HA!!!! "CNN Throws in Towel, Admits to Two Errors, and States That All 'Sicko' Facts Are True

[in_cog_ni_to]

to THEIR source" Way to go, Michael!!!!!!:bounce::woohoo:

email from Michael:


CNN Throws in Towel, Admits to Two Errors, and States That All 'Sicko' Facts Are True to Their Source (or something like that)... Moore Realizes All This is Huge Distraction and Then Spends More Precious Time Thanking Paris Hilton for Seeing 'Sicko'... Meanwhile, More than 300 Americans Die Because They Had No Health Insurance During the 8-Day Gupta-Moore War...

July 17th, 2007

Friends,

The mighty CNN, in a lengthy and sad online defense of their woe-begotten 'Sicko' story of last Monday, has admitted that they did indeed fudge at least two of the facts in their coverage of my film and have apologized for it:

1. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN: "To be clear, I got a number wrong in my original report, substituting the number 25, instead of 251." -- My Conversation with Michael Moore, July 11th, 2007; and

2. CNN: "Moore is correct. Paul Keckley left Vanderbilt in late 2006." -- CNN's Response to Michael Moore, July 15th, 2007.

Furthermore, CNN confirmed that all of our statistics in "Sicko" are the correct numbers from the sources we cited. Although CNN still prefers to use older World Health Organization statistics, we will stick to using this year's Bush administration stats and more recent U.N. data. (In "Sicko," we consistently use only U.N. Human Development Statistics unless it's for studies they don't do or have recent numbers for.) CNN did apologize for these two factual errors, but no apology seems to be coming for the rest of their errors. These days, to get the mainstream media to admit they were wrong is rare; to get them to admit it twice, as they have with "Sicko," I guess should be considered a whopping victory. Will they eventually apologize for the rest, or for their reporting on the war? Will the Cubs win the World Series this year?

So the truce has been signed, the peace pipe has been smoked. And the public is left with a much more cautious and wary eye when it comes to CNN. To be fair, this is what happens when you have to grind out "news" 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a staff you have shrunk through layoffs over the years (like all the broadcast networks have done). You end up rushed and having interns do your research. You have robots replace live camera operators. And, if you're CNN, you are constantly dodging the accusation that you are "too liberal." So when you do a piece on someone like me, you have to make sure you add superfluous and standard ad hominems attacking me simply to prove that you are NOT too liberal. I get it.

Until the last month or so, I have not appeared on a single national TV show for nearly 2 and 1/2 years. After the attacks I had to endure three years ago, from a media intent on questioning my patriotism because I dared to speak out against the war when none in the media would, I decided I had had enough and would simply concentrate on making my next film. I had no desire to participate in networks that were complicit in the war because of their refusal the challenge the commander in chief.

I have to admit, though, I do feel kinda bad taking it all out on Wolf Blitzer. It's not like he's the official representative of the mainstream media. I mean, he's from Buffalo, for crying out loud! He said to me at the end of the show last week to please come back on "anytime you want." I will take him up on that offer and appear again with him tomorrow (Wednesday). I'm not expecting a dozen roses or make-up sex -- I only want a promise that there will be no more distorted distractions so we can have a decent discussion about the REAL issues like why 18,000 Americans die every year because they don't have a health insurance card. More than 300 of them died this week. As Ehrlichman said to Nixon in "Sicko": "The less care they give 'em, the more money they (the insurance companies) make."

THAT'S the only thing we should be talking about. How profit and greed are killing our fellow Americans. How profit and private insurance have to be removed from our health care system. CNN should join me in asking why our 9/11 rescue workers aren't receiving medical care. Somebody should send a crew to Canada to find out why they live longer than we do, and why no Canadian has ever gone bankrupt because of medical bills. And all of the media should start saying how much it costs to go to a doctor in these other top industrialized countries: Nothing. Zip. It's FREE. Don't patronize Americans by saying, "Well, it's not free -- they pay for it with taxes!" Yes, we know that. Just like we know that we drive down a city street for FREE -- even though we paid for that street with our taxes. The street is FREE, the book at the library is FREE, if your house catches on fire, the fire department will come and put it out for FREE, and if someone snatches your purse, the police officer will chase down the culprit and bring your purse back to you -- AND HE WON'T CHARGE YOU A DIME FROM THAT PURSE!

These are all free services, collectively socialized and paid for with our tax dollars. To argue that health care -- a life and death issue for many -- should not be considered in the same league is ludicrous and archaic. And trust me, once you add up what you pay for out-of-pocket in premiums, deductibles, co-pays, overpriced medicines, and treatments that aren't covered (not to mention all the other things we pay for like college education, day care and other services that many countries provide for at little or no cost), we, as Americans, are paying far more than the Canadians or Brits or French are paying in taxes. We just don't call these things taxes, but that's exactly what they are.

See you all when I'm back on CNN tomorrow -- where the discussion will be not be about whose statistics are right, but rather about the guy without insurance who died while I was writing this letter.

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

P.S. Oh... I forgot to tell you about Paris Hilton. Apparently cooped up for too long at home since getting out of jail, she decided to head out for a night on the town. But where does she go? Clubbing? Cruising down the Strip? No! She and her sister decide to go see "Sicko." Now THAT'S news! So, no more bad words about Paris Hilton!:rofl:

[SoonerPride]

1. I'm actually shocked they had the stones to admit their errors.

Now can they atone for Iraq?

[havocmom]

2. Their legal team prolly 'splained it to them: Admit error or pay $$

;)

[MannyGoldstein]

3. They Weren't Looking Forward To NeWSO, Moore's Next Movie

About how CNN et al just make stuff up.

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. I'm sure. All the emails from DUers probably helped too! I know I sent 3 of them myself and

Michael's online open letter to CNN promising to be THEIR WORSE NIGHTMARE, prolly opened their eyes after reading thousands upon thousands of his web site reader's emails.:rofl:

I love that man. LOVE-HIM-TO-DEATH!:loveya:

[tridim]

8. Even with the "apology" they're still fair game IMO

This isn't the only time they've fudged the facts.

And Mike still wants an apology for allowing Bush invade Iraq on lies.

[rocktivity]

4. Still waiting for Fox Noise to apologize to Obama

for not verifying a story about his attending a madrassah as a six-year old--like it would have been his idea anyway.

:headbang:
rockantion

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. FAUX NEWS will never aplogize to Obama unless he sues them.

That's part of their agenda to get Obama. Paint him as a Muslim to scare the brainless freepers. Barack "Hussein" Obama will be a regular mantra should he be the nominee or VP nominee. Plan on it.

[Robbien]

7. Of course CNN can apologize now

The damage has already been done.

CNN will not let this reversal have the kind of air play that their criticism had. Most viewers will not know that CNN admits being in the wrong.

[EmmitFitzhume]

11. CNN probably

considers this incident a positive as people were actually talking about them, although not in a complimentary way.

Amazing, finally CNN admits their wrong and the Hilton sisters actually attempt to use their brains by going to see Sicko . . what is the world coming to? Maybe the celebrity worshiping crowd will also do themselves a favor and go see Sicko like their idol did.

[in_cog_ni_to]

13. Michael's going to be on CNN tomorrow, Wednesday. HE WILL MAKE IT CLEAR TO VIEWERS that CNN admitted

they were wrong. Just watch. Michael will let the TRUTH be known.:)

[Robbien]

17. Big deal. Freeperville's thread "Moore called a truce with CNN"

People made up their minds when watching the big brouhaha. A one time section of one show with Moore will have to be really really outstanding to effect any change on opinions made previously.

It is SOP. Make the accusation and do it up big. Doesn't matter if it is true, just big and juicy. When the truth comes out later no one really pays attention.

Like say Vitter. Everyone already made up their minds about the man before his media event yesterday. His one off speech yesterday changed no opinions.

[Amonester]

9. HEAR HERE (the TRUTH, and nothing but the TRUTH!!) is it so hard

to tell? (see emphasis)

"How profit and greed are killing our fellow Americans. How profit and private insurance have to be removed from our health care system. CNN should join me in asking why our 9/11 rescue workers aren't receiving medical care. Somebody should send a crew to Canada to find out why they live longer than we do, and why no Canadian has ever gone bankrupt because of medical bills. And all of the media should start saying how much it costs to go to a doctor in these other top industrialized countries: Nothing. Zip. It's FREE. Don't patronize Americans by saying, "Well, it's not free -- they pay for it with taxes!" Yes, we know that. Just like we know that we drive down a city street for FREE -- even though we paid for that street with our taxes. The street is FREE, the book at the library is FREE, if your house catches on fire, the fire department will come and put it out for FREE, and if someone snatches your purse, the police officer will chase down the culprit and bring your purse back to you -- AND HE WON'T CHARGE YOU A DIME FROM THAT PURSE!

These are all free services, collectively socialized and paid for with our tax dollars.

To argue that health care -- a life and death issue for many -- should not be considered in the same league is ludicrous and archaic. And trust me, once you add up what you pay for out-of-pocket in premiums, deductibles, co-pays, overpriced medicines, and treatments that aren't covered (not to mention all the other things we pay for like college education, day care and other services that many countries provide for at little or no cost), we, as Americans, are paying far more than the Canadians or Brits or French are paying in taxes. We just don't call these things taxes, but that's exactly what they are."

When will that plain Truth prevail? Add 'em (the costs) up. Those are (more expensive) "hidden" taxes.

So well said!! Thank you, Michael!!

[warren pease]

14. Here's my 2005 medical costs...

$6,802.01 overall in medical expenses: $5,184 in insurance premiums; $917.62 for prescriptions; and $700.39 in deductibles and copays for office visits. There's more in paying the balance between the doc's bill and the insurance company's "negotiated settlement," probably another thousand dollars or so, but I don't have it documented.

And the hits just keep on coming. This year, since my wife is now on the same basic program, 2007 totals will look more like:

A minimum of $15,996 overall in medical expenses: $12,696 in insurance premiums; at least $1,900 for prescriptions(doubling 2005 outlay and adding about $117); at least $1,400.00 in deductibles and copays for office visits (doubling last year's $700+). I think this is a little optimistic in that overall medical expenses will probably end up being more than $15.9K, but why try to inflate an already insane number.

Meanwhile, I bought a laptop from a guy yesterday through Craigslist/Portland. He's originally from B.C., Canada, and married an American who refuses to move up north. So he's 45 (which is about the age my body started to go to shit), both he and his wife are uninsured, they're both freelancers/self-employed so no work-related coverage, and he has no idea what he's going to do if either of them gets sick in this country.

In B.C., when he was last living there in 1998, full coverage cost him about $400 (Canadian) a year, and had he gotten seriously ill and unable to work, they would have placed him in a clinic, hospital or other facility most suited to his particular problem. This would be for life if necessary; or just for the duration of his illness or condition.

AND THAT TREATMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY FREE FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE.

Too early to yell... But he was paying about $400 (Canadian) in taxes over the course of a year and everything he did that caused him to interact with B.C's health care system was 100 percent FREE. Here in privatized heaven, on the other hand, my wife and I are covered (sort of) for a modest $12,696 in premiums this year (and that number will certainly rise in 2008).

Great care when we have to use the system, I'll concede -- the problem isn't at the care disbursement end. The problem is with the parasitic blood-suckers who insert themselves between health care givers and us, cheat both docs and patients in the process and drive up costs while claiming the opposite.

The relationship of health care to insurance is manufactured out of thin air by the US’ obsession with applying market-based, privatized solutions to nationalized, systemic social problems.

Health care is what happens when patients and health care professionals – doctors, nurses, technicians, radiologists, pathology lab staff and so on -- interact to, in the best case, successfully diagnose and fix a medical problem.

Insurance is the protection money we're forced to pay the middle man to enable this transaction.

Why would anyone want to give some parasite who does absolutely nothing to provide health care, yet skims a significant percentage of the bill, a single damn penny?


wp

[FreeDemocrat]

20. You are getting off cheaper than I could.

Several years back I lost my job and went on cobra. It started out at about $500 a month but quickly went to $1200 a month and was scheduled to go to $1500 a month when I had to decide to either keep the health care or pay all my other bills that were less than that in total. This was of course aside from the $300 or so out of pocket for copays etc.

Now I cannot get insurance at any price, do not get any meds as they are all unaffordable, and need a prescription, which means unaffordable doctors as well. Because there would be a high health insurance premium charged by the insurance company I am prevented from both the insurance AND the Job, so my income is cut still more.

Moore pointed out that he did not even address that issue, but I suspect that 90% of those who do not have health insurance actually need it more than the majority of those who do.

[warren pease]

24. Yup, that's worse...

I'm "fortunate" in that I can sort of afford the ticket, and that I live in a state with a public/private subsidized pool for those who have pre-existing conditions and therefore couldn't get coverage at any price. I was rejected by all insurance companies, non-profit or for-profit, and found this program by accident.

Anyway, your story needs to get told, along with the people Moore focused on. I think his motive in showing how working people with insurance get screwed was to blunt the usual criticism about "them damn poor people need to quit sniveling and get a job." But there are about 45 million of you in this country, and the number is growing by the week.

Best to you, and I hope to hell one of these "progressive" candidates has the stomach for a real fight against these predatory bastards. For-profit medicine was a $1.3 billion business in 2000, so the industry will fight viciously against any threat to that revenue stream. Assuming Kucinich isn't nominated, I don't know who else has rejected or not been offered medical/pharma campaign "contributions."

Let's see: loyalty to the wishes of the people vs. loyalty to corporate money and the agenda it's supposed to buy...

Well gee, that's a no-brainer



wp

[lovuian]

10. Truth wins out Michael Moore Rocks

He is Awesome
Its because All the news media has lost credibility
you can't give propoganda out if people think you lie

its quite the quandry

[EndElectoral]

12. It troubles me that none of the candidates have changed their health care proposals due to this film

This film is amazing, yet only Kuccinich offers a single payer non-profit health care proposal. If we can't even get out liberal candidates to do this,...well, it is unbelivablely discouraging.

[warren pease]

18. That's because they're not liberals...

Other than Kucinich, who couldn't hide his reputation and political positions even if he wanted to for "electability" purposes, all the rest of the "major" candidates are corporate-approved. And so they're babbling about universal "coverage," which isn't even close to the same thing as single-payer, universal-access.

"Coverage" implies the continued involvement of for-profit insurance carriers in the US health care system, which means that any such plan will carry within it the seeds of its own destruction. If they're going to build a new, functional health care system and then invite in the most destructive element in the current mess, why would anyone expect different results?

Nobody's allowed to ask that question, of course, due to corporate constraints on acceptable dialog. And because most Americans are too used to equating celebrity worship with information, lost their critical thinking skills when advertising and PR finally poisoned them sufficiently, and forgot how to question authority and demand accountability a long, long time ago -- that seems perfectly OK with them.

So, we'll probably have some kind of "improved" medical system if one of the mainstream Dems is elected. But it will almost certainly be based on "coverage" through for-profit insurers, continue to allow for-profit hospitals and, ultimately, we'll be settling for more of the same when we could have done so much better.

But that's what you get for living in privatization paradise, where every federal program must pass the cost/benefits means tests and must be subject to the invisible hand of the free market -- would that such a thing actually existed.

That would be all governmental programs except for the department of war, which is sucking money so fast you'd think there was a giant vacuum hose strung between the Pentagon and Iraq that spews out packets of dollar bills at 1800 feet per second, eliminating the need for actual weaponry and just murdering people with cash. Well, at least they died rich.


wp

[Lex]

15. wow

:wow:

[Madspirit]

16. k&r

I got this in my Michael Moore newsletter this morning. Very cool, huh!

Lee

[mdmc]

19. God bless Paris Hilton and Michael Moore

:)

[in_cog_ni_to]

21. Maybe Paris will make Health Care 'her issue?' She told Larry King she was going to start looking

for a cause to support. Maybe Health Care is it? It could happen.;)

[WinkyDink]

22. "Universal Health Care---That's hot."

[YOY]

28. LOL

:rofl:

[Kurovski]

23. Now I want them to admit that they're otherwise a two-ton crap sack of bullshit and I'll be happy.

[The Doctor.]

25. Should tell them they did the right thing, "now give us the accuracy we deserve". nt

[Douglas Carpenter]

26. I hope this means that CNN will start providing fair and honest coverage

on this and other issues. But I wouldn't hold my breath.

[whistle]

27. Send Wolf Blister packing, this was his conniving lying doing!

[JAbuchan08]

29. Their admission of error was half-hearted and framed