Liberal rage!

Please welcome one of my pesonal heros, Robert Greenwald. We ask that during our salon discussions that people limit their comments to the topic at hand; those wishing to discuss other matters can feel free to do so on the previous thread.

Human rage!

Welcome Mr. Greenwald and thank you for telling the painful and much needed truth!

thanks jane and the fdl team… you all have been very very important in this fight against profiteering and your continued focus on the issue has really helped all of us at brave new films… yea.

Robert you’ve been working on this one for a while. I remember in March at a party for Markos and Jerome you were telling me about it and it sounded really exciting. It must’ve been a pretty heavy film to work on.

What are the chances of getting the film into broad release, at least into the video rental stores across the nation? I assume that release to the screen is haphazard at best…
If the film will be release broadly to rental, are there plans to promote it with a marketing campaign?

it was emotionally very draining, to deal in a personal matter each day with people who literally had friends, relatives, killed because of corporate greed, brings in home in a way that numbers and abstractions can never do.
But all of us at bnf i think were incredibly motivated to support these people and to help however we could tell their stories.. they are amazing heroes.

we have a very powerful and effective distribution method which is a combination of individuals buying the dvd, house party screenings/groups screening it, canddiates screening it and our great distributor, getting to as many video stores as possible..
no we dont have big bucks for ads, but we have thousnads and thousands of people who are using the film, as it is meant to be, a tool for organzing from church to military to school.

Thanks Robert.

I am very proud to helped getting the word out on these people.

I learned a lot myself in this process.

matto…. keep it at , your blogs have been terrific and we devour them when they come out and spread them around.
I also high recommend t.christian miller book, BLOOD MONEY, it is brilliant.

I just wanted to say thanks so much for all your hard work to get these stories out there, Robert.

Welcome Robert. I look forward to this exchange.

Have you read the book, “Imperial Life in the Emerald City?” I just got it and I can’t wait to read it.

i havent read it yet, but hear it is terrific, that combined with david corn book and frank rich book, as soon as the work of getting IRAQ

OOOPS
getting IRAQ

getting Iraq out to the world quiets down i look forward to ingesting all of them!

Mr Greenwald,

Most of us here know about Halliburton and the “no-bid” contracts and they’re massive profits (thanks in no small amount to your wonderful work), but I was curious about who are the other worst corporate actors in this facade for liberty? Are there more run of the mill companies that can be boycotted, I don’t shop much at Halliburton.

Raoul

robert greenwald @
8

we have a very powerful and effective distribution method which is a combination of individuals buying the dvd, house party screenings/groups screening it, canddiates screening it and our great distributor, getting to as many video stores as possible..
no we dont have big bucks for ads, but we have thousnads and thousands of people who are using the film, as it is meant to be, a tool for organzing from church to military to school.

You can also find a list of screenings here, or sign up to host one of your own.

Hey Robert,
(that’s southern for “Hi”)

Thanks for all the great work you do. Keep on telling the stories. It’s nice to know that people are getting the facts, not the Fox.

illegitmus non carborundum!

Jo

I appreciated the trailer that FDL ran and look forward to getting the DVD to share. Should be a lot of interest here in So. OR. Thank you for getting this out. I thought the Varsity Theatre in Ashland, which runs all kinds of films would offer it. Also, we have a film festival here and I’ll talk with Tom Olbrich about showing it.

Robert, what if anything did you learn that surprised you as you conducted your interviews?

in the film we also cover CACI/TITAN/BLACKWATER.
my personal belief is that the work we need to do is about organizing, building awareness, and beyond boycotts. In this case, these corporatons have one customer, it is not us, it is the us. govt. and we MUST put the pressure on the electeds, the bureaucrats, that give the contracts.And the film is designed to help the l00 partner groups beat the hell out of the badguys by using the film

My work on the Pombo In Their Pocket campaign up here in the Bay Area keeps me pretty busy. I haven’t had time to read since I read “One Percent Doctrine” by Ron Suskind.

thanks for the ways and ideas for getting the film out there. Amazing the different approaches people take to making sure as many people as possible see the film, from military bases to church to school to stores… so keep at it!

My greatest surprise was the size of the profitizing and the terrible deaths as a result. it really affected me and had me going from tears to rage.

Robert,

Thanks for being here, and thanks for your tireless, excellent work.

I have a question tangentially related to “Iraq for Sale” (in that it deals with money and contracts) and also related to your film “Unprecedented: the 2000 Presidential Election.”

Among the hardest subjects for news outlets and documentarians to cover (and even, sometimes, understand themselves) are those involving math (e.g. probability theory) or specialized technology (e.g. computer programming).

One such subject is the integrity of hackable electronic voting machines and vote tabulation programs; and more specifically the question of whether electronic vote fraud may have occurred in 2002 and 2004.

Do you know if anyone is making a film on this difficult, technical and important subject?

I await the day when all Americans feel the same rage that so many of us feel about the fraud, waste and abuse that has been perpetrated on the American, Iraqi and Afghan people in the name of spreading democracy and reconstruction (both falsehoods, imho). I have watched every DPC hearing and read with dismay every one of Matt O’s posts. It is people like you, Mr. Greenwald, that will make the scales fall from their eyes and make warmaking far less popular and peacemaking the much better choice.

We destroy and only the corporations benefit.

It’s criminal, immoral and a sin.

some good friends of mine at public interest pictures have made a film, VOTERGATE, that will be airing on HBO in late october. I havent seen it, but earl katz, has been at the forefront of the fight on voting machines and was one of the producers of unprecedented.

Thanks! Glad to hear about VOTERGATE, and especially glad it will get wide exposure via HBO.

Your film sums it all up – the unfathomable greed, price gouging, the murder, the lack of professional training or ethics, the campaign donations, lack of oversight, disrespect for the military, endangerment of everyone in Iraq, cronyism, and on and on – in explicit and compelling detail, and the NYT has the audacity to say it comes from “liberal rage?” That is incomprehensible!

i like rage… at least they didnt say wimpy!

I wonder if we should sponsor libraries to own the film…if we all bought a couple of copies for our local library, then spread the word through our friends or groups we belong to or even drinking liberally gatherings. ?

marksb @ 31

I wonder if we should sponsor libraries to own the film…if we all bought a couple of copies for our local library, then spread the word through our friends or groups we belong to or even drinking liberally gatherings. ?

Great idea. This is right out of 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Fight the Right.

love the library idea. we have raised some money to give copies to library,school, and military! we are sending them overseas.. but need all the help we can get on this. So anyone who has bought a copy and seen it, please make sure it continues to work, and giving to a library is a GREAT IDEA.. please do so and then blog about it so others will be inspired.

Robert,

A personal thanks for your work in making “Iraq for Sale”!

I’ll be attending a screening here locally on the 10th and I can’t wait!

My question to you is this:

Are there any Congresscritters who have made any effort to ensure any accountability for this travesty?

If so, who? And if so, what’s your take on the likelihood of their success?

Mr. Greenwald, thanks for being here. I’m almost out the door on my way home, but I’ll catch you on the flip side. I just bought the movie, and I’m participating in a MoveOn phone party on the 14th promoting Iraq for Sale.

robert greenwald @
30

i like rage… at least they didnt say wimpy!

Yeah I’ll take “rage.” I think it’s entirely appropriate to the situation, and as Digby says, I really don’t care if they think we’re a little bit scary.

High schools are a perfect venue for this film.

A parent/teacher/student night out.

henry waxman has been terrific , first rate on the issue, and Senator Dorgan, Leahy, have been really outstanding.. so there are some who are working to do the right thing.
Success will depend on a combination of elections and movement/grassroots keeping pressure up. On this issue thereis a very very wide tent, and we should all be reaching out to church/military/etc. to build widest coalition possible.. first you divide, then you conquer.

I feel impotent about affecting the military budget and the government’s failure to request proposals and hold providers accountable makes me furious. However, we’re all aware of how little accountability is happening everywhere, at the federal level. I also see the same problem on a much smaller scale at the state and local levels.

they are right because republiscum don’t have feelings or consciences.
there are alot of people who would love to see this country fall into a civil war.

angie…. good idea. can you make it happen and write about it! you are now in charge of parent/student/teacher night out!!!

Can’t wait to see the film.

I included it in my…
News Corpse Film Salon:

A selection of progressive-themed films that are scheduled to be released between now and election day in November.

There is a screening here in L.A. next week that I plan to attend.

we dont need to take on the entire military budget. we start with an issue that is clear, strong and patriotic. profiteering and we build from their, these are all long term battles, and we MUST approach it long term, and withemotion but not driven by despair. Profiteering will bring many many folks together, we need to take the long view and we will beat the hell out of the greedy corporate bastards with this!

I visit two libraries and was thinking of copies for them, but the church I attend has a 1st Saturday of the month potluck and is always looking for programs.

thanks mark!! keep spreadin the word

cando… terrific, if you can get to them, good, if not write to us and we will work to make it happen…

Thank you, Mr. Greenwald.

Thanks for reminding me that Rome wasn’t built in a day. I feel some urgency about what’s happening but good discussion groups are the most effective ways to make change happen.

cando @ 39

I feel impotent about affecting the military budget and the government’s failure to request proposals and hold providers accountable makes me furious. However, we’re all aware of how little accountability is happening everywhere, at the federal level. I also see the same problem on a much smaller scale at the state and local levels.

I actually think there is a lot of latent rage out there about the money we have just poured into an open hole in Iraq with no oversight. I think it will cross party lines and that congressional hearings after the election (cross your fingers for Democratic chairs) can have a very big effect in starting to unravel this.

I’ve always felt this was an issue that would unite the country in the spirit of accountability and expose the Bush Administration’s true agenda — steal everything that isn’t nailed down. None of this “let’s let bygones be bygones” crap that some folks (and I do mean Bill Clinton) like to espouse. These people cannot be allowed to escape justice or they will just return and lead us down the same dark path again, and hopefully with people like us standing there with pitchforks and torches that will not happen.

cando….good discussion groups, IF FOLLOWED BY ACTION!!

Jane Hamsher @ 36

robert greenwald @
30

i like rage… at least they didnt say wimpy!

Yeah I’ll take “rage.” I think it’s entirely appropriate to the situation, and as Digby says, I really don’t care if they think we’re a little bit scary.

The YouTube above shows why they would be scared. It’s not some uncontrolled craziness that detractors want to associate with rage; it’s controlled moral outrage, that anyone with any decency can identify with. It’s informed, unflinching, articulate and fearless. You made Fund look like exactly what he is — a lying apologist for the indefensible. Well done, and I can’t wait to see the film.

I will do my utmost, Robert and I am trying to get it in our little theater here in town, too!

Pardon the interruption, but John Laesch is on Hardball right now.

Liberal rage? How about outrage over how
the NYT and a few other “frontline” American
MSM organs continually play “tilt and slant”
games with how the debacle in Iraq is reported
and broken down for the American reader?
Surely less shilling of American Imperialism
gaming in ME regarding Iraq,Iran and Israel vs.
the Palestinians is in order at NYT.
Liberal rage? Oh…”liberal Americans” sure
do have Washington DC intimidated these days.
R.Greenwald…applause to you. Best wishes.

Sounds like it’s time for more letters to the editor, to save we’ve seen Iraq for Sale and what it means to us.

Thank you taking this on Robert, and than you Jane for having him here.

That’s a great idea about libraries. I will see what is requiered to get a screening at the local theater here in town. I know there is a 20 person film board that must approve so it could be tricky.

we are having lots of screenings at libraries around the country and local theatres, but also pizza parlor, bowling alleys, elks clubs,church,school, anywhere thre is a tv set. go to the iraqforsale and see the variety, it is exciting and inspiring.

Hello Robert, Can you tell me what the next steps will be on Judge Elliss’ ruling on the (CPA). Will this eventually go to the Supreme Court?

sorry, i dont know enough about the legal side, if you email me direct at iraqforsale.org i will ask one of the lawyers.

Robert or anyone else- would an an edited audio only version be worth doing- for people with commute time? Just a thought for getting more people turned on to the film and the topic.

Mr. Greenwald, thank you for the movie and for being here. I just bought a copy, plus two other DVDs (I have a Wal-Mart loving relative who needs some enlightenment).

and we MUST approach it long term, and withemotion but not driven by despair. Profiteering will bring many many folks together, we need to take the long view and we will beat the hell out of the greedy corporate bastards with this!

Thanks for these words also. The murderous corruption and thievery is so deeply entrenched that I too often tend to despair that it can ever be stopped – and despair is NOT a good thing.

we win by taking our emotion, and a step at a time, beating the bums.. carefully, smartly, and never stopping

if you have a way to get the audio to people, go for it

It seems like film, and Independent film to be more specific, is the only truly “open” venue for free speech – Networks are beholden to their parent companies, many of whom have profited well under the current admistration.

Is there any momentum to create a real news network – such as a fair and balanced CNN for example? Or a cable network that would air progressive news and films?
I truly believe that until there is fairness and accountability in news reporting, our progressive voices are stifled.

Thanks, This is such a mess I think it will be in the courts for years.

Drive by …

Wow!!!

Huge fan, Mr. Greenwald. Can’t wait to go to a local screening of Iraq for Sale

Loved the Walmart movie … saw it a local college, and of course I can’t leave out Arnold in his Own Words

Robert- I’m in the techie dark ages in some ways- do you already offer an audio version, are you suggesting re-recording it, or? Help FDLers.

we dont need networks, really we dont, those are old models. remember, murdoch is spending billions, on, THE INTERNET. and guess what, we call can use his myspace to spread our politics, peer to peer. and you tube, and some new distribution mechanisms being discovered right this minute. the key is getting invovled and being part of the efforts to get the word out there, it is amazng how this peer to peer thing is working.

I attended the FCC meeting in Los Angeles yesterday. They have scheduled 6 of these around the country for public input into new media ownership regs.

Yesterday’s session was, not surprisingly, focused on how consolidation limits the opportunites of artists, producers, and other small program enterprises.

There was a large presence from AFTRA and directors of the Writer’s and Producer’s Guilds spoke. (more on my blog, News Corpse)

Do you plan to attend any of these meetings and do you have any comments on the FCC’s current efforts to further deregulate Big Media?

thanks john,,,, keep spreading the word.

hey valley girl, me too, we dont have a version, but could make one, IF there are folks who will make sure they get distributed…

I watched it the other day- it made me furious. Bought two copies and have sent the other to my friend- her son is a Marine. I told her to watch it and pass it around to everybody. Thank you for doing this Mr. Greenwald.

thanks KyCole, see if the marine will writ us after he sees and just keep getting everyone to keep passing it around..

Good point – in that case, keeping the internet free from regulation is a priority.

mark… i am not able to attend any of the hearings now. As my grandmother used to say, you cant dance at every wedding.
obviously the media debate is a big one,, and important.

yes the FREE INTERENT is very very important, and a forward battle, one we can and will win…

thats internet!!

robert greenwald @ 67

we dont need networks, really we dont, those are old models. remember, murdoch is spending billions, on, THE INTERNET. and guess what, we call can use his myspace to spread our politics, peer to peer. and you tube, and some new distribution mechanisms being discovered right this minute. the key is getting invovled and being part of the efforts to get the word out there, it is amazng how this peer to peer thing is working.

I heard today that the guys behind Skype currently have a private beta of an ad-sponsored p2p IPTV app, and plan to allow independant producers to add their content to the streams and reap their percentage of the ad revenue.

This could be the “TV” content distribution method of the future, and one that is *very* useful to our cause.

bdu… yes, there an amazing number of new and different ways to distribute,we no longer have to rely on the big baddies to get our stuff out… which is exciting and VERY HARD WORK

You know, an interesting comparison can (and perhaps should) be made between how our Government deals with looting in these 2 circumstances:

1. Aftermath of “Rodney King” and other civil unrest/disturbances – Government orders that “looters” may be shot on sight.

2. Aftermath of Iraq “Mission Accomplished” – Government recruits and pays for “looters”.

Guess it’s just a matter of filling out the right paperwork.

The line forms to the Right doncha know?

A little late and new to say hello to both you Mr. Greenwald and FDL. I just wanted to reiterate what Mr. Greenwald has said:

Slow and Steady wins the race.

Sometimes cliches are good, and spot on.

Thanks for your hard work. And thank you FDL.

robert greenwald @ 73

mark… i am not able to attend any of the hearings now. As my grandmother used to say, you cant dance at every wedding.
obviously the media debate is a big one,, and important.

Well, you (and everyone else) can still send comments to the FCC by using the forms at Stop Big Media (via FreePress.net). Open comments continue through December 31.

I’m watching the Flash video now. Did I just hear John Fund say “This 35% drop, that’s one quarter, …”?

It just goes to show that if you’re a wingnut commentator, a firm grasp of the facts isn’t a prerequisite.

bdu @ 76

robert greenwald @ 67

we dont need networks, really we dont, those are old models. remember, murdoch is spending billions, on, THE INTERNET. and guess what, we call can use his myspace to spread our politics, peer to peer. and you tube, and some new distribution mechanisms being discovered right this minute. the key is getting invovled and being part of the efforts to get the word out there, it is amazng how this peer to peer thing is working.

I heard today that the guys behind Skype currently have a private beta of an ad-sponsored p2p IPTV app, and plan to allow independant producers to add their content to the streams and reap their percentage of the ad revenue.

This could be the “TV” content distribution method of the future, and one that is *very* useful to our cause.

How sweet that would be! That would open things right up.

I’m signing off, Robert Greenwald. Deep gratitude to you and your associates for putting your neck and resources on the line to make movies like Iraq for Sale.

robert greenwald,

I bought your movie yesterday at Barnes & Noble. I finished watching it 30 minutes ago. It says a lot. And there’s so much more to say on this. After watching the movie, I switched to CNN, where they’re covering this awful week for our troops in Iraq. I dread to hear which units they are from!

bdu @ 76

I heard today that the guys behind Skype currently have a private beta of an ad-sponsored p2p IPTV app, and plan to allow independant producers to add their content to the streams and reap their percentage of the ad revenue.

This could be the “TV” content distribution method of the future, and one that is *very* useful to our cause.

Leave it to Skype. That’s like disruptive technology if anything is. Is there someplace I can learn more about it – or be advised when they release more info?

Great discussion. Will de-lurk to make a point.

There is one underlying cohering principle that aligns all Bush admin policies: the maximum transfer of public wealth to private hands.

By this principle, a never-ending war in Iraq at $2 B / wk, of which $_____ (please fill in % Robert) goes to private profiteers, is a rousing success… i.e. the longer the war goes, the more successful it is in emptying the public treasury into private hands.

It’s an interesting, if depressing, exercise to test any Bush initiative, foreign or domestic, against this principle. Where no other comprehensive explanation of Republican motives holds, this one peels the lid off their true intent in virtually every case.

Iraq for Sale is an excellent demonstation of the horror of this principle fully engaged. The good news is that once the real intent is exposed, it can be opposed.

I admire your courage and contribution in making this film (as well as your others). Thanks – and sorry for the long post!

Cujo359 @ 81

It just goes to show that if you’re a wingnut commentator, a firm grasp of the facts isn’t a prerequisite.

I’d believe it’s not only not a prerequisite, but a disqualifier!

In making this film did you uncover other potential ideas for future documentaries?

Robert, thanks for the reply. Still not sure if my idea has merit or not. Need to do some research. Hey techies out there, I need answers to some basic questions. Any techies out there?

db1 @ 87

Great discussion. Will de-lurk to make a point.

There is one underlying cohering principle that aligns all Bush admin policies: the maximum transfer of public wealth to private hands.

By this principle, a never-ending war in Iraq at $2 B / wk, of which $_____ (please fill in % Robert) goes to private profiteers, is a rousing success… i.e. the longer the war goes, the more successful it is in emptying the public treasury into private hands.

It’s an interesting, if depressing, exercise to test any Bush initiative, foreign or domestic, against this principle. Where no other comprehensive explanation of Republican motives holds, this one peels the lid off their true intent in virtually every case.

Iraq for Sale is an excellent demonstation of the horror of this principle fully engaged. The good news is that once the real intent is exposed, it can be opposed.

I admire your courage and contribution in making this film (as well as your others). Thanks – and sorry for the long post!

yes, they are very clear they believe in profit to corporations, and the wealthy, it is no secret, and our job is to keep hammering at it, and connecting the dots…

FYI to anyone who is interested, I’ve got a post about the major players in Ohio’s “theocracy movement” here.

Mark @ News Corpse @ 85

Leave it to Skype. That’s like disruptive technology if anything is. Is there someplace I can learn more about it – or be advised when they release more info?

Here’s a link to a story about it.

Robert, BTW, I am very impressed by Matt O and his posts at FDL. I couldn’t go to yKos, but “sent” him instead.

Valley Girl @ 94

Robert, BTW, I am very impressed by Matt O and his posts at FDL. I couldn’t go to yKos, but “sent” him instead.

yes, he has done wonderful work!!

BTW, for the rest of you who don’t know this, Matt O. was still a senior in college when he started writing the posts about war profiteering. In his “spare” time.

bdu @ 92

Mark @ News Corpse @ 85

Leave it to Skype. That’s like disruptive technology if anything is. Is there someplace I can learn more about it – or be advised when they release more info?

Here’s a link to a story about it.

Thank you for the link.

And thank you Robert for your great work – and for being here.

The Iraq fiasco is unraveling so fast — CNN’s lead reports tonight were close to alarmist about how badly things are deteriorating — that I think we can now forsee a time (soon?) when the trad media will be pointing to Iraq for Sale, Waxman’s findings and other early warning and asking, “why didn’t they do something about this?” just as we are watching the press today ask the same questions about Foley and the Republican leadership. I hope it’s soon.

e.g., Mike Ware on CNN reported that if the US forces “stay the course,” the situation would just get worse and worse. Everyone is waiting for some dramatic change of course to prevent disaster, but the WH is seen as in denial, and the Iraqi govt officials as ineffective and powerless to change the situation. Failure leads very quickly to hearings/investigations about why, and then they’ll discover the answers were already out there.

If the local theater in town won’t show it, I’ll have an house screening. I have a small house so perhaps an open house for a full day with a couple screenings will work.

I’m on my way over to talk to the woman who runs the front of the house, so I’ll get a good idea if they would do it. If not there, then she could point me to others who might.

Valley Girl @ 89

Robert, thanks for the reply. Still not sure if my idea has merit or not. Need to do some research. Hey techies out there, I need answers to some basic questions. Any techies out there?

Yes, we’re here. I know of Windows-based apps that allow you to play a Video DVD in your PC and capture the audio to a “sound-only” file.

One could then “burn” it to a CD for playing in one’s car CD player or make it available for transfer to an MP3-type player.

Never played with it myself, so I don’t know of its limitations or possible problems.

And since it’s for you VG, I guess I can find the time to play with it a bit tonite. *g*

Millineryman @ 99

If the local theater in town won’t show it, I’ll have an house screening. I have a small house so perhaps an open house for a full day with a couple screenings will work.

I’m on my way over to talk to the woman who runs the front of the house, so I’ll get a good idea if they would do it. If not there, then she could point me to others who might.

great….. just keep looking for places that people can and do get together,, and the possibilities just keep growing and growing… thanks…i take you over universal studios!

FWIW, the review doesn’t say “liberal rage.” It says RG’s documentaries are like “sledgehammers of rage” (which they are, and which is a good thing), and later it says it consists of “liberal outrage”–perhaps slightly pejorative, and Jane’s “human outrage” would indeed be more apt. The reviewer seems a bit stung by the ferocity of the subject, but that just means the film is well done.

End of nit-pick.

Robert- if I come up with any more useful info re: an audio version, I will email you. In the meanwhile- if you were to make an audio only version, would it retail for the same as a DVD? That is what I am assuming, as it seems that cost involved in making CD vs DVD would be about the same. What I actually don’t know, and here I feel quite embarassed to raise this question, but can CD players be used to play DVD, but without sound?

Hi, Robert. Going to Lakeland Oct.11 to see your movie. Can’t wait!

Robert, Any ideas what your next project might be?

Valley Girl @ 103

Robert- if I come up with any more useful info re: an audio version, I will email you. In the meanwhile- if you were to make an audio only version, would it retail for the same as a DVD? That is what I am assuming, as it seems that cost involved in making CD vs DVD would be about the same. What I actually don’t know, and here I feel quite embarassed to raise this question, but can CD players be used to play DVD, but without sound?

the first question for me, always is, who will help get it out there, then i figure we canusually solve the technical, or at least the folks at brave new films who are so smart about this will

[apologies for OT post. I’m responding to another one. For me, this topic is over. Renee, if you want to comment further, I’ll watch the previous thread.]

Renee in Ohio @ 91

FYI to anyone who is interested, I’ve got a post about the major players in Ohio’s “theocracy movement” here.

Do you ever read Dennis The Peasant’s blog? He wrote this article about the Ohio governor’s race that includes this quote:

So take it to the bank: Ken Blackwell will lose in November. And, as neither Markos Moulitsas nor Hugh Hewitt know anything about this state, or this race, I’ll clue you in on why he is going to lose right here, right now. That will save you having to visit (and read) the sort of bullshit Markos and Hugh are going to try to sell. There are exactly three reasons Ken Blackwell is going to lose. They are as follows…

[snip]

Blackwell’s third mistake has been to bank on the political power of the God Squad. Rather than court and retain disaffected fiscal conservatives (and those who care about honest government, for that matter), Blackwell assumed that by lining up a legion of Ohio’s most popular (and in some cases, craziest) evangelical ministers, he’d garner enough votes to be able to run a safe, ‘keep the Ohio Republican Party happy’, content-free campaign. In other words, Ken Blackwell somehow came to the conclusion that he could will the Governorship by running on “family values”… Whatever the fuck that is. Unfortunately for Blackwell, it appears that a solid majority of Ohioans prefer a functioning state government to an ‘induced by the Governor’ state of personal Grace.

DTP is no flaming liberal. If I had to categorize him, I’d call him old-school conservative. He’s not sure if he’s happy about this or not. Nevertheless, his view of the subject is interesting.

In my neighborhood (Somerville, near Cambridge/Boston), there is a small local theater that gets “normal” movies about a month or so after the main theaters. They fill in with Indian film festivals etc. This is a university area, lots of grad students and professionals, and I would think that seeing “Iraq for Sale” on the marquee would draw people in our community.

Robert: Have you been able to get the film into this kind of setting?

Mad Dogs @ 99

Valley Girl @ 89

Robert, thanks for the reply. Still not sure if my idea has merit or not. Need to do some research. Hey techies out there, I need answers to some basic questions. Any techies out there?

Yes, we’re here. I know of Windows-based apps that allow you to play a Video DVD in your PC and capture the audio to a “sound-only” file.

One could then “burn” it to a CD for playing in one’s car CD player or make it available for transfer to an MP3-type player.

Never played with it myself, so I don’t know of its limitations or possible problems.

And since it’s for you VG, I guess I can find the time to play with it a bit tonite. *g*

Thanks Mad Dogs. I did think about the copyright violation issue in rerecording the sound track only by private means, and then passing that around. Seems that if one already owns the DVD, and then creates a sound file for one’s own use, that would not be a problem, but anything more than that would be. That is why I asked (maybe you didn’t see my latest comment) I was asking about pricing for an audio-only version.

Robert, if you’re still around, your views on this would be MOST welcome.

It would be great if you could show it at the big drive-in in Fort Lauderdale. Recently, I watched a foreign movie that moved the projector out the window and showed the movie on a building. All the people in the village sat in the square and watched the movie.

scarecrow @ 108

In my neighborhood (Somerille, near Boston), there is a small local theater that gets “normal” movies about a month or so after the main theaters. They fill in with Indian film festivals etc. This is a university area, lots of grad students and professionals, and I would think that seeing “Iraq for Sale” on the marquee would draw people in our community.

yes definitely, but make sure you can have cnversation afterwrd with plans for what people can do… key to this film as tool is the talking, the planning, the asking right after the screening for ACTION, STEPS, so it doesnt become just another film experience..
and better to be in smaller venue, with political asks, then bigger and limits on the politics.

Robert: Have you been able to get the film into this kind of setting?

Valley Girl @ 109

Mad Dogs @ 99

Valley Girl @ 89

Robert, thanks for the reply. Still not sure if my idea has merit or not. Need to do some research. Hey techies out there, I need answers to some basic questions. Any techies out there?

Yes, we’re here. I know of Windows-based apps that allow you to play a Video DVD in your PC and capture the audio to a “sound-only” file.

One could then “burn” it to a CD for playing in one’s car CD player or make it available for transfer to an MP3-type player.

Never played with it myself, so I don’t know of its limitations or possible problems.

And since it’s for you VG, I guess I can find the time to play with it a bit tonite. *g*

Thanks Mad Dogs. I did think about the copyright violation issue in rerecording the sound track only by private means, and then passing that around. Seems that if one already owns the DVD, and then creates a sound file for one’s own use, that would not be a problem, but anything more than that would be. That is why I asked (maybe you didn’t see my latest comment) I was asking about pricing for an audio-only version.

Robert, if you’re still around, your views on this would be MOST welcome.

if people think there is sufficient demand, we can work out it.. but the issue is taking on the distirbuiton , outside our abilities. but if folks think there is way to get it out in big numbers yes, if not, just copy and do it!!

ccmask @ 110

It would be great if you could show it at the big drive-in in Fort Lauderdale. Recently, I watched a foreign movie that moved the projector out the window and showed the movie on a building. All the people in the village sat in the square and watched the movie.

great idea. i love it. outdoors, on a building side. and then, remember, THE DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT AND WHEN TO DO IT
if people see movie and dont do something, we fail

ps: The movie is Cinema Paradiso, available on Netflix. Great movie, btw.

robert greenwald @ 111

if people think there is sufficient demand, we can work out it.. but the issue is taking on the distirbuiton , outside our abilities. but if folks think there is way to get it out in big numbers yes, if not, just copy and do it!!

iTunes store? Media cost is minimal to none, but you end up losing a significant percentage of the sales price.

robert greenwald @ 100

Millineryman @ 99

If the local theater in town won’t show it, I’ll have an house screening. I have a small house so perhaps an open house for a full day with a couple screenings will work.

I’m on my way over to talk to the woman who runs the front of the house, so I’ll get a good idea if they would do it. If not there, then she could point me to others who might.

great….. just keep looking for places that people can and do get together,, and the possibilities just keep growing and growing… thanks…i take you over universal studios!

I happy to help here. I like this concept of house screenings. With the viewing experience fresh in their minds, the viewers can discuss the film, and inspire ideas on how to get the word out and actions to take.

Valley Girl @ 89

Robert, thanks for the reply. Still not sure if my idea has merit or not. Need to do some research. Hey techies out there, I need answers to some basic questions. Any techies out there?

In the POSIX world (Linux and Unix), mplayer and xine will both rip audio tracks from various video formats. I’m sure they’d do it for DVDs.

Might be a good idea to take it to Circuit City or some of them big TV sales stores. They could show it on all the televisions that they are selling. Imagine, seeing it on 100 tv’s in the store.

thanks everyone, i have to go do some interview for the film. looking forward to more of our work together…. and the ways you will all come up with to use the film and get people activite and as they say, DOING SHIT. cause thats the key,,, not thinking, not feeling, but actually seeing and then saying, i will do,,,, and we have l00 partner grups so lots to do!! and many choices.

ccmask @ 109

It would be great if you could show it at the big drive-in in Fort Lauderdale. Recently, I watched a foreign movie that moved the projector out the window and showed the movie on a building. All the people in the village sat in the square and watched the movie.

Wow – good idea.

At the Hollywood Cemetary (resting place of Marilyn Monroe and many other celebs) they show movies every week. People bring picnic baskets and the film is projected onto the side of a building. It’s not as morbid as it sounds. It’s kind of hipsters thing, but it would be an appropriate location for a film like this and could be promoted creatively.

I know someone who knows someone connected to it. I’ll see if there is some interest.

VG and Robert,

I’ve been having some 2nd thoughts about an “audio-only” version of Iraq For Sale.

As Jane and Robert both probably know, the movie biz creates movies with separate visual and audio “captures” and then during post-production, mates the soundtrack with the picture.

For both the reason of “production quality” as well as having the imprimatur of an “official” audio version of Iraq For Sale, I think this can and should be tackled on a more professional basis than some Techie like me putzing around on his PC.

One FDL resource VG that I recommend we discuss this with is our very own SteveAudio.

He’s a professional audio person who I believe works and lives in So. California on audio stuff for the movie and/or music biz.

What say you?

On the subject of distribution, it’s also possible to turn the DVD video into a Xvid (Divx) video. I haven’t done that in a while, but there are plenty of scripts and programs available that will do that.

Hello Robert Greenwald! Thanks for taking the time to answer questions from the unwashed masses! Sorry I’m late!

My question is a bit long-winded.

There is a well known American documentary filmmaker who I don’t need to name here. He is routinely spoken of by some, perhaps many, as the epitome of evil, and he’s got the Academy award which proves his dedication to the dark side, communism, paganism, etc.

This filmmaker has endured countless attacks, personal and professional, since his ascension to the peak of his, and your, profession, and rarely is he given the opportunity to respond to these attacks.

As a filmmaker who challenges viewers with facts and stories that often conflict with the narratives offered by your subjects, how have you prepared for the type of treatment experienced by this other documentary filmmaker?

Do you think you’re ready? Please list some incidents of this type that you’ve already had to deal with. I’m very interested.

The vilification of Robert Greenwald, should it grow to match the figurative assault on this individual, will no doubt include, but not be limited by, unflattering descriptions of your body, clothing, family, friends, co-workers and employees, posture, voice, meal choices, children’s names, allies & enemies (real or perceived), place of birth, place of residence (past or present), military service (or lack thereof), aesthetic preferences, shoelace length & color, alleged or admitted drug use, and of course, hairstyle (ZING).

I noted long before his fame and fortune that the other filmmaker’s work is hardly ever challenged by his detractors. They prefer to rationalize all of his work away as the product of his hatred, and therefore not of any value.

Notwithstanding the likelihood that more people are receptive to films critical of Bush 43 today, as opposed to a few years ago, how will you convince people that you’re not just a ‘Bush-hater’, and that your films are worth watching?

Thanks so much for your time. I look forward to seeing your film.

Robert- I understand your point about distribution. Honestly I don’t know how many people would buy an audio only version, or by several do distribute around. Obviously, screenings reach a much larger # of people at a single time.

But, here’s a thought, having just read Mad Dog’s post about the program that allows one to re-record as audio file. This, as a way to spread the word further about the movie and the issues. Perhaps there is some part of the DVD (20 min version, or other selected parts including Director/ Producer remarks) that could be used to create an MP3 file that would be *free* for download at the IFS site. Kinda like an audio trailer. I am in a university environment, and I know that there is a high level of er.. addiction? to MP3 files. Hope this makes sense.

Cujo359 @ 121

On the subject of distribution, it’s also possible to turn the DVD video into a Xvid (Divx) video. I haven’t done that in a while, but there are plenty of scripts and programs available that will do that.

The technical issues involved with any given format for this film are long since solved, as others have noted (it’s easy to get an audio rip from a DVD, simple to shrink the files to divx or mp4 for internet distro), it’s the broader questions involved that are problematic. If one were to do an “audio version” of the movie, there are two major issues to tackle:

1. editing out the silence (easy enough, even automatable).
2. filling in the context of audible portions of the movie that depend on the visuals to either make sense or reach their full power.

Number 2 there requires no small amount of art, and I’d imagine that the original artistic team would want to be involved.

1) Fox’s ratings go down.

2) Scarborough runs a full-on political he-said / she-said to decide whether this has any significance.

Soon the weather person will have to ask a panel whether rain is likely for tomorrow, and which party will benefit. Then Limbaugh will say, “The far-left scientists working for NOAA are at it again. Accuweather says it’s ‘absurd and just plain wrong’ to forecast rain. Why does a federal agency side with the terrorists?”

robert greenwald at 111 says:

if people think there is sufficient demand, we can work out it.. but the issue is taking on the distirbuiton , outside our abilities. but if folks think there is way to get it out in big numbers yes, if not, just copy and do it!!

Distribution via the Internet is a piece of cake! There are many Net sites that provide a “file storage and download capability” for many file types including MP3s.

Download numbers in the “many, many thousands” are typical.

If the folks at FDL (and other progressive sites as well) would be willing to host a link to the download site and file, that would make spreading the word a breeze!

Mad Dogs, well, I think Robert vanished before my last comment. My read from his last comment (which I had not read before posting 123) was that he was not going to interfere with individuals passing around a few audio copies. But, I would def. not want to do anything that would cut into the ability for them to sell the DVDs, which I’m sure would make a much more powerful statement. On my part it was more the idea of getting the attention initially of folks who might listen their cars, but not sit down a watch the DVD as a first-off. So, I would like to know how he would feel about putting up a shorter free-download MP3. Maybe he’ll check back.

Mad Dogs @ 126

robert greenwald at 111 says:

if people think there is sufficient demand, we can work out it.. but the issue is taking on the distirbuiton , outside our abilities. but if folks think there is way to get it out in big numbers yes, if not, just copy and do it!!

Distribution via the Internet is a piece of cake! There are many Net sites that provide a “file storage and download capability” for many file types including MP3s.

Download numbers in the “many, many thousands” are typical.

If the folks at FDL (and other progressive sites as well) would be willing to host a link to the download site and file, that would make spreading the word a breeze!

Actually, if someone is serious about doing this and believes that it will be very popular, bittorrent-type distribution is a lot lighter on the initial host. That said, barrier to entry is a bit higher for the non-techie types.

bdu- that was the second part of my question (= your second point also) – I have not seen the film yet, so I don’t know how the content would stand up to a purely audio presentation- for exactly the kind of reasons you say. So, even tho I didn’t say so, that is part of the reason that I then mentioned a short (edited) MP3 file. MP4? Geez, like I said, I am no techie.

bdu @ 124

The technical issues involved with any given format for this film are long since solved, as others have noted (it’s easy to get an audio rip from a DVD, simple to shrink the files to divx or mp4 for internet distro), it’s the broader questions involved that are problematic. If one were to do an “audio version” of the movie, there are two major issues to tackle:

1. editing out the silence (easy enough, even automatable).
2. filling in the context of audible portions of the movie that depend on the visuals to either make sense or reach their full power.

Number 2 there requires no small amount of art, and I’d imagine that the original artistic team would want to be involved.

Agreed, but people often don’t know that those methods exist. Audio-only has lots of problems, and is probably more useful for the purpose of quoting or promotion.

I think if folks are trying to find a highly-compressed way of distributing this thing over the Internet, then the “Divx for dialup” format (120×90 pixels or thereabouts) or Ipod is probably a good one. The “350 megabyte per (TV) hour” format (640×480 or thereabouts) is a good format for distributing broadcast-quality videos for download.

Valley Girl, Mad Dogs, et al

Just got here (late again), but there is another distribution model to consider. Podcasting with revenue ad model paid per download.

This of course would require picking up a willing advertiser, but there are enough p’o’d members of the elite glad to help and advertisers could be found. Then the more it’s downloaded, the better it is for Mr. Greenwald.

BTW, if it wasn’t clear, my initial idea about audio only was not meant as an “alternative” to seeing the movie first hand, but as a way to capture/ draw in/ engage folks who might not initially be inclined to view (but might listen during drive time) BUT then be interested enough in the DVD AND the issues, to spread the word further. So, I was thinking about “marketing”, but wth do I know about marketing? Zip!

MarcLord @ 131

Valley Girl, Mad Dogs, et al

Just got here (late again), but there is another distribution model to consider. Podcasting with revenue ad model paid per download.

This of course would require picking up a willing advertiser, but there are enough p’o’d members of the elite glad to help and advertisers could be found. Then the more it’s downloaded, the better it is for Mr. Greenwald.

Hi Marc! Haven’t seen you in a while, but that’s bec. of my schedule. From Robert’s comments while he was here, that would sound like something that would be *fine by him*, but not something that he has the time or tech know-how to undertake. But, I sure hope he comes back and reads the continuing comments!

For those planning to donate the film to libraries, please be sure to speak with whoever is responsible for collection development, or to a manager who wants it in the collection. Libraries get many more donations than they can use. You want to be sure the donation is welcome and will go into the library collection. Cataloging a single item is much more expensive than purchasing the item. So gifts work best if the item is already in a library’s collection and already cataloged, or if you give multiple copies. I should think most libraries would want this in the collection, I think it likely the library where I work would like it, and may already be planning to purchase it. Purchasing for public libraries can be a problem because public libraries are often required to have contracts with the vendors from whom they purchase, which puts larger vendors at an advantage. It is best to smooth the way and make arrangements ahead for any donation. That said, I think donating copies is a superb idea!

VG, BDU, Cujo359, MarcLord, and any other interested parties:

I do highly recommend we continue this discussion with our very own SteveAudio. He usually shows up during Late Nite.

As a real “audio professional” who makes his living do this stuff, I’m sure we can brainstorm this idea together and if there is something worthwhile that can be done for an audio version of Iraq For Sale, we can make it happen!

Ta!

MarcLord- p.s. again, wht do I know about marketing? zip. But I can’t imagine that the revenue provided by downloads would, per hit, begin to match the income from the DVD. I know that “income” sounds wrong in this context, but I gotta figure that the costs of the film have not yet been met, and this gets back to issue raised at FDL from time to time (personal cost/ vs. society benefit). I know I’m not framing this very well- only hoping that since you are a long-time FDLer you will know what I am getting at. If not, ask.

Mad Dogs- thanks! Hope you saw my later point about a shorter MP3 download as an audio “trailer”. I say that bec. I’m not sure I will be around for Late Nite, although when SteveAudio shows up, that would def. be a place to discuss/brainstorm.

Hi V.G.

Good to see ya. Hope you’re around here more than me. I’ll run this by Jane. I’m in touch with the best podcasting companies and hosts and have begun to work on building the required advertising model, so am working on it anyway. Jane must have Robert’s contact info.

Mad Dogs,

Hear you re: SteveAudio. If I’m not here tonight (will be one Lord Baby duty), leave a message in the comments section at my blog.

Wow! I love a brainstorm!

MarcLord @ 138

Hi V.G.

Good to see ya. Hope you’re around here more than me. I’ll run this by Jane. I’m in touch with the best podcasting companies and hosts and have begun to work on building the required advertising model, so am working on it anyway. Jane must have Robert’s contact info.

Mad Dogs,

Hear you re: SteveAudio. If I’m not here tonight (will be one Lord Baby duty), leave a message in the comments section at my blog.

Will do!

Valley Girl @
136

MarcLord- p.s. again, wht do I know about marketing? zip. But I can’t imagine that the revenue provided by downloads would, per hit, begin to match the income from the DVD. I know that “income” sounds wrong in this context, but I gotta figure that the costs of the film have not yet been met, and this gets back to issue raised at FDL from time to time (personal cost/ vs. society benefit). I know I’m not framing this very well- only hoping that since you are a long-time FDLer you will know what I am getting at. If not, ask.

Yes, I get it. It would depend on the advertising deal, and then you’d have to analyze how many downloads you could do over time vs. the assumptions on DVD sales. They have experience with the first two movies already. A significant portion of DVD sales would occur anyway because the more traditional audience segment wouldn’t be totally cannibalized by downloads. You could also charge for the download a la carte through iTunes (maybe), which is already occuring with podcasts which were once free. My point is there are a number of ways you could simultaneously distribute it. Entertainment content in the US has traditionally been paid for with advertising, and while this hasn’t been the case for documentaries so much, why not?

Valley Girl @ 137

Mad Dogs- thanks! Hope you saw my later point about a shorter MP3 download as an audio “trailer”. I say that bec. I’m not sure I will be around for Late Nite, although when SteveAudio shows up, that would def. be a place to discuss/brainstorm.

If you’re not there, I may whimper. *g*

Seriously, no problemo!

I will take this as a “make it happen if at all possible” action item with SteveAudio, MarcLord, bdu, Cujo359, et al.

Now I gotta get some dinner or I may swoon at my keyboard. *g*

Steve isn’t the only audio pro around these parts ;0) But I think he deals more with this end of things than I do…

Quote from Jane’s article -
“The catalog of theft, mismanagement, greed, hubris and pathological indifference to the safety of those standing in harm’s way elicits a response that is…

Well written Jane! In a sentence you capture the personality of so many in the White House.

I’m an Australian (living in Australia) and I cannot express strongly enough at how badly and absolutely Hypocritical the United States is looking from the other side of the world.

I understand the difference between the people of the Nation and its Government but those lines are being blurred more and more as scandal after scandal come out from the Republican leadership while its people, the voters of a Democracy, seem to be sitting by idly watching (watching Idle?)

If it were not for sites such as this I’m sure things would seem so much worse but at least with FDL et al, the overseas observer can still see that many US citizens are indeed disgusted with the current Administration.

The US Government is giving so many people, worldwide, a real reason to dislike it. Its foreign policy’s and distorted views of “Freedom and Democracy” are being seen with ever deepening suspicion and in some quarters that were once friendly, outright disdain at the US Governments hypocrisy.

The results of the last 2 Presidential elections held in the US were both suspect.
How can the US stand and say “we stand for Freedom and Democracy” when it cannot even hold a Presidential Election with out a black cloud of suspicion floating overhead?
How can the US stand up and tell the world she stands for “freedom” when it has secret prisons located across the globe and people held in off shore gulags, tortured and with out trail or rule of law…INDEFINETLY??
When the US ignores International Law (Kyoto, Guantanamo, Iraq etc etc) how dare the leader of that country condescend to other sovereign nations across the globe as if He is the one with Honour?

The President of the United States of America is a Liar, a Coward and a Fraud.

How dare the republican congress compare their behaviour (Still!) to that of Bill Clinton when their outrageous behaviour at home and abroad make his indiscretions pale into insignificance!
He (Bill Clinton) may of committed Adultery and then Lied about it to the Nation, but his indiscretions are nothing to the ongoing immoral behaviour of Republican after Republican. Jailed for Bribes, turning a sick Womans 15 years of Vegetative state into a Political platform (the President had the audacity to cut his Vacation short so he could rush Legislation through Parliament for Gods sake!), letting a city drown while playing the guitar and THEN telling the Nation the man responsible for the rescue of N.O. that he “is doing a heck of a job”, and NOW attempted Paedophilia!
Is there a level that this person and the people that he has surrounded himself with will stoop to?
The list of such morally reprehensible behaviour by these people needs to be stopped and they HAVE to be held accountable for their deeds, or the US will have dug itself into a deep hole where all the bombs and bullying it can muster will not help its damaged reputation.

Welcome to FDL Glenn…love your Blog, the long hours and hard work you put into holding these War Profiteers, Liars and Hypocrites, accountable for their actions and for bringing the Truth out from the closet into the Public Domain. Thanks mate!

It is interesting to see that “Iraq For Sale” is well…for sale…Shouldn’t information that is supposed to be so important be available to the public for free? Why not post the movie as a free download? Surely the idea of making a profit should be trumped by getting the important information distributed but I doubt that will happen…Mr. Greenwald wants you to buy the DVD and then donate it to a library, couldn’t Mr. Greenwald provide copies for free instead? I’m sure that such in a righteous cause as this that Mr. Greenwald would be willing to not turn a profit in order to get the information to as many people as possible…Capitalism is evil no?

••••• Mr. Greenwald … please — OKOKOK … PRETTY PLEASE make your next film about Jeff ‘The Wonder Schlong’ Gannon and all his late-night / over-night visits at the White House.

Silly me — I seem to have forgotten WHOM lives there in the 200 plus times he went there and or Air Farce Uno …

Go for it!

DB

ps: What you are doing DOES matter. Please allow me to say it is hard, no compromise journalist skills like yours that will get Halliburton Whore House (aka, ‘White House’) liberally remodeled lickity split fast once the current burglars are evicted / impeached.

I signed up to watch “Iraq For Sale” at a local church here in Bremerton, WA. I’ve enjoyed all of Mr. Greenwald’s previous work (well, except “Xanadu”), and look forward to this important new film.

There’s something inherently unethical about making money (in this case, very big money) off a war. Would that we could tax defense contractor’s profits during wartime, to help pay for the war. Or just suspend their profit-taking until the occupation is over…

“It is interesting to see that “Iraq For Sale” is well…for sale…Shouldn’t information that is supposed to be so important be available to the public for free?”

They need to cover costs. If they actually make any money, it will go toward the next film. This is not their last endeavor.