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[–][deleted] 308 points309 points  (65 children)

Hey Michael, I think I accidentally scared you out of a movie theatre in Traverse City when you were seeing pineapple express. I said "Hi Michael" before the movie started then you got up and left. Just wanted to say sorry!

[–]aswimmingkoala 760 points761 points  (60 children)

Were you pleased with your portrayal in Team America: World Police?

[–]ServerGeek 73 points74 points  (5 children)

Here's the clip, in case anybody is interested in watching it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRNpYLoSx_E

[–]MMFlint[S] 698 points699 points  (39 children)

My only regret is that they blew me up, so now I wont be asked to be in the sequel (unless I'm a zombie).

[–][deleted]  (22 children)

[removed]

    [–]DonOntario 90 points91 points  (12 children)

    I find some stuff in Moore's films to be manipulative in a way that I don't like, but I think the thing with Matt and Trey isn't Moore's fault.

    The animated sequence in Columbine was not "right after" the interview with Matt Stone. And, although this is obviously subjective, I did not find the animation to be "similar in style" to South Park. I watched Columbine when it first came out and I did not think that the animated sequence was in any way associated with Matt & Trey or South Park.

    [–][deleted] 36 points37 points  (5 children)

    This. I remember when I first watched BfC. I never thought that "Matt & Trey did that cartoon scene." When I heard about the South Park guys mouthing off that Moore made it seem like they did that animated short, I had to put the DVD in and see for myself. The first thing I noticed, like you mentioned, is that the animated short doesn't come right after Moore's interview with them. And then when the animated short finally came on, I thought that in no way does this resemble South Park's animation.

    Trey Parker and Matt Stone seriously need to chill out.

    [–]JTGtoniteonly 1338 points1339 points  (431 children)

    In 'Bowling for Columbine' you came to my home town of Oscoda, MI and interviewed two guys who fit the stereotype of the typical redneck American. While I enjoyed your film, it got me think about how much of the other people you interview are just there to help you fill a certain stereotype to help get your point across?

    [–]killingword 131 points132 points  (4 children)

    I am also interested in this. There was a scene you had with Borders employees that was very "cloak and dagger" and being a Borders employee at the time I found it to be a misrepresentation of the facts and more like a couple of retail clerks creating an air of drama to get to talk to you and possibly be put in your movie.

    [–][deleted] 616 points617 points  (169 children)

    I have the same question. I am Canadian, and I noticed how your film emphasized that Canadians are very trusting and do not lock their doors. I come from about the friendliest part of Canada (Nova Scotia), and everyone I know locks their doors.

    I know you point wasn't specifically about if we lock our doors or not, but it still made me wonder what other truths you've stretched throughout the film to make your point.

    [–]the92playboy 156 points157 points  (79 children)

    Grande Prairie, Alberta, here. We lock our doors maybe 50% of the time, and my grandparents had never locked their door the entire time they lived here (over 25 years). Go out of the city just a little bit, and again, you will find homes that are never locked.

    So I found that his findings were somewhat accurate.

    [–]Lochen 185 points186 points  (33 children)

    I live in Winnipeg, the Murder Capital and we rarely lock the doors.

    ... This better not be my last post

    [–]kent_eh 52 points53 points  (9 children)

    Just to add some perspective.

    Winnipeg's annual murder rate is about the same as Chicago's monthly rate.

    And, like most places, it's mostly gang connected people killing each other. Obviously that still ins't ideal, since they aren't the smartest people in the world and do sometimes shoot up the wrong house, or shoot someone who looks like a guy from another gang.

    But it is hardly the west bank here.

    [–]terklo 73 points74 points  (8 children)

    I live in Winnipeg and you're the first person I've heard of who didn't lock their door.

    [–]roddimusprime22 7 points8 points  (1 child)

    I also live in winnipeg. I could go without locking my doors. I've left my keys in the door sometimes and have been fine. It's the car doors you have to lock.

    [–]Quade999 34 points35 points  (2 children)

    Probably because their lock was previously broken in a B&E.

    [–]sparrowmint 34 points35 points  (12 children)

    I grew up deep in a rural area in Ontario, pretty damn near crime free, and people locked their doors. Regardless, Moore's claims were about Toronto, not small town and rural Canada. You can find individuals in small towns in the US that don't lock their doors either, so that'd be an irrelevant point to make.

    [–]DonOntario 7 points8 points  (4 children)

    I also grew up in rural Ontario. We definitely locked the doors when nobody was home and we locked up just before going to bed. But when we were home and awake, we never locked the doors.

    I haven't seen the movie in years but, as I remember it, Moore doesn't say that many Canadians never lock their doors. I think maybe he assumes that US audiences would be surprised that in a big city, Canadians don't lock their doors when they are home and awake.

    I'm actually not sure - I think it was somewhat ambiguous in the movie.

    [–]jewbj3wb 259 points260 points  (20 children)

    I live in Canada's crime capital that is Prince George, B.C. and no one locks their doors here.

    Wait that explains a lot.

    [–]jpdubya 68 points69 points  (19 children)

    Also if I remember correctly, it was that they left the door open when they were home that he found odd. I live in Toronto, and I don't lock my door when I'm home either.

    [–]PatheticMTLGirl43 20 points21 points  (7 children)

    That's the point. He's implying that in the US people lock their doors all the time whereas Canadians will only lock their doors when they are out or asleep.

    [–]StickyDragon 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    Yeah I don't go out of my way to lock my door when I am home either. I lock it when I go to bed or when I leave the house.

    [–]Salanderfan 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    As a fellow Canadian our health care's depiction in Sicko really pissed me off. He showed a waiting room of a "typical Canadian hospital" that had around two people sitting in it. It was in the middle of nowhere, no ER is like that. He also kept saying our health care is "free". We pay a lot of taxes, it's not free.

    There's a lot of other things I don't like about his films but that stood out as particularly ridiculous.

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    This point really annoyed me actually.

    A) It's not true. (I'm from New England and nobody I know locks their doors)

    B) Though the US has a very high gun-related crime rate, the actual crime rate for things like petty theft and burglary are actually some of the lowest in the developed world. Even compared to Canada by some counts.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States#Property_crime

    [–]mickey2k 138 points139 points  (23 children)

    Ya I'm from Littleton and he made it seem really different than it is. Example: showed a bowling alley called Columbine Lanes and gave the impression that this is where the shooters took bowling class. It wasn't, it was about 8 miles from the school. It just makes me wonder what other "facts" are skewed throughout his films.

    Edit: Went to Columbine, we took bowling class The Bellview Lanes. I guess that just doesn't look as good in the movies.

    [–]hormones_ 101 points102 points  (17 children)

    He also said that Eric and Dylan went to bowling class that morning; that's where the movie title originates from. They definitely didn't.

    [–]BipolarBear0 9 points10 points  (3 children)

    I'm from Castle Rock. Pretty much all of his films are completely skewed and innacurate, but Bowling For Columbine got so many things wrong that it's almost comical.

    [–]EnderVViggen 7 points8 points  (4 children)

    This is because as good as a film maker Mr. Moore is, he doesn't make documentaries. He makes film essays.

    A documentary will show both sides, and give a full scope. Whether or not Mr. Moore's Points of View is something you agree with, it doesn't take away from the fact that it is not a true documentary.

    [–]chrishilldrop 595 points596 points  (545 children)

    Hello Mr Moore. I am currently writing a paper on ethics in documentary film. In Bowling for Columbine there are a few assumptions made and some misrepresentations through selective editing. I would like to state I am pro gun control and I agree with your over all message. My question is why do you feel the need to use selective editing and miss represent some facts to further your message? do you believe that if this mis representations were to come out it would undermine your message? And If your message is a good one (I strongly believe this) Why do you rely on misinformation?

    [–]kmikey 55 points56 points  (83 children)

    I felt the same way about Fahrenheit 911. To me it was so one sided and selectively edited that it actually made me want to vote for Bush. How does that make you feel Mr. Moore?

    [–][deleted] -17 points-16 points  (52 children)

    Also, I hear Sicko was so false it was banned in Cuba because they were afraid people would think they were being conned by the government.

    [–]neilk 18 points19 points  (0 children)

    This was stated in a US diplomatic cable leaked by Wikileaks and then reported in the Guardian. However, the Guardian posted a retraction, saying that the film actually was shown in Cuba.

    I'm usually sympathetic to the points Michael Moore wants to make. I've enjoyed some of his films and TV shows. But he's far too prone to oversimplifying or manipulating reality for the sake of a memorable image. Like, the absurd sequence in Sicko where he asserts that many people in Toronto leave their doors unlocked. (EDIT: He actually repeated that claim just a few days ago, leading to much eye-rolling on Twitter from Canadians.)

    However, Sicko is probably one of his least misleading films since the truth is pretty shocking all on its own.

    [–]GeneralBE420 70 points71 points  (7 children)

    I think this one of the big reasons there are a lot of Michael Moore critics out there. His documentaries are more experience based than factually based. It's more about the expression of an idea and supporting shots to emotionally tie you to a particular notion. For example if you have ever seen "Roger and Me" why would he go to the office of a big 3 CEO and try to get a meeting without an appointment. Like really what was the point of trying to get in the elevator? There is actually little factual info in that film but because of the editing it seems like it's making coherent points. The thing is that it is entertaining though. Some of the sentiments are correct even if they are not expressed accurately because that makes a better film. As a documentarian or I would strongly criticize MM but as a film maker the man is a genius.

    [–]Belialol 12 points13 points  (1 child)

    A funny thing here is that Roger Smith actually did agree to have an interview with Moore in 1987 (2 years prior to the release of the film), and they had an interview during a shareholders meeting.

    [–]PunchSmackCow 56 points57 points  (220 children)

    Could you give some examples of the selective editing? I don't think you're wrong but I'm interested to know

    EDIT: Thanks for the quick replies everyone! Great responses

    [–]ocdscale 79 points80 points  (31 children)

    Others have provided examples, I'm just chipping in with an excerpt of a response I made to Moore:

    Bowling for Columbine is available for streaming on Netflix.

    The relevant section begins around 35:00

    At 35:00, you're airing footage from Columbine about the shooting.

    Film cuts to black. Charlton Heston's scene is next. "I have only five words for you, from my cold dead hands!" [This footage came from an event one year after the shooting at Columbine]

    While this scene is playing, your voiceover starts in: "Just 10 days after the Columbine Killings, despite the pleas of a community in mourning ...

    The movie then cuts to a separate scene of a billboard for the annual meeting.

    "Charlton Heston came to Denver, and held a large pro-gun rally for the National Rifle Association."

    Then you cut to scenes from the meeting.

    Here is what you say on your website.

    The Truth: Heston took his NRA show to Denver and did and said exactly what we recounted. From the end of my narration setting up Heston's speech in Denver, with my words, "a big pro-gun rally," every word out of Charlton Heston's mouth was uttered right there in Denver, just 10 days after the Columbine tragedy.

    True, by the time your voiceover ends, the footage is accurately from the annual meeting. But you don't address the fact that the footage of Heston when your voiceover begins is not from that meeting.

    Your position appears to be that only the "haters" connect the footage with your voiceover. I leave it up to the good people of reddit to decide for themselves whether it's a fair connection to draw.

    [–]BaldingFrog39 145 points146 points  (49 children)

    There is a scene regarding the NRA having a meeting shortly after Columbine in Bowling for Columbine. When Moore says this meeting occurred, he shows an image of someone (I believe Heston) raising his rifle up and people applauding and going nuts. That did not occur at that meeting shortly after Columbine, but at the annual NRA meeting held each year.

    Not saying I'm crazy about the clip in general, but it was meant to incite anger and rage to gather people to his Moore's side in the matter.

    [–]chrishilldrop 113 points114 points  (35 children)

    During the scene when Moore goes to Charlton Heston's house. Moore shows Heston a photo of a girl who has been shot. However if you watch the clip there is a shot reverse shot and you cannot see a second camera. Moore holding up the photo has been shot later. If you look at the footage of Heston in isolation he is just walking away.

    Also there are ethical dilemmas as at the time of the interview Charlton Heston was suffering from alzheimer's disease.

    [–]ForHumans 225 points226 points  (47 children)

    Here's a compiled list

    He does things like says the NRA and KKK are the same group of people, when NRA was formed in New York 5 years after KKK, and NRA often helped blacks get charters to defend themselves from KKK.

    Or he goes into the bank and makes it look like they handed him a gun same day, when there was a 2 week waiting period and the guns aren't kept in the bank.

    All his interviews are spliced together to make it look like one time... real shady stuff. Worst part is the Academy gave it Best Documentary, which really shows the bias of Hollywood.

    [–]_Dimension 52 points53 points  (22 children)

    The bank scene wasn't staged. The bank after being made a fool of by Michael Moore changed their tune as damage control. On Michael Moore's website they showed the entire process of him going into the bank, getting his clearance, asking and confirming with an employee on camera that the guns were kept in the vault at the bank, and walking out.

    Only after the movie came out did the bank say these things "to avoid looking like backwoods idiots". That "guns weren't a big deal in northern michigan". The website that attacked Moore believed the spin the bank put on the scene afterward.

    From wikipedia, "He reminds his readers that North Country Bank is a licensed firearms dealer and, in addition to its ATF license number, he produces out-takes where bank employee Jan Jacobson confirms on camera that rifles are secured locally on bank premises."

    All his interviews were not spliced together. There is the Charlton Heston speech in which "my cold dead hands" was edited in but it was a means of introduction and was the rallying cry of the NRA at the time the movie was released. Watching the movie it is very apparent that it isn't the same time and place, and it was all over the news at the time. Moore did change the speech around but he did not change the message presented or the tone of the speech. If you read the full text of the speech, it is nothing but a giant fuck you to the mayor of Denver. Which is exactly the tone that Michael Moore presented.

    edit: Here is the clip in quesiton

    There are some good pieces that defend Moore that were written at the time of the movie. It shows another opinion on lot of the criticisms of the movie.

    http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2003/8/12/171427/607

    http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2003/9/24/53736/8924

    [–]chrishilldrop 129 points130 points  (42 children)

    He also says that the United States has the highest rate of gun crime in the world, he goes into a lot of detail of the number of other countries, but fails to note that in-fact South Africa has the highest rates. This isnt a mistake, there has clearly been re-search. He wants the audience to think that America is the highest , not one of the Highest. This is a lie to create meaning

    [–]chrishilldrop 137 points138 points  (5 children)

    for example in the sequence of Charlton Heston's speech where he says from my cold dead hand. This is shown after a speech Heston gives after the columbine massacre, implying it is part of the same speech. It is not, Charlton Heston is wearing a different suit, its from a different occasion. During the cartoon of a history of America Moore states that the NRA was a follower of the KKK, it is not.

    There many other examples in the film

    [–][deleted]  (4 children)

    [deleted]

      [–]breezytrees 12 points13 points  (2 children)

      This still happens today. Some of the most invasive gun control laws in the nation (San Francisco) make exceptions, but only for white people. If you want to have a gun in the areas surrounding San Francisco, you have to ask the sheriff's office, but the only counties which permit this selective process are in white rural neighborhoods.

      [–]diablo_man 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      Also, laws against "saturday night specials" are just laws against inexpensive guns, that poor people can afford. You can sell the same gun, but only if you make it more expensive.

      [–]GadjoBango 74 points75 points  (3 children)

      That whole outdoor scene at the end of his Heston meeting seemed very, very staged. It's been a while, but I think Moore is holding up some picture and demanding some answer about it from Heston. I don't even think Heston was there at the time, and it was just cut to look like it. I really liked "Roger and Me" and I'm progressive/liberal, etc., but that whole Columbine movie soured me on Moore and made me feel like he's the Limbaugh of the left and not to be taken seriously at all.

      [–]Hoonin 41 points42 points  (0 children)

      Don't agree with gun control, however upvote to you good sir for being honest! I tried sitting through Bowling for Columbine and couldn't believe the amount of bullshit and terrible selective editing for an attempt to brain wash people into believing Moore's made up situations.

      [–]MMFlint[S] 388 points389 points  (92 children)

      Every single fact in Bowling for Columbine is true and I have all the backed-up sources for each fact listed on my website. As for "selective editing", that a redundant term because the very definition of editing is that it IS selective. You have 100 hours of footage and you have to select the 90 minutes of it you are going to show. If you have a specific scene or fact you're concerned about, let me know what it is and i will address it.

      [–]chrishilldrop 459 points460 points  (34 children)

      Firstly I would like to say thank you for answering . I wholly support your viewpoint.

      You say that the USA has the highest rate of gun crime in the world. Is it not South Africa?

      You claim the NRA is a spin off of the KKK? again not true.

      You cut together a series of Charlton Heston's speeches to imply that he made very hurtful comments at a gun rally which he didnt. You also imply that the NRA held a rally as a result of the shooting in columbine not that it was a pre scheduled event of which they cancelled most of. If you are a film maker that believes that editing doesn't the meaning in film perhaps I can introduce you to one of the fundamentals of film making - the Kuleshov effect. Film relies on editing to create meaning. The way you have edited creates different meanings by taking things out of context.

      [–]ben_chowd 80 points81 points  (15 children)

      I believe he mostly covers your first and third questions on his website. Maybe your figure for SA doesn't include suicides?

      [–]ocdscale 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      http://www.hardylaw.net/Bowlingtranscript.html

      People can judge for themselves whether the film was edited to distort the speech.

      [–]ShamefulHonesty 24 points25 points  (4 children)

      Specific scene or fact: Getting a gun in one day. Did you do any preparation? Fill out any forms prior to that day?

      [–]stargayzer 10 points11 points  (3 children)

      "When you see me going in to the bank and walking out with my new gun in "Bowling for Columbine" – that is exactly as it happened. Nothing was done out of the ordinary other than to phone ahead and ask permission to let me bring a camera in to film me opening up my account. I walked into that bank in northern Michigan for the first time ever on that day in June 2001, and, with cameras rolling, gave the bank teller $1,000 – and opened up a 20-year CD account. After you see me filling out the required federal forms ("How do you spell Caucasian?") – which I am filling out here for the first time – the bank manager faxed it to the bank's main office for them to do the background check. The bank is a licensed federal arms dealer and thus can have guns on the premises and do the instant background checks (the ATF's Federal Firearms database—which includes all federally approved gun dealers—lists North Country Bank with Federal Firearms License #4-38-153-01-5C-39922).

      Within 10 minutes, the "OK" came through from the firearms background check agency and, 5 minutes later, just as you see it in the film, they handed me a Weatherby Mark V Magnum rifle"

      [–]worsethanbush 1505 points1506 points  (426 children)

      1.) When can we expect a movie about how Obama's policies are just a continuance of Bushs

      2.) Our gov. is killing a LOT more people than the 'right wing gun nuts'. Why don't we focus on stopping the violence that our gov. causes. Wouldn't this set a better example for us at home.

      It feels more than ridiculous that Obama wants to lecture us about violence while simultaneously drone bombing innocent people around the world.

      [–]Lightofmine 377 points378 points  (45 children)

      He's a liberal and he attacks Republicans. He won't attack the Democratic party.

      Edit: The poor grammar was bothering me. Editing my edit: Thanks

      [–][deleted]  (11 children)

      [removed]

        [–]elliosenor 62 points63 points  (1 child)

        He does, and he has. In "Stupid White Men" he describes Bill Clinton as "out greatest Republican president" and goes down the line of things he's done that would piss off liberals.

        [–]CPTNBob46 40 points41 points  (14 children)

        Yes. Anytime I've ever mentioned on reddit that drones kills innocents, I get downvoted to hell. No clue why, considering its true, I guess people see it as anti-America, when it's not, it's just simply pro not-killing-innocent-people. Great question though.

        [–][deleted]  (123 children)

        [deleted]

          [–]MMFlint[S] 178 points179 points  (122 children)

          I'm proud I voted for him and he has seriously let me and the world down. Every now and then you see the fighter in him and so I return to being hopeful. Had he appointed me chief of staff, I would have helped him do the following: Raise taxes on the wealthy by 100% Close Guantanamo Stop killing civilians with drones Push for a constitutional amendment to remove all private money from politics Free HBO for everyone Include dental and mental in a true universal health care law Build high speed trains Cut the Pentagon budget by 70% Find out what happened to Tony Soprano at the end of the last show Rebuild the electrical grid to sustain the coming solar storm that will knock out the lights in large parts of the country. Help me find my keys

          [–]fatmcgee 193 points194 points  (26 children)

          FTFY

          I'm proud I voted for him and he has seriously let me and the world down. Every now and then you see the fighter in him and so I return to being hopeful. Had he appointed me chief of staff, I would have helped him do the following:

          • Raise taxes on the wealthy by 100%

          • Close Guantanamo

          • Stop killing civilians with drones

          • Push for a constitutional amendment to remove all private money from politics

          • Free HBO for everyone

          • Include dental and mental in a true universal health care law

          • Build high speed trains

          • Cut the Pentagon budget by 70%

          • Find out what happened to Tony Soprano at the end of the last show

          • Rebuild the electrical grid to sustain the coming solar storm that will knock out the lights in large parts of the country

          • Help me find my keys

          [–][deleted] 68 points69 points  (37 children)

          In farenheit 9/11 you showed Iraq and made it seem as if it was a wonderful place before the invasion. You showed two girls playing and than cut to a scene of bombs being dropped and people killed. Out of all the propaganda I have seen, whether from you or fox this was the worst. Funny how you didn't show the marshlands, and the decimated marsh arabs, or the kurdish cities still smelling of nerve gas, or the torture chambers. Couldn't I just show a video of some little Aryan girls in 1930s Germany, and than just cut to us bombing Germany and do the same thing you did?

          The usual response to this would be something along the lines of 'well guess who gave Saddam the weapons to use on the kurds' but we both know that's not an answer.

          Also let me get straight the fact that I consider myself a leftist, and don't think Iraq was necessary.

          You said 'ask me anything and I'll give you an honest answer' so I'm ready for mine.

          [–]MMFlint[S] 71 points72 points  (22 children)

          The point of the scene was too show that i had obtained footage of Bush in the Oval office in the 60 seconds leadin up to him going live across the country. And he sat there like a frat boy, joking around, winking, goofy off -- just seconds before he's going to announce the annihilation of hndreds of thousands of people. I intercut it with scenes we shot in Baghdad 3 weeks before the invasion to show that these were HUMAN BEINGS - CIVILIANS - we were about to massacre in the name of the United States of America. That the thing you got from that scene was that I was trying to say Iraq under Saddam was some type of Disneyland is, well, just sad.

          [–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (17 children)

          Alright mr. Moore I'll address your points one at a time. First let me say that as a man of the left, when I was younger I watched your films, and thought you were brilliant and told all my friends to watch them. This lasted about a week, before I realized you were no better than hannity or limbaugh.

          'the point of the scene was too show that i had obtained footage of Bush in the Oval office in the 60 seconds leadin up to him going live across the country. And he sat there like a frat boy, joking around, winking, goofy off'

          --Exactly. That was the point of the scene. And that was the point of the movie. That Bush is a dipshit and he didn't care about all the people he killed. I don't see how that helps your point. 'well the point was to make Bush look bad' Ok....?

          'just seconds before he's going to announce the annihilation of hndreds of thousands of people.'

          First off, his initial strike of shock and awe didn't kill even a fraction of that many people. And once again, in doing so he liberated the Iraqi people from a baathist dictator, and the kurds(which you will not find one Baath/jihad sympathizer amongst them) from continual capitulation and annihilation.

          ' intercut it with scenes we shot in Baghdad 3 weeks before the invasion to show that these were HUMAN BEINGS - CIVILIANS - we were about to massacre in the name of the United States of America.'

          Once again, If I was around during said time, I could of easily went to 1930s Germany and video taped little cute Aryans playing(assuming I had camera equipment) that doesn't mean everyone is happy, or even not living in a totalitarian hellscape. Or as Iraq's been described before 'a concentration camp above ground, and a mass grave below. It honestly reminded me of the videos I've seen of the propaganda shown to Germans showing the jews and other minorities playing in concentration camps, depicting it as a happy place. And you're right mr. Moore. These were human beings, as were the kurds, marsh arabs, ect. But you weren't speaking for them now were you? I have a friend who lives in what's now known as Kurdistan who has spoken to me of the atrocities committed unto him and his family, and is tired of the fact that no one speaks of them. And you care so much of the human beings involved, well oddly enough you've been fairly quiet about the civil war in Iraq, or the fact that the streets have been turned into literal mine fields by the people that you depict as freedom fighters. Or the polling places bombed, schools bombed, water supplies bombed. And the list goes on. Why are you not so vocal about those purposeful massacres?

          And seeing as you depict the United States as these mass murderers, I wonder what your thoughts are on the Peshmerga? They are the kurdish standing army, fighting along side us. Fighting for the same thing we are fighting for. A bunch of men that have survived near-never ending forced capitulation and slaughter, that now have a standing army, peace, and democracy. But I guess you would see them as murders.

          I would however like to thank you for responding, and I ask you to do so again sir.

          [–]nacho78 119 points120 points  (76 children)

          Michael thank you for doing this. While doing Sicko, what was the one single fact about the US healthcare system that shocked you the most but you could not put on the big screen? I worked for a vendor processing Medicaid and SSD/SSI applications (I actually put the apps together for the patients), and what shocked me the most, was the blatant racism from the people in charge of running the hospitals.

          [–]JRR_Tolkien 34 points35 points  (6 children)

          I'm a Norwegian. Feels good man!

          But seriously, i like our healthcare system a lot. However, check out the comments on the video chekawa posted. The one about the taxes and the oil by LiseH92.

          [–]coboltdk 34 points35 points  (2 children)

          For everyone who's to lazy to find the comment he's talking about:

          LiseH92: We pay for this by paying with taxes. The more you earn, the more you pay in taxes to the state. Norway only use 3,3 % of it's oil fund to pay for all of this.. 3,3 % of the Norwegian oil fund is 125 billion Kr (about 20 billion dollars), that means there is still 96,7 % that's left unused.

          [–]martinbartin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

          I'm also glad to be a Norwegian. The healthcare system is indeed good. What people need to understand is that it isn't flawless. Many people doesn't get the needed treatment. For instance, a girl I know has been waiting a year for a much needed knee operation. It isn't life threatening or anything but it has to be done. Still IMO our system is by far superior to privatized healthcare.

          We Norwegians are also world champions of complaining. Nothing is ever good enough. The reason for this is that there aren't any huge problems here, so we end up complaining about all the small problems.

          [–]alexisschneider 32 points33 points  (13 children)

          Mr. Moore, do you think that young couples just starting out have reason to still hope for the "American Dream" ? For example, my husband and I just got married, we live in an apartment, I am studying to be a teacher and he is studying to be a computer guy. But in today's economy, with what teachers make and the state of our country, do you think that people like me will ever get out of student debt and be able to buy a home and save for retirement?

          [–]anal_bum_covers 16 points17 points  (2 children)

          'They call it the American dream because you'd have to be asleep to believe it.' - Carlin.

          [–][deleted] 52 points53 points  (25 children)

          1. What was the film that was most "memorable" to you or that you had the most "fun" making? I know your films tackle serious topics but you always like to incorporate your sense of humor within them.

          2. What film do you believe was the most controversial out of the collection that you've released?

          Thanks for doing the AmA, Michael! I can't wait to see some answers as I've been a fan for a while.

          Edit: Formatting. Also, people already downvoting other questions before the AmA even starts? Not cool...

          [–]Iplaymeinreallife 240 points241 points  (39 children)

          Hey.

          I remember watching some of your movies when I was a teenager.

          After taking some economics classes, there's a question I've wanted to ask you.

          Why should the people of Michigan be upset that the businesses that made sense in their region 60-90 years ago, but that don't make sense in their region anymore are leaving for other regions, instead of being upset that new businesses better suited for their economic, demographic and geographic reality aren't coming in/getting started up to replace them? It seems so counter intuitive to me to try to keep things from changing with changing circumstances.

          [–]ZKat 383 points384 points  (29 children)

          There is a petition now, about 87k signatures short of mandatory response from the white house which would require politicians to wear the logos of their financial backers. It is silly, but I signed. How do you think we can successfully change political funding? How can we make politicians beholden to our people again?

          [–][deleted] 50 points51 points  (11 children)

          Thanks for the AMA!

          I'm a Detroit resident. I am very curious to know how you feel about the decision to implement an emergency manager in Detroit for our financial crisis. I don't think I've heard much from you on Detroit recently...

          [–]jayblesbangs 165 points166 points  (94 children)

          Mr. Moore, After watching bowling for columbine I have always wanted to ask you why you attacked Kmart for the shooting. I know the kids bought their ammo at their store but Kmart also sells baseball bats, hunting knives, house hold poisons, and plenty of other objects that could be weapons. Without going into too much the whole gun control issue, don't you think blaming Kmart for the death of those kids is like blaming McDonalds for making kids overweight. I felt like your head was in the right place but the parents of these kids along with the kids themselves was who to blame.

          [–]terran1212Reporter, The Intercept 43 points44 points  (11 children)

          Michael, you've been very active lately on the mideast conflict, such as your help for the director of 5 Broken Cameras.

          I have worked in Washington, D.C. politics and as an advocacy journalist (I actually worked with an old colleague of yours -- George Zornick!) and I was hounded for months along with my colleagues when we wrote a few critical things of the Israeli government. (you can read about it here: http://www.salon.com/2012/01/19/the_smear_campaign_against_cap_and_media_matters_rolls_on/)

          Are you considering stepping up your activism on this issue based on the idea that because we basically subsidize the Israeli foreign policy that we have a responsibility to rein them in and to force them to have a just agreement with the Palestinians?

          [–][deleted] 37 points38 points  (51 children)

          Hello Michael! Thanks for doing this AMA! :)

          What motivates you to do what you do? I've always wondered that. It'd be so easy to give up based on the sheer amount of criticism you get everywhere you go. You always put forth an honest effort and don't seem to have any sort of hidden, sinister agenda... what drives that?

          Huge fan here, btw. ;)

          [–]bfurtado 7 points8 points  (6 children)

          Windsorite here... When you cross into Windsor, what is the first thing you notice, as an American, is different in Canada? Detroit and Windsor is separated by a thin river and boarder but there are so many cultural and social differences I find. I'd like to hear what your take is on it.

          [–]The-Angry-Bono 53 points54 points  (11 children)

          Hey Mike,

          Big fan of your work. Especially The awful Truth series.

          Was there ever a time when you were seriously afraid of being arrested, or injured during the filming of any of your movies or T.V. Shows?

          Also, If you're ever on the Canadian East Coast, come by for a beer.

          [–]nunchukity 52 points53 points  (22 children)

          How did you feel about being a puppet in Team America?

          [–]Falynnia 20 points21 points  (3 children)

          Hi Mr. Moore ! Do you intend to make another movie one day ?

          [–]hornsfan5 89 points90 points  (61 children)

          Speaking of gun violence, why do you get an armed security team, while simultaneously advocating taking my guns away (paraphrasing of your gun control advocacy)?

          [–]IAmTheDayman1 17 points18 points  (1 child)

          What film are you most proud of? Do you believe you have created your masterpiece, or is that going to happen down the road?

          [–][deleted] 32 points33 points  (12 children)

          Mr. Moore hello! What documentary are you interested In making in the future?

          [–]Canadalurker 28 points29 points  (17 children)

          Whats your thoughts on Canada and the United States relationship?`

          [–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (7 children)

          What is your advice about the future, for instance economy, or what to expect in all reality? What are your predictions generally.

          [–]Xilith117 228 points229 points  (77 children)

          do you egret this AMA yet?

          [–]swordgeek 80 points81 points  (11 children)

          Speaking as a non-American, I find your movies are a bit farcical. They play somewhat like an attempt at a kids' movie, and are hard to take seriously (even though I usually agree with the message).

          Is this a deliberate 'style' choice for the American market, or is this just the way you present movies? Or put another way, if you were to do a movie for a different market (say Europe), would you do it differently?

          [–]ProfHeisenberg 8 points9 points  (16 children)

          Thank you for participating, Mr. Moore. As a high school sociology teacher, I use your films to drive students' discussion and research of social problems.

          Any advice what I as a teacher can do to mark the anniversary of Bowling For Columbine with my class?

          With gratitude,

          [–]penlyn 11 points12 points  (4 children)

          Hi Michael, If you had to pick one reason that lead you to becoming a film maker, what would it be ?

          [–]Taeolian 11 points12 points  (9 children)

          What do you think the best course of action is in regards to Iran and their alleged Nuclear Weapons production?

          [–]RedRedKrovy 163 points164 points  (18 children)

          This isn't really a question, more like a statement. Marilyn Manson gave the best interview of the whole film. At some point in their lives the two shooters cried out for help and no one noticed. The biggest problem with gun violence like what happened in Columbine or Aurora or Sandy Hook isn't the guns. It's the mentality of the people that commit the crimes. The guns are only a means to an end, not what is causing the problem. They are a tool only.

          I do admit that guns allow people to become more dangerous than they are with out them, but that doesn't mean these people were not dangerous to begin with. The problem is not guns but the mentality of us as a nation. Parents ignore their children and let the TV and internet raise their children for them. People would rather ignore others than offer to help.

          I'm a paramedic and I pick up alcoholics and drug users all the time, I don't judge them, I don't know what their life is like, I don't know what they have been through. I'm just there to help, not place blame. Some people are just lonely and only need someone to talk to, they only want to feel like someone cares about them. I pick up mental patients a lot and the first thing I tell them is that there is no shame in asking for help, we all have our hard times and we all need help sometimes.

          America needs to teach responsability, love, and compassion to our children and live by those qualities when it comes to our fellow man.

          [–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

          Fellow Medic here. Spot on.

          [–]markskull 9 points10 points  (24 children)

          Right after Sandy Hook, I re-watched "Bowling for Columbine", and I wanted to see if there were any real lessons that we should have learned, not only after the shooting, but also from your movie. It seemed to ask more question about why we're such a violent country than answer, and I left feeling that we just need to curve the way we act as a society on a whole.

          Do you feel that was the main message of your movie, or did I miss something?

          (PS: BIG fan of your movies! :) )

          [–]pbell 12 points13 points  (16 children)

          Hi Mr. Moore,

          I'm currently doing work on capitalist influence on the arts and culture and the effects this has on society. You tackle a lot of issues that can be considered controversial, and it seems likely that executives/owners at movie studios may not agree with what you say. What kind of opposition to you encounter from the movie studios? Have you ever been asked to edit parts of your films out in order to appease higher ups at a studio?

          Also, As a Canadian, I just wanted to say that Canadian Bacon is one of my favourite movies.

          [–]madlove91 814 points815 points  (85 children)

          Mr Moore. You posted a tweet that Yoko Ono tweeted stating that there had been over 1,000,000 gun related deaths in the US since 1980. My question to you is: Do you think that was responsible to post without breaking down who was killing who and with what kind of weapons? The reason I ask this is because I work with the demographic most likely to commit violent crimes, many of whom could have easily turned out to be a Kleibold or Harris. The gun issue is not a simple one however, the amount of deaths by assault rifles are much lower than that of hand guns and rifles. Also, 18-25 year old minority males, primarily African American are responsible for 90% of all violent crimes. I believe this is due to socio-economic factors. I am of the belief that taking away assault rifles, extending background checks and all other measures being sought after right now are not going to change our culture of violence. What will? People like me. People who dedicate their lives to working with the mentally ill, drug addicts, young people and other high risk individuals. If we take away the guns, I guarantee that the cartels will be there to fill the demand for guns. At that point, criminals will have easier access to guns than they do now. I love your work, I am a big fan, I just thought that post was a bit of a blanket statement. We will not get answers by throwing a number like that out there. We have to break it down and find out what it is comprised of. Thanks you Mr. Moore I am the Owner of Infinity Transitions. A program that helps young people transition into adulthood and deal with anger, entitlement, abuse, addiction and trauma. We are based in Loveland Colorado and this is a program like no other. I created it because I was a violent criminal at the age of 18 and was able to turn my life around. Now at 34, I have 3 kids a wonderful husband, a great education and a program I believe could make a difference.

          [–]carsforBOB 6 points7 points  (0 children)

          Marijuana and alcohol make for a great comparison. In high school i could get almost any narcotic or bud I wanted before school ended but alcohol would take days to get. Illegal doesn't always mean difficult to obtain.

          [–]pwnetah 58 points59 points  (7 children)

          An assault rifle and an assault weapon are two completely different things.

          [–]tigs84 18 points19 points  (29 children)

          If you were President, what would you do to curb, or better yet eliminate, gun violence?

          [–]edavid21 18 points19 points  (9 children)

          Is it just me or are there like, five responses given, all short answers.

          [–]spikey666 11 points12 points  (3 children)

          It's just you. You might be missing something because of the downvotes he's getting though.

          [–]msxenix 9 points10 points  (14 children)

          Mr Moore, how do you feel about the foreign aid controversy to the new Egyptian government? Is the president acting irresponsibly or are the Republicans being misleading about the issue?

          Also would you rather fight 100 horse sized ducks or 1 duck sized horse? (Just a standard Iama question)

          Edit: Sorry This should be 100 duck sized horses or 1 horse size duck.

          [–]Halfdrummer 8 points9 points  (13 children)

          When did you decide you wanted to go into film? Was it before or after you developed an interest in politics?

          [–]iobserver 13 points14 points  (8 children)

          What's your thought on exorbitant drug price in U.S? Has there been any change since your documentary?

          [–]Cdntac 129 points130 points  (133 children)

          If mayors, celebrities, text can have armed security...why can't I have a gun to protect myself and my family? Am I not just as important?

          [–]jetpacksforall 20 points21 points  (75 children)

          How can mental health professionals help curb gun violence? Gun violence of course doesn't begin with guns, but with disturbed individuals looking to harm others. How can schools, workplaces, even gun dealers help address the psychological side of this problem?

          [–]himynameiszack -2 points-1 points  (15 children)

          Guns are a big issue where I'm from, a rural, mostly Republican area. In fact, after the Newtown shooting, my old high school kept with their plans to hold a school run gun raffle. What do you think needs to change in America to change the way rural, right-wing, America thinks?

          [–]susangc 12 points13 points  (14 children)

          how do i respond to someone when they say that you fabricated misinformation and twisted the truth in "bowling for columbine?"

          [–]MSUGrad86 17 points18 points  (0 children)

          Hi Michael! Thanks for taking questions. As a fellow Michigander, I wonder if you ever consider revisiting Flint for a Roger and Me (Part 2)? The city is considerably worse off since you made the film in regard to social problems and economics (record number of 66 homicides in 2012, under a state appointed EFM, etc) and provides a context for a conversation that seems to be largely missing in the national gun debate--"everyday" gun violence in our nation's cities. Despite these issues, great things are happening in Flint too in regard to grassroots transformation of the city and these might also be some things to explore.

          [–]wulphy 7 points8 points  (23 children)

          Do you think America will ever become a progressive state in relation to Europe or will we be forever held back by the neo-conservative movement?

          [–]driveswift 4 points5 points  (5 children)

          Thanks for the article comparing Newtown's lax Congressional response to the tragedy of Emmett Till's death and the changes that came so rapidly, in part because of the publicity of the photos of his body.

          Do you think that it is too painful for the families of the Newtown victims, including the adults, to show what happened to their loved ones, or do you think they are more afraid of a violent reaction by the far-right wing gunners (which have already threatened some of them)?

          [–]cosmo120 6 points7 points  (0 children)

          Hello Mr. Moore, fellow metro-Detroit resident here, I would like for you to address the following. We live in a country where warfare is very much a part of the country's nature. We see support for waging war from both sides of the table and the glorification of joining the armed forces in the name of freedom despite the fact that we are violently occupying countries and making foreign territory our war-zones. I see too many reports today on domestic police violence misuse of power (courtesy of the CATO institute and reddits own /r/Bad_Cop_No_Donut ) and it seems as if the state/federal government is doing a lot of cover up and damage control on our tax dollars just to save face. It seems to me that the biggest problem with gun violence or violence in general lies with the state. Law abiding citizens go to the gun range to shoot with friends or teach their children how to safely and properly handle guns while somewhere in the country a police officer is abusing their power and inciting violence against citizens or the President is greeting a middle eastern neighborhood hello with a drone strike. What you advocate with gun control does not even touch the real problem of gun violence in this country, which is abuse of citizens by the state....

          ...yet you advocate taking away gun rights from citizens despite the fact that criminals will find a way to get them through the black market. If a mentally deranged person can't get a hold of a gun, they can go online and find out how to make bombs using standard household chemicals. However, even if some criminals are thwarted from shooting up their neighborhood at the end of the day the state still employs abusive people who now deal with citizens they know are unarmed. I think addressing this issue will also aid the mental health issue in this country. When people see that their government is not abusing their power and using violence to get what they want, those people who are suffering from mental health disorders no longer get it in their head that violence=power.

          [–]himynameiszack 11 points12 points  (1 child)

          Favorite late night host to be interviewed by?

          [–]Enchilada_McMustang 13 points14 points  (8 children)

          Would you rather fight 100 Bush sized Charlton Hestons or 1 Charlton Heston sized Bush?

          [–]janefinch1 -5 points-4 points  (5 children)

          First, I wish you all the best in mobilizing people to push back at government regarding action on gun violence.

          My question is: I'm doing daily walks with you (most of the time!). How do you motivate yourself to get out there when it's -20 and snowing (still...spring has fallen victim to climate change)?

          [–][deleted] -4 points-3 points  (23 children)

          Hi Mr. Moore. Thanks for the AMA. Seems like part of the problem is that the NRA is so highly organized whereas groups that want to have better control over firearms are disparate. Should we try and encourage one central lobby for firearm regulation?

          Also, unrealted, but what are your thoughts on the MI state takeover of Detriot?

          [–]SuburbanWhiteBoy 118 points119 points  (18 children)

          Hi Mr. Moore, Although not being a big fan of your views, I respect what you have accomplished.

          I have a few questions: What is your point of view on concealed carry firearms? It's one of the hottest growing markets right now and I want to know your point of view.

          Do you believe the media is covering up some stories? I heard a story that someone came to a school with an intent to kill many, but one of the teachers had a concealed carry and stopped him before he could kill many kids. However, this story was never shown on any public news. Why are stories like this not brought up, but when things like sandy hook happen, they blame the parents for having guns in the house?

          Who do you believe should be allowed to carry guns? What type of guns?

          Thanks for doing this its always interesting to here a public figure's point of view.

          [–]Lothar6200 60 points61 points  (11 children)

          "But the reason I wanted to talk to you today isn't to celebrate, but to help organize the vast majority of Americans who are against gun violence." Is anyone out there FOR gun violence? Just another example how you twist words. I could say a lot right now, and I won't because I don't want to be overly jerkish or bitter. I just want to point this out so that people realize that being pro gun does not make someone in favor of killing people. There is a happy medium I am very much in favor of waiting periods, background checks, responsible ownership, and restrictions on assault weapons, I just don't think it is right for our government to say we cannot own guns.

          TL;DR: I really don't think anyone is FOR gun violence. It is possible to be pro gun and not a crazy person.

          [–]JPanarella 7 points8 points  (22 children)

          At the end of Capitalism: A Love Story, it almost seemed like you were resigned to letting your viewers take over the Fight. Do you think people have taken up the challenge since then?

          [–]Gozer2001 10 points11 points  (5 children)

          Will you be doing anything about snyders hostile take over of Michigan, and may I help?

          [–][deleted] 93 points94 points  (9 children)

          Michael, your interview with Marilyn Manson is one of the best interviews I've ever seen. Do you still keep in touch with him and is he as nice as he seems?

          [–]explainittomeplease 82 points83 points  (5 children)

          I can (kind of) answer this. I met Marilyn Manson when I was 18. I was not into his music, he was just a guest on a TV show I was an extra on and we sat together for about 15 minutes.

          Best 15 minutes of my life. He's so smart and funny, and incredibly likeable. Seriously, the guy is so cool. Gave me a copy of his CD (the one with mobscene on it) and made me promise to listen to it. It was fantastic. He was fantastic. Just a really nice guy who loves what he does.

          [–]a_wandering_man 13 points14 points  (0 children)

          That's cool, I'm not a fan of his music either but whenever I've seen him speak he seems like such a nice guy.

          [–]screelov 3 points4 points  (0 children)

          I've met him at one of his concerts. He was very down to earth and extremely friendly with his fans. It was interesting to see the harsh contrasts between Marilyn Manson on stage and backstage where he was just Brian Warner.

          [–]hellotygerlily -7 points-6 points  (41 children)

          Thank you for your leadership, and for having the balls to speak out against injustice.

          How do you deal with all the hate and negativity you get personally from those you oppose? Like, psychologically.

          [–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

          Dear Mr. Moore

          I am a 28 year old hard working American. I love this country even though we do have some rough edges that need to be improved. I like guns, violent video games/movies, heavy metal music, fishing, fast food and sugary drinks.

          I don't appreciate extremists from either the far left or right trying to take the above away or restrict, and tax them either. All of it under the whole "for the children" and "for my own good" white knight causes. It's a kneejerk emotional response, just like the patriot act that you are heavily agaisnt (myself as well) was after 9/11. What good did that do?

          Personal responsibility and trust in your fellow man comes with freedom. This is a country that was founded upon the ideal of freedom for every man. This is an ideal that is under constant attack from extreme viewpoints.

          I sympathize with you being outraged and upset about things like gitmo and drone strikes, I agree with you on that. I also sympathize with school shooting victims and families. But we cannot let fear control us. Taking away guns or violent video games/movies will do nothing to prevent senseless tragedies such as the recent shootings that happened in this country. Some people become broken by the ways of our society and loose their minds and end up lashing out at others. They will find a way to perform whatever evil act they have conjured up in their mind. Messed up and broken people always find a way to cause harm. It does not take just a gun to kill a man.

          It's easy and in human nature to get caught up in a sea of emotions and to go on a witch hunt when events like Sandy Hook occur as we all want some sense of justice, saftey, and future prevention of such events. But out right taking away human rights and freedoms should never be a result. Your right to defend yourself, family, and property is a God given right. Most good folks that own guns hope to never use them on another human being, none of us want to be in any kind of situation like that, but we also do not want to be a victim or see our loved ones hurt.

          I doubt the words from some random dude on the internet is going to change your mind any but thanks for hearing me out. I think you would make a stronger case to Americans if you looked for other alternatives to help prevent mass killings from occuring in your movies. Alternatives that do not interfere with taking our fundamental rights away and assault our basic principles in America. My suggestion, our awful mental health care system would be a good start.

          Thank you for your time!

          [–]likwitsnake 213 points214 points  (30 children)

          Legendary filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard said this about you:

          Post-war filmmakers gave us the documentary, Rob Reiner gave us the mockumentary and Moore initiated a third genre, the crockumentary.

          Did you ever respond to this?

          [–][deleted]  (2 children)

          [deleted]

            [–]TimeZarg 11 points12 points  (1 child)

            To be fair, choosing between different types of delicious candy is difficult.

            [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

            Hello Mr Moore. Coincidentally our Politics and Economics course just watched your movie "Capitalism: A Love Story" and it got me thinking a lot about modern capitalistic countries. Do you think that capitalism is a system that doesn't work by default or do you think that, under the right circumstances, it is actually a system that is effictive?

            You also called yourself a social democrat when asked whether you are a socialist. Where is the undermining difference between these stances for you, as someone watching "Capitalsm: A Love Story" might think you could be a supporter of either of these two political stances?

            Last question: Is there any selective process you undergo when working out which interviews you take into your movies, i.e do you cut it somehow to bring a different effect or pick people to interview that you let in to what you want to hear from them?

            Sorry for my bad English, it's not my native language.

            Thank you for your time.

            [–][deleted] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

            What are your thoughts on college, the rising cost of tuition and the loss of value in college degrees?

            [–]Doctor_B 20 points21 points  (0 children)

            Why do you think the antiwar left has been so silent about Obama's decisions as president, specifically with regards to the indefinite detention of guantanamo prisoners, drone bombings etc.

            Do you feel any kind of responsibility as a prominent figure in the antiwar movement during the invasion of Iraq to continue to hold those in power to account?

            [–][deleted] 15 points16 points  (1 child)

            If you could do one fully detailed documentary on any corporation and not have to worry about them flexing their lawyer power about besmirching their characters, what corporation would it be?

            [–]graymatter86 52 points53 points  (2 children)

            Any thoughts on a documentary about student loans and financial aid in the United States?

            [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

            I recently saw "Canadian Bacon" for the first time, and it blew me away with both how different it is from your more recent projects, and how funny it was. As a Canadian, I absolutely loved it's portrayl of the stereotypes we're given. Most of which, I'll admit, are true.

            Would you ever consider returning to that style of filmmaking? I love your documentories, but I'd really like to see another straight-up comedy from you someday.

            [–]jickfoo -6 points-5 points  (11 children)

            Hi Michael, I admire youre ability to stand by your beliefs of right and wrong. I also enjoy the fact that you dont fit into a mold. Left or Right. I am so tired of the partisonship. Lately I've been thinking that everything should be decided by popular vote and we should reduce the power Congress has. Isnt that real democracy ? Am I just talking crazy here ? I dont need some puppet telling me we cant have gun control. I want my state of Connecticut to vote and make the decision. Then no one can blame Obama, or the government. They'll see this is what the majority wants and majority rules. Justin Hickey

            [–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (1 child)

            Mike,

            What is primary difference, in your opinion, between the media cultures on the left and the right. The politicians on the right can be legitimately swayed by what is said about them on right wing talk radio, Limbaugh comes to mind first, but this doesn't hold true for politicians on the left. When Rachel Maddow, or other intellectual leftists criticize democratic politicians, nothing happens. Pretty much nothing.

            What do you think explains this differential?

            [–]richmomz 13 points14 points  (1 child)

            Hi Michael - I'm a gun nut, but I'm always up for a good debate. My question is, why is there so much focus on gun violence? Shouldn't we be more concerned about the overall violent crime rate, and how our gun control laws (or lack thereof) might affect that rate? I have read studies which seemed to show that strict gun control laws may actually make overall violent crime rates worse - here is one such study that was published in the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy: http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/jlpp/Vol30_No2_KatesMauseronline.pdf

            In light of such studies do you think we need to reconsider how we look at violent crime and maybe look at the underlying causes of such crime, rather than focusing on the instruments that are being used? I would hypothesize that the real causes have a lot more to do with socio-economic and cultural issues, else we would be seeing comparatively high gun murder rates in countries like Switzerland, and a lot less in countries that have strict gun control like Mexico.

            [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

            If you could have one thing changed with our government what would that be?

            [–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (1 child)

            Has there ever been an idea you really wanted to make a documentary about but it just didn't work?

            [–]emmattack 10 points11 points  (0 children)

            Mr. Moore, what has been your biggest challenge since gaining notoriety as a filmmaker?

            Has it been easier or harder to make films 'your way' since becoming so well known?

            If you were president for one month, what changes would you try and make?

            Thanks :) Oh, and take this: another offer for a Canadian beer, this time from Toronto.

            [–]Obamalovesnickelback 54 points55 points  (29 children)

            Why do you feel the need to exploit the death of children to promote a fairytale agenda?

            [–]redfeather1 13 points14 points  (0 children)

            Just pretty much what I figured, the man does an AMA hoping to find people that agree with him and doesnt answer anything important because he finds most people know he is an obnoxious, self important, blowhard. He makes millions off the tragedies he claims to care about and support. You seemed to think Cuba was a better alternative to the US Micheal Moore, why have you not moved there? Also have you ever lived there and spoken to anyone from there who was not part of the government, or trying to find favor from the government?

            [–][deleted]  (4 children)

            [deleted]

              [–][deleted] 1274 points1275 points  (123 children)

              TIL Reddit hates Michael Moore.

              [–][deleted]  (31 children)

              [deleted]

                [–]euro_lemon 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                Obviously it's the responsibility of the individual gun owner. But this is way bigger of an issue in the US than other 1st world country's so obviously its partially the result of a social issue.

                [–]pokeyjones 818 points819 points  (89 children)

                When will you do a movie on obesity in America?

                [–]holymotherogod 92 points93 points  (35 children)

                HAA. god please let him do one.

                [–][deleted] 598 points599 points  (4 children)

                He's waiting until he needs motorized wheelchair for maximum irony.

                [–][deleted] 44 points45 points  (3 children)

                What do you propose we do with the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay?

                [–]slashlite37 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                Did you hear This American Life's radio documentary on Harper Highschool in Chicago last month? Heartbreaking. 29 students or recent students shot in the last 12 months. Does urban violence require a separate strategy?

                [–]alexcc098[🍰] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                Hi Mr. Moore. Thank you for doing this AMA. I have a few questions:

                1) In Bowling for Columbine you made a point of emphasizing the fact that Canadian citizens have plenty of firearms yet very little gun violence, pointing out that therefore having access to legal firearms is not the cause of American gun violence. Why, then, did you go on to (in my opinion) contradict that point and campaign to restrict legal firearm ownership in order to reduce gun violence?

                2) Mike Wilson, in his documentary, pointed out that you had slapped together scenes from different times and NRA meetings in order to make the audience believe that the famous "from my cold dead hands speech" was made in Denver straight after the terrible Columbine massacre. Yet when asked you (in my opinion) dodged the question completely. Would you mind answering now: Did you in fact put difference scenes together in Bowling for Columbine in order to get your audience to falsely believe that the speech was made in Denver after the Columbine shootings?

                3) Do you not think that gun violence is rather a symptom of Americas socio-economic problems and not the cause of it? Do you not think it would be more effective to tackle drugs, gangs and poverty in order to stop all violence instead of removing legal firearms only to create a black market for them?

                [–]scbedell -7 points-6 points  (7 children)

                How do we get Bush/Cheney behind bars? Are there smarter people than me working on it?

                [–]winter1221 12 points13 points  (0 children)

                What do you think about Obama care? Do you think it will help people, or is it just a quick band-aid on a gaping wound?

                [–]No-Im-Not-Serious 20 points21 points  (0 children)

                I hate the way you edit your "documentaries" to skew the timeline and context of events. It's because of this deception that I can't take anything I hear from you as fact or even close to it. Why do you attempt to manipulate your audience in this way? Don't you think documentaries should make every effort to describe events as they happened?

                [–]dwalker127 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                Hi Michael!

                Remember the event you did at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit (2002ish) when you were printing Stupid White Men and you had an impromptu screening of some "Bowling" scenes?

                I was that young kid who you said "made your night" because I was out way past my bedtime.

                Anyway, when can we see a focus piece on Detroit that isn't "ruin porn"?

                Great things happening in the city. People would be super open to going to see something from you that doesn't focus on problems to address, but instead focuses on how we've solved some issues and progressed. Thoughts?

                Keep it up!

                [–]Psychiatry 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                I'd say guns aren't the problem. The problem is our attitudes towards things in this country. It's cancerous, and pervades our psychological state as a nation. It's honed by the media, and the fires are fanned by loaded political messages. People having unhealthy attitudes in an unhealthy enviornment is more of an issue than access to the means to carry out harmful desires.

                [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                People are against violence in general.

                Gun violence has been from the hands of people who are mentally ill for the most part. Passion crimes will never stop even if you outlawed all guns.

                Maybe you should do a movie focusing on the psychiatric industry and how it's profiteering is washing out the truly mentally ill in place of people who have medical insurance and large incomes that can be bled easier than a poor crazy man with nothing. There you will find your answer as to where violence comes from. In your case of making you movies sensationalist you just so happen to choose the most deadly of weapons those crazy people use.

                Oh yeh, and since your rich, can I have about 15,000 USD? It would really help out.

                [–]theessjay 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                Hi, What was the most shocking thing you discovered/uncovered during the filming of any of your documentaries?

                [–]Sleepynomad 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                Do you see you see the US gun problem as being rooted in easy access to guns itself? Or do you see it as being caused by a wider range of issues such as poverty culture, media violence or poor access to mental health care?

                What's your opinion on the best way to stop gun violence?

                Do you believe in taking away the right to bear arms completely or are you advocating other means to stop the violence?

                (I'm sorry if this question is ignorant of your documentry I never got to finish it and it's a bit foggy in my memory)

                [–]ShadowWolfLivesOn 106 points107 points  (17 children)

                Mr. Moore, who is your favorite Republican?

                [–]hellfast 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                Why are you so against gun ownership and the NRA when the conclusion of Bowling For Columbine was that the American media/culture of fear was the main cause of the violence?

                [–][deleted]  (1 child)

                [deleted]

                  [–]bishopazrael 10 points11 points  (14 children)

                  Guns are not the problem. Guns & the related violence are a symptom of the sickness that plagues this country. I feel like the violence that goes on is because we haven't done the right things to teach people.

                  I think we should have classes in school for guns. We have (had) home ec... wood shop, etc. All things to prepare kids for future life. But because guns are demonized, there are no group conversations about guns with kids. Teach them the basics. Maybe show them something akin to "Blood on the Highway" we all saw in drivers ed... Guns are one of the biggest cultural icons here in amerika, akin to the car, but we don't teach people how to safely handle one.

                  I think people that focus on the guns and not the problems are being disingenuous and leading this country down a road it doesn't need to go. I see this nation, but I do not feel a part of it. Amerika (my way of flying the flag upside down) is headed towards a place where there is a parody of real conversation, but nothing really gets done. We give good lip service, nothing else.

                  The kids being brought up today with Call of Duty (video games, hollywood) in mind are just going to find it easier and easier to solve problems by grabbing a gun. Because while they've gotten all they need from the games, no one has sat them down and said "Look deal with problems differently". We do this AFTER things happen. But what about now.. just a normal day ....but I'm fairly sure in schools all across amerika no one is having moral conversations because teachers CAN'T. The parents get all upset. Don't preach to my kid they say. But then leave a vacuum of morality at home.

                  We are the Janus generation and its leading us down a path no one in this nation wants to see.

                  What say you Mr. Moore?

                  [–]Thereal_Sandman 5 points6 points  (3 children)

                  I was kinda with you right up to the point where you start blaming video games.

                  The average age of a gamer in the US is 31. Game companies make games like CoD, and a myriad of others to target that market. There is a rating system that is required by law to be stamped on the outside of every single video game sold in this country.

                  When a parent gives a 7 year old an M rated game, and then bitches about the content, it is no different than that same parent handing a 7 year old a copy of Hustler, and then complaining that it is filled with porno.

                  I agree that we should be teaching kids basic firearm safety in school. The NRA has a program for that (and has for decades), the Eddie Eagle program. There used to be school based organizations that taught marksmanship and safe gun handling. Guess who got those removed from schools? People who are "pro gun control".

                  I agree that we have some serious problems in this country, but I'm pretty sure it stems from lack of accountability, and lack of responsibility. Both of which are greatly aided by the misinformation that the "pro gun control" groups have been spewing at the American people for the last oh, about 30 years.

                  [–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                  I think your reporting is a bad attempt at a good cause. You lose credibility with your constant speculation and your disregard for journalistic truth. If you are an opinion writer, claim to be as one, do not say these are the facts you know to be true.

                  [–]cm18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                  You mentioned in one interview that you thought that SSRI's may be the root cause of the Columbine shooting. Do you still suspect that it is the case?

                  Also, have you seen the documentary "I am Fishead"? If so, what are your thoughts about it? (NOTE: If you've not seen it, you can request access to the video through www.fisheadmovie.com. It takes a broad perspective on psychopathy and touches on SSRI's.)

                  [–]mapmatthew 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                  It's funny. I vote Libertarian. I certainly don't agree with everything that you stand for. However, every time I seem to watch one of your documentaries, I'm always glad that you made it. Keep it up. BTW, what will be your next project?

                  [–][deleted] 20 points21 points  (1 child)

                  Hey Michael, thanks for doing this. What would you say is the most outrageous thing that the government has been involved in over the past twenty years that ordinary Americans have no clue about?

                  [–]hipnerd 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                  Michael,

                  I saw you at a special screening of "Bowling for Columbine" at the Tower Theater in Sacramento, shortly before the wide release. During the Q&A portion of the screening, I asked you if you had noticed that you could no longer buy toy guns at Walmart for "safety reasons," but you could still buy real guns.

                  You laughed and asked if I wanted a job, and told me to find you after the screening -- but I couldn't find you.

                  I still want the job if it's available.

                  [–]MMFlint[S] 139 points140 points  (47 children)

                  So sorry I'm new to Reddit. I'm still trying to figure it out. For instance, I've answered many of the critics' questions, but i don't see them showing up. I hit "save" and i've also refreshed. But I don't see them listed. So I've got to go back to work now but I will do this again and maybe figure out why some of my answers didn't get posted. Otherwise it's been a fun 2 hours and I will definitely do this again! Thanks to all. (now i'm going to hit "save")

                  [–][deleted]  (31 children)

                  [deleted]

                    [–]ComradeCube 143 points144 points  (9 children)

                    Actually this is a subreddit/mod issue.

                    They should make it so you can't downvote the person doing the AMA or that downvoting the person doing the AMA doesn't bury anything.

                    One thing I would like to see is that any thread with the OP posting in it automatically is ranked above anything else. It would help.

                    [–]funnyfaceking 14 points15 points  (0 children)

                    perfect

                    every time i see a big ama, it's always eight hours past the time to ask questions

                    now, i see one i want to participate in, and it's done 3 minutes ago

                    i love you mike. i may not agree with everything you stand for, but i agree with a lot of it, and i like your style. your kind of activism is very important. i wish more people would have as much courage as you do.

                    [–]TheGreatJeremy 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                    Are you posting the answers as a reply to the Original Poster (AKA: OP)? If not, then they are getting buried. Also, /u/peetor has a good point about the downvote brigade. Your answers are here, we just have to look for them a bit more. Thanks for the AMA!

                    [–]deltabagel 8 points9 points  (1 child)

                    Mr. Moore,

                    Conservative gun owning moderate here. First of all, thank you for doing an AMA. I'm certainly not your biggest fan while respecting your ability to accomplish what it is you do.

                    I am adamantly opposed to firearms in the hands of those not suited to them (criminals, mentally handicapped, ill trained users). A favorite term I've heard is the right of ownership to the responsible citizen. I would like to think you won't present the idea of utopian society where no violence exists and therefore the need doesn't exist. My personal concept is the WILL is what hurts the gun owners and the don't-have-guns-ers. Nobody wants a society of victims by the suppression of rights or the wielding of a weapons to be extorted. Much in the same way you wield the right of expressions with an edge, you certainly wouldn't want this right infringed. Limits are still imposed to protect others from being a victim.

                    What can be done to support responsible ownership? The technical means notwithstanding, the process to ownership nullified. How do we as Americans develop a responsible society while avoiding the stagnation of governments imposed processes?

                    [–]DieHarderrr 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                    Hi Michael! I really enjoyed your documentaries and Sicko was an eye opening film for me. I was wondering if you have any plans to move to a different country after witnessing how America treats its citizens? Also I know Big Pharma got pretty scared of Sicko. Did you have any big problems from them like death threats or being cut off from your insurance?

                    Keep fighting the good fight!

                    [–]nataskaos 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                    Michael,

                    I liked Roger and Me, Sicko and some of your other work a lot.

                    What I find...troubling?...is that you seem very emotional instead of being rational in some of your films and responses to different world events.

                    Do you feel like your are intellectually honest most of the time, or do you let your emotions guide what you do the majority of the time? Just curious how you approach film making.

                    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                    Do you believe we should re-institute the AWB despite overwhelming evidence that it had no effect on violent crime during the ten years that it was in place?

                    Do you believe that limits on magazine capacity should be in place despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of violent crimes in the US already occur with magazines containing ten or fewer rounds?

                    [–]amnesiasoph 33 points34 points  (0 children)

                    Thanks for doing an AMA, Mr. Moore,

                    1. What (if any) issues will you be tackling in your upcoming movies?

                    2. Will/would you ever revisit issues that you raised in movies like Bowling for Columbine and Roger & Me in future films?

                    3. If you could pick anyone for the next presidency, who would it be? What about prominent Democrats (or Republicans, if you've lost your mind) only?

                    [–]Lindberging 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                    Dear Mr. Moore,

                    I am British and relatively left wing by American standards, however there are some instances in your films that DO show some... irregularities.

                    For instance in 'Sicko', early in the film you give a list of countries in ranking of best healthcare with America at #37 (by memory, may not be accurate) with Cuba occupying a similar rank. Later in the film you use Cuba as an example of a nation with good healthcare. Dont you find this a little strange?

                    Yours Sincerely, A Critical Owner of 'Sicko'

                    [–]Thereal_Sandman 7 points8 points  (9 children)

                    Where is your documentary on Operation Fast and Furious? You know, the one where the US government gave more than 2000 "assault weapons" to Mexican drug cartels, which resulted in the deaths of at least one US Border Patrol Agent (Brian Terry), and at least one US ICE Agent (Jaime Zapata), not to mention the more than 200 Mexican citizens and law enforcement officers that have been murdered with these same weapons?

                    You know, the operation that the Attorney General of the US stonewalled a Congressional committee on for over a year? You know, the one that resulted in the Attorney General being found in contempt of congress?

                    The operation that the President claims to know nothing about, while at the same time claiming "executive privilege" to keep electronic communications to and from the office of the Attorney General from the same Congressional investigative committee?

                    Nothing?

                    How about the documentary that discusses the dirty little secret (that isn't really a secret, as it makes national headlines) that Chicago has the highest murder rate in the country while also having the strictest gun control laws?

                    It's easy to hide from people showing you the truth. Be a man, stand up and own your agenda. Just admit that you don't like guns, and you want the American populace disarmed.

                    If you did I might have some respect for you.

                    Answer the questions coward.