To be a citizen -

A year later than everybody else, I just finished
reading Michael Moores "Stupid White Men" (SWM).
I kind of liked his documentary "Roger and Me", and now
actually thinks SWM is a "necessary" 2002-03 read!

 Surely, to be a citizen is the highest honor to hold in
a democracy. And you might agree or you might disagree
with Michael Moore, but I don't think you can take away from
him that he actually cares about democracy and society.

 With this said I personally disagree with Moore
on a lot of issues. The part about Yugoslavia was
simplistic, to say it mildly, his failure to see
any good in Americas position in the world is
downright dangerous. And come on - noone carpet bombed
civilians in Panama.

 On the bright side I kind of enjoyed his comparison of
high schools with totalitarian dictatorships.
 The Florida vote scandal is rightfully given a
harsh treatment. And like Moore I think Gore actually won in 2000 -
However, unlike Moore, I think it was a good thing
that we never saw a Gore presidency.

 Each time MM delivers a good punch -
Like "why dont the Palestineans use non-violent protest? It worked in
India, it worked in South Africa etc."
Like: "Guns are introduced by whites into society, not blacks,
as no afro-american owns a gun-company!"
 - I really enjoy free speech and the right to vote -
Democracy needs someone out there to care enough about
it all to be and act like citizens.
Forcing the rest of us to be informed, interested and
active - instead of passive and uninformed, dulled
by materialism into frightened spectators.

  Agree or disagree - read SWM !

-Simon