More Moore

It was only a matter of time, but there's a move under way now to ban commercials for Fahrenheit 9/11 from the airwaves after July 30. From The Hill:

Michael Moore may be prevented from advertising his controversial new movie, “Fahrenheit 9/11,” on television or radio after July 30 if the Federal Election Commission (FEC) today accepts the legal advice of its general counsel.

At the same time, a Republican-allied 527 soft-money group is preparing to file a complaint against Moore’s film with the FEC for violating campaign-finance law.

In a draft advisory opinion placed on the FEC’s agenda for today’s meeting, the agency’s general counsel states that political documentary filmmakers may not air television or radio ads referring to federal candidates within 30 days of a primary election or 60 days of a general election.

If it's any consolation, and it should be, regardless of the low ball tactics being employed by the FEC to curtail freedom of artistic expression, by July 30 there will be no need whatsoever to advertise F911. In fact, my guess is that the record-breaking box office receipts we will undoubtedly see this weekend (mark my words, consider them an official prediction), hundreds of more theaters nationwide (maybe even here?) will be showing the film. If it is half as powerful as the trailer, or as the reviews have indicated thus far, word of mouth will carry it from there. Still, I think it may be a good thing to let the FEC know how you feel about this act of political censorship.

FEC: (800) 424-9530

Light 'em up.