Brian's blog

National - Sgt. Peter Damon, a disabled veteran of the Iraq War, sued Michael Moore for using a TV interview in his movie Fahrenheit 9/11, and misconstruing the interview to make it sound like Damon was complaining about the Bush administration and a lack of good treatment for veterans, rather than simply about his pain. The First Circuit ruled against Damon’s lawsuit, because there was not enough there to sue Moore for defaming Damon. Moore claimed this vindicated him (especially since two of the judges who ruled in favor of him were appointed by Bush), and also claimed the large number of failed lawsuits against him show his films to be accurate. Moore said he felt for the veteran, but did not feel he used the clip wrongly.

Opinion – While I feel that the right decision was reached in this case, I also think Michael Moore should keep his mouth shut. I haven’t seen his movies, but I know what they’re about. I might even agree with some of the points he tries to make. But claiming failed lawsuits prove his movies to be accurate? All that proves is that we have a court system that protects Moore’s right to make his movies. All I’ve heard in the news is negative - how acts in public, and the way he no doubt does misconstrue things in his movies.

National - A Pennsylvanian Judge recently ruled that three Hispanic men could avoid going to jail for conspiracy to commit robbery and stay on parole if they learn English, get their GEDs, and get full-time jobs. Their attorneys are studying the legality of the ruling trying to decide whether or not to appeal, though one man was quite happy with the ruling. All three needed translators in their trial.

Opinion – I thought this sounded kind of interesting. It seems like a ruling like this would be helpful (and awfully generous) to the men on trial, but I suppose the idea of making them learn English is controversial. I think it would be good if judges made rulings like this more often (as long as they are legal), which gave criminals second chances as long as they were willing to follow certain criteria for change.

International – In Zimbabwe, money isn’t worth very much. The country is undergoing a time of hyperinflation as their economy is suffering, and a ten million dollar bill can barely buy two rolls of toilet paper. Some say the autocratic-president’s 28 year reign is to blame. The president says it is the fault of British imperialism and sanctions. Either way, the fear is that this could lead to civil war. The country’s inflation rate is the worst in the world.

Opinion – How would you fix a problem like that? It’s ridiculous. It just seems amazing to me an economy could get so bad. Isn’t there any way you could just scrap the whole thing and start over? I’d like to know more about the situation over there. What can Africa do?

International - Hindus are upset about Mike Myers latest film The Love Guru, in which he portrays what else but a Hindu. They’re kind of upset like the Khazakstani people were upset about Borat. They’ll probably get over it. They’re just afraid that the character is supporting Hindu stereotypes that might promote racism.

Opinion – The Hindu’s are probably right, but what can you do? It sounds like a dumb movie anyway, but we’ll see. Everyone gets made fun of these days, and people just need to get used to it. And not be racist or treat people like stereotypes.