Michael Moore wants you to pay for the truth
Courtesy of www.michaelmoore.com
Moore in Action
published: October 22 2009 09:46 AM updated:: October 27 2009 07:46 AM

Michael Moore is either delusional or he is a true capitalist. Being one of the countries most controversial liberal pundits, Moore has made a career out of opposing authority, whether it is the government, or more recently Americas turbulent capitalist society.

In his new film, "Capitalism: A Love Story," Moore explores the negative affect of capitalism on America's working class. Moore makes a very strong case by presenting the facts on how corporate America over the past 50 years has evolved from a private enterprise that created jobs for middle America after World War II, into a destructive system of economics that has left many workers without jobs, homes or a stable future for their family.

It is hard to argue with Moore on the fact that a small percentage of the economic world is making life extremely difficult for many Americans. But there is one small problem. Moore's entire career has been based off corporate media outlets that use the capitalistic system he holds so much disdain for.

In the Webster's Dictionary, capitalism is defined as "an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market."

Now lets take a look at the facts. Two studios produced the movie; The Weinstein Company and Moore's own studio production company Dog Eat Dog Films. Moore gets blue-collar credit for using his own production company, and will get a pass for the up and coming Weinstein Company who only has five major divisions, including Dimension films. But the reality is these are two companies, which own a certain percentage of capital goods in the United States, and are bought and sold at the prices set by both parties.

Moore puts on the facade of being humble with his message, because these aren't the scary corporate giants he describes in the movie. Except for the fact Paramount Vantage distributes the film all around the world so that Moore can enjoy the $11 million dollars in revenue it has earned to date.

The irony is that Paramount Vantage is owned by Paramount Pictures, which subsequently is owned by Viacom.

Viacom is one of the biggest corporate media forces on the planet and has a total Equity of $7.033 billion. Viacom has ownership of over 34 major media outlets across the globe, including MTV, Comedy Central, BET and VH1.

The problem with this is that Moore wants to destroy the system that has enabled him to be such a successful force in media and politics. Regardless of his beliefs on capitalism, Moore is and will continue to be a force in capitalism. Book, ticket and DVD sales will keep his so called non-capitalist lifestyle very wealthy. 

It seems that this generation's rebels can be bought and sold for the price of a $10 movie ticket. If Moore cares about America and truly believes in his new movie's message the American people shouldn't have to pay for it. Moore's movie should be free for the American people, which he claims to care for so deeply. The saddest part is the majority of people he wants to help won't even be able to afford spending the little money they have to see this film, because it's prices are set by large corporate movie chains that yank $30 dollars out of every consumer's pocket for a ticket and some popcorn.

Maybe the joke is on America and Moore is just another capitalist working the system to his advantage.

This serves as a reminder: in America don't always believe what you see on the news or in movies. Absorb them, sift through the facts, and make your own decisions. Do not let men with money and really nice editing software persuade you into what to think about your country.

Not even me.

 

 

Editor: Michael Tabler
Editor: Benjamin Moser
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