selling ammunition in its stores? (Bowling for Columbine) Or take a boat to Guantanamo Bay to get medical treatment? (Sicko)Or petition Congressmen on the streets of Washington DC to send their kids to Iraq? (Fahrenheit 911)At least give him credit for trying to take some action and create awareness of our deficiencies, instead of how the rest of us do it. (P and moan and remain complacent)

Posted by: Adam Location: Madison
While I can certainly understand your appreciation for the rights we have in this country, I still have to disagree with your posting. I like what Roger has to say and I do have to agree that as a journalist, you have a responsibility to keep your opinions out of the media. The thing that bothered me most about your comments was your statement about having the right to marry whoever you want. While you, as a heterosexual have that right, that same right has not been given to ALL individuals. I agree with MM's statements about feeling bloodied and bruised like the majority of Americans who do not approve of the Bush adminsitration. I'm looking forward to a new administration and praying for changes.

Posted by: Steve d'Trojan Location: Global
Roger, guns don't kill people; bullets do.

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
my my, look at how much fear and loathing M. Moore brings out in folks. The nail polish and hair comments are nice distractions, but the reality is M. Moore is a propagandist and is harmful to those that take him seriously. I remember a good friend coming out of F. 9/11 and saying "I learned things I didn't know before"...how sad to think this was serious. It's like Oliver Stone's "JFK". At least that was billed as fiction. M. Moore is dangerous and should have a surgeon general sticker on his DVDs "bad for you". Ain't America great that we can all disagree publicly like this without fear of black boots knocking on the door at 2am?...the same system M. Moore belittles and shames. Where else could he produce such product freely...Cuba?

Posted by: Sandy Location: Madison
Speaking of sticking go the blog...... you should try it. If you read my original post completely, you'll see I said I was trying to brighten up the blog because people are getting way too worked up over nothing. Its a blog for cryin out loud.... there are other things for people to get worked up over that actually matter.... why waste energy coming here to get mad about Christine's (or someone else's) opinion?

Posted by: John Location: Poynette
Oh, Sandy! (think John Travolta in Grease) The previous comment posted was tongue in cheek. The point is, stick to the blog. Oh and by the way, you think you have me figured out, John is an "alias" (I know big surprise) I'm a WOMAN!!!

Posted by: Sandy Location: Madison
JOHN: At least I'm not coming on here and bashing people and their opinions... LIKE YOU!!!! And telling Christine to wear low-cut shirts really makes you sound like an intellectual....... go buy a magazine with some pictues in it if that's what you're looking for.

Posted by: Roger Location: Verona, WI
Ted, first, the problem with guns is that people with guns kill people. How often do you hear about drive-by knifings or a kid bursting into a school killing 13 students with sticks and stones? Second, I suggest you watch Frontline's "Bush's War". The intel was definitely flawed, but also certainly cooked. Most everybody agreed with the cooked version from Cheney, Tenet and Rumsfeld.

Posted by: Ted Location: Janesville
People please get the point here. He nor any of your idols are any more trained in politics than you and I. But they have access to media that others don't. Since you are so easily influenced by a so called star, you loose your right to research and actually pick the right person. They are swaying the minds of the people that don't want to think for themselves. I think she is right in saying be quiet just because I am sick and tired of someone that is no smarter than me telling the world how it is. Let actors act. And Roger, don't bring Guns and Iraq into this. Guns don't kill, people do. Iraq was do to flawed intel but everyone agreeed to it so it's not one persons fault. We have enough gun laws, just enforce them. The courts slap offenders on the hand.

Posted by: John Location: Poynette
Sandy sounds like a true intellectual! I'd like to comment on your nail polish. Try a lighter pink sometime....that dark red is hideous. Plus, some lower v-neck blouses would add some spice.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Madison
Christine, your hair looks really pretty with the new bangs and longer length! :) (Just wanted to throw some sunshine into the blog)

Posted by: Scott Location: Madison
One last thing...What does the fact that Michael Moore being a millionaire have to do with how he truly feels about the country? Sounds pretty shallow to me and just as empty and (sorry) arrogant as how you think he is with his knowledge about how people think and feel about the state of the world. YOU don't know him, his life or have ever walked in his shoes just as HE does not know you, your life and has not ever walked in yours. If he doesn't speak for you, then dismiss it. If he does, you can choose to accept. It just sounds like you hate Michael Moore--which is totally fine--and just need another reason to bash him. We ALL do that, especially with media figures. But again, when he starts making policies, then throw the sink at him. That said, you are still MY FAVORITE on-air personality!!

Posted by: Roger Location: Verona,WI
2 of 2: I know a lot of people like to label Michael Moore as a radical left-wing wack-job, but in reality how radical are the issues he sheds light on? Healthcare (Sicko), guns (Columbine) or the war in Iraq (Fahrenheit). These issues all affect a majority of Americans. Yes, Moore is a squeaky wheel, but is burying your head in the sand really the appropriate approach when confronted with these issues? Al Gore also was attacked with confronting us with “An Inconvenient Truth”. Yes, the United States is a better country than a county that stones its women to death, but what is wrong with holding the United States to higher standards?

Posted by: Scott Location: Madison
You know I just adore you but I have to respectfully take a stance against (some)of what you have said. I really do think that there are Americans that feel as he does about our standing to the rest of the world, the deeply depressing problems that affect our country and lately, our increasingly disgusting political process and the shallowness the media has taken concerning world issues. I understand how you feel but he hasn't said anything that he hasn't said before so I am surprised at your outrage. While I do tend to agree with him on many issues, I do think he is well informed, he is passionate about our country and the direction it is taking. And remember, he is a SHOWMAN. This is his honest passion dipped in equal parts sarcasm, anger and just being a huckster. He is a filmmaker, that's all. He's not tied to anything except himself. What makes him so different from any other media figure that speaks their minds? So take it or leave it. Save the rage if he is able to make policies

Posted by: Roger Location: Verona, WI
1 OF 2: Christine, technically speaking, Christine, he would have spoken for you if he had said “ALL of Americans, have been pummeled senseless for 8 long years”. He said a “majority of Americans” which is definitely not all. However, it is hard to argue against Moore’s statement when the President’s approval rating hovers around 30%. “Sit down and be quiet”? As a journalist, Christine, you certainly aren’t sounding like a champion of free speech.

Posted by: Bill Whooooo!!! Passions running high in this blog!

Posted by: Steve d'Troy Location: Global
Yes!, CB has it right. MM is a socialist with fascist inclinations who made a fortune casting aspersions funded by liberal causes--and harrassing old men (C. Heston). HE DOESN'T SPEAK FOR ME. Couldn't be a worse propagandist of the Lenny Riefenstahl ilk. Cozy with Castro, blaming 9/11 on Bush, profiting from Columbine etc...next he'll do a Valentine to Jimmy Carter for his attitude towards murderous Hamas/Arafat. Sad how low the far left has sunk that Hillary is their "conservative" candidate and Lieberman goes Independant. Where are the Scoop Jacksons?!? Now we suffer Soros, Pelosi, Reid and Obama the hologram. God help the grandkids........keep up the good work CB. YOU'RE THE BEST!

Posted by: t Location: madison
to april....common sense 101: this IS a blog, i expect opinions of the blogger, duh!

Posted by: Ted Location: Janesville
Christine you are right. If some of these people quit listening to actors who think they can change the world with their uneducated comments and actually research the candidates, we wouldn't have people going out to vote based on what Moore, Bono and Streisand pick for you. Especially when MTV or comedy central decide to sway the minds of people that can't choose on their own. RESEARCH THE CANDIDATES! Understand that your future is at stake. Small bussiness can not survive in WI. do to your last choice for GOV.

Posted by: April Location: Madison
Journalism 101: Keep your opinions to yourself!

Posted by: Christine Location: Madison
Hello Lily, I didn't say sit down and "shut up." I am all for free speech but I do not appreciate him trying to speak for me by saying "I like the majority of Americans." He should be strong enough to speak for HIMSELF and leave it at that. I can name several oppressive regimes that claim to speak for the good of the people (or be the voice of the people) but clearly have their own interests/agenda in mind. The best movements are founded by people who have their own opinion and leave it to the common man to embrace or dismiss. Thank you for posting on my blog. I appreciate that you gave your opinion and claim it to be nothing more as your own. Christine

Posted by: Lily Location: Madison
Sit down and shut up? What happened to free speech Christine? You lambaste the very ideals for which you claim you are thankful. Micheal Moore is certainly entitled to his opinion, as you are. But to tell him to stop stating his opinion is like me saying don't post your blog. Look who's calling the kettle black. For the record, he absolutely represents how I feel 8 years into a failed administration. Don't speak for me Christine, only speak for yourself.

Posted by: Filbert Location: Anytown, USA
Moore is a graduate of the "Joseph Goebbels School of PR" where the philosophy is if you tell a lie long enough, it becomes the truth. He was funny with Roger and Me/TV Nation but now he's a hack. Michael, when you need health care, go to Havana.

Posted by: Jen Location: Stoughton
Christine, you are a walking billboard for Madison's new number one ranking...best and strongest teeth in America! Keep smiling and relax, summer's coming!

Posted by: Sara Location: nowhere and everywhere
Honestly, I really don't think that Michael Moore is that far off base as far as what most Americans are feeling. This country has gone from being well-respected and respectful of others to being a complete joke, and a lot of it unfortunately has to do with the current administration and how they choose to handle things. We've been lied to, hideous crimes have been committed against others in our names, and don't even get me started about how the poorest of the poor don't get enough help but we'll bail out a huge corporation (Bear Stearns) that gets into trouble. It's not even about what country is "better" or the "greatest"- it's about looking at what's going on here realistically and then doing something to bring about change. I do think, Christine, that you may have overreacted a little bit and I'm not sure your indignation at his comments is really all that justified. Nevertheless, free speech is one thing that we still have (so far) and you are entitled to your opinion.

Posted by: Joe Location: Madison
Christine, you are an optimist. Moore is a pessimist. Christine, your glass is half full, and Moore's is half empty. I would rather listen to and watch (and I do) to Christine every day. As bad as the news really is.....(I don't want to be a pessimist) I'll watch the news on your show all week, just because of what you do with dogs on Mondays.

Posted by: Tammy Location: Madison
FYI, Dan: The only reason I visited this site is because of Christine's comments made in the newscast. I agree with you. She can comment on anything she wants to in her blog -- from dating to dissing Michael Moore.

Posted by: Dan Location: Madison
Hey Tammy... seriously? I thought Moore's statements were over-the-top dramatic but yours absolutely take the cake. You said, "your opinions about him don't really belong in your broadcast. You may not agree with him, but at least he's not claiming to be a journalist. Really, who should sit down and be quiet here?" this is Christine's BLOG, not a 'broadcast.' mmmk? Don't let your blind devotion to a cause interfere with your common sense. Christine has every right to say what she said it her blog. Besides, she went out her way to keep her comments as non-political as possible. get over yourself. Thanks.

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Sun Praire
who cares what people like Michael Moore think? he IS annoying. but way too many people are "offended" by relgion, politics, types of music. then they have to tell the whole world about how they are personally offended. that's almost as bad as Michael Moore.

Posted by: Christine Location: Madison
Hello Amy, I was just making the point that Moore cannot and should not speak for me. I DON'T feel like I am "bloodied and bruised" right now. I was taking his play on words and explaining how blessed I feel to be in this country as a woman and as an American, in general. We are free. No matter who is President (he was taking aim at President Bush) we are still lucky to be in this country. I am tired of him complaining and telling Americans we have it so bad. Moore has always annoyed and offended me with these remarks.

Posted by: Tammy Location: Madison
I'm much less offended by Michael Moore's comments than I am disappointed that a news program -- in a time of war -- would devote precious seconds of its air time to commemorate his (or any celebrity's) birthday. I think Moore does speak for a lot of Americans -- those who are ashamed of the torture committed in our names, sickened by wars waged for specious purposes, fearful of a mounting national debt that has harmed all but the richest among us, disgusted that the international injustices you write about seem to go unchecked by our government unless oil reserves are at stake. Furthermore, your opinions about him don't really belong in your broadcast. You may not agree with him, but at least he's not claiming to be a journalist. Really, who should sit down and be quiet here?

Posted by: Amy Location: Madison
Michael Moore has been making these types of statements for years. He's an egghead, but why has it taken you this long to be offended? It's always humorous when people take the remarks of overexposed celebrities so seriously. Also, what do your personal choices "as a woman" have to do with overdramatization from a left-wing politico? I read Moore's statements as well (and am a certified woman), and he didn't appear to be bashing our gender. Nor does he seem to elude to an American woman's choice to marry or not.