So, I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 a few weeks ago. A much better movie than I expected. Then I'm browsing CNN today, and I notice this article. It discusses that some theater chains in the midwest aren't going to carry the movie because they view it as “propoganda”. Fair enough, that's their right as theater owners, but these two paragraphs got me (emphasis mine):
In a statement to a local newspaper, GKC Theatres president Beth Karasotes confirmed that her chain, with 270 screens at 29 theaters, will not show Moore's film as long as the country is at war.
“We believe in Michael Moore's freedom to make this movie,” Karasotes told the Michigan-based Mining Journal. “We trust that our customers will recognize and respect our own freedom to choose not to show it. During a time of war, the American troops in Iraq need and deserve our undivided support.”
Hmm, I understand that last bit, but I could've sworn that the war was over. After all, didn't Dubya say that on May 1, 2003 (again, emphasis mine, original transcript is here)?
Thank you all very much. Admiral Kelly, Captain Card, officers and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln, my fellow Americans: Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country.
Again, left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.