I posted about the P-word a while back...
Here's a quick definition:
Definition of Propaganda
Propaganda consists of the planned use of any form of public or mass-produced communication designed to affect the minds and emotions of a given group for a specific purpose, whether military, economic, or political.
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Now, I'd say that it's clear that Moore's film is designed to affect the minds and emotions of people who see it. Is there any doubt that the film is designed to have you walk out feeling we must get rid of Bush?
The word propaganda seems to carry a negative connotation and it seems to be confused by some to mean distortions or lies designed to fool you into thinking something. Not all propaganda is lies and distortions. Most of of Moore's film is not lies or distortions. It is for the most part an honest editorial about how Moore feels and sees things. It's a powerful piece of filmmaking. It is in parts manipulative in a big way and some of the manipulations could be called dishonest. The information he presents is not dishonest.
In the two hour film are there some "facts" that could be disputed? Sure, but there are far more that are dead on and quite sad. Is Moore a patriot? I'd say so in a big way. He's has made a film where he goes on record with how he feels and what he sees as wrong with this country. There's nothing more patriotic than that.
He released it in an election year with the intention of affecting the way voters feel when they walk into the voting booth. That makes it propaganda. So is every political ad on tv from the Bush or Kerry campaign. I find it far more offensive that Bush or Kerry would lie or distort things in their ads to get elected than I find a private citizen making a film like F911. When did it become a problem in this country to say what's on your mind? There was a time, I think, where most people would have labeled Moore a hero for what he did and how he has fought the establishment. Now in the current climate some may see him that way but maybe about 50% see him as a danger. I think the fact that there are so many people that feel that way is frightening. I think it's even more frightening that there is a machine in place in this country that works to destroy and slander people like Mr. Moore.
F911 is not perfect but it's not in the same league as stuff that Rush, Ingraham, Hannity, Coulter and others like them do. I'm not saying that because I'm a Democrat either...I'm not a Democrat. It's patriotic propaganda because Moore seems to be one of the many heartbroken souls that are watching his country destroyed by a bunch of greedy zealots and can't keep quiet about it. All those others I mentioned do is fan the flames in hopes the apocalypse comes soon it seems. They certainly don't seem to speak for "the people" and they seem to be the cheerleading squad for Bushco...which is shameful.
