Michael Moore’s movie is an excellent place to start. The film is incredibly well done, emotional, powerful and most importantly it raises some valid points that demand answers. Many viewers will dismiss the thought of even seeing this film because they are hung up on the fact that it is “one-sided.” True, that it is; but no more one-sided than your average press conference, your most recent O’ Reilly Factor, or a morning of Air America with Al Franken. The fact of the matter is, virtually everything in politics is completely “one-sided,” and to dismiss seeing something solely on that fact is not only silly, but brings me suspicion that your mind is already closed off to any views outside your own ideology. Even if you are a die-hard pro-war conservative, this film should be seen by you for it represents virtually every concern by your opposing peace-loving, anti-war liberal.

What Fahrenheit 9/11 as a film is, is an entertaining, compelling, and credible argument for the current administration’s foreign policy that demands an honest and non-censored response. The film alleges (among other things) that Bush is an inept child of privilege, with massive conflicts of interest in the matters of business and politics. To me, the most damning scene in the movie is where President Bush, our fearless leader who is self-proclaimed as “resolute” and “tough on the War on Terror,” after being informed of a 2nd plane crashing into the World Trade Center, chose not to excuse himself to executive duties, instead sat idly by for just under 7 minutes, looking confused and completely unknowing of what course of action to take.

Other allegations include that President Bush and family have massive ties to Saudi Arabia and their wealthy elite, and may have their best interests at heart rather than the American people. Some of the charges made are, that the President of the United States makes some $400,000 a year with his position, yet the Saudi Arabians have invested over $1 billion in him and his family over the last few decades, and with that glaring variance in monetary compensation, Moore questions who Bush is truly loyal to. Moore further raises questions that fall in line with that thinking. Why did Bush fight the 9/11 Commission at first with everything he had? Why did Bush only meet with the commission privately, not under oath, off the record AND only with Dick Cheney at his side? Why does he refuse to declassify documents relevant to the 9/11 investigation? Why did he go along with the authorization of the evacuation of several members of bin Laden’s family members before proper procedures of investigation (as one ex-FBI agent in the film claims) were completed not two days after the worst terror attack in this country? Like it or not, Moore makes a case for a colossal conflict of interest that demands explanation.

In the end, regardless of your political stance, Fahrenheit 9/11 is a powerful, engaging film fully worthy of one’s 2 hours of time. If you’re anti-war, the film is preaching to the choir. If you’re pro-war, give the film a chance, and try and ask yourself as well as look for answers to the questions the film poses. But my advice to all, on the right, the left and those among the middle, is to not let this film exist as your be-all and end-all source for political information this year, but not to dismiss it completely either.

Grade: B+

Matt can be contacted at yourfleetislost@aol.com