This letter made me cry today, as I look back on what was and could have been. We were the better part of a world united...a country grieving together with other nations around the globe. We had so much potential to make this world a better place. But the war mongers wanted vengeance and revenge, and they convinced a weak president that attacking a sovereign nation was the way to restore our country, to make it whole. In the years that have passed we have not been restored; we have become more divided than I ever dreamed possible. The hope of the Obama years became disillusion when he didn't end Bush's wars, leading to four years that were worse than most in more than a century. Mr. Biden has situations that rival the worst of the 20th century to contend with. We have a pandemic that is worse than the Spanish Flu. We have had an economic downturn to rival the Great Depression. We have racial unrest to rival the 1960s. We have fascism to rival the Nazis, but this time among our own citizenry. And we have a party that is willing to look the other way, and in some cases become complicit, when people have tried to overturn our elections, attacking the very seat of our democracy. I see the path our nation took, rather than the one we could have taken, and how it led here. No wonder I have cried.
We are living in Apocalyptic times. Those like Michael are prophets calling for peace like prophets before. Prayer and Meditation are a medication for many of us. Sacred scriptures everywhere remind us: "Be not dismayed. These times will pass." We just need to avoid adding to the mess with false ideologies that are self-serving rather than the good of all, our commonwealth.
Buddha saw how peace begins in us.
"Our enemy can be our best teacher."
iow We can't hate anyone, only what we may do.
When I first heard Lost In A Lost World by the Moody Blues almost 50 years ago, I cried, and still do somewhat. We can't change others, only ourselves in being the change the world needs.
Michael sets an excellent example, helping us. He knows how our tears can help us heal and not fall into the dark side of hate as he warned the fictitious president GW Bush.
The war in Vietnam was tearing our nation apart. The massacre at Kent State and other university shootings and Nixon's lies made life unlivable for a lot of us. Seeing it was the establishment that needs to change, we need to "speak out against the madness."
These are not "apocalyptic times," although it can feel that way. There are fewer wars taking place than in history, and the world is far less volatile than it was in, say, 1939. You really need not think or write in hyperbole to make a point. Really, "The massacre at Kent State and other university shootings and Nixon's lies made life unlivable for a lot of us" - I doubt you mean that literally. Imagine how the Vietnamese felt.
Michael Moore is not a prophet. He is a social critic and filmmaker. I would not compare him to Abraham, Jesus or Mohamed. Or even John the Baptist.
Is this a political blog or a Michael Moore fan page? I suspect it's more of the latter.
I guess its all down to priorities again. Sir Richard Attenborough and many other leading environmentalists and activists may just disagree with your first comment.
As for the world being less volatile, maybe take a look at what is transpiring in the Asian pacific and ask Taiwan, Japan and others how they feel.
What about the future after Afghanistan and tensions with Iran?
Closer to home for both our countries and others we share a commonality in that the rise of misinformation is degrading the very fabric of normalcy. Is it not dangerous ? Not to mention that politics is being infected by the normalising of lies and they have the power to affect all their societies lives.
I am sure that there is no one here that does not feel the pain of others, after all didn’t a great divide in the USA come about due to the Vietnam war?
I had not heard that this site was a political Blog, more a way of Micheal posting his thoughts and allowing others of a like mind to come together.
I guess my final question is, as its not the first time you have thrown it out there, Just what is it that causes you a problem in people praising Micheal Moore on his own site?
I don't need to explain myself. I am a hardcore skeptic. I hate seeing these fawning and adoring posts instead of people examining reality and discussing it. You all seem to prefer to put your heads together and weep over how America is dying, dying, dying and how terrible everything is. Compared to what I've seen and experienced in this world, you're whiners and crybabies. Try being an Iraqi woman who was set on fire along with her father, or a young Iraqi man whose fingers and toes were slowly amputated by a militia in Baghdad. Try being an Egyptian woman who had to flee the Sisi regime with her family and go into exile in Turkey or face being disappeared, or her 4 children murdered.
Instead, I see here some old guy who can't get his head out of Vietnam and who posts links to youtube videos by Buffalo Springfield. You are moved to tears by Michael Moore driving across the country 20 fucking years ago. You stupidly call the world "apocalyptic."
The "rise of misinformation" starts on the internet and on circle jerks like Moore's blog where "truth" is what he says it is, and you all lap it right up. This does not combat the mendacity of the media but creates a mirror image of the right wingers who watch Sean Hannity. A bubble is a bubble. You are no better informed than Hannity's crowd but are a hand-wringing little cult waiting for people like Moore to feed you your "truth."
This is a political blog, not a fan page. If all you talk to are the like-minded, how do you grow? What do you learn? How do you think? That is what makes me nauseous about "praising" Michael Moore, or anyone else. If Michael set this page up to be praised, god help all of you.
I apologise to all that I have triggered such a response from the commenter above.
I would politely ask you Marycat to read what I wrote.
A respectful response was all that was required, if in fact all you wish to achieve is discussion.
Praise where praise is due is a wonderful attribute and I am sure Micheal is humbled, but not guilty of courting it, as evidenced by his actions throughout his life.
Dear Michael, Your letter is heartbreaking. As a former New Yorker, who had lived near Union Square, it made me feel like I was there, with you. I was in Massachusetts, far from the city, but very near to those that left from Logan Airport. Our company traveled daily from Logan. My first stop at work, when I had heard the news of the first plane, was to our in-house travel office to see if anyone from our company was traveling that day. There was, but fortunately, not on those planes. Our fellow apparel folks at TJX, where not as fortunate. There were 8 buyers in that plane that was headed to CA that flew into the tower. It still blows my mind how this happened. Let’s hope and pray that America puts down the guns and helps the world with kindness and love.
Thank you for sharing your letters. I am so glad your daughter was ok. Keep up the good work! XO Sharon.
I wondered why the Generals who lied to us about how well the war was doing inAfghanistan.
Then I followed up my adage,”Follow theMoney” All are on the boards of those companies who benefit from war. At 90 years and anticipation heart surgery I am saddened by the direction our Country has taken. I won’t be around to see what occurs. And I am sad that I care so much . But as a woman who spent her life attempting to make this a better world I just hope that there are enough of you out there who will keep on fighting for Justice in all forms.
Oh Mary struggling in what to say, only that there are many of us around the world who won’t be silenced, even if its just simple steps in our daily lives.
I wish you well in your up coming surgery and thank you for sharing. Sending love
Thank you, Mike. We needed your letters today. It is a time Ken Burns thinks is as dangerous as those days of The Civil War, The Great Depression and World War II... May you continue to guide us in these perilous times! And may the "clueless" voters awaken to your call for justice and love!
Thank you for these beautifully written letters that bring it all back--not just in the horror but in the response, the more hopeful, humane response to 9/11
Michael wrote, "I refuse to call this my home. " Twenty years later, and that feeling has grown ever so much more. And, it's being destroyed from within. Maybe, it's time to return my family name to Italy - to consider my grandfather's emigration as a round trip and not as a journey to a new home. As the Eagles sang, "Call it paradise. Kiss it goodbye."
I have to thank you again Michael, for your letters, films, everything you do and have done.
We're a majority and better nation because of you, evolving as human beings we need to be.
Bowling For Columbine was an epiphany for many of us. I'm grateful to God you finished it.
Your acceptance speech for best documentary was archetypal because of the truth you spoke.
But too many were bound by the darkness of their minds and still are in waging war.
You've been made to suffer immeasurably with a price on your head for your courage.
Please keep speaking truth to power as you have. You're helping us to.
Blessed Are The Peacemakers Blessed Are You
St. Mother Teresa worked for peace, they didn't listen to her.
Jesus knew what would make for our peace. (Luke 19:41-44)
NB
I helped with outreach at Ground Zero in February 2002. I can confirm what you shared with us. Not once did I see or hear of anyone supporting the war that Bush started in Afghanistan. Rather, there was apprehension because of the devastation there, same as it was here.
After 20 years of war, we can't let this happen again, especially from any fictitious presidents.
Bush lied. Millions died.
"When the pope and Dixie Chicks are against you Mr. Bush, you're time is up!"
Today’s letter brought me to tears. Beautifully written and so incredibly honest it was heartbreaking. Remembering the generosity and kindness of people following that devastating event, breaks my heart even more. We are so lacking in that today. I often feel powerless as only one person, but then I remind myself “just do what you can” and continue to engage in my neighborhood, city, and county in whatever way I can and encourage others to do the same. Bless you Michael. I will continue to look forward to your emails. Thank you for all that you do.
At this time we have a president whose first goal is NOT to start a war so he can appear to be in command. May he thrive and continue on his peace-keeping mission around the globe. You cheer him on and I cheer for you and your inspiring messages.
Your letters have kept me sane over the last 2 weeks. I so appreciate your heartfelt writing about your trip. I remember feeling so alone during that time while many I knew and the media beat them war drums. I so appreciate you and all the truth and heart you bring to us. I send you hugs!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I find your writing very touching, very human.
I attemped to watch your film, Fahrenheit 911 but only made it half way through. I was sickened by the hypocrisy, capitalism at its finest. I felt so small, so voiceless……caught up in the war machine. I was thoroughly disgusted with America. But that was your plan, to touch me deeply. Mission accomplished my friend.
Sometime soon I will watch the other half. I might need a couple a beers to ease the pain.
Thank you Michael for sharing this extraordinary part of history. Everyone of us, in different parts of the world, remembers what we were doing in that precise moment when hate and terror hit our souls. These letters should be "a must read" in all schools and universities, all over the world, translated into each language with the title "We Should Never Forget". And our challenge is never to give up our commitment into making a better world for all. I'm from a country that knows for sure about terror and lose of freedom, from a country where future is a luxury unavailable for most people. From the very end of the world, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Reflection has been difficult, not healing I must say, because of fear of retaliation again by our own country. Where now and for what? President Biden gives me hope with his words indicating that we must worry about the pressing issues in our own country. I can only hope he will continue with these words. Thank you, Michael, for sharing these timely letters. May we use our words and combined actions to work for peace in our world.
Michael, none of us can forget the tragedy of 9/11 but thanks for reminding us how it felt on that particular day and how the war mongering unfolded from that point on. The real tragedy is that the whole truth is still to come out even after two decades of attempt by many of the relatives of those who passed away.
Michael, I am a walking, talking cliche of a characteristically modest Canadian, but grant your often heartfelt expressions of love that you proudly carry for your country. I'll note some minor annoyance with the ultra flag waving patriotism you guys down there shamelessly demonstrate on a regular basis. However, I do get it, but am increasingly disheartened by the steady erosion of civil liberties and the looming decline of a once great country as yours.
On this sad anniversary of the 9/11 attack, truth seeking citizens are denied full disclosure of valid alternate facts regarding this tragic, historically significant event. A betrayed and hopelessly pessimistic pall is cast by the blackout of honest, solid investigative journalism in mainstream media for which we are all entitled. There is no mention of the third building that went down into its own footprint at free fall speed. It wasn't hit by a plane. The official version of the entire event has been challenged by the Lawyer's Committee For 9/11 inquiry, but has been stonewalled by the Southern District Court of New York. Even Spike Lee caved to pressure, cutting 30 minutes from his 9/11 documentary, the segment devoted to the "Truthers". Real journalism has passed into extinction like the wooly mammoth. Journalists have become jingoists. No less so than the banner waving, patriotic news outlets championing the Iraq invasion.
It is not what we are told, but what we are not told, that is more insidious and dangerous. Thousands of architects, physicists, chemists, engineers and families of deceased firefighters and police who demand to be heard, have been denied their unalienable rights to justice and fairness defined by the Constitution.
I know that you have said you are not a conspiracy theorist and neither am I. But I didn't go looking for it. It came to me. You say here, "I’m an American, living in America. I like my illusions``. Let me say that you are in denial of your own and American's own self interest by your steady and delusional attitude in spite of a seeming left liberal stance on topics that allow entry onto the same mass media outlets that propagates and perpetuates the Big Lie.
I wouldn’t want to promote that I know the inner working of Micheal’s mind, but having listened to his Rumble Podcast, interviews etc I would like to offer another alternative to your conclusion about the “ I like my illusions” comment.
I would come to the conclusion that he is satirically referring to his wishes for a more caring society where humans are afforded dignity and their very basic human rights. A very different world that so many countries are or have fallen into, including some of the very dangerous aspects in society you describe.
Could it not also be applauded that Micheal puts himself out there on mass media outlets knowing the precarious situation he could find himself in, I have yet to see him cower or abandon himself for publicity, but if I am wrong I will re evaluate any evidence you would be willing to provide.
It’s satire. So here’s what I don’t get - Stephen is Canadian? Satire is what they do. Most Americans don’t get it. I just motor ahead, assuming most of my fellow Americans are smarter than those in power realize — and when they do realize it, watch out!
Michael was definitely taken out of context. We all have to watch for this, especially the media. That is, if we wish to relate to one another. The utter lack of empathy or any feeling about the devastation of 9/11 is a huge red flag. We need to express what we feel as specifically as possible. A lot of us are still hurting, which is what makes Michael's letters, podcasts etc, so important, helping us to process the devastation.
It keeps me from having to pay a therapist.
This is a graphic video of bodies falling from WTC Towers 1 and 2.
Be forewarned to anyone who clicks on this, the sights and sounds are sickening.
It's also heartrending. One ff yells, "Don't stare! Don't stare! It'll burn in your brain!"
(ie the image; but for a lot of the ff's et al, they still hear the sounds)
And all of this could've been avoided if that fictitious president had responded to the warnings of an imminent terrorist attack. He could've also avoided 20 years of war if he'd accepted the Taliban offer of peace.
It came to you? How did this idea that Michael is in denial about America come to you? Did you hear a voice or did the thought just pop into your head? Where did it come from?
This is important for your sake Steven, because it's a false, distorted idea about who Michael is. Are you jealous of him? Your rant suggests you have a projection on him of some aspect of yourself you need to realize to coexist and work together. Anybody can sit back and criticize. Please note how I've asked you questions you need to answer for yourself.
Seriously, your comment completely misses the terrible tragedy and loss of life that could've been prevented, even going to war. The historical facts are on Michael's side. And yet, you'd have us believe that we're all delusional.
What have you done to make this world a better place Steven, other than falsely accuse someone of being in denial? I wouldn't be surprised if your dreams suggested that you are in denial about who you and others really are. No media misinformation here.
If you'd be so good as to provide some solid investigative research of your claim as Michael has done exceptionally well about the state of things here, it will help substantiate your claim. You need to prove this. It doesn't amount to slander, but it is false witness.
I'm praying for you, Stephen. I sincerely hope you're not a Trump supporter in disguise.
Stan, did you actually read and understand what I wrote? When I said, "It came to me", the "it" refers to the horrendous and disturbing forensic evidence of the attack, which contradict the official 9/11 report. Details are important and the highly suspicious, long list of scientific evidence points to the necessity of further investigation, which alarmingly but predictably is being ignored by the corporate mainstream media. Please do some research that could possibly challenge your assumptions. The truth will set you free, but it can also bring pain.
Steven isn’t that the whole point of what Micheal at least tries to convey to those of us willing to listen? Isn’t it a fact that he faces such vitriol as the truth is so painful ? Isn’t it why we should all try to stand together to push for the truth?
I felt the pain of Mary’s comment as these last few decades have been the demise of social integration, through corruption, corporate owned mainstream media, social media and disingenuous actors on steroids.
There was a time when Trump, Johnson, le penn etc would have been held back by social norms and be on the fringe of the political machine.
I worry that the truth you so rightly seek will never be achieved, as society becomes numbed, which is after all the Agenda. Otherwise how could these people rise to power? They barely hold the credentials for any job, of morals and integrity.
We are voices alone, the need has never been greater for us to come together to support those who are willing to stand up to the “new machine’ or that truth that you and we all wish to get to will be buried by those whose only wish is to do harm and promote self interest for themselves their cronies, at the expense of the rest of society. Yours Hillary
Gosh all I can hear is the current cronies cheering Johnson on, whilst i understand where you Stan are coming from.
Seriously though I nearly admitted to something in the comment that my friends struggled to understand at the time I said it. I am glad I did as today I heard Mary Trump on a common wealth of California podcast and it gave a better explanation than I would have given at the time.
I sat up for the presidential debates, terrified of the outcome. I found myself spotting the then Joe’s mistakes whilst totally ignoring the other guys disgusting behaviour.
Yes it was partly due to the fear of how the mainstream media would portray it, but it did scare me that I had unconsciously held Joe to a different standard.
I have also commented on the numbing of society being the agenda and today after hearing that interview another perspective, very dangerous was explored, that all of these people that are destroying our social fabric have one thing in common “they are never bound to the truth” WOW on examination how true.
I wish I had been able to explain this to my friends, as they struggled to understand why it was bothering me, me a person who takes interest in world politics as a whole.
How frightening a proposition like this is to think of in the current position many countries are finding themselves in
Self-interests v commonwealth is rife with false ideologies, half-truths and bald-faced lies. Sting said it best: "They all seem like game-show hosts to me." I can appreciate Michael, Dr. Mary Trump, Dr. Bandi Lee et al, who expose them, even Uncle Joe.
I drink a toast to Sir Winston Churchill with my favorite px of him, imperfect as he was. But his heart was in the right place.
The mythologist Jos. Campbell described those who can do great good or terrible evil. PM Churchill and Hitler both had abusive fathers. The difference is that PM Churchill cared about others.
Even Hitler.
When PM Churchill met with him, he asked why he hated the Jews.
The furious fuhrer exploded, "They taking over the world!"
The Charlottesville Chant: "Jews will not replace us!"
This is what we're really up against and need to come together in fighting "racial pride" and dominance, imperfect as we are.
Please consider what you said about Michael and all of us being in denial.
More importantly, you completely ignored the terrible tragedy and loss of life that you can't relate to what Michael and all of us have felt and experienced.
Again, where did the idea come from that Michael is in denial?
What proof do you have that he and all of us are in denial?
You would have us believe you without proof?
You could learn from Michael.
You're acting like Trump.
Are you a Trump supporter? Yes or No.
How can you hope to be in relation or relationship if you don't relate?
Keep criticizing others without basis and see how far you get, like Trump.
Peace Be With You Mr. Fistell. Maybe help make this world a better place.
This letter made me cry today, as I look back on what was and could have been. We were the better part of a world united...a country grieving together with other nations around the globe. We had so much potential to make this world a better place. But the war mongers wanted vengeance and revenge, and they convinced a weak president that attacking a sovereign nation was the way to restore our country, to make it whole. In the years that have passed we have not been restored; we have become more divided than I ever dreamed possible. The hope of the Obama years became disillusion when he didn't end Bush's wars, leading to four years that were worse than most in more than a century. Mr. Biden has situations that rival the worst of the 20th century to contend with. We have a pandemic that is worse than the Spanish Flu. We have had an economic downturn to rival the Great Depression. We have racial unrest to rival the 1960s. We have fascism to rival the Nazis, but this time among our own citizenry. And we have a party that is willing to look the other way, and in some cases become complicit, when people have tried to overturn our elections, attacking the very seat of our democracy. I see the path our nation took, rather than the one we could have taken, and how it led here. No wonder I have cried.
very well said!
We are living in Apocalyptic times. Those like Michael are prophets calling for peace like prophets before. Prayer and Meditation are a medication for many of us. Sacred scriptures everywhere remind us: "Be not dismayed. These times will pass." We just need to avoid adding to the mess with false ideologies that are self-serving rather than the good of all, our commonwealth.
Buddha saw how peace begins in us.
"Our enemy can be our best teacher."
iow We can't hate anyone, only what we may do.
When I first heard Lost In A Lost World by the Moody Blues almost 50 years ago, I cried, and still do somewhat. We can't change others, only ourselves in being the change the world needs.
Michael sets an excellent example, helping us. He knows how our tears can help us heal and not fall into the dark side of hate as he warned the fictitious president GW Bush.
Lost In A Lost World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nUhHofw0U
(4:22 (Note the old man in prayer).
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/moodyblues/lostinalostworld.html
Background info on the album Seventh Sojourn:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Sojourn
The war in Vietnam was tearing our nation apart. The massacre at Kent State and other university shootings and Nixon's lies made life unlivable for a lot of us. Seeing it was the establishment that needs to change, we need to "speak out against the madness."
Crosby Stills Nash "Long Time Gone"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS3l_TwPNRY
(4:16)
Crosby Stills Nash and Young "Carry On."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh67x9iDCjg
(4:25)
Michael does set a really wonderful example.
These are not "apocalyptic times," although it can feel that way. There are fewer wars taking place than in history, and the world is far less volatile than it was in, say, 1939. You really need not think or write in hyperbole to make a point. Really, "The massacre at Kent State and other university shootings and Nixon's lies made life unlivable for a lot of us" - I doubt you mean that literally. Imagine how the Vietnamese felt.
Michael Moore is not a prophet. He is a social critic and filmmaker. I would not compare him to Abraham, Jesus or Mohamed. Or even John the Baptist.
Is this a political blog or a Michael Moore fan page? I suspect it's more of the latter.
Hi Marycat
I guess its all down to priorities again. Sir Richard Attenborough and many other leading environmentalists and activists may just disagree with your first comment.
As for the world being less volatile, maybe take a look at what is transpiring in the Asian pacific and ask Taiwan, Japan and others how they feel.
What about the future after Afghanistan and tensions with Iran?
Closer to home for both our countries and others we share a commonality in that the rise of misinformation is degrading the very fabric of normalcy. Is it not dangerous ? Not to mention that politics is being infected by the normalising of lies and they have the power to affect all their societies lives.
I am sure that there is no one here that does not feel the pain of others, after all didn’t a great divide in the USA come about due to the Vietnam war?
I had not heard that this site was a political Blog, more a way of Micheal posting his thoughts and allowing others of a like mind to come together.
I guess my final question is, as its not the first time you have thrown it out there, Just what is it that causes you a problem in people praising Micheal Moore on his own site?
Yours Hillary
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200616113913.htm - why the world is less violent.
I don't need to explain myself. I am a hardcore skeptic. I hate seeing these fawning and adoring posts instead of people examining reality and discussing it. You all seem to prefer to put your heads together and weep over how America is dying, dying, dying and how terrible everything is. Compared to what I've seen and experienced in this world, you're whiners and crybabies. Try being an Iraqi woman who was set on fire along with her father, or a young Iraqi man whose fingers and toes were slowly amputated by a militia in Baghdad. Try being an Egyptian woman who had to flee the Sisi regime with her family and go into exile in Turkey or face being disappeared, or her 4 children murdered.
Instead, I see here some old guy who can't get his head out of Vietnam and who posts links to youtube videos by Buffalo Springfield. You are moved to tears by Michael Moore driving across the country 20 fucking years ago. You stupidly call the world "apocalyptic."
The "rise of misinformation" starts on the internet and on circle jerks like Moore's blog where "truth" is what he says it is, and you all lap it right up. This does not combat the mendacity of the media but creates a mirror image of the right wingers who watch Sean Hannity. A bubble is a bubble. You are no better informed than Hannity's crowd but are a hand-wringing little cult waiting for people like Moore to feed you your "truth."
This is a political blog, not a fan page. If all you talk to are the like-minded, how do you grow? What do you learn? How do you think? That is what makes me nauseous about "praising" Michael Moore, or anyone else. If Michael set this page up to be praised, god help all of you.
I apologise to all that I have triggered such a response from the commenter above.
I would politely ask you Marycat to read what I wrote.
A respectful response was all that was required, if in fact all you wish to achieve is discussion.
Praise where praise is due is a wonderful attribute and I am sure Micheal is humbled, but not guilty of courting it, as evidenced by his actions throughout his life.
Yours Hillary
Me too.
So brilliantly written. Almost a template of what is occurring in other countries. No wonder we cry sending love
Dear Michael, Your letter is heartbreaking. As a former New Yorker, who had lived near Union Square, it made me feel like I was there, with you. I was in Massachusetts, far from the city, but very near to those that left from Logan Airport. Our company traveled daily from Logan. My first stop at work, when I had heard the news of the first plane, was to our in-house travel office to see if anyone from our company was traveling that day. There was, but fortunately, not on those planes. Our fellow apparel folks at TJX, where not as fortunate. There were 8 buyers in that plane that was headed to CA that flew into the tower. It still blows my mind how this happened. Let’s hope and pray that America puts down the guns and helps the world with kindness and love.
Thank you for sharing your letters. I am so glad your daughter was ok. Keep up the good work! XO Sharon.
I wondered why the Generals who lied to us about how well the war was doing inAfghanistan.
Then I followed up my adage,”Follow theMoney” All are on the boards of those companies who benefit from war. At 90 years and anticipation heart surgery I am saddened by the direction our Country has taken. I won’t be around to see what occurs. And I am sad that I care so much . But as a woman who spent her life attempting to make this a better world I just hope that there are enough of you out there who will keep on fighting for Justice in all forms.
Oh Mary struggling in what to say, only that there are many of us around the world who won’t be silenced, even if its just simple steps in our daily lives.
I wish you well in your up coming surgery and thank you for sharing. Sending love
Thank you, Mike. We needed your letters today. It is a time Ken Burns thinks is as dangerous as those days of The Civil War, The Great Depression and World War II... May you continue to guide us in these perilous times! And may the "clueless" voters awaken to your call for justice and love!
Thank You. I tried to add another heart but the system won't allow for it.
Thank you for these beautifully written letters that bring it all back--not just in the horror but in the response, the more hopeful, humane response to 9/11
Michael wrote, "I refuse to call this my home. " Twenty years later, and that feeling has grown ever so much more. And, it's being destroyed from within. Maybe, it's time to return my family name to Italy - to consider my grandfather's emigration as a round trip and not as a journey to a new home. As the Eagles sang, "Call it paradise. Kiss it goodbye."
I have to thank you again Michael, for your letters, films, everything you do and have done.
We're a majority and better nation because of you, evolving as human beings we need to be.
Bowling For Columbine was an epiphany for many of us. I'm grateful to God you finished it.
Your acceptance speech for best documentary was archetypal because of the truth you spoke.
But too many were bound by the darkness of their minds and still are in waging war.
You've been made to suffer immeasurably with a price on your head for your courage.
Please keep speaking truth to power as you have. You're helping us to.
Blessed Are The Peacemakers Blessed Are You
St. Mother Teresa worked for peace, they didn't listen to her.
Jesus knew what would make for our peace. (Luke 19:41-44)
NB
I helped with outreach at Ground Zero in February 2002. I can confirm what you shared with us. Not once did I see or hear of anyone supporting the war that Bush started in Afghanistan. Rather, there was apprehension because of the devastation there, same as it was here.
After 20 years of war, we can't let this happen again, especially from any fictitious presidents.
Bush lied. Millions died.
"When the pope and Dixie Chicks are against you Mr. Bush, you're time is up!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Is43K6lrg
(1:57)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2135419.The_Prosecution_of_George_W_Bush_for_Murder
Today’s letter brought me to tears. Beautifully written and so incredibly honest it was heartbreaking. Remembering the generosity and kindness of people following that devastating event, breaks my heart even more. We are so lacking in that today. I often feel powerless as only one person, but then I remind myself “just do what you can” and continue to engage in my neighborhood, city, and county in whatever way I can and encourage others to do the same. Bless you Michael. I will continue to look forward to your emails. Thank you for all that you do.
At this time we have a president whose first goal is NOT to start a war so he can appear to be in command. May he thrive and continue on his peace-keeping mission around the globe. You cheer him on and I cheer for you and your inspiring messages.
Amen
Amen!
Dear Michael,
Your letters have kept me sane over the last 2 weeks. I so appreciate your heartfelt writing about your trip. I remember feeling so alone during that time while many I knew and the media beat them war drums. I so appreciate you and all the truth and heart you bring to us. I send you hugs!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I find your writing very touching, very human.
I attemped to watch your film, Fahrenheit 911 but only made it half way through. I was sickened by the hypocrisy, capitalism at its finest. I felt so small, so voiceless……caught up in the war machine. I was thoroughly disgusted with America. But that was your plan, to touch me deeply. Mission accomplished my friend.
Sometime soon I will watch the other half. I might need a couple a beers to ease the pain.
Thank you for being a light in the darkness.
Michael Jordan
You are joined by millions.
You are not alone Micheal.
You're not supposed to make grown men cry but I forgive you. I felt the same.
Thank you Michael for sharing this extraordinary part of history. Everyone of us, in different parts of the world, remembers what we were doing in that precise moment when hate and terror hit our souls. These letters should be "a must read" in all schools and universities, all over the world, translated into each language with the title "We Should Never Forget". And our challenge is never to give up our commitment into making a better world for all. I'm from a country that knows for sure about terror and lose of freedom, from a country where future is a luxury unavailable for most people. From the very end of the world, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Reflection has been difficult, not healing I must say, because of fear of retaliation again by our own country. Where now and for what? President Biden gives me hope with his words indicating that we must worry about the pressing issues in our own country. I can only hope he will continue with these words. Thank you, Michael, for sharing these timely letters. May we use our words and combined actions to work for peace in our world.
Michael, none of us can forget the tragedy of 9/11 but thanks for reminding us how it felt on that particular day and how the war mongering unfolded from that point on. The real tragedy is that the whole truth is still to come out even after two decades of attempt by many of the relatives of those who passed away.
Michael, I am a walking, talking cliche of a characteristically modest Canadian, but grant your often heartfelt expressions of love that you proudly carry for your country. I'll note some minor annoyance with the ultra flag waving patriotism you guys down there shamelessly demonstrate on a regular basis. However, I do get it, but am increasingly disheartened by the steady erosion of civil liberties and the looming decline of a once great country as yours.
On this sad anniversary of the 9/11 attack, truth seeking citizens are denied full disclosure of valid alternate facts regarding this tragic, historically significant event. A betrayed and hopelessly pessimistic pall is cast by the blackout of honest, solid investigative journalism in mainstream media for which we are all entitled. There is no mention of the third building that went down into its own footprint at free fall speed. It wasn't hit by a plane. The official version of the entire event has been challenged by the Lawyer's Committee For 9/11 inquiry, but has been stonewalled by the Southern District Court of New York. Even Spike Lee caved to pressure, cutting 30 minutes from his 9/11 documentary, the segment devoted to the "Truthers". Real journalism has passed into extinction like the wooly mammoth. Journalists have become jingoists. No less so than the banner waving, patriotic news outlets championing the Iraq invasion.
It is not what we are told, but what we are not told, that is more insidious and dangerous. Thousands of architects, physicists, chemists, engineers and families of deceased firefighters and police who demand to be heard, have been denied their unalienable rights to justice and fairness defined by the Constitution.
I know that you have said you are not a conspiracy theorist and neither am I. But I didn't go looking for it. It came to me. You say here, "I’m an American, living in America. I like my illusions``. Let me say that you are in denial of your own and American's own self interest by your steady and delusional attitude in spite of a seeming left liberal stance on topics that allow entry onto the same mass media outlets that propagates and perpetuates the Big Lie.
Respectfully (yes, I do mean it),
Steven
Toronto
Hi Steven,
I wouldn’t want to promote that I know the inner working of Micheal’s mind, but having listened to his Rumble Podcast, interviews etc I would like to offer another alternative to your conclusion about the “ I like my illusions” comment.
I would come to the conclusion that he is satirically referring to his wishes for a more caring society where humans are afforded dignity and their very basic human rights. A very different world that so many countries are or have fallen into, including some of the very dangerous aspects in society you describe.
Could it not also be applauded that Micheal puts himself out there on mass media outlets knowing the precarious situation he could find himself in, I have yet to see him cower or abandon himself for publicity, but if I am wrong I will re evaluate any evidence you would be willing to provide.
Yours Hillary
It’s satire. So here’s what I don’t get - Stephen is Canadian? Satire is what they do. Most Americans don’t get it. I just motor ahead, assuming most of my fellow Americans are smarter than those in power realize — and when they do realize it, watch out!
The Satirical Sword is mightier than, well, you know, cutting thru the illusion.
Michael was definitely taken out of context. We all have to watch for this, especially the media. That is, if we wish to relate to one another. The utter lack of empathy or any feeling about the devastation of 9/11 is a huge red flag. We need to express what we feel as specifically as possible. A lot of us are still hurting, which is what makes Michael's letters, podcasts etc, so important, helping us to process the devastation.
It keeps me from having to pay a therapist.
This is a graphic video of bodies falling from WTC Towers 1 and 2.
Be forewarned to anyone who clicks on this, the sights and sounds are sickening.
It's also heartrending. One ff yells, "Don't stare! Don't stare! It'll burn in your brain!"
(ie the image; but for a lot of the ff's et al, they still hear the sounds)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNyR2s2MKYc
(2:55)
https://nypost.com/2005/08/13/bodies-came-from-the-sky-anguished-wtc-heroes-tell-of-haywire-signals-last-farewells/
And all of this could've been avoided if that fictitious president had responded to the warnings of an imminent terrorist attack. He could've also avoided 20 years of war if he'd accepted the Taliban offer of peace.
God Bless Michael
It came to you? How did this idea that Michael is in denial about America come to you? Did you hear a voice or did the thought just pop into your head? Where did it come from?
This is important for your sake Steven, because it's a false, distorted idea about who Michael is. Are you jealous of him? Your rant suggests you have a projection on him of some aspect of yourself you need to realize to coexist and work together. Anybody can sit back and criticize. Please note how I've asked you questions you need to answer for yourself.
Seriously, your comment completely misses the terrible tragedy and loss of life that could've been prevented, even going to war. The historical facts are on Michael's side. And yet, you'd have us believe that we're all delusional.
What have you done to make this world a better place Steven, other than falsely accuse someone of being in denial? I wouldn't be surprised if your dreams suggested that you are in denial about who you and others really are. No media misinformation here.
If you'd be so good as to provide some solid investigative research of your claim as Michael has done exceptionally well about the state of things here, it will help substantiate your claim. You need to prove this. It doesn't amount to slander, but it is false witness.
I'm praying for you, Stephen. I sincerely hope you're not a Trump supporter in disguise.
God sees everything.
Stan, did you actually read and understand what I wrote? When I said, "It came to me", the "it" refers to the horrendous and disturbing forensic evidence of the attack, which contradict the official 9/11 report. Details are important and the highly suspicious, long list of scientific evidence points to the necessity of further investigation, which alarmingly but predictably is being ignored by the corporate mainstream media. Please do some research that could possibly challenge your assumptions. The truth will set you free, but it can also bring pain.
Steven isn’t that the whole point of what Micheal at least tries to convey to those of us willing to listen? Isn’t it a fact that he faces such vitriol as the truth is so painful ? Isn’t it why we should all try to stand together to push for the truth?
I felt the pain of Mary’s comment as these last few decades have been the demise of social integration, through corruption, corporate owned mainstream media, social media and disingenuous actors on steroids.
There was a time when Trump, Johnson, le penn etc would have been held back by social norms and be on the fringe of the political machine.
I worry that the truth you so rightly seek will never be achieved, as society becomes numbed, which is after all the Agenda. Otherwise how could these people rise to power? They barely hold the credentials for any job, of morals and integrity.
We are voices alone, the need has never been greater for us to come together to support those who are willing to stand up to the “new machine’ or that truth that you and we all wish to get to will be buried by those whose only wish is to do harm and promote self interest for themselves their cronies, at the expense of the rest of society. Yours Hillary
"Hear, hear."
Gosh all I can hear is the current cronies cheering Johnson on, whilst i understand where you Stan are coming from.
Seriously though I nearly admitted to something in the comment that my friends struggled to understand at the time I said it. I am glad I did as today I heard Mary Trump on a common wealth of California podcast and it gave a better explanation than I would have given at the time.
I sat up for the presidential debates, terrified of the outcome. I found myself spotting the then Joe’s mistakes whilst totally ignoring the other guys disgusting behaviour.
Yes it was partly due to the fear of how the mainstream media would portray it, but it did scare me that I had unconsciously held Joe to a different standard.
I have also commented on the numbing of society being the agenda and today after hearing that interview another perspective, very dangerous was explored, that all of these people that are destroying our social fabric have one thing in common “they are never bound to the truth” WOW on examination how true.
I wish I had been able to explain this to my friends, as they struggled to understand why it was bothering me, me a person who takes interest in world politics as a whole.
How frightening a proposition like this is to think of in the current position many countries are finding themselves in
Sending love
Self-interests v commonwealth is rife with false ideologies, half-truths and bald-faced lies. Sting said it best: "They all seem like game-show hosts to me." I can appreciate Michael, Dr. Mary Trump, Dr. Bandi Lee et al, who expose them, even Uncle Joe.
I drink a toast to Sir Winston Churchill with my favorite px of him, imperfect as he was. But his heart was in the right place.
The mythologist Jos. Campbell described those who can do great good or terrible evil. PM Churchill and Hitler both had abusive fathers. The difference is that PM Churchill cared about others.
Even Hitler.
When PM Churchill met with him, he asked why he hated the Jews.
The furious fuhrer exploded, "They taking over the world!"
The Charlottesville Chant: "Jews will not replace us!"
This is what we're really up against and need to come together in fighting "racial pride" and dominance, imperfect as we are.
Peace and Love to Everyone
Please take a breath, Mr. Fistell.
Please consider what you said about Michael and all of us being in denial.
More importantly, you completely ignored the terrible tragedy and loss of life that you can't relate to what Michael and all of us have felt and experienced.
Again, where did the idea come from that Michael is in denial?
What proof do you have that he and all of us are in denial?
You would have us believe you without proof?
You could learn from Michael.
You're acting like Trump.
Are you a Trump supporter? Yes or No.
How can you hope to be in relation or relationship if you don't relate?
Keep criticizing others without basis and see how far you get, like Trump.
Peace Be With You Mr. Fistell. Maybe help make this world a better place.
Like Michael.
You bring me solace when I need it most. Your voice and words calms me!
I am enjoying your audio books!
I can listen to you when ever I want to now!
You are my “Trusted Truth Teller!”