My Letter to Michael Moore

Michael Moore,

Can you at least admit that you were wrong about what this country overwhelmingly wants? The polls show that. It seems that you (and others on the losing side) cannot even admit that this is the beauty of democracy: the people choose. Now, rather than accepting that Voice, you have to make excuses and attempt to diminish that Voice.

You had your voice with your documentary. People listened. I listened. I even showed bits of it to my U.S. History class. I love the fact that I live in a country in which you have the right to attack a sitting president. You were as sure as you were smug that victory was guaranteed. I can't help but suspect that you had your talking-head bit planned to recite when asked by reporters on your opinion of "the part Fahrenheit 9/11 played in electing John Kerry." I can also suspect that you realize your Best-Picture hopes were also dashed on November 3rd. How will a movie about the "ficticious" presidency of George Bush win in light the numbers and all that red on the map behind Peter Jennings's head?

Can't you admit that John Kerry lost fair and square? In light of noodles and underwear giveaways, can't you admit that you lost as well? Be as gracious and honest as John Kerry was and admit it. People in this country lean farther away from you than you care to realize. I'm not asking for you to write about how your opinions on politics were wrong. I guess I want to hear that you opinions about the political pulse of this country were wrong.

On November 3rd, 200 people in Portland, Oregon, (my state) "protested." Protested what? Fair and legal elections? Democracy? Their candidate didn't win? This seems a bit silly to me. I understand disappointment, but this seems too much. And misplaced. Get your cameras and make a new documentary about that. The great "Uprising" that took place after Bush won. When will it stop? When will people on your side be willing to accept the results? I know that your easy answer is "when Bush is gone." But is this really just about Bush? Honestly? Isn't it about squelching a Voice that differs from one's own. It seems that as a Conservative, I am automatically your enemy in your eyes and on your site and in your speaking engagements. Anything I say if automatically discounted and demonized through that filter. My voice is part of the bigger Voice that was heard on Tuesday. You need not agree with it; but you should agree that it was the Voice heard and chorused by many. And it won.

Part of the unifying of this "divided country" we hear so much about lately is for you to tolerate an opposing viewpoint. Tolerance begins with acceptance.

Respectfully,

Ron Coia