No, I won’t see Michael Moore’s newest movie, “Capitalism: A Love Story” but not for the reason one would think…that is, assuming one cared enough to think about the movies I see, which I doubt one does. Heck, I almost don’t, and I’m me. But, since this is a blog, and I’m the publisher, this beginning seems appropriate. 🙂
One might think the obvious: “Because, Burg; you are an unabashed Capitalist who would be truly offended watching someone like Moore bash the economic system you so love.”
Well, I probably would be offended, but that’s not the reason I won’t go. Actually, since I enjoy learning from everyone, including those with opposing viewpoints, I would have gone just to see exactly how he would have made his case against Capitalism; the one economic system in the history of the world that has improved the standard of living for everyone (yes, everyone, including the poor) under its umbrella.
But, that’s not what he’s doing. I have seen him interviewed about the movie, and I saw a movie clip. Both times there was something very obvious:
He was not talking about Capitalism!!
That’s right. He was displaying disgust at the obvious collusion between our 535 legislators and the corporations and special interests (represented by lobbyists) to which they’ve sold their law-making influence.
And, I’m just as disgusted by that as Moore is. However, that is not Capitalism…it is Corporatism (i.e., “corporate welfare” or special laws, rules and regulations intended to benefit those footing the bill).
Yes, it’s bad. It’s very bad. But, again, it’s not Capitalism.
Yet, the movie claims to display the evils of Capitalism. And Michael Moore has millions of followers who – when he says something is…something – they accept it.
Here’s my very quick open letter to Michael Moore. And, while he’ll probably never see it, I’ll feel a lot better for having written it:
Dear Mr. Moore, please understand that government colluding with and rewarding special interests who contribute to their re-election campaigns is NOT Capitalism. With all respect, your entire premise is false. Unfortunately, most of America is going to accept your conclusion without even questioning the very false premise upon which it was based. You have a right to your opinion. But, when you have as much influence as you have, you also have a responsibility to understand what is and what isn’t, and to get your premises straight. Remember, by the very nature of having a false premise you can not reach a correct conclusion. Please check your premises.
MainBob O’Connor wrote: “Perhaps the movie should be called ‘Corporatism: A Love Story.’ There is a corruption of power going on with companies lobbying for ‘company welfare’ and handouts from the government to Banks and big companies.”
I agree with MaineBob. Any chance, Mr. Moore, that you’ll change the title or at least admit your mistake? Or is there more money to be made by using a sexy – albeit false – title?
Of course, Mr. Moore, maybe you’d call that Capitalism.
I don’t call it that. I call it fibbing.
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I find Moore’s chafey, abrasive, look-at-me style a bit much. To add ‘fibbing’ to his already dubious “intellectual” hijinx cones as no surprise. Hyperbole is not information. It is satire. But satire jabs at the truth. Moore profits from his forays into ‘social responsibility’. That makes him a hypocrite, or worse, one who, like the Corporatists he so dispises, uses influence for ill-gotten gains.
I wasn’t going to read this because my disdain for Michael Moore borders on insane. The Man really brings out insane anger in me. I believe Michael Moore’s purpose is far more “incendiary” than making a mistake….Everything he does is for a reason. Anyone…anyone with money that panders to a Govt. gone rogue like ours appears it is gone, is going to use that money to their benefit to remain in the elite class that is being formed. It happens in Marxism. Corporatism is an integral part of that. GE for example, Walmart has thrown its own-self under the Corporatism bus to stay in the game…. Look at the masses of wealth Nancy Pelosi is building up for herself. The top Govt is going to be wildly wealthy, stealing everything from the peasants they have created with their insane taxation. Moore knows enough to want to be on the top with the few. Why did I use the word “incendiary”? Because everything Moore does is to fire up the uneducated masses. This particular film is not a coincidence. It is timely and part of the plan…..as he is.
I am in agreement with you. I do find it a bit hypocritical for a man to make millions of dollars selling a movie to millions of people decrying the “evils” of making millions of dollars off millions of people who can not really afford to give him the money. If I were to write an open letter to Michael Moore it would go something like this.
Mr. Moore,
Please step up and set the example for us all who are in business for ourselves. STOP CHARGING REDICULOUSLY HIGH PRICES FOR YOUR MOVIES. In the finest traditions of oppressive governments, give free movie tickets to the people who need them most. Force those in our society who are fortunate enough to have large sums of money to step up and “give their fair share” to the hard working people that need it most. Michael, stop charging poor working class people good money so you can pad your bank account with more millions of dollars. Let them keep the money and re-invest it in the economy; through an approved government program of course. Mr. Moore, How much is enough? How much money do you need to take from those less fortunate than yourself? Shame, shame Michael Moore.
Sorry for the rant, but I get a bit annoyed when people do not give the appearance of following the very advise they give to us. If I am wrong and Michael Moore does indeed live in a small one bedroom apartment in downtown Detroit then I apologize.
Keep up the struggle Bob.
Hey Bob,
Found your post from a link on twitter and I think you make a great point and may be correct. That being said, I’m looking forward to the movie. I simply can’t allow a title alone to deprive me of added thoughts and view points about the state of our society.
My speculation is that somewhere in that film he’ll present a tight interconnection between the U.S. implementation of Capitalism and how it has lead to the Corporatism that exists today. If not, I will agree that the title is inappropriate, but that still, to me, does not alone negate the rest of the film.
As for Michael Moore having millions of followers, I wonder about that. Agreed millions see his movies; I get the impression, though, that most find him entertaining but a bit out there. I’m not sure I know anyone in particular that accepts Michael Moore’s assertions without question (but maybe there is some demographic I don’t know about).
I do appreciate the fact that he can get people thinking about these issues in new ways, though, regardless of his view point.
Thanks for the post, all the best!
-Nicky
I find it interesting that Michael is taking on what is obvious graft and corruption – and calling that capitalism. Too bad he didn’t just call it what it is and magnify the power of his message with the appropriate angle. I do believe that what he’s trying to point out is something we all need to recognize and counter. But calling it capitalism… Read More just to be sensational dilutes what could have been a compelling view into the behavior that is troubling our country today – and promises to only get worse tomorrow. Great post my friend, but I’m sad it has to be this way. IMHO Michael has BECOME his own example of what he’s trying to fight??? Selling out for the $s.
Great article Bob.
This is precisely the point I made at the end of a radio interview I was on 9/28/2009 when I brought the subject of Moore’s movie up. Every interview I have seen with him and clips of the movie do not display capitalism at all. And this is a distortion that is truly bothersome as it leads people to misunderstand what capitalism is all about.
Keep up the great work!
Karl
Fantastic. Thanks for making this important point.
I have not been a critical thinker as long as you have Bob, but isn’t that one of the foundations for Capitalism?
Now that I am really beginning to understand the mindset and skillset for wealth creation as an entrepreneur, and why wealthy people have what they have, maybe they have earned the right to use the money to influence things for the better or as they see it (whether we agree or not)? If it were not for corporations and industry, there would be no jobs. Without jobs, there is no money circulating to keep other jobs and other businesses growing. The people who are bold enough to do what it takes to create wealth, specifically when it involves having employees to do so, deserve every penny made, every tax break available, every influence their wealth can give to them? And don’t the majority of those with significant wealth use it for the good of others?
I’ve to date, not been so bold to say it like I see it.
Jennifer
Hi All, I love the points you’ve made. If I may, instead of responding to all (95 percent with which I agree) I’m going to respond to a few points with which I have either a question or a concern:
Nicky: It’s not the title keeping me from seeing the film. As mentioned in the article, if that’s truly what he was talking about I would go just to learn more (though I’ve read enough of his books/articles and seen enough interviews to pretty much know where he’s coming from). But, of course, I agree; a title itself is not sufficient cause to not go. And that is not the case here. It’s because he is talking about Corporatism under the guise of it being Capitalism. And I already agree with him that “influence peddling to special interests/major corporations and those SIs and corps buying that influence” is a horrible thing.
Julie: I might simply be naive, but I really don’t think he is part of any conspiracy, nor do I even believe there is any conspiracy. One of my great political mentors, Harry Browne once said, “Government doesn’t need a conspiracy to grow; it’s just what it does naturally.” And, remember, most people in government – especially once they’ve been in for awhile – are more interested in being re-elected and amassing power than they are in protecting and defending the Constitution and the rights of the individual (assuming they ever cared about that in the first place). And they do that via handing out all sorts of freebies in order to buy the loyalty of their constituents. They don’t personally pay for these freebies but instead take from other taxpayers in order to do this. When you hear talk about “pork” that’s exactly what it is. And I’ve met enough people with D.C. experience to know that is what they do. However, as far as an organized conspiracy to control the masses; doubtful. They ain’t smart enough to pull it off. 🙂 And, I really do think that Michael Moore believes the garbage he spews.
Jennifer: Not really sure what concern you are expressing. Please don’t think for a second that I don’t want corporations to make money. I want them to make lots and lots of money, so long as they do it legally, ethically and morally, through the adding of value to the marketplace. What they do *not* have the right to do is to buy special favors, advantages and protections from legislators in exchange for supporting them in their quests for re-election. You wrote, “maybe they have earned the right to use the money to influence things for the better or as they see it.” They have not earned the right to bribe politicians to stack the decks in their favor, and that’s what Corporatism is. Does that answer your concern or did I misunderstand you. If so, please accept my apologies and please feel free to write back and explain.
Regarding “maybe they have earned the right to use the money to influence things for the better or as they see it”. Yes, they have the right to use their resources to influence things. But that is not without its limits.
When government takes an action to take money and spend it on a Corporation or something others don’t approve of, they are doing it at the point of a gun. Law (and Taxes for that matter) in the end, is maintained by force.
I don’t object to giving people a choice and letting them vote you into being a profitable company by spending money. I do object if they spend that money to “buy guns” through votes and then take more money from me to spend on things I don’t approve of. So in general, special favors, advantages and protections are done through the force of law and that I don’t approve of nor is it ethical.
Michael Moore’s new movie Capitalisim: A Love story. Gee obviously Michael Moore loves it because he is certainly getting rich from it. Moore is a Hypocrite.
I’m extremely shocked that everyone has an opinion however have never seen the movie Capitalism or probably any Michael Moore movie. As for those of you who do not want to pay to see his movies, you can get a copy at the library for free or borrow it from one of your more progressive friends (if you have any). I have absolutely NO respect for critics who have never seen the movie or read the book or article etc. You spit out commentary based on biased commentary bombarding you via your usual mode of communication. Give me your opinion AFTER you see the movie and then we can discuss on an educated platform the valuable moments of the movie or those that could have been eliminated or further developed. Until that time, save space with your commentary. Nicky thank you so much for you comment because you obviously are comfortable with your intelligence to want to watch the movie and make your own opinion. As you have read, most people are not willing to do that. As a final point, most of you would probably find, if you took the time to make your own opinion, that you agree more with Michael Moore than disagree with him. Bob as always I appreciate your blogs and the opportunity to learn from you. On this matter, I disagree with you more than I agree however as you know you can always count on my honesty above all else.
Hi Nancy, I thank you for voicing your opinion and concern. Unfortuately, you seemed to have missed the point I was making. In fact, as I said in my article, I do agree with him in terms of the Corporatism he is so against. And, had he titled his movie, “Corporatism” instead of “Capitalism”, while I may or may not have seen the movie (again, since I already do agree with him in that regard), I wouldn’t have come out against it.
But he DIDN’T. He called it CAPITALISM, as though that was the topic. And, as you wrote to me on Twitter, your friends agreed with me that it was about Corporatism.
So, I’m not exactly sure what you are finding fault with. The point of my article was only that he mis-titled it, and that in a country that right now is already struggling with understanding the difference between these two very important concepts (actually, three; Capitalism, Corporatism and Socialism) I felt he did a huge disservice in naming the movie as he did.
Thank you.
So..the real reason you won’t see the movie is because it’s mistitled, although you agree with the sentiment?
I mean, the title of your blog post clearly states that you haven’t seen it, and won’t be seeing it. You think you agree with the premise of the movie based on interviews you’ve seen with Moore. but in the end, it merely comes down to a title? And it’s nothing personal regarding the man and his previous works?
I don’t know if I can buy what you’re selling here.
Mr. Moore why didn’t you give capatalism a fair hearing? Why didn’t you tell the story of people like the man who gave me my first job, and taught me how to make an honest living? A man who got up every morning for 53 years, and went to the same store. He never made big profits, and he used them to send his 7 children to college.
No Sir, you don’t tell stories like this, you find the few dishonest people who give capitalism a bad name, and paint that, as the whole picture.
Good morning, Juan. I’m not exactly sure what it is you’re not buying, so I’ll blame that on my failure to express myself properly.
First, know that I disagree with Michael Moore on his feelings regarding Capitalism and Socialism. I’ve read enough of his books and his articles, and seen enough of his television appearances over the years to know that he and I see the world in two very different ways in that regard.
However, when it comes to Corporatism (which is the collusion of government and big business) I agree with him.
Of course, unlike him, I want big business to make money. Lots of money. It helps everyone (yes, despite what many people would like to think, true “Trickle Down Economics does indeed work).
However, no business (via the poeple running them) has a right to make money through buying influence via the political process. That is NOT Capitalism. It’s morally wrong, it’s unconstitutional, and hurts everyone involved but those who are involved in the scheming.
So, yes, the entire point of my blog post was that Mr. Moore has called something Capitalism that is not Capitalism. To me, that is inexcusable. And I will not see the movie for that reason. I will not support someone who either intentionally misleeds the public, or even unintentionally, if that is the case, when they have a responsibility of getting their facts straight.
Please let me know if I have adequately clarified my position for you, and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
I totally agree with Mr. Moore that corporate welfare is distructive to our economy. Actually, it is horrible for our capitalist system. However, if Mr. Moore believes that big money and big business do not get special treatment in “less capitalistic systems”, he is crazy. Additionally, I think it could be argued that big unions have as much pull as big business in today’s system.
I am truly convinced that Michael Moore has a genetic as well as a psychological predisposition to
tell lies and defy logic. Michael Moore is the penultimate exemple of all the mindless ideologues now running amok in the United States condemning almost everything that suits their purpose for financial or political gain. I have bowel movements smarter than Michael Moore.
Aloha Bob,
Forgive me my insolence but your well meaning article just don’t cut it. I appreciate more than you know your ability to recognize the problem. But it is my humble opinion you and so many Americans like you miss the point of your own article. Now I will apologize again in advance out of politeness; but you like Ann Coultor and Micelle Malkin can be wickedly insightful and yet blind as the perverbial bat. First to announce that you beleive that their is no conspiracy behind all of this is naive at best and I’ll let you finish that statement. The mere fact that you understand Michael Moores premise prior to viewing his movie is an hour long conversation of why you should recognize a conspiracy. But even that isn’t my main concern. My main concern is how Hollywood, a bunch of “chuckleheads” (I should know I was in that business for 15 years) realizes how to sway a country and you do not. Maybe for the one millioneth time; everyone, the media is the problem. Your highly insightful and intellectual discussion here…is HERE! While Michael Moores biased and totally distorted but Hollywood backed propaganda will be on big screens all over the country. No you’re right I am an idiot and there is no conspiracy. I leave this in your court, because obviously my 12 years of ranting about this must mean I am insane.
Hi Stephanie, I agree with everything y9u wrote.
Bob (from Hawaii), regarding my being blind as to what you believe is a conspiracy, of course; you could be right; I could be blind about it, and I might just be naive. I just don’t happen to believe it’s a conspiracy. Conspiracies take too many people acting together…and being able to keep quiet about it. Again, though; I could be naive.
I do agree with you that Hollywood does an amazng job of spreading their views while others don’t. Then again, by their very nature, they have good reach, and a lot of people who desire to believe them. Such is life. So, it’s up to us to do our best to effectively communicate our messages in a persuasive way.
I’m not sure what you mean when you say – and I assume you’re taling to me when you say, “No, you’re right, I am an idiot and there is no conspiracy.” I certainly did not call you an idiot. As far as I know, we’ve never even met. And, I don’t use that kind of language anyway. I appreciate your expressing your views and understand that we can disagree about certain things without anyone having to be an idiot, insane or anything else.
Bob,
I’ve enjoyed reading through the comments here so far, lots of interesting thoughts.
You mentioned trickle down economics a few posts above; if you get a chance, I would appreciate if you could post a few links to examples of trickle down economics in action. I’ll have to research it a bit on my own at some point, as well.
It is a phrase used so frequently and yet I can’t recall ever hearing anyone specifically define it, how it functions, examples of it in practice, etc. I’m sure this info is available in textbooks and various places on the Web, but for such a common term I get the feeling many people (myself included) have a very amorphous grasp of it.
Thanks!
Nicky
Hi Nicky,
Thank you for your question. Actually, I should have written it as you wrote it, without the caps. With the caps, it’s still politics. Without the caps, it’s simply a term that makes for a good explanation.
A brief example of “trickle down” would be that someone buys a widget from a store. That sale not only keeps the company in business, but allows them to pay their employees. One of the employess, John, takes his paycheck and with part of that goes to the supermarket to buy food for his family. This not only keeps the supermarket in business but allows them to pay their employees. One of the supermarket employees, Sue, takes some of that money and goes to ______ to buy a _____. This not only keeps that…. and on it goes. It continues to trickle down and benefit more and more people.
So, yes, we want major corporations to succeed and thrive (so long as they do it without buying the influence of the politicians for special favors, rules and regulations on their behalf). We want them to stay in business so they can pay their employees who can then go out and buy goods and services, etc. etc. This is what makes for a good, healthy economy and provides more jobs for all, and allows for even more charity for the needy.
Make it difficult for big business to survive (and the same for medium and small businesses) and it hurts everyone.
But they should not be able to manipulate the political system. They should profit through providing value to those who willingly enter into business transactions with them.
Does that make sense?
Why should Hollywood ever have any political opinion I should care about? They are meant to entertain us if that’s possible. Honestly, Hollywood is a disease. They worm their way into our lives through this cause and that cause which they claim to have any sort of knowledge on and infect us through the media (which is also tainted) due to their highly known faces. They make lots of money so they must have some idea what’s going on in the world. They should stick to their bubble reality of fame and fortune, parties and large egos. Keep dumping money into your random charities and I will admit, some of them are worth something. But please, STAY OUT OF POLITICS!!!!! Quit buying the people who represent us. I am so sick of it. And Michael, if you’re so against Capitalism, start handing over some of YOUR money and redistribute it to the people. Or you can always go to Cuba! You and your celebrity buddies seem to love it there so much, heck some in Congress praise dictators. Hitch a ride with them. Take the whole White House with you. I want my Country back. I want my husband’s service to this Country to actually mean something. Because honestly, I don’t know what he’s fighting for. Capitalism is the heart of it. We aren’t willing to give it up. So, take your Socialism somewhere else. But keep talking Michael!!!! Be the poster child for the President’s Health Care Reform!!! Lookin’ Good!!!!