Posted on 07/08/2004 11:34:19 AM PDT by Dems_R_Losers
Michael Moore has been making some claims – mentioning me by name - which I believe distort the truth.
He says – among other things – that I refused to allow him to use my song WON’T GET FOOLED AGAIN in his latest film, because I support the war, and that at the last minute I recanted, but he turned me down. I have never hidden the fact that at the beginning of the war in Iraq I was a supporter. But now, like millions of others, I am less sure we did the right thing.
When first approached I knew nothing about the content of his film FAHRENHEIT 911. My publisher informed me they had already refused the use of my song in principle because MIRAMAX the producers offered well below what the song normally commands for use in a movie. They asked me if I wanted to ask for more money, I told them no.
Nevertheless, as a result of my refusal to consider the use, Harvey Weinstein – a good friend of mine, and my manager Bill Curbishley – interceded personally, explained in more detail to Bill what the movie was about, and offered to raise the bid very substantially indeed. This brought the issue directly to me for the first time. Bill emailed me and told me how keen Harvey and Michael Moore were to use my song.
At this point I emailed Bill (and he may have passed the essence of what I said to Harvey Weinstein) that I had not really been convinced by BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE, and had been worried about its accuracy; it felt to me like a bullying film. Out of courtesy to Harvey I suggested that if he and Moore were determined to have me reconsider, I should at least get a chance to see a copy of the new film. I knew that with Cannes on the horizon, time was running short for them, and this might not be possible. I never received a copy of the film to view. At no time did I ask Moore or Miramax to reconsider anything. Once I had an idea what the film was about I was 90% certain my song was not right for them.
I believe that in the same email to my publisher and manager that contained this request to see the film I pointed out that WGFA is not an unconditionally anti-war song, or a song for or against revolution. It actually questions the heart of democracy: we vote heartily for leaders who we subsequently always seem to find wanting. (WGFA is a song sung by a fictional character from my 1971 script called LIFEHOUSE. The character is someone who is frightened by the slick way in which truth can be twisted by clever politicians and revolutionaries alike). I suggested in the email that they might use something by Neil Young, who I knew had written several songs of a more precise political nature, and is as accessible as I am. Moore himself takes credit for this idea, and I have no idea whether my suggestion reached him, but it was the right thing to do.
I have nothing against Michael Moore personally, and I know Roger Daltrey is a friend and fan of his, but I greatly resent being bullied and slurred by him in interviews just because he didn’t get what he wanted from me. It seems to me that this aspect of his nature is not unlike that of the powerful and wilful man at the centre of his new documentary. I wish him all the best with the movie, which I know is popular, and which I still haven’t seen. But he’ll have to work very, very hard to convince me that a man with a camera is going to change the world more effectively than a man with a guitar.
Pete
And the fathead on the left
Is now farting at the right
And his ass has grown much larger overnight.
This is actually a very subtle (in the British manner) and effective b*tch slapping. I respect a guy who can disagree with me, and yet not be neccessarily convinced by the likes of Moore.
Same old bs from the lying Hatriot. I believe it's Fred Barnes who was mentioned in one of Moore's earlier books...claiming a conversation between him and Moore took place. Barnes said it's hogwash.
Moore lied? What a surprise!
And Bush has changed the world far more profoundly than either you or fatboy could ever envision.
Probably because their views can't hold up against the truth.
In short, Michael Moore is "Out of his brain on the train"
I always liked Townshend's music (although I always worried he was going to dislocate his shoulder) but I didn't know he could THINK. (It's not a job qualification for musicians no matter how good.)
Good for him. He doesn't like being lied to any more than anyone else.
Just shows though that Michael Moo is a huge (in more ways than one) fool. Why lie about such a well known and popular musician?
Thanks for the post.
Pete is more conservative than I thought.
But I guess that follows as he has always been a pseudointellectual.
What I don't get is how someone could be swayed by the press's contant hounding on WMD's.
Isn't it obvious that Iraq and Afganistan put the terrorists off balance and make it harder for them to plan attacks to kill Americans?
The fact that the last attack directly against Americans was 9/11 should at least suggest it to most.
Anyone around here remember terrorism during the Clinton years? It was a lot more regular than it is lately.
Bump
Yeah but my admiration for Daltry has gone down.
Interesting how self-important Moore comes off.
Moore's modus operandi is simple, if you are not WITH him then you must be AGAINST him, no in between, only those who agree and those who must be the enemy. Truth is though there are few who are really with him the vast majority can see right through his hateful spewings to see what they are. The mouthings of a vacuos liar, beligerent partisan liberal (socialist) and all round distateful person.
I never realized what an intelligent person Townsend is. If he takes a knife from Moore, he's got my support. How do I email him? Can't find his contact on his site.
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