But as those of us who once were Democrats ourselves know, the pettiness of the party organization at all levels is equal to any long-standing institution which believes itself to be sacrosanct, hence unassailable. Free expression and free choice are mere slogans to them.
It will be instructive and not a little interesting to see how Moore handles this, especially if it teaches him what he seems to have recently forgotten: the Democrats, as a party, are not the least bit interested in really listening to, much less acting on, issues which cause them discomfort.
Harvey Baylis
----- Original Message ----- From: James Farney Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2004 10:38 AM To: Warwick Greens; ORFG at yahoogroups.com; nygreen at yahoogroups.com; GreenPartySC_Unmoderated at yahoogroups.com; Action Greens Subject: [ActionGreens] Dems close convention door to Moore
Dems close convention door to Moore GENESEE COUNTY THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION Saturday, July 24, 2004 By Marjory Raymer mraymer at flintjournal.com . 810.766.6325 The Democratic Party apparently doesn't want Michael Moore.
The famed filmmaker who delivered a major assault on the Bush administration in his blockbuster film "Fahrenheit 9/11" was declined credentials to the Democratic National Convention in Boston next week, according to Sam Riddle, a longtime political consultant and friend of Moore.
"He's done more to galvanize the (Democratic Party) than anyone else," Riddle said. "He's just very hurt. That's all."
Riddle released to The Flint Journal on Friday portions of an e-mail Moore sent him about the snub.
"Can you believe the Dems are not going to give me credentials?!" Moore said in the e-mail signed "mm."
Moore, a Davison native, could not be reached for comment at home or through his publicist. Officials for the Democratic National Convention did not return a phone call seeking comment. A woman who answered the phone at the convention press office paused when asked about Moore and said someone would have to call a reporter back.
Moore's Web site, www.michaelmoore.com, which frequently details his personal and professional clashes, did not mention the convention dispute as of Friday evening.
But the proud liberal figures to be nonetheless popular at the convention
He will speak and sometimes screen his latest film at receptions for the Congressional Black Caucus, union leaders and a rally dubbed "Take Back America" in Boston next week. Those events are all separate from the actual convention, however.
Traditionally, Moore has not had a chummy relationship with either major parties. He was a vocal critic of Democrats and Republicans - calling them virtually indistinguishable - in the 2000 presidential election when he actively campaigned on behalf of Ralph Nader on the Green Party ticket.
This year, he briefly supported the Democratic campaign of retired Gen. Welsey Clark.
Riddle said he still is working with politicians he knows to get Moore access to the convention floor, but said it still isn't right.
"Michael Moore should not have to go through the back door of the Democratic primary," Riddle said.