An Open Letter To CNN From Michael Moore: "You Might Have Prevented A War..."

[Hissyspit]

Via E-Mail:

"...instead, you blew air kisses at a commander in chief who clearly was making it all up. Millions of us knew that -- why didn't you?"

An Open Letter to CNN from Michael Moore

7/14/07

Dear CNN,

Well, the week is over -- and still no apology, no retraction, no correction of your glaring mistakes.

I bet you thought my dust-up with Wolf Blitzer was just a cool ratings coup, that you really wouldn't have to correct the false statements you made about "Sicko." I bet you thought I was just going to go quietly away.

Think again. I'm about to become your worst nightmare. 'Cause I ain't ever going away. Not until you set the record straight, and apologize to your viewers. "The Most Trusted Name in News?" I think it's safe to say you can retire that slogan.

You have an occasional segment called "Keeping Them Honest." But who keeps you honest? After what the public saw with your report on "Sicko," and how many inaccuracies that report contained, how can anyone believe anything you say on your network? In the old days, before the Internet, you could get away with it. Your victims had no way to set the record straight, to show the viewers how you had misrepresented the truth. But now, we can post the truth -- and back it up with evidence and facts -- on the web, for all to see. And boy, judging from the mail both you and I have been receiving, the evidence I have posted on my site about your "Sicko" piece has led millions now to question your honesty.

I won't waste your time rehashing your errors. You know what they are. What I want to do is help you come clean. Admit you were wrong. What is the shame in that? We all make mistakes. I know it's hard to admit it when you've screwed up, but it's also liberating and cathartic. It not only makes you a better person, it helps prevent you from screwing up again. Imagine how many people will be drawn to a network that says, "We made a mistake. We're human. We're sorry. We will make mistakes in the future -- but we will always correct them so that you know you can trust us." Now, how hard would that really be?

As you know, I hold no personal animosity against you or any of your staff. You and your parent company have been very good to me over the years. You distributed my first film, "Roger & Me" and you published "Dude, Where's My Country?" Larry King has had me on twice in the last two weeks. I couldn't ask for better treatment.

That's why I was so stunned when you let a doctor who knows a lot about brain surgery -- but apparently very little about public policy -- do a "fact check" story, not on the medical issues in "Sicko," but rather on the economic and political information in the film. Is this why there has been a delay in your apology, because you are trying to get a DOCTOR to say he was wrong? Please tell him not to worry, no one is filing a malpractice claim against him. Dr. Gupta does excellent and compassionate stories on CNN about people's health and how we can take better care of ourselves. But when it came time to discuss universal health care, he rushed together a bunch of sloppy -- and old -- research. When his producer called us about his report the day before it aired, we sent to her, in an email, all the evidence so that he wouldn't make any mistakes on air. He chose to ignore ALL the evidence, and ran with all his falsehoods -- even though he had been given the facts a full day before! How could that happen? And now, for 5 days, I have posted on my website, for all to see, every mistake and error he made.

You, on the other hand, in the face of this overwhelming evidence and a huge public backlash, have chosen to remain silent, probably praying and hoping this will all go away.

Well it isn't. We are now going to start looking into the veracity of other reports you have aired on other topics. Nothing you say now can be believed. In 2002, the New York Times busted you for bringing celebrities on your shows and not telling your viewers they were paid spokespeople for the pharmaceutical companies. You promised never to do it again. But there you were, in 2005, talking to Joe Theismann, on air, as he pushed some drug company-sponsored website on prostate health. You said nothing about about his affiliation with GlaxoSmithKline.

Clearly, no one is keeping you honest, so I guess I'm going to have to do that job, too. $1.5 billion is spent each year by the drug companies on ads on CNN and the other four networks. I'm sure that has nothing to do with any of this. After all, if someone gave me $1.5 billion, I have to admit, I might say a kind word or two about them. Who wouldn't?!

I expect CNN to put this matter to rest. Say you're sorry and correct your story -- like any good journalist would.

Then we can get back to more important things. Like a REAL discussion about our broken health care system. Everything else is a distraction from what really matters.

Yours,
Michael Moore
[e-mail]
www.michaelmoore.com

P.S. If you also want to apologize for not doing your job at the start of the Iraq War, I'm sure most Americans would be very happy to accept your apology. You and the other networks were willing partners with Bush, flying flags all over the TV screens and never asking the hard questions that you should have asked. You might have prevented a war. You might have saved the lives of those 3,610 soldiers who are no longer with us. Instead, you blew air kisses at a commander in chief who clearly was making it all up. Millions of us knew that -- why didn't you? I think you did. And, in my opinion, that makes you responsible for this war. Instead of doing the job the founding fathers wanted you to do -- keeping those in power honest (that's why they made it the FIRST amendment) -- you and much of the media went on the attack against the few public figures like myself who dared to question the nightmare we were about to enter. You've never thanked me or the Dixie Chicks or Al Gore for doing your job for you. That's OK. Just tell the truth from this point on.

[xchrom]

1. perhaps media -- or new organizations will

be the subject of his next film.

[HeeBGBz]

6. Sounds like it to me

Kick their ass, Michael!

[hvn_nbr_2]

25. "Lieo" or "Propagando"

I think the propaganda cartel would be an excellent choice for his next film.

[Jackpine Radical]

49. Fibbo?

[OnionPatch]

31. This was my exact thought as well

Someone needs to expose our dysfunctional media. Far too many people still do not realize just how bad it is and are still relying on it for real news. Fixing our media would give us the ability to fix our other problems.

[LibDemAlways]

46. A couple of weeks ago a woman wrote a LTTE to our local

paper complaining about pro-Bush media bias. Some idiot wrote a response this week saying the woman was completely wrong and that, if anything, the media is "liberal" and "out to get Bush." Clearly a consumer of kool-aid.

If we had a media that made any effort to tell the unvarnished truth, Americans would know about PNAC. They'd be familiar with the name Jeff Gannon. They'd have seen the photo of Rumsfeld shaking Saddam's hand. They'd have seen split screen coverage of chimp yukking it up on a fundraising trip while people drowned in New Orleans. They'd have heard about "My Pet Goat" long before Michael Moore brought it to light. They'd know that Bush ended the day 9/11/01 with a laugh. They'd know about the newspaper study that reached the conclusion that Gore won in 2000.

All of the above, and much, much more, has been mentioned, briefly in the corporate whore press, and then quickly buried while Laci Peterson or Natalee Holloway or Paris Hilton or Anna Nicole got all the attention.

I hope that in his next film Michael Moore takes on and exposes the media whores. He'd have to get the film distributed outside corporate channels, but it would be an eye-opener for a lot of people.

[bling bling]

95. If that's the case it can't happen soon enough. n/t

[GreenTea]

97. CNN email & pnone number should be posted, anyone?

[Tarheel_Dem]

2. WOW...he's right, this is not going away....

and Thank God/Goddess someone of import has finally called the media out on their sloppy (non)journalism. Kudos to Michael.

<edited for punctuation>

[tom_paine]

3. K & R for the truth...

[Fire Walk With Me]

4. Bravo! to Mike

[Judi Lynn]

5. Love his spirit. Hope to see him living a long, accident-free, assassination-free life.

This country NEEDS him, and others to become inspired to take the initiative and see what can be done, themselves.

Thank you, Hissyspit. Wonderful post to see, at the start of a new day.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

7. Recommended for Mike and the Truth!!!! What a great letter!!!! :) nt

[conscious evolution]

8. Two birds with one stone.

Doesn't get much better than that.

[riona]

9. We are fortunate to have fighters like MM

I don't think there is much hope for the MSM though. As long as they worship their advertising money, the truth will often be compromised.

[malaise]

10. K & R

Demand the truth MM.

[Hissyspit]

11. kick n/t

[Dinger]

12. Michael Moore, Truth Warrior! K & R!

I love Michael Moore!

[AzDar]

13. K & R.....

[Egalitariat]

14. I doubt CNN gives a damn what MM wants or thinks****

nm

[malaise]

15. What CNN thinks is irrelevant

What viewers think is what ultimately matters to CNN. MSM has been caught lying over and over and the people have caught on.

[glowing]

16. Let's all of us ban watching CNN for the next month and see where

their ratings go. Not too hard for me. Any real news is now posted on the internet. Talking heads are just distraction. Might as well watch American Idol. K.O. is the only good one.

[Oceansaway]

18. i like that idea...CNN SUCKS !..n/t

[w8liftinglady]

23. Thant's a good idea...but make sure you let them know why.

the deluge of emails and callas CNN has received after Moore's interview was intimidating to them.They tried a weasel a half-assed retraction almost immediately-counting on our short attention span to get out of a real apology.Boycott them after you email and call them.I plan to.(And will let them know I am dropping them for MSNBC)

[defendandprotect]

29. Why would you be watching CNN -- ????!!!!!!

Please explain why you would be watching CNN - ???!!!

[blondie58]

17. I love MM!!!

and I see that you beat me on this letter, as I had reposted it, when I didn't see it on the last ten posted! I decided to leave it though, as I had not seen it when I first logged in early this morning.

This board moves so darn fast, I guess it won't hurt to have it up there twice!

Thanks, Hissyspit.

[defendandprotect]

30. Me too! However, from the highest perspective, "free press" is dead --

The myth of a " free press " ended with the assassination of JFK --

We've never had a burial --

It's never been acknowledged by anyone, including our Congress --

And, the reality has only become aware to our citizens slowly -- too slowly --

And even worse our "press" has now been totally distorted into a disinformation media --

which helped Bush "Swiftboat" America into an illegal war of aggression against Iraq.

And which -- in the case of CNN -- has never corrected the lies.

[Bluebear]

19. 'Nothing you say now can be believed.' BRAVO. nt

[mmonk]

20. Yep.

It's so wierd, but I used to be a news junkey. Now, on TV, I just watch Olberman unless I hear someone I like is going to be on another show. I can't even depend on my newspaper to inform. That's a frightening thing. Hope his drive to confront this continues.

[Time for change]

21. Excellent letter

[zanne]

22. My hero!

And he's not corrupted yet!

[spanone]

24. a kick and a recommend

[ElboRuum]

26. Wouldn't expect that apology any time soon.

The difference between lying and making errors where the truth is concerned is one of intent.

If it was merely an error, an apology would be appropriate. Failing to do one's job to the best of one's ability is something I think anyone could say has been a factor at one point or another in their lives. An apology to those that failure had affected would certainly be appropriate and worthy of its mitigating effects.

But what if it wasn't an error, but done with full intent and complicity to mislead the public and drum up support for an agenda? Would an apology be appropriate? And what are you really apologizing for in the first place? The obfuscations you fabricated or the intent itself? Does mea culpa really cover it at that point?

Relax. I know that MM doesn't expect an apology, it's just a gauntlet thrown at the feet of an unwilling opponent.

[swimmernsecretsea]

27. CNN = Media Ho.

Well, CNN? We're waiting. Perhaps you think it better for ratings to continue as you're doing--just ignoring Michael Moore. Don't.

[Cass]

28. Excellent letter!

Go get em, Mike!

I hope the MSM will be the focus of his next movie!!

[Summer93]

32. MaimStream Media

I remember so clearly the fay I realized that Bush was lying to the American people and that the M$M was not addressing it. I remember seeing it addressed on the Stewart show (comedy) and later Olbermann. All those years ago I changed the way I looked for news. I went to the internet and sought out foreign news. I began to see that other countries were addressing the issues. I found DU and other blogs and other people who had chosen the same route to get their news and views.

Now when I happen to go back and watch CNN on occasion I see so much repetitive stuff. Sometimes they replay yesterday's news as though it is new. The same strategy as commercials - lather, rinse, repeat, nothing more.

I am much happier with the news on the internet I think I'll stay with it.

[Hissyspit]

40. Welcome to DU!

:patriot:

:toast:

[Hissyspit]

33. .

[Lindsey]

37. Shouldn't they know by now that Michael knows he's under the

microscope and they can't put out a bunch of crap? Yea, Michael Moore is just going to go quietly away - right...

[Maestro]

34. Great letter!

I hope Moore does become CNN's worst nightmare!

[Octafish]

35. ''Grab 'em by the nose...

...and kick 'em in the pants." -- Gen. George S. Patton

[Lone_Star_Dem]

36. It seems CNN has managed to inspire Mr. Moore

I have a feeling they'll be getting their fair share of exposure in his next documentary.

Great! Whatever it takes to open more eyes to the fact that our media is part of the problem.

[LibDemAlways]

47. I hope Moore makes the media the focus of his

next film, beginning with the Gupta lies, and exposing the whole corrupt lot of them. He touched on it in Fahrenheit 9/11, and it seems like a natural topic for him to explore - since he's been the object of a corporate smear campaign for a long time.

[The Wizard]

57. The nation

as well as Michael Moore has been the victim of the Ministry of Propaganda, also known as corporate media. The Clinton witch hunt had me convinced they were nothing more than presstitutes.
Anyhow, I just signed up for Verizon FIOS for telephone, television and ISP. It was a good deal but they don't carry MSNBC, and I'm a big Olbermann fan. What to do? I'm thinking of canceling if there's no streaming video for Countdown. Does anyone know if there is? I went to the MSNBC website and found it difficult to negotiate.

[BuyingThyme]

38. woohoo

:woohoo:

[otohara]

39. Cheerleading Didn't Get Them Fox Viewers

After failing to get Fox viewers by cheer leading war/occupation in Iraq, they are pulling more faux-facts from their asses in an effort to dumber down all ready dumb downed viewers. Tell them more BS than Fox and surely they will follow.

[tex-wyo-dem]

41. K & R!

MM nails CNN for what they (and most other major "news" media, for that matter) are -- propoganda outlets for their corporate masters.

I applaud Moore for writing this, although he might as well be writing this to a wall...I'll be very suprised if CNN even acknowledges this letter, much less retracts or apologizes.

"Nothing to see here...move along...Now, on to more Paris Hilton breaking news!"

[Doc Martin]

42. MSM as Bush 2's War Cheerleaders

Michael Moore is right. They didn't even raise questions. They raised the banners to lead everyone into battle.

I rarely watch CNN anymore and I never watch Wolf Blitzer. My feeling when I have watched Wolf was something like consuming really watered down soup.

[upi402]

43. I boycott CNN and their propaganda k/r n/t

[Middle finga]

44. I really admire Mike because he

continue to go after the corrupt power structure in this country when he can easily just kick back enjoy his millions with tax cuts and all but he choose to go to war with these bastard on behalf of the millions of ordinary voiceless people. He's truly becoming a hero of our time and for any working class stiff to diss Mike is an idiot in my opinion.

[TankLV]

45. Wo - nothing at ALL to disagree with there. He says it PERFECTLY - ALL THE TIME...

Thank you MM...

P.S. Fuck YOU CNN - you fucking WAR ENABLERS...

[Divine Discontent]

48. give em hell

michael!

C
N
N
boycott!

www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<--- top '08 items & antib*sh stickers!

[vanlassie]

50. Send Wolf some "feedback"

http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?65

[in_cog_ni_to]

69. Done. Again. n/t

[chknltl]

89. done and thanks for link eom

[JacquesMolay]

51. One of the Cable Networks was running "Countdown to Iraq" ...

... an actual daily show to cover what they felt was the inevitable coming conflict. I think it might have been MSNBC.

[senseandsensibility]

52. He's not letting it drop!

Good! He didn't mention legal action; I wonder if that's the next step.

[MagickMuffin]

53. CNN Cheer-leading for the Iraq War Amounts to AD Revenue

I quit CNN long before the drum beat to war. I saw the writing on the wall. Candy Bon Bon Crowley and her literally sucking up to the TX gov on his campaign trail (she's one of the worst) and I forget some of the others who was feeding at the trough of the current occupiers of our government.

But after their coverage of Mad king Boy George, I quit watching. Then that tragic day in September. I watched I observed their coverage and was dismayed once again at their total disregard for the FACTS.

Then the drum beat to war. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Halliburton, and Petro companies were advertising on their network for sake....

I thought hmmmm how can I purchase me one of them there ICBM's or a drone.

I can't really live without having me one of those drones. I could fly it around my yard, make sure my neighbors aren't violating MY space.

How can one boycott Lockheed Martin, Boeing or Halliburton?!?!?
I'm not going to buy any more ICBM's, or F16's for that matter.....

I will only watch CNN if someone is going to be on that I care about seeing. Other than that I only watch KO, TDS, and Colbert Report.

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

54. Maybe Mike should do a film on Media Inaccuracy

and manipulation. Inaccurate reporting and deceptive "misprints" in today's news is an issue that seems to be happening more frequently and with bias than ever before. It used to be that fact checking was paramount. Now, it feels as if we make it up as we go.

[Madspirit]

55. k&r...n/t

[me b zola]

56. k&r

MM, :yourock:

[Imagevision]

58. W need a News Organization that does in fact; "Keep Them Honest" - CNN is

one step in back of FOXnews but running closer daily!!

[Disturbed]

61. CNN is #2 least trusted News behind FoxNoise.

Boycott them both!

[Mike Nelson]

59. Moore's GREAT!

More Moore!

[libodem]

60. I am wild about MM

What a brilliant mind and ability. He has taken his time, talents, and energies, to make movies about important issues. Thank, the Higher Power that he doesn't just let sleeping dogs lie. Or CNN. I personally hate CNN for hosting Glenn Beck as a moderate, middle of the road, centrist. What horse manure. He's every bit as right-wing as Limpbaugh and more of a threat because he comes off as a giggling blond, blue-eyed, school boy. The guy is hopped up Methamphetamines for ADD. No wonder he always looks so happy he can't contain himself. Merry Sunshine spreading hate, lies, and propaganda, in his sun bonnet and pinafore.

[DutchLiberal]

62. Thank you, Michael Moore

[Swamp Rat]

63. k&r

[Mythsaje]

64. I think it's clear what his next film will cover...

The Corporate Media whores are going to HATE it.

:evilgrin:

'bout goddamn time.

[in_cog_ni_to]

68. Wouldn't that be sweet? They would be shamed into doing their jobs on OUR airwaves.

Michael will get them. One way or another....they will regret they ever accused him of "fudging" the facts and not apologizing for it when they now know the truth.:grr:

[Mythsaje]

70. Considering how their status has fallen in general

the public is likely to EAT it up, even if they refuse to advertise it. And they'll be FORCED to answer his charges. They won't have a choice.

Sicko REALLY put him on the map, and something like that... It'll hit like a neutron bomb.

[Cybergata]

65. Michael Moore, you're the MAN!

Michael continues to inspire me. He is one smart guy, and I am glad he uses his brilliance in the way he does.

[badgerpup]

66. K & R

:patriot::loveya: Michael Moore:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[in_cog_ni_to]

67. I LOVE YOU, MICHAEL MOORE!!!!!!

:loveya::loveya:

That's exactly what that WH propaganda network needed to hear!!! Michael's going to fact-check their stories!!:rofl::rofl: OMG...this is going to be good! We all know they LIE, twist the facts, spew propaganda for the government, and hide the TRUTH from us. CNN has met its match. Why can't they just fucking admit Gupta was wrong? I know why. Because they're working for the government and BIG PHARMA corporations....$1.5 BILLION a year! Fuckers.

Go, Michael, Go!!!:bounce:

[mudesi]

71. I really hope his next movie is on the MEDIA

Although, to a large extent, every single one of his movies thus far have involved the media as well.

[wildbilln864]

72. Thank you Mr. Moore! You are a true patriot!

:patriot:

[Lugnut]

73. K&R n/t

[HonorTheConstitution]

74. K & R: Michael deserves a lot of respect: He is not ranting about CNN, just asks for an apology.

[DeSwiss]

75. Mike....

DO. NOT. LET. UP.

K&R!!! :)

[Connonym]

76. I don't watch CNN but I've seen Sicko twice now

I've recommended it to everyone I know and I'll absolutely be buying the DVD. We the sheeple won't be held down forever. I'm glad to have MM on my side of the revolution.

[Vinca]

77. I wish Michael would do a sequel to Sicko and focus entirely

on the U.S. health care system. The fine folks lining up to trash Michael wouldn't have much to say if they had to defend a homeless paraplegic dumped on the street by a religious-based hospital , little boys dying of toothaches and women expiring on the ER floor while the janitor mopped up around her. CNN is making me furious. I nearly exploded when they interviewed Mike Huckabee about Sicko and all he did was talk about Michael's weight. (I sent him an email and called him a sanctimonious twit. Hee hee.)

[mzmolly]

78. Moore is amazing at publicizing his films. And of course, he's right!

:hi:

[0007]

79. I'm happy that I have a DVR......I can rig it so I can by-pass all

those commercials that appear to be the same on most all news channels. One can sure tell who runs this country. The pharmaceutical companies. The insurance companies. The mortgage companies. And the food industry.

Take Keith Olberman and his hour long program. I stop my set at the beginning of his program and do something for about 15 minutes. Then I come back to the set and watch Keith, when a commercial comes on, I bypass it and come back to Keith. There are about 25% to 30% commercials in an hour of viewing.

[sellitman]

80. THAT DID IT!

I have never forgiven Moore for his two votes for King Ralph.

I have never heard a complete apology or retraction of that vote.

I have never trusted him.

This letter has tipped the scale.

I am now among the many Michael Moore fans on DU.

This letter rocks!!!

[Highway61]

81. Excellent Letter

God, I love this guy. :hug:

[Danger Mouse]

82. Though I can't say I'm a huge fan of Moore...this letter kicked ass.

Screw the corporate media. Go, Moore, go! :yourock:

[bonito]

83. K&R! n/t

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

84. The media is definitely not FOR THE PEOPLE. It's for corporacrats.

Great letter, Michael. Maybe, you will influence the direction of news media,...away from corporate bullshit/belligerence. Personally, I've had all I can take from them and really don't care to give them any more chances. I'll stick with independent media. It's healthier.

[wtmusic]

85. email Sanjay Gupta

http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form4.html?82

[Mojorabbit]

100. I did last week

and it was polite but never appeared on the blog.

[justinaforjustice]

86. Bravo, Michael Moore, Next Please Take on Our Wretched Media

Wonderful letter to CNN. They owe us more than apologies, they owe us the Fairness Doctrine. We need to demand equal time to counter-act all their news reports. Michael Moore would make a terrific media ombudsman, he should be given his own daily show on CNN, call it "The Whole Truth Hour".

[farmboxer]

87. And What About The "HUGE" Number Of wounded, disabled

for life, with no legs, no arms, no gentils, brain damage, etc.? Michael Moore is a true American hero!!!!!!! Thank you Michael Moore. Bush had ruined the lives of so many families!

[Harper_is_Bush]

88. Nice job Mike. n/t

[cutlassmama]

99. Thank God for Michael Moore n/t

[chknltl]

90. Michael Moore should start an Online News Service

Hire his own reporters... may I recommend David Brock and Melanie Sloan as Bureau Chiefs, Randi Rhodes and Mike Malloy would do well there too. There are a few DUers I could suggest as reporters and commentators for that service as well.

Mr. Moore, In case you get to see our little thread here in the DU, that number of recommends is way higher than normal for a thread around here. It shows that by and large, you have our appreciation, support and thanks. Lead on sir.

[lovuian]

91. Moore said the scariest thing to CNN American people

are going to turn you off and I know I did along time ago
I feel better than I ever have

TV goodbye and good riddance
I think it scares them that people will turn them off

and TV is passe'

it is

[FourScore]

94. I don't watch 'em anymore! n/t

[Joey Liberal]

92. CNN SUCKS n/t

[Hissyspit]

93. Email this to everyone you know! n/t

[ecstatic]

96. MSM should have been second line of defense, after our very own (Edwards & Co.) failed us

I hate to beat a dead horse, but Edwards & Co. should have stopped Bush dead in his tracks. Instead, Edwards co-sponsored the IWR. Talk about letting us all down! Once Edwards & Co. dropped the ball, the MSM should have been there to challenge everyone, but no such thing occured. Every time I think about how nobody stopped Bush I get so $Q!$!$j angry all over again. :mad:

[GreenTea]

98. CNN email & pnone number should be posted, anyone?

[faithnotgreed]

101. kicking