Posted on 05/29/2004 9:13:24 AM PDT by Dane
Posted on Sat, May. 29, 2004
Berg talks of Iraq's business potential on Michael Moore footage
JASON STRAZIUSO
Associated Press
In a 16-minute interview shot for Michael Moore's latest film, slain American Nicholas Berg talks about his travels to Africa and the work he hoped to find as an independent businessman in Iraq, Berg's brother said Saturday.
Moore's crew shot the footage at an Iraqi business conference in Arlington, Va., on Dec. 4, David Berg said. Nicholas Berg's decapitated body was found in Baghdad on May 8, and a video of his killing was posted on an Islamic militant Web site several days later.
Moore on Thursday confirmed he had footage of Berg - shot for the anti-President Bush film "Fahrenheit 9/11" - but said he would share it only with the family. Nicholas Berg's brother and sister praised Moore for that, and said they would also keep the footage private.
David Berg said it was "weird seeing Nick talk," but described the interview footage as dry. He said the first thing he noticed was that his younger brother - who was most comfortable in casual clothes - wore a suit.
"It's one of the few times I've seen him dressed up, and he looked really good," David Berg said.
The interview, which was not conducted by Moore, centered on the technical work Berg hoped to find repairing radio towers on behalf of his company, Prometheus Methods Tower Service. Berg, 26 when he died, also talks about humanitarian work he did in Uganda and Kenya.
"Nick seemed to be fairly conscious of using this thing to promote his business," David Berg said. "(The interviewer) does ask him at one point about the money and he said no one's denying there's money to be made. But it's very clear when you watch it, Nick knew he wasn't going to make a lot of money."
Moore said he had considered using some of the footage in his film but that it got edited out, David Berg said. Aware of the footage they had, some of Moore's staffers cried when they heard about Berg's death, the filmmaker told David Berg.
Moore sent copies of the footage to David Berg in New Jersey and sister Sara Berg in Virginia. Their parents will see the video after returning to their suburban Philadelphia home from vacation, David Berg said.
"Fahrenheit 9/11," which recently won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, accuses the Bush administration of stealing the 2000 election, overlooking terrorism warnings before Sept. 11, 2001, and fanning fears of more attacks to secure American support for the Iraq war.
Given Moore's political leanings, David Berg said he was "really nervous" about what the footage of his brother might show. Nicholas Berg was in favor of bringing democracy to the Middle East, his family has said, but David Berg said his brother wasn't overtly political.
"He went to Iraq because he had certain beliefs about helping people in messed up situations, but it's not like he was trying to help the Bush administration," David Berg said.
David Berg said Moore has handled the situation with "dignity, respect and discipline."
"Michael Moore has really been a total class act with this whole thing," David Berg said. "He could have sold this to the media or stuck it in his movie."
Moore has to stay front and center. He stands out like a sore thumb. I must say he represents the core of the Democratic Party -- America haters. What a shame.
It was rounded up, as in "about 20 minutes" or "15 or 20 minutes." People do it all the time.
Nah. If the tape contained anything detrimental to the Bush admin Moore would have sold it to the highest bidding TV network.
Is this a fact, and if so, please supply a link to this information. Thanks.
This has got to be one of the lowest publicity stunts Moore has ever engaged in. I am skeptical about the authenticity of the tape. Though if true it just makes the case of Nick Berg more bizarre. Coincidence or not.
No, there's ANOTHER tape somewhere and a Moore and/or Michael Berg connection to Nick's death. This tape sounds like it gets them off the hook...oh, what a dangerous web we weave....
Parents are on vacation!! with Hollinger, the employee. Hmmmmmm
According to this article, the interview took place at a conference about Iraq, which should clear up any suspicion, but won't, for many.
"They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen, and their numbers will grow -- and they will win."
Did Nick Berg join the "REVOLUTION"?
"They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen, and their numbers will grow -- and they will win."
Did Nick Berg join the "REVOLUTION"?
"They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen, and their numbers will grow -- and they will win."
Did Nick Berg join the "REVOLUTION"?
"Did Nick Berg join the 'revolution'"?
I don't think we will ever know. My guess is that he was working with Moore as a propaganda tool. The unthinkable happened to Berg and Moore had to change his tack.
Great tid-bit! Thanks.
Virginia is also where Berg's business was incorporated (probably by his sister, an attorney who lives in VA).
You know that brings up Nick Berg's fathers quote.
Basically, "They(the terrorists) killed the best friend they had".
Michael Moore more than qualifies as a friend of the terrorists.
"Michael Moore more than qualified as a friend of the terrorists."
Ding, ding, ding! You are correct.
I believe Moore never said 20 minutes. He said about 20 minutes. Pretty good approximation.
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