July 15, 2004

JENSEN

I read Robert Jensen's article Stupid White Movie: What Michael Moore Misses About the Empire via Hud. I certainly don't agree with many things in this article, but at least Jenson and I can find some common ground:

And what of the analysis of Iraq? Moore is correct in pointing out that U.S. support for Iraq during the 1980s, when Saddam Hussein's war on Iran was looked upon favorably by U.S. policymakers, was a central part of Reagan and Bush I policy up to the Gulf War. And he's correct in pointing out that Bush II's invasion and occupation have caused great suffering in Iraq. What is missing is the intervening eight years in which the Clinton administration used the harshest economic embargo in modern history and regular bombing to further devastate an already devastated country. He fails to point out that Clinton killed more Iraqis through that policy than either of the Bush presidents. He fails to mention the 1998 Clinton cruise missile attack on Iraq, which was every bit as illegal as the 2003 invasion.

Jensen lost me when he spoke ill of the military, which is not surprising given my admitted knee-jerk love of all things camouflage, but at least I could read the article and try to see his point.

Posted by Sarah at July 15, 2004 09:15 AM
Comments

I think a lot of his arguments are based on his leftist ideology. His assumptions about US motoivations, etc. But I think he makes valid criticisms of Moore's >ahem

Specifically, the patronizing way he depicts coalition partners. And of coure, both he and Moore conviently avoid mentioning major counries lie Australia, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Poland were also in this Coalition. Moore is a dishonest fraud.

As someone who was a poor white kid when he joined the Air Force I am also really offended by his portrayal of people being tricked into joining the service. Like, we're too stupid to realize we might have to fight for real.

The problem with people like him is the sickening superiority complex many on the left have. You can hear it in Moore's voice as he narrates the film or in many TV news people.

But the times they are a changing!

Posted by: James Hudnall at July 15, 2004 09:37 AM

Hud, the superiority complex is the absolute constant in the equation. I don't know how you deal with such folks on a daily basis. Do they treat you like an idiot, too?

Posted by: Mike at July 15, 2004 01:13 PM