..Gary Dretzka
..Noah Forrest
..Leonard Klady
..R.J. Matson
..David Poland
..Douglas Pratt
..Ray Pride
..Michael Wilmington

July 7, 2004

Lions Gate Responds To Critique On Counterpunch.org

From: Tom Ortenberg
Sent: Monday, July 05, 2004 10:35 PM
To: 'Counterpunch@counterpunch.org'
Subject: Fahrenheit 9/11

You guys are nuts. Your "critique" of Fahrenheit 9/11 proves 2 points.

1) When the left forms a firing squad, it gets in a circle.

2) Why the left will never triumph in America.

Douglas Valentine's diatribe is laughable. You want to condemn the film because the film doesn't extend to where you want it to go.

Robert Jensen's is dangerous, making baseless and false charges.

Guys, don't talk about the film you wish was made, discuss the one that was made, in ways that contribute to the public debate.

You both make the crucial mistake that those on the right do in their misguided attacks on Fahrenheit 9/11. You focus too much on what is not in the film rather than what is in the film.

As for your charges of racism, you should have your head examined. For starters, get a sense of humor. Secondly, this is perhaps the most non-racist film I've ever seen, and not just for the scene at the beginning regarding Florida, though that one scene goes a long way of proving the point in and of itself. That the film also demonstrates who it is and why that defends our country-and this is important for you to pay attention to- in a way that most americans have not seen before, is incredibly powerful and explains the hugely emotional reaction audiences have had to the film. I know all you well-read, in-the-know types have seen it all before, but tak! e a page from Michael Moore and attempt to discuss complex issues in ways normal people can relate to them and you might find your audiences more receptive to your ideas.

Tom Ortenberg
President,
Lions Gate Films Releasing

PS. - I would appreciate you publishing this letter in its entirety in your
newsletter/web site as a stand alone article with no other mudslinging. Your
unwarranted and mind-boggling attacks deserve no less. Thank you.

Tom Ortenberg