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U.S. Treasury investigating Michael Moore
From MSNBC:
LOS ANGELES - Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore is under investigation by the U.S. Treasury Department for taking ailing Sept. 11 rescue workers to Cuba for a segment in his upcoming health-care documentary “Sicko,” The Associated Press has learned. The investigation provides another contentious lead-in for a provocative film by Moore, a fierce critic of President Bush. In the past, Moore’s adversaries have fanned publicity that helped the filmmaker create a new brand of opinionated blockbuster documentary. “Sicko” promises to take the health-care industry to task the way Moore confronted America’s passion for guns in “Bowling for Columbine” and skewered Bush over his handling of Sept. 11 in “Fahrenheit 9/11.” The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control notified Moore in a letter dated May 2 that it was conducting a civil investigation for possible violations of the U.S. trade embargo restricting travel to Cuba. A copy of the letter was obtained Tuesday by the AP. “This office has no record that a specific license was issued authorizing you to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba,” Dale Thompson, OFAC chief of general investigations and field operations, wrote in the letter to Moore. In February, Moore took about 10 ailing workers from the Ground Zero rescue effort in Manhattan for treatment in Cuba, said a person working with the filmmaker on the release of “Sicko.” The person requested anonymity because Moore’s attorneys had not yet determined how to respond. Moore, who scolded Bush over the Iraq war during the 2003 Oscar telecast, received the letter Monday, the person said. “Sicko” premieres May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival and debuts in U.S. theaters June 29. Moore declined to comment, said spokeswoman Lisa Cohen. Moore puts film in 'safe house' Treasury officials declined to answer questions about the letter. “We don’t comment on enforcement actions,” said department spokeswoman Molly Millerwise. The letter noted that Moore applied Oct. 12, 2006, for permission to go to Cuba “but no determination had been made by OFAC.” Moore sought permission to travel there under a provision for full-time journalists, the letter said. According to the letter, Moore was given 20 business days to provide OFAC with such information as the date of travel and point of departure; the reason for the Cuba trip and his itinerary there; and the names and addresses of those who accompanied him, along with their reasons for going. Potential penalties for violating the embargo were not indicated. In 2003, the New York Yankees paid the government $75,000 to settle a dispute that it conducted business in Cuba in violation of the embargo. No specifics were released about that case. “Sicko” is Moore’s followup to 2004’s “Fahrenheit 9/11,” a $100 million hit criticizing the Bush administration over Sept. 11. Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine” won the 2002 Oscar for best documentary. A dissection of the U.S. health-care system, “Sicko” was inspired by a segment on Moore’s TV show “The Awful Truth,” in which he staged a mock funeral outside a health-maintenance organization that had declined a pancreas transplant for a diabetic man. The HMO later relented. 73 comments from 12 users
posted by
sfinboston52
on May 11, 2007 at 12:00 PM
so much for a free country!
posted by
randomfactor
on May 11, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Hey, don't knock sodomy...
posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on May 11, 2007 at 11:35 AM
But... but... but... we're supposed to just shut up and take the sodomizing-over. Otherwise we're "socialists."
posted by
randomfactor
on May 11, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Y'know, Blue Cross, Kaiser, and the rest have more personal courage than I would think. To p*ss off people who literally have nothing more to lose, by denying life-saving coverage in a country where it's easy to get hold of guns...I'm surprised we don't have more medical versions of Virginia Tech.
posted by
adampayne
on May 11, 2007 at 11:26 AM
In another stunning victory for the power of muck raking, Blue Cross has announced it will stop its current practice of nullifying coverage if mistakes are found on original coverage contract documents. The timing of this announcement, and Wellpoint's new more consumer friendly stance is a direct result of the Los Angeles Times indercover reporting and the forthcoming documentary, SiCKO from Michael Moore. posted by
anonymous
on May 11, 2007 at 11:13 AM
I was not referring to "you" oh mighty one.
posted by
dusty1215
on May 11, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Anon..I have known about the film for quite sometime..but yes, the majority of Americans' probably didn't have a clue about it..priceless publicity indeed!
posted by
anonymous
on May 11, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Yesterday nobody had ever heard of the film, today after the Treasury Dept. we all know about it, you can't buy that sort of publicity cheap!
posted by
randomfactor
on May 11, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Meaning it's a win-win for Moore. Hope his documentary is effective as Fahrenheit 9/11. I'll sure stand in line to see it, even if I have to go to LA.
posted by
GrpThink
on May 11, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Moore will probably get fined a couple of million I bet the Treasury will back off. http://tinyurl.com/2d726u posted by
dusty1215
on May 11, 2007 at 10:55 AM
ronmexico you find one place in this thread where I said the Treasurey didn't have the right to investigate..I will wait. Now take your keyboard and go home and pout because you will not find such a comment by me and you now look like a troll once again who's only goal is to bait people with whom you do not agree.
posted by
anonymous
on May 11, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Moore will probably get fined a couple of million but the publicity assures that the film will earn 100 million, good trade.
posted by
GrpThink
on May 11, 2007 at 10:37 AM
To all you rightwingers who hope Moore goes to jail and/or gets a big fine, the joke's on you. http://tinyurl.com/2d726u posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on May 11, 2007 at 08:49 AM
Dusty, worry not. Only a child referees his own bouts.
posted by
randomfactor
on May 11, 2007 at 08:45 AM
Moore's take: http://www.dailykos.com/sto... Oh, and Bush is a weenie. That'll make it easier for you to say I just call him names. posted by
ronmexico
on May 11, 2007 at 06:54 AM
Dusty, I think it needs to be pointed out that the Treasury is very well within its rights to question Moore about his travel to Cuba. If you don't think it is right that the Treasury is in the right, then debate that point. Thus far, you have not engaged in any debate whatsoever, other than to call Bush and myself names. So peel yourself off the mat, debate the issue, and grow up. Ron posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Whatever Ron. Your about as adult as a 10 year old that isn't getting his way. Your the one with the name-calling fixation. You seem to think your the brightest bulb on the tree, no matter how anyone responds.
posted by
ronmexico
on May 10, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Not here to flame. Just to point out the stupidity of liberals. Childs play, really. Have not yet seen a liberal put up a good fight based on facts. Their arguments usually turn into emotional meltdowns, fingerpointing, and eventually name calling.
posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 10:38 PM
Say goodnight Ron. If your only here to flame..your out of luck tonight.
posted by
anonymous
on May 10, 2007 at 10:22 PM
No,never obtuse, maybe acute sometimes but never obtuse. How is that for triangulation around the comment?
posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 10:13 PM
get a grip annoy..are you stupid or just being obtuse?
posted by
anonymous
on May 10, 2007 at 10:11 PM
He went to gitmo, wait that is not Cuba, at least not until post Fidel.
posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Ron..I am not buying into your little baiting act here..go find someone else ok?
posted by
ronmexico
on May 10, 2007 at 09:21 PM
What, you hope that the treasury investigates Bush going to Cuba? ?When did Bush go to Cuba?? THe Surrender Monkeys in Congress don't have the sack to do anything. posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 06:11 PM
Ron, lots of us hope the same thing happens to Bush, Cheney and everyone else responsible for the War in Iraq.
posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 06:10 PM
irv..I think most of our points here on this thread is that this investigation will fuel publicity for his forthcoming movie..which I am sure isn't the governments intent.
posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 06:06 PM
Dusty, my reference to "fat boy" was a joking response to Random's comment. Are you sure you are awake yet? posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 06:00 PM
I'm not sure what you mean, Dusty. Would you elaborate on that statement.
posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 05:59 PM
As for your characterization of Moore as 'fat boy' stick a sock in it irv. If you don't like his movies fine..evidently enough people do. As for crimes against humanity..plenty of folks think BushCo should be charged as well.
posted by
ronmexico
on May 10, 2007 at 05:59 PM
I hope the fat ass gets thrown in jail and becomes Big Bubba's bride. Make a movie about that, fatty...
posted by
dusty1215
on May 10, 2007 at 05:57 PM
Perhaps Clinton didn't end the embargo for the same reasons all the other Presidents don't irv..political reasons. The majority of South Florida's cuban population would go off the deep end if and when the embargo is ended.
posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Adam, Clinton could have ended the embargo with an executive order, but he chose not to. Would you like to enlighten us as to why? posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 05:48 PM
Random, you crack me up. But you all sound like the people you are so down on. It's all about the money. As long as "fat boy" makes a bundle, everything is good, right?
posted by
randomfactor
on May 10, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Gotta pull a Reagan here, on duty soon. And yes, Michael Moore's still fat.
posted by
randomfactor
on May 10, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Why Irv, I believe that was James Carville.
posted by
randomfactor
on May 10, 2007 at 05:38 PM
The Treasury Department would likely turn over anything they find to JD for persecution. So far as I know they don't have any prosecutors, although they do run the Secret Service. You got any blatant lies you want to share with us? . But I imagine Michael Moore would send them a thank-you note. This'll be wonderful publicity for the film, and it looks like the rednuts are already skeered of what his film will do. . Irv, Bush's trial first, 'kay?
posted by
adampayne
on May 10, 2007 at 05:37 PM
Clinton tried to end the embargo and did relax many restrictions. It was the Republican Congress who stopped the complete end of this ludicrous policy. And I did read a goodly portion of the less hysterical posts on the site, which mostly commented on the critical shortages within the country. I understand the boogiyman Castro is easy fodder for the righteous and godly, never mind how corrupt and dictatorial the preceding regime was. The point is they have fine medical personnel from any point of view, and their citizens are universally covered, unlike the near 50 million people without coverage in America.Having met Michael Moore on more than a couple of occasions, I find the attacks on his films from people who have never watched his documentaries another example of how low the critical bar is for most of America. There are still many people who will check their biases at the door and view Moore's latest documentary, which I'm very sure will deliver the goods on our pitiful state of health care in the land of milk and honey. posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Hey Random, who was the "enforcer arm" of the DNC under WJC? posted by
ronmexico
on May 10, 2007 at 05:32 PM
THe Justice Department isnot doing anything. It is the Treasury Department. It looks to me like they are doing their job. http://www.thesmokinggun.co... You might want to try and gather facts, rather than use blatant lies. posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 05:30 PM
I would like to see the embargo against Cuba lifted too. As soon as an international tribunal convicts Fidel and his little bro Raul of crimes against humanity and either imprisons or executes them both. posted by
randomfactor
on May 10, 2007 at 05:24 PM
It's Bush, Bush, Bush because he's going to leave the country in a shambles, and he's the figurehead at present. . I'm suggesting that federal employees *SHOULD* do their jobs. The job of the Justice Department is *NOT* to use federal investigators to harass people for political reasons. . And once we take the third house, yes, I'd like to see the embargo against Cuba lifted. posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 05:22 PM
You obviously didn't read any of the posting on the site, Adam. Which, by the way, is what you accused anny of not doing. And, there have been more than one democratic president who have supported the embargo. Why is it always Bush, Bush, Bush? You liberals on these blogs sound like a broken record. If I remember correctly, it is the Kennedy's who have the vendetta against Castro. posted by
ronmexico
on May 10, 2007 at 05:20 PM
The regulations are pretty clear. http://travel.state.gov/tra... There is nothing wrong with the Treasury Department investigating his trip. That is their job. Are you suggesting that federal employess not do their job?? IF you don't like the law, then get your surrender monkeys in Congress to change it. posted by
randomfactor
on May 10, 2007 at 05:04 PM
You can if they can't prosecute you for it. It's called "malicious prosecution." But you sue the Justice Department, not the cops. You know, the "enforcer" arm of the Republican National Committee...
posted by
ronmexico
on May 10, 2007 at 05:01 PM
mmm YOu can't sue the cops for harrassment if you have broken a law.. posted by
adampayne
on May 10, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Even on a bizarre blog site like Babalublog there are no postings on the quality of medical care, only the repeated shortage of critical medicines and supplies, which our stupid government perpetuates with an idiotic embargo. Krushev and Breshnev are dead. Castro cannot hurt the US, why punish the people? It is strictly corporate right-wing political bilge at its worst to continue.I hope Moore sues the Bush White House for harrassment. This is just one more vendetta driven episode from the Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight or Tell It Straight. I cannot see how you can defend one policy this Administration promotes. You know, Blair resigned today and actually apologized for coming up short for the British people. Bush and Cheney don't have the courage to do the same, even if it would be in America's best interest. When Vladmir Putin can assume the high ground in a diplomatic rebuke aimed at our policies you know things are bad, very bad. posted by
antiextremism
on May 10, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Cuba does have some excellent hurricane response teams and they offered to help during Katrina...but were turned down of course.
posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on May 10, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Yep, it does, doesn't it? (Regulars know that the 2-by-4 is a verbal one, of course. I wouldn't actually threaten a blogger with a physical 2-by-4. That sounds more your speed.) posted by
irv
on May 10, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Let's see. I'm a damn hateful bigot and you are a decent person threatening me with a 2x4. Makes perfect sense, Hardliner. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on May 10, 2007 at 04:16 PM
Well, obviously Anny is Irv, since I hit such a nerve. Hey, that rhymed! ;-) I've seen Irv do better than that. Come across like a damn hateful bigot, and I'll give you a well-deserved slam with a 2-by-4 like one. Come across like a decent person, and see how quickly I return the favor. (Weird. My Sam code is BOSNY.) Re: babalublog -- Not interested in hate-based sites. BAKERSFIELD.COM HOT TOPICS: Loading Stories
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