Seattle's city government cable channel, the Seattle Channel, will be broadcasting Michael Moore's Oct. 19 campaign rally at the "Foolproof Performing Arts" lecture series. As I mentioned the other day, Foolproof is, in all likelihood, in violation of federal tax and campaign finance regulations. Using city government resources to broadcast campaign rallies for or against a federal candidate introduces yet another set of campaign finance violations. (take a look at some of the other Kerry campaign events that have been broadcast by Seattle's city government)
Although these broadcasts are probably illegal, I suspect the probability of stopping them in time for the election is negligible. At least the managers of the Seattle Channel have agreed to give some (if not exactly equal) time to other viewpoints. They've agreed, for example, to broadcast my upcoming interview of Michael Medved. But more programming is needed to provide reasonable balance to the proponderance of one-sided programming on the Seattle Channel.
The question is: what would be the best program to balance Michael Moore? I've contacted the distributors of Celsius 41.11 and they're open to negotiating broadcast rights. Another idea is Michael Moore Hates America. Any other ideas for films or speakers that would be an appropriate balance to Michael Moore?
UPDATE: I've decided that the most appropriate way to respond to the Seattle Channel's misuse of public facilities is to file formal complaints with appropriate agencies (i.e., Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, Washington Public Disclosure Commission and possibly the Federal Elections Commission) with the aim of ending the Seattle Channel's involvement in political campaigns. However, given the hours of improper campaign content that it has already broadcast and will undoubtedly continue to broadcast between now and the election, I would also press for and use as much equal time between now and the election as I can get.
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at October 06, 2004 04:48 PMWhy bother with appearing on their brainwash tv? You will give them the shadow of legitimacy when they are in violation of state law. State and City resources may not be used to advocate or support a campaign or issue on the ballot. This is their primary content and it is unlawful.
Posted by: Tim Ford on October 6, 2004 05:33 PMNews footage of the September 11th attacks that doesn't hide the video?
I would invite Mark Steyn and Charles Krauthammer
Posted by: Andrew J. on October 6, 2004 10:22 PMBy all means I think you should counter-program the movie that is specifically calling it self the opposition to "Farenheit 9/11", namely "George W Bush:Faith in the Whitehouse."
Much as I have objected to some of your ridiculous Republican biases since I recently started reading, I keep reading because I find value and wisdom in listening to what "the other side" believes.
Why don't you suggest yourself or one of your colleagues as host of a show that would do interviews and coverage of stories from a conservative point-of-view?
Posted by: Michael on October 7, 2004 10:39 AMBecause if it is illegal to use state/city resources and facilities to promote a candidacy or ballot issue, then it shouldn't be done either from the left or the right.
You can't justify violations of the law by offering the same illegal fruits to the other side. Or is that how all liberals think?
Posted by: Tim Ford on October 7, 2004 12:32 PMMichael Moore is raking in the bucks speaking at colleges and universities, many of which are publically financed. Put Brainwashing101 on the air to show the scandals at such univiersities.
Posted by: Victoria on October 7, 2004 03:20 PMThere is a special that runs on TV every once in a while about 9/11 which takes you through everything we experienced-it shows how incredible the President was then and reminds you that HE NEVER FORGOT. Put that on.
Posted by: Kimberly Auty on October 7, 2004 04:57 PMMichael Gallagher is raising funds on his website (mikeonline.com) to have a counter promo when Michael Moore is speaking at Penn State to show Farenheit HYPE 9/11 We need to show that movie too.
Posted by: Gail on October 7, 2004 06:25 PMFarenHype 9/11 seems like the most logical choice. Attacking Moore on the Seattle Channel is not only ethical, but overdue. If you do get it played, turn the TV on mute and stick your head out the window. Listen for the sound of brains all over Seattle fizzing and frothing at being exposed to the truth.
Posted by: MamaGeph on October 9, 2004 03:27 PMNo sympathy, wingnuts.
I glad I live in Seattle where I can have a Kerry bumper sticker on my car and not get my tires slashed.
I've got an idea...why don't YOU guys move to a city where the Sinclair group owns a TV station. Then you can get wingnut propaganda FOR FREE!!!
Be still my beating heart.
Posted by: Rujax on October 9, 2004 07:06 PM