October 20, 2004

Michael Moore's visit to Utah

For conservatives in Utah County, October 20, 2004 is a day that will live in infamy. Michael Moore spoke at UVSC, attempts at bribery, threats, and a lawsuit not withstanding.

Two days ago the Utah Democratic Progressive Caucus received a call from Michael Moore's office asking us to provide a voter registration table at the event. Approximately 100 voter registration forms were distributed, along with information on nuclear testing, Amendment 3, and the UDPC. Thanks go to our volunteers, Sandy Sanderson, Howard Sanderson, Clarity Sanderson and Richard Watson for staffing the table during the Moore event.

Moore opened his comments with a stinging rebuke of the plaintiff in the lawsuit filed against UVSC. Stating it was inappropriate to use the courts to suppress speech, he wondered out loud if those bringing the lawsuit might be more comfortable in a country where such behavior was more common.

Many of you have by now heard news accounts of Moore's visit, and many no doubt listened to him on the radio. I won't attempt to provide a detailed report of his comments here. The main lesson of the UVSC/Moore/Hannity controversy is the value of free speech. As much as I agree with Moore's take on current affairs and the upcoming election, the lessons learned through the debate leading up to his visit are far more valuable.

We have all heard the stories of individuals wearing this or that t-shirt to a Bush event only to find them-selves being shown the door, often in handcuffs. The story of the man featured in Fahrenheit 9/11 awakened from his nap by FBI agents after making some offhand comments at the gym also comes to mind. The personal threats and attacks endured by those that invited Moore to speak are further testament to just how little many value the freedom to express ourselves in America.

But many more do respect free speech. The recall effort launched against student body officers at UVSC never garnered the required signatures, an indication most UVSC students were willing to accept Moore's visit even if they did not share his opinions. The student government overwhelmingly stood by their decision in spite of ultimately being offered $40,000 to back down. In addition, UVSC's president deserves credit for not pressuring the students to withdraw their invitation, even in the face of threats to withhold financial support to the school.

While ultimately it took Sean Hannity and his offer to bring "balance" back to solidly Republican Utah County to calm the troubled waters created by Moore's visit, I come away feeling a bit more hopeful because he was invited in the first place and because those that invited him would not surrender. Thanks to all involved that made Michael Moore's trip to Zion a reality.

Craig Axford

(Clarity Sanderson's impressions):

What an event! The UDPC had a table with registration forms, information about nuclear testing and single payer healthcare, as well as our newsletter, brochure, and brochures about the dangers of Amendment 3. We gave out a number of Don't Amend stickers as well as 5 video tapes (the total I had available) on the danger of electronic voting. About 70 voter registrations were filled out as well.

The protesters were fantastic! If we hadn't had to man the booth, we'd have been out there with them. Thanks so much to Dennis Potter for calling the meeting to organize the Pro Free Speech/Anti-War rally! It was wonderful to see so many of you out there.

It was a wonderful experience to see Michael Moore. He is a hero to me. Breaking through the media is the most incredible task today and he's managed to do it. I was honored to applaud him.

Michael's next movie is about healthcare and the pharmecutical companies. He shared with us a secret memo leaked by Pfizer to it's employees about the upcoming documentary:

From: [omitted]
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 16:30:47 -0400
To: MMFlint@michaelmoore.com
Subject: Cynical Girl in Human Resources at Pfizer

A Note from Pfizer's R&D Group

"If you're approached by a bearded, heavyset man wearing rumpled clothing and holding a microphone, you may want to think twice before answering his questions. Word has it that Michael Moore is making a documentary about pharmaceutical companies. We're not sure if he's pro or con, but we have a hunch the end-product won't be flattering.

Moore is a Michigan native, and he was in Michigan this week to talk at UM-Dearborn. So it's really not unthinkable that he might target Pfizer colleagues for interviews (if that's the right word). If you are approached, we recommend that you refer all questions to Pfizer Media Relations in New York. The number is 212-573-1226."

( That number again is 212-573-1226 )

Michael suggested we call posing as Pfizer employees. Play it up. Warn them with fear in your trembling voice that "He's here! Please send in reinforcements! Oh no, he's almost in the building! Help us! AAAHHHHHHHHGGGHGHGHHGHHHH!". But that would be wrong... wouldn't it?? :)

-Clarity (UDPC Internet Outreach Coordinator)

Below are the pics! More pics available here.