‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ Flap: Censorship or Just PR?

Re “If It’s Moore, It’s Less Than Honest,” Commentary, May 11: Kay Hymowitz claims Michael Moore is dishonest and that information contained in his new film, “Fahrenheit 9/11,” should be suspect. She fails, however, to inform the reader as to the subject matter of the film.

Moore questions the relationship of the Bin Laden family to the Bushes, and asks why special flights were arranged, at a time when all commercial and civil aviation was terminated, to allow more than 100 Saudis to leave the country following the attacks.

If Hymowitz is so concerned about truth and accuracy, perhaps she should look into Vice President Dick Cheney’s meeting with the folks at Enron.

Jon Hartmann

Los Angeles

It’s amazing how easily someone like Moore can get the press to do his bidding over something as inconsequential as the Walt Disney Co.’s refusal to allow Miramax to act as distributor for Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11.” By appearing as the wounded party, Moore can sit back and watch newspaper writers fall right into his trap by producing columns that allow him to reap added publicity for his movie and added bucks at the box office. Moore is aware that another distributor will be found and his movie will be made available to all those who would like to see it.

This controversy isn’t about free speech; it’s about an entertainment company deciding to take a pass on a product it chooses not to be associated with. Like any other company, Disney has the right to control the products it puts in the marketplace. This is a world-class publicity stunt, and The Times has fallen for it hook, line and sinker.

Alex Rhodes

Los Angeles

Moore and President Bush. Both heroes to their parties. Both embellish, distort and omit facts to make the case for their agenda. Both believe that those who oppose that agenda are conspiring with “evildoers.” One makes movies. One makes war. Guess which one Hymowitz takes issue with.

Gregory Dodds

Los Angeles