Overall, there was a feeling that the Walmart film was something we could do about locally. In fact, as a result, several of us were active in preventing Walmart from opening a store in West Asheville (although shortly thereafter they opened outside of the city limits where there are less stringent restrictions.)
However, few of us saw anyway of taking direct local action. Most of us do not trust the Democratic Party. They may not be the CAUSE of the problems we face, but they have enabled them to happen by not standing up. We did not participate in the conference call because John Kerry was involved during the time slot we were hosting our film, and all we could ask him, is what happened to his backbone and why do democrats like he and Gore only found their backbone AFTER elections. Does it have something to do with the campaign funding he received from corporations who have little interest in changing the status quo. Will Hillary Rodham Clinton offer working people any alternatives? Her record makes it clear. NO WAY!
So although we will all hold our nose a vote for national democrats, we hope that we can host events that help us organize new parties not tied to corporate interests.
Questions for the host:
Q: Why did you host this screening? What were your goals?
A: I wanted to make people aware of the true economic interests in the Iraq War, which were the real causes, not terrorism, not 9/11, not "bringing democracy" to the heathen.
Q: Any additional materials you could have used?
A: Your TAKE ACTION webpage had surprisingly little information about taking action. I contacted some local groups that were doing important things and publicized them to the group.
Q: Any ideas on how you can use "Iraq for Sale" in the future?
A: To be honest, I don't. I think the issues it raises are very important, but I don't think it was produced in such a way that it will find a receptive ear among the "uncoverted." Robert Greenwald needs to find a way to produce non-formulaic films. As a filmmaker myself, I found the film as a whole to be uninspired and following the same rote formula of his other films. In some cases no narration works, in other cases, weaker films require narration. And the films needed to take it back to the local level and to the direct connections with politicians who allowed these corporations to run the war. There was some of this. Needed to be more.
Q: Any advice for future screening hosts?
A: Topics that can galvanize people across political lines. More inspiring movies, more information about what actions people can take besides supporting the democratic party.
Q: Would you do it again for another film?
A: YES
The venue, David Weintraub, gets 4 stars
