Michael Moore is interested in ONE thing.

Getting rich.

He doesn't care about anything other than pandering to the foolish and gullible who buy his crap.

He doesn't care about people, health care, the planet- anything other than getting rich.

He is a big time capitalist making money from mouthing stuff that suckers will buy.

Posted by: kelly | June 25, 2007 05:35 PM

I like Moore, but what he's done seems horrible

Posted by: A.M | June 25, 2007 06:54 PM

I'm no fan of Charlton Heston or the NRA, but it sickened me somewhat the way he sucker-punched an obviously ailing Heston in Bowling For Columbine.
If the guy can't take it, he shouldn't be dishing it out.

Posted by: Mike | June 25, 2007 06:59 PM

Kelly
WOW little bitter about being rich?

As far as Michael Moore again, he also went in from of congress in a chicken suit to speak about the horrible conditions of slaughter houses! He is no all evil.I thought the elephant was suppose to be purple too? Much respect Jack for reading all those comments and posting most of them! A

Posted by: A | June 25, 2007 07:04 PM

I like michael moore's movies - but he's a big assface to animals. go peta

Posted by: jojo | June 25, 2007 07:12 PM

Once again PETA missed the point entirely. We're not sitting at home weeping for Michael Moore.

What we ARE doing is sitting around amazed at how immature PETA can be.

Okay, so Moore abused some animals. Say that! Tell us! And if he is that much of an ignoramus and sneered at you in the past, WHY ARE YOU WASTING THE ANIMALS' TIME WRITING HIM A LETTER?

Again, the hundreds of comments had not much to do with Moore and everything to do with PETA's immature approach to things and how bad it makes us animal caregivers look in the eyes of the public.

Creative, fun, witty and respectful campaigns, instead, please.

Posted by: Maya | June 25, 2007 07:55 PM

Just because Michael More wrote offensive letters to the president, it doesn't mean PETA has the right to stoop down to his level. I've found from experience that you will always get people to take your issue more seriously if you are courteous and polite! That bitchy letter just gave him another reason to hate PETA. I usually support PETA's actions, but this time I think PETA went too far.

Posted by: Emily | June 25, 2007 08:32 PM

About the use of "elephant in the room". Yes, it's an expression but to claim that Ingrid was not using that expression to poke fun at Micheal's size is being disingenuous. Please do not insult my intelligence. I understand puns. Ingrid was obviously making a play on the expression. Why try to deny it? It's not that big of a deal.

Anyway, I noticed that you said nothing about the fact that Ingrid may have hurt many overweight supporters of PETA.
Yeah, Micheal Moore is an A-hole but it has nothing to with his weight. Again, you can be fat, vegan, and an animals rights activist. I'm all three. Stereotypes aren't very useful.

Posted by: Emily | June 25, 2007 09:00 PM

I completely agree with you on that comment, kelly. He's one of those people suffering from Little Man Syndrome, that is, he's such a loser in real life that he has to take out his anger on anyone and anything that crosses his path. Whether it be animal rights, or even the president, he'll go out of his way to draw attention to himself and make himself feel better. All he does is poke fun at every little thing, yet he has the nerve to say that PETA members are wasting their lives? It's just such a shame that animals have to suffer because he's a loser.

Posted by: Brianna Fritchey | June 25, 2007 09:48 PM

Thank you kelly! And if Michael Moore would actually take the time to read any of the comments on this blog (not likely though), he would be laughing his ass off at all the people who defended him against Ingrid's allegedly "rude" letter.

I find it especially funny that several responses chided Ingrid and PETA for not doing their research!! Hopefully those people will now realize that they were the ones who were clueless, and they spoke without knowing what the f*** they were talking about.

Way to go PETA, way to go Ingrid, and thank you to the folks on this site who explained the phrase "elephant in the room" (though judging by the numerous responses afterward, some people had obviously not bothered to read any of the previous responses).

Posted by: Michele | June 25, 2007 11:12 PM

You didn't post my comment for the last blog; let's see if you post this one Jack.

It still doesn't make any sense. I don't care if Michael Moore is a jerk and does not give a crap about animal rights. It still does not excuse Ingrid from insulting him. Being nice to each other is a manifestation of ethical treatment, which this organizations carries in its name. Besides, your "More on Moore" piece sounds like an excuse for being mean. Te issue with Ingrid's letter is not whether Mr. Moore can take it or not; it's about being nice to everybody, even mean people. We need to be the example and there is no excuse for being mean.

And please, do not insult our intelligence. Any High-School level class on oratory and the use of sarcasam and irony will teach you that the "elephant" expression was clearly used with a double meaning, one of them being the popular expression and the other being a personal insult on Michael Moore's physical appereance. As I said in my first comment you never posted: not cool!

Posted by: Jose | June 25, 2007 11:51 PM

Well written entry. Showing both sides, not hugely bias and addressing the issues people question. Well done.

Posted by: Michael Conley | June 26, 2007 01:59 AM

you'd think that someone with such a "passion" to make a difference would respect others who are trying to do the same. funny that michael moore expects us all to find his issues so interesting, yet mocks other passionate folks.

p.s.-- michael moore looks like his heart is ready to explode... vegetarian/vegan diets ARE just healthier, and they will help do-gooders like moore and gore save the planet... one boca burger at a time =0)

Posted by: katie | June 26, 2007 02:20 AM

PS: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, I JUST READ THE HORRENDOUS, MOST LIKELY TRUE STATEMENT BY JERKO (MOORE)
KICKING HIS DOG--I WOULDN'T DOUBT IT IS MOST LIKELY THE CASE AND NOT JUST A CRUEL COMMENT. SORRY I MISSED THIS ON MY POST. SHAME--THIS ALONE IS ENOUGH FOR ME TO BOYCOTT THE JERK, LET ALONE WHAT I WROTE ABOUT THE IDIOT.

Posted by: Jean | June 26, 2007 02:57 AM

MODERATOR,

THANK YOU a thousand times for adding this addendum that FINALLY - or will HOPEFULLY - clarify the jist of Ingrid's comments for some people.

And THANK YOU for the VERY informative past about M.M. concerning PETA and the animals.

Posted by: Ariel | June 26, 2007 08:08 AM

I don't "follow" M.M., but I saw him only once on tv doing a very short interview that allowed for only two quick sentences:
1. something about politics.

2. then, with a BIG smile, he bragged about how much money he would make just by saying that one sentence.

No mistake about it, he purposely made it VERY clear that money is his priority.
So when money/greed is one's priority, there can be absolutely no room for compassion in the heart for animals...people...or the environment.

Posted by: Ariel | June 26, 2007 08:38 AM

I agree with Kelly. His documentaries seem to say all of the right things and they grab you and keep you thinking. But I began to question his motives and I still do. People that are truly compassionate would not mock kindness to animals. Even if people are your absolute top priority and you never gave a second thought to animal rights, most true humanitarians would not condone animal abuse. Someone needs to do an "in your face" investigative documentary on Michael Moore himself. He is not living in the poverty he preaches about to the masses. One day you will find him beached on some California coast.

Posted by: Lori | June 26, 2007 09:21 AM

Great. PETA is now doing the right wing's dirty work.

Posted by: alfred | June 26, 2007 11:47 AM

Yes Jack pointed out some of the things that Moore did. Yet you lack to explain the good things he has also done for animal rights?? Ingrid did some homework to find facts that are relevant to what she needed to get her point across, left out all the other movements that Moore has done in cases for animals.
I agree with Maya, PETA missed the point and disregarded comments from PETA members.PETA use to have a bad stigma attached to it, I think it may be working its way back. I will of course do things to help animals it may just be more with other animal rights organizations. We deserve an bloody apology(not a condescending one either) not Mr. Moore.

Posted by: A | June 26, 2007 11:48 AM

i don't think ingrid's letter was insulting and the 'elephant in a room' was an appropriate use of the term in context.

however, if you are going to call someone fat as was done in the blog, at the very least you should give good reasons for doing so. if mm is as anti-ar as described here, then he falls in the same category as many others peta goes after and his qualities and quantities are fair game a la peta's usual attack formation.

Posted by: prad | June 26, 2007 12:16 PM

One question Jack or anyone who knows. The picture of Moore with the Quote below, was this an interview from PETA or an animal rights group or maybe a random question was asked about something disturbing and he said that statement out of anger or it was quoted incorrectly.

Usually when people post a quote from a famous person they name the source which the interview or program came from. Wondering because I would love to see the whole interview. Do you guys have it and can post it and we can watch the entire interview? Just to see what a pig he is and why he wants to kick his dog?

Perhaps he sneers at your request for help on a documentary because your way of asking him?

Posted by: M | June 26, 2007 12:19 PM

A - shut up and go eat a fish already.

Posted by: Aisstilldumb | June 26, 2007 12:21 PM

send him out for a hunting party together with dick cheney - maybe they change each other for an elefant and the problem is resolved!

Posted by: the undertaker | June 26, 2007 12:24 PM

Hi guys. I'm 15 years old & I'm on my way onto becoming a vegetarian. But there's a problem, I'm allergic to tofu. Does anybody here know some other meat-althernatives that are not made of tofu? thanks

Posted by: eve | June 26, 2007 12:27 PM

Whether we like it or not M.M. is very influential in Washington. I would NOT go out of my way to piss off someone like that especially with personal insults.

Posted by: Amy | June 26, 2007 12:45 PM

If he isn't interested in your cause, which he obviously isn't, why keep pushing? There are plenty of other people willing and ready to help. He is obviously of no use to you. This has the feeling of a religious group trying to convert someone from their religion.

Posted by: Mia | June 26, 2007 01:04 PM

PETA's managment needs to look at itself in light of its comments to/about Michael Moore. Just as Moore grossly ignores animal rights, PETA largely ignores human rights issues, especially those of feminist viewpoints and fatist viewpoints. PETA's use of sexism is a huge turn-off to those of us who genuienly care about animal rights and human rights.

As a woman, I am often turned off about PETA's use of nudity and sexism in its campaigns and how flagrantly it ignores feminist issues ... ironically, PETA ignores this as much as Moore ignroes animal rights.

So, it does us all good to take a long, close look at ourselves before we attack others. With all of the suffering going on in this world--for animals and humans--why are PETA representatives wasting time with letters to Michael Moore?

I am also a fat woman who has been a conscientious vegetarian for almost 20 years. I care about animal rights and welfare and human rights. I take offense when PETA attacks people for not being thin, beautiful, bombshell vegans. This is the biggest way in which PETA turns us "normal" people off.

Who cares who is the sexist vegetarian? You'd do better to not use sexism to try to bring people over to animal welfare.

Posted by: Michel Meunier | June 26, 2007 01:13 PM

"you'd think that someone with such a "passion" to make a difference would respect others who are trying to do the same. funny that michael moore expects us all to find his issues so interesting, yet mocks other passionate folks."

That says it all. Nice job, Katie.

Posted by: Canaduck | June 26, 2007 01:22 PM

Even if the letter had been effective, and Moore went vegetarian, what good would it do?

It seems like WAY too much time is being spent writing letters to celebrities, as though PETA is just trying to get noticed in Hollywood. It seems like a waste of time.

Posted by: Maya | June 26, 2007 01:31 PM

I don't know much about MM except that he is very very good at stating his opinions. I've never seen his movies... simply because there have been better showings at the time.

I'm pretty offended at his comments. What he needs to realize is that when he offends the compassion towards animals, he is offending people such as myself. In the process of putting down the movement or an organization, he is offending people like me.

Because of this whole "event," I refuse to support anything MM has to offer to the big screen or to the book world... whatever... I refuse to support MM for being such a jerk and offending people in the process.

Posted by: Jaclyn | June 26, 2007 02:23 PM

Obviously people can differ in opinions on Michael Moore but denouncing him because he won't take up PETA's mission is ridiculous. If PETA wants attention for their cause then get out there and rally the public like Michael has done for the various issues that he feels passionately about. How many new political organizations rode on Michael's coattails after the film 9/11 and used that momentum towards the election? And furthermore, what effect might he accomplish again with bringing more mainstream attention to a serious health crisis that this country is up against? We should rejoice that there is someone willing to put out these messages that even if we don't agree with them, that cause conversation, controvery and thought into these serious issues. Michael has certainly had a more powerful and far-reaching impact on this world versus anything that PETA has ever or will do. Finally, even though I'm sure Michael does not care, to attack him personally, based on his weight, is childish and immature. I am certain that not all PETA members are "thin" so Ingrid simultaneously insulted some of PETA's supporters as well. Perhaps PETA should re-evaluate Ingrid's continued position as "Founder / President" - these tactics she is employing are not likely to bring PETA many supporters.

Posted by: Trish | June 26, 2007 02:34 PM

So let me get this straight. Because Mr. Moore can handle it, and because you have asked him politely to support you and he has declined to do so, he is fair game for name calling and abuse?

Are you certain that Mr. Moore eats dead animals? Or is that your assumption because he is fat?

Is it a rule that we must all comply with the demands of the folks at PETA or suffer the consequences? Will you make fun of my weight or acne? The wart on my nose?

Or do you reserve your ethics and compassion only for people who think exactly like you? And if that is the case, that you can summon no respect for others who are different, are you really superior to those meat eating, dog kicking individuals your look down your nose at?

Posted by: gmn | June 26, 2007 03:02 PM

Hi Jack, I am a card carrying member of PETA - I have been trying to post; however, my posts do not appear. Please post this. Thank you, Dave
I think Ingrid is exactly right. Ignorance, time and time again, imposes its absurdities in complete opposition to reality. This creates paradoxes that one can identify and use to formulate and solve oxymoronic equations. Ignorance fades as its illogicalities are identified and the truth is exposed, enabling change. This is what Ingrid is doing. Ingrid is calling attention to the hypocrisy anyway she can. She is the best, doing her best. THANK YOU Ingrid! This is not the first Mr. Moore has heard about the issue, as Animals are intertwined with everything we do. Ingrid has, to no avail, gone through more diplomatic efforts to enlighten Mr. Moore. Everyone knows that he would make an awesome movie about the nightmare Animals endure every waking moment. It makes me so mad and then I get sad, so very sad. Sad to see celebrities like Mr. Moore sweep the Animal issue under the rug. After all, his movies are designed to enlighten us and show us things that others have hidden from us. As an Art Teacher, I did some projects involving Animals and kindness and the staff went to great lengths to silence my efforts. We all have experience dealing with closed-minds. ”Being ignorant is not so much a shame as being unwilling to learn” Benjamin Franklin
By its nature, Animal flesh is a powerful drug made of rotting death with a sorted past, rooted in cruelty, violence, and murder. Ingesting dead rotting carcass, with such roots, induces a state of apathy and unwilling less to change. Are we so gluttonous and in love with the taste of it or are we just plain so gullible that we fully accept what we have been taught to believe is so good and right and worth it, when in actuality, it is so horribly bad and dreadfully wrong and the most wasteful? It is a loss of self, from birth, as instilled by our parents. Hereditary ignorance has become the cruelest and most destructive machine to ever transpose humanity’s destined natural forward evolution. The scales tipped long ago, and now the machine has been fine-tuned, magnified, and multiplied. Never before has man caused so much misery, death and destruction on such a horrific scale as right here, right now. It takes a powerful person to let go of everything they have been taught. Food makes us who we are and what we are. I am sure, Mr. Moore accepts who he has become and sees no need to change.
There is an attitude in America, this is who we are, and we are proud of it. And we love all the wonderful foods and traditions our parents left us. Look at the great American barbeque. What better way to spend the weekend, than a beer and a burger? “The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort” Confucius This is the attitude. One of selfishness and gluttony. It is joked about and most Americans feel connected in this way. Things experienced routinely over long periods of time, become part of us. It is then absurd and difficult to accept these things experienced, which are part of us, as falsehoods, when we find their truths are in direct opposition to everything we have ever known and who we have become. Hypocrisy becomes transparent once accepted and fortified once adopted. Lost and complicit, the poor souls cannot see it in themselves, nor do they care to know, it is, in fact, who they are. Those who perpetuate this evil are crafted of the same earth and of the same tastes as those nepotistic architects who devised their machines to use apathy as fuel. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself” Tolstoy. It is easy to point the finger at hypocrisy, as Mr. Moore does so well, yet willingly and intentionally hiding a known hypocrisy within himself, is so very wrong.
Mr. Moore’s silence is motivated through his selfish gluttony. Mikey loves eating Animal flesh, very much so, as his stately girth attests. It is hard to hide the truth when it encases your very being. Mr. Moore has devoured THOUSANDS of Animals. Too, people in positions of great responsibility must act with great responsibility. Mr. Moore’s silence on the Animal issue does enormous damage. How tragic if his appetite and silence earns a reservation in his next life as a Factory Farmed Pig. To experience two and one half years in a tiny cage, pumped full of chemicals that make his organs grow faster than his body, the squeezing, never seeing the light of day, never to stretch or run. Finally allowed to see the light and beauty of the world, piled on top of each other, diseased and dieing, only to discover the journey leads to a horrific slaughter. So, the way I see it, Ingrid is helping to enlighten and shock Mr. Moore into a Karmic Reversal. Lastly, who are these people who are so concerned and cry for poor Mr. Moore’s feelings? They are the very same people who treat their kids to McDonalds and waste their precious time autonomously defending apathetic criminals to rally support in numbers for their wicked complicity in hopes the horror will continue for one more feast.
“The evil that is in the world always comes of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence, if they lack understanding. On the whole men are more good than bad; that, however, isn't the real point. But they are more or less ignorant, and it is this that we call vice or virtue; the most incorrigible vice being that of an ignorance which fancies it knows everything and therefore claims for itself the right to kill. There can be no true goodness, nor true love, without the utmost clear-sightedness” Camus

Posted by: Warwak | June 26, 2007 03:06 PM

All the M.M fans need to read his book called,
DUDE, WHERE'S MY COUNTRY.
In this book says that PETA
is nothing but a group of "DUMB ASSES."
He also states that one of the worst things that the left has done is to support the animal rights.
He states that "ANIMALS HAVE NO RIGHTS."
He says this makes him so angry he wants to kick his dog.....
He says many other things that
says alot about how his mind works...
His arrogance breeds nothing
but ignorance...
You must read this book...
Judith

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter | June 26, 2007 03:24 PM

Aisstilldumb...........Could you come up with a better name?
DUMB:lacking the human power of speech.

Call me something different tomorrow and I will give you the definition, you can learn new words and their real meanings everyday!!

You prove the point that several people make. You read something and want to read into it. FIRST,glad that you pay attention to all my post! If you condemn someone without all information you are no better than the person you are condemning. I see that I touched a nerve...You did not read correctly, go back and reread the fish blog..I DO NOT EAT FISH( I AM A VEGETARIAN) unlike several of the spokespeople PETA likes to use for their ads.Last time I heard Martha Stewart and Charlize Theron were meat eaters???

And all I was asking for was the first 5 sentences before the "dog kicking comment" and the last 5 sentences".And its plagiarism to not provide the source.

How many people on this blog have health coverage by the way??

I just wish people cared about other things as they do about a blog about Moore. Jack is right check out the other blog just posted about ANIMAL RAHAT.

Io amo gli animali, percio' non li mangio

Posted by: A | June 26, 2007 03:57 PM

Also:

I just searched "Michael Moore" "this shit makes me want to kick my dog" -- this blog post is the only result.

Please cite a source with a link.

Posted by: zota | June 26, 2007 04:16 PM

You are all being so silly.

I ask you.....
What is the purpose of PETA?

It is to raise awareness about animal issues.

Now, it's sometimes easy for those of us living in our vegan-bubbles to forget about the masses out there who have no idea about what a vegetarian diet is, or those who think places like Whole Foods are stores where hippies can go and buy bean sprouts...but the fact is that those people exist. Most of America still has no idea of the horrors of factory farming or the benefits of being veg. So PETA capitalizes on people/issues that are currently in the media (like Moore and his movie) so that when 3 million people google "Michael Moore" today, they'll come up with Jacks blog and hopefully be a little more enlightened. Or so people like Perez Hilton (who reaches millions of people every day) will discuss the animal cruelty issue--b/c that wouldn't happen if there was no celebrity issue surrounding it. The letter to Michael Moore was never about Michael Moore....it was about the media attention that PETA can draw to the issue. Do you really think Ingrid (or the cows headed for slaughter!) will sleep better at night b/c Moore went veg and was prevented from downing another Big Mac? No. He's just one person. But if 25 or 100 or 2500 people read the blog and think....hmm.....maybe I should have a veggie burger tonight instead....then PETA has been successful.

So stop being petty. There is a world beyond the likes of those of you on this board who are already followers of PETA....(Why do you really cares if Moore is fat or thin or a good movie maker or a greedy money grubber or an animal lover or a PETA hater when animals are dying right this second!!!!)
So if you took the time that you dedicated to posting on Jacks blog debating about Moore the past few days and handed out some veg starter kits to your neighbors instead....the world (and the animals) would be a little better off.

And so I'm off to do just that... :)

Posted by: Tricia C | June 26, 2007 05:05 PM

Censored from commenting again...

Anyways, Blogger, please don't patronize us. We understand fully how Ingrid called MM an elephant and under-handedly attacked us non-skinny vegetarians in the process. Funny how the only finalists for the Sexiest Vegetarian contests were ALL rail-thin and Caucasian. Yet PETA claims NOT to portray a mainstream attitude. Where was the diversity in the finalist decision?

Furthermore, why doesn't PETA spend the money from it's supporters to write and produce it's own movie or documentary? Wouldn't it be better than insulting a filmaker to make a point. I believe strongly in animal rights but some things seem hypocritical about PETA's tactics.

Posted by: Kirsten | June 26, 2007 05:12 PM

PETA uses ‘outrageous’ campaign tactics to get people talking and thinking in the celebrity/media age, if PETA can get better known in Hollywood, then that’s good. One does not need to agree with everything PETA says but, if its getting people talking, generaly speaking, it’s hopefully doing some good for the animals.

Go PETA!

Posted by: Aran | June 26, 2007 05:18 PM

Tricia, sorry to keep using this as my trump card, but it's a valid trump card. I'm a certified vet nurse and wildlife rehabber. Do you know how people react when I try to educate them on cruelty to animals?? They ask if I'm going to burn down their house!!

I always ask people why they think I'm some kind of arsonist or are afraid of me and they always say PETA. No matter how calm I am they the minute I talk about animals suffering they think of PETA and extremism.

I even had one girl flinch like I was going to hit her when she brought up declawing. I was nice so she decided not to declaw. But as an animal caregiver I can tell you that thanks to PETA we now all have a reputation as a bunch of freakin' looneys.

And that hurts the animals, it does not help them. Trust me.

Posted by: Maya | June 26, 2007 05:38 PM

Maya, you seem to have, at least in this matter, an uneducated clientele. Perhaps they're thinking of the Animal Rights Militia or the Justice Department (the ALF have a no-harm policy). Pick up any book on cat care in the library and they will advise against declawing---it's not a radical concept. PETA has a lot of support from your basic Hollywood celebrities (you know, the people we look up to), and I personally don't consider PETA to be an "extremist" movement whatsoever, as others, who have their own animal-exploitive agenda, try to infer. In your line of work you have a great opportunity (which I'm sure you seize) to diplomatically educate the people who think we're a bunch of "terrorists", that we're essentially no different than they are.

Posted by: Mike | June 26, 2007 07:05 PM

As I said in response to the last entry about Michael Moore, we don't need him speaking for our cause. Sure, it would be great to get him to stop eating fifty animals a day, but having him on PETA's roster of celebrities would only bolster the misperception that animal rights is a liberal issue.

There are plenty of people who will go against anything Michael Moore stands for, and not look into the issue beyond that. We don't need such a polarizing figure promoting our cause. What we need are more spokespersons who can appeal to people's hearts and their basic morality - not their party affiliation.

We have got to take this beyond left vs. right and make this everyone's issue. That is the only way we'll ever see justice for the animals.

Posted by: Sky Black | June 26, 2007 07:07 PM

*STOP CENSORING THE BLOG, THIS IS AMERICA...JACK.

Dear Ingrid,
While combing through some recent news articles
online, I was surprised to find a letter from you to
Michael Moore regarding his much-anticipated film--oh
wait, that was from a credible journalist...ah, yes,
you were the one wrote him a childish letter about his
weight. Not only is that entirely inappropriate coming
from you (who the hell are you?), but it is
disgustingly inappropriate considering you've targeted
a man that millions of Americans (and PETA supporters)
would call a hero. Sure, just as many people might
call him anything but that...even "fat", but no
matter, Michael Moore is in the middle of his most
important film debut and you are superficial enough to
come up with this stunt? Fat Republicans have called
Mr. Moore's trip to Cuba a stunt, well what would you
call this? As a PETA supporter myself and the son of
PETA supporters that also GIVE YOU MONEY, it is
amazing to see what you are using PETA's time and
donated money for--I'm assuming our donations must be
paying for your internet connection over there for
your important "research". Well, I think it's time for
these donations to be reconsidered under your reign. I
love animals like any other PETA supporter--I sign all
those petitions you tell me to--but like Michael
Moore, I won't let some powertripping "President" get
carried away--which you've done. I hope to find an
apology letter in my inbox to Michael Moore and to
your fellow PETA followers that you've insulted by
trying to rip a new one to an iconic figure of ours.
Wouldn't you love to have Michael Moore make a
documentary about the horrors of animal cruelty? My
God, don't you know if you want something in this
town, it's all about who you know? I hate to say this,
but on the debut of 'Sicko', I'll be ordering a veal
chop at my local steakhouse--extra rare--in protest to
your impetuous leadership. If you had even been aware
of Michael Moore's current weight, you would have
known that he is actively curbing his weight problem.
Believe it or not, without an Animal Rights Czar
telling him to do so. Why won't I be standing in line
to watch 'Sicko'? Because I already have, and you
should too.
We are very disappointed in you, Ingrid. We'll expect
your apology letter within the next 24 hours, or you
just might find your internet connection isn't working
anymore.
Best regards,
RC

Posted by: CHONG | June 26, 2007 07:34 PM

Again, Maya says it well (7:55pm post).

Get over yourselves PETA. Crikey! Yeah, so MM is a jerk -- we get it, BUT when the president of a non-profit as huge as this throws out an insult about weight along with some questionable facts (vegetarism = guaranted weight loss) she loses the respect of 1. Mature adults 2. People with weight issues (vegetarian or not).

INGRID should respond to these posts and not have her employee/assistant try to move our attention away from her own bad move and back over to Michael Moore. Take responsibility for yourself, Ingrid. Respond! Your organization's supporters are worth at least that.

Posted by: Anonymous | June 27, 2007 12:20 AM

PETA needs to take note of Maya's comments, she has animal welfare at heart AND lives in the real world .
The actions perpetrated by PETA often display malice, infering a lack of general compassion. While that may appeal to ardent admirers, it relegates PETA to being a fringe group to the mainstream community. And not somewhere they'll pledge money. After all, this is all about effective animal welfare reform. Isn't it?

Posted by: rojo | June 27, 2007 11:14 AM

Maya, you have some misinformed clients with apparently over-active imaginations. Do they think you're a member of the Animal Rights Militia or the Justice Department? PETA is a a very mainstream type of organization with impassioned support from a lot of celebrities and ordinary people (and the ALF has a no-harm policy). You can thank sensationalistic media and corporate whores like the Center for Consumer Freedom for purposely trying to distort the AR movement, and create this impression, in an attempt to maintain the animal-exploitive status quo.

And Rojo, why don't you dispose of the sweeping generalities and say what you really mean? How is PETA "relegated to being a fringe group"? Are they not the biggest AR organization with the most members? If not, please enlighten me.

Posted by: Mike | June 27, 2007 12:31 PM

I had to say, even I took the elephant comment the wrong way, especially because of the vegetarian diet comment before that. You used the term wrong anyway, which is why people probably thought you were calling him an elephant. The term is actually 'White Elephant', like in Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants"... You messed up on that one.

A vegetarian diet is not the only diet, and just because you think it is the best diet does not mean it is. I have tried a vegetarian diet and exercised and didn't lose a single pound. Nope, not one. Low carb diets are the only ones that work for me, as I have a medical condition, and so do many people who cannot lose weight on low calorie and low fat diets.

So, what if Michael Moore was eating cake, chips, and soda? Isn't all of this vegetarian? I know some vegetarians that eat tons of candy and are overweight, does that mean they aren't vegetarians because they are overweight so they OBVIOUSLY can't be REAL vegetarians?

Posted by: LeeAnn | June 27, 2007 12:40 PM

I am glad that PETA has explained a little more about the statements of Michael Moore. I am not concerned about whether you like Michael Moore as a person, but it turns me off when you stoop to picking on someone's weight.

When I read the original post knocking Moore for his obesity, I thought, OMG!, is Ingrid Newkirk going to set up outside of elementary schools and make fun of fat kids? I didn't know about the antagonistic history of Moore towards PETA. Stick to promoting the sane treatment of animals. Debasing people doesn't help you at all.

Posted by: Jeff | June 27, 2007 01:25 PM

Maya, perhaps you are unware of the smear and lies that the animal-abuse industries have spread?

Your "clients" are not basing their feelings on anything Peta has ever done

They have been indoctrinated by someone like this who gets paid millions to propagandize against humane groups

http://www.consumerdeception.com

Maybe you have gotten sucked in by that garbage a little bit?

Posted by: kelly | June 27, 2007 01:45 PM

It is no wonder people mock animal rights when PETA is using these types of actions. To get support you should never insult someone, you have to meet them at their level and go from there.

And being overweight does not necessarily mean you are sick or unhealthy. Not everything is determined by diet.

Posted by: Rachel | June 27, 2007 04:21 PM

If you're upset Michael Moore won't make a film about animal rights, make you OWN film. It's not like PETA doesn't have the money to bankroll a director. Also lots of film students just itching to make something edgy and heartwrenching with a little national recognition.

Posted by: Lynn | June 27, 2007 08:07 PM

How nice? Resorting to name calling just because of his size. Are you going to call ME an elephant too just because I am overweight? I'd like to see you Nazi whackjob vegans try THAT to my face.
Gotta run...and get some KFC.

Posted by: Fatwoman | June 27, 2007 08:16 PM

Kelly and Mike -

I don't blame my clients one bit for being nervous about PETA or its supporters. I think they have good reason to.

PETA makes some very mean statements. I believe some of that may be subconcious anger towards people who hurt animals. God knows I've seen tens of thousands of animals suffer horrible fates and the hands of humans and I totally get that anger. But most people do not mean to harm animals, they're just uneducated.

PETA is not disliked by the average person because of rumors, but because of statements they make on their OWN website. Statements that would make any normal person nervous.

Statements that insult, degrade, taunt and call childish names does not give a very stable or welcoming image to PETA.

PETA's website has naked people, the word "pimps" combined with derogatory statements about other human beings.

Maybe that's not so shocking to some people, but please try to understand; if someone is NEW to animal rights and is entering new territory by talking to animal rights activists, they are terrified of being judged. Maybe they eat meat or own exotic pets and really want to change and help the animals.

Then instead of getting positive, kind messages about how to change their bad habits, they see PETA and its members trashing and insulting and mocking people like them, who are not yet enlightened. Can you blame them for being nervous or turned off? Please, try to walk in their shoes for a minute.

PETA is a wonderful organization with wonderful people and members like you, Mike and Kelly. Please try to understand that people who are still uneducated need understanding, not meanspirited comments. Let's work together to solve this. :)

Posted by: Maya | June 27, 2007 08:31 PM

Are you being serious? What an immature campaign.

It is completely up to Michael Moore to decide what to make a documentary on; you can't force your beliefs on someone, PETA, however much you might like to. In a way you've become just like religious fundamentalists in America: "My way is completely right, your way is completely wrong, so I will try my hardest to make sure that you do what I do, because I'm right". You should be encouraging debate and healthy discussion, not accusing and pointing the finger left and right.

It sickens me that vegetarianism is associated with such organizations such as PETA. Stop trying to force moral rhetoric - sorry, bilge - down our throats.

"Boohoo, Michael Moore is rich and doesn't like animals'. Think of what he's TRYING to do; he's obviously a critic of the United States - one of the first to get the message out about the sort of issues that you have over there. Leave him be and let him make documentaries on the issues that HE holds close to his heart. Why doesn't PETA make it, instead of asking others to do it for him. Are you trying to get a scapegoat to foister all the blame on? Tell me.

Please, indulge me. By the way, I'm a vegetarian for health reasons, so you very well can't call me a mindless cannibal like you do to others who attack your innately backward arguments.

Thanks

Posted by: Adrian | June 27, 2007 09:09 PM

First of all, Michael Moore is a force of good in the universe. He many not be perfect, but how many of us are? I'm not excusing his meat-eating - I'm just saying that this world would be a much worse place if it weren't for a lot of people, including Michael, and including a lot of other people who eat meat. The fact that Michael Moore has a negative attitude toward PETA isn't going to make PETA look any better or worse than it already does.

And secondly, I didn't think Ingrid's letter to Michael Moore was offensive in the least bit. In fact, I think she had the opportunity to be much more negative than she was, but chose not to take it. I view the letter as more of a friendly letter of advice, and I'm quite glad it was written.

Posted by: Rusty | June 28, 2007 01:56 AM

I was so disappointed to read Ingrid's rude comments about Michael Moore's weight. As a PETA member, I would prefer to have those in leadership positions, who speak publicly on behalf of our organization, project an attitude of compassion for all of God's creatures... including the fat ones. I agree with Rojo and Maya. There is never a good excuse for being cruel. Such talk alienates some potential supporters of our cause. Many of those who have responded in support of Ingrid's mean-spirited attempt at humor have justified their opinions because of Mr. Moore's alleged disregard for the welfare of animals. Based on that logic, why do the others included on PETA's "Flab Five" list deserve to be the subjects of such unprovoked ridicule? Amiable NFL Hall-of-Famer and sports commentator, John Madden; "American Idol" winner, Ruben Studdard, who credited his 70-pound weight loss to a vegetarian diet; opera great, Luciano Pavarotti, who has raised money for the elimination of land mines worldwide, and has raised more money than any other individual (more than $1.5 million) through benefit concerts and volunteer work on behalf of the world's refugees, earning him the U.N. High Commission for Refugees' Nansen Medal; and actor John Goodman, who put his fame to good use by donating time to do public service announcements and other work in support of "levees.org," with the goal of supporting and protecting those who lost everything when levees in New Orleans and elsewhere failed. We should all aspire to contribute as much as these gentlemen. If you must judge others, save it for those who make cruel and inhumane choices. I wouldn't be surprised if many of these men are animal lovers and were, before they were insulted, potential spokesmen for animal rights. It's a shame they weren't approached with kindness instead of being verbally attacked. If we're going to consider ourselves to be "the good guys"...defenders of the helpless...let's behave that way, leaving the snide and hateful rhetoric to those whom we consider to be less than humane.

Posted by: Cathy | June 28, 2007 03:34 AM

A few of the reasons why some people "fear" or don't like animal activists are:

1. they have misconstrued, pre-conceived ideas to which they like to apply the label "radical," which is based on the Greek word: to get to the bottom of things.
2. therefore, a "radical" who takes action is perceived as going against the norm of society...a norm that gives reason for positive change, but they don't like change.
3. they refuse to take the time to educate themselves about animal rights, and how ALL of life is inter-related...therefore a common question is: "why don't you do something to help people instead?" ...as they miss the point totally, ie, a family dog being abused sends up a red-flag warning to child counselors that very likely a child is also possibly being abused in that family.
4. they like to eat meat. Period.
5. while they MIGHT care about human suffering, they cannot extend their compassion to animal suffering, therefore, their compassion is limited.
6. and let's face it, unfortunately in today's world, a lot of people scoff at nicey-nice when they call animal rights' activists "animal worshipers"...as well as they have the self-centered "me only" attitude.

So no matter what approach by animal activists is taken or the type of comments expressed, if people are not willing to be educated on the subject to understand it and to make changes, then NO approach or type of comment is going to matter to them.
Therefore, nicey-nice or not nicey-nice, they are already set in their ways and set in their thoughts.
As far as I'm concerned, I'm not out to "please" or apologize to people about animal rights. It's impossible to please everyone, to conform to their standards...my focus is on the animals.
If some non-animal activists feel insulted by or fear my beliefs, too bad. That's their problem for not wanting to know more about it. They would only be expressing to me that they refuse to see the whole picture.
So let's just say that people like M.M. don't want to be told in any way that they are wrong with their uncompassionate beliefs, especially by a bunch of "animal worshipers" who need to "get a life."

Posted by: Ariel | June 28, 2007 10:46 AM

mike, just because peta has 1.6million members doesn't mean it isn't viewed as a fringe group. A radical one at that.
Of course you may be of the opinion that bigger is better.

Posted by: rojo | June 28, 2007 11:18 AM

Kelly, why don't you ask your clients why they are "nervous" about PETA? First you say they are "uneducated", and then you say they get bad impressions from visiting the website. Are they not becoming educated on the site while they are there?
You do NOT have to be "educated" to realize you are causing harm and suffering to an animal, or to be sensitive to that suffering when you come across it. If you can't sense that in your gut, no amount of "education" will change that. Education will hopefully cause you to become more proactive in AR, broaden your sensitivities and to adopt a more humane diet.

Adrian, when you say "down our throats", who are you referring to---do you have more than one throat? Of course, Moore can and will make films about whatever he wants. Frankly, I think a documentary on factory farming is beyond even his scope. The industry resistance would be savage and unrelenting. If you haven't seen "Earthlings", that is a great documentary and one that is already out there. By the way, this whole blog is about "encouraging debate and healthy discussion." I can't recall PETA accusing anybody of being a cannibal (you can get kuru from eating your own species, just like cows get BSE from consuming their own kind). And there is a slight percentage more of people who became vegetarians for ethical reasons than for health reasons---hence the logical connection of vegetarianism with PETA.

Posted by: Mike | June 28, 2007 11:39 AM

PETA is a corporation animal wefare group NOT an animal rights group. It is obious that their criteria is to influence main stream and get as much attention, money and fiends as possible.
They are not the radical faction of the animal movement as whole..
I am wandering if they care so much for AR why is then that they have PETA groups just in rich countries and the one in india that serves as "save face" for them.
Why they not supporting the EU ban on fur? Why they are not helping their mexican collegues? ASk this to ingrid and all this people that spend all the time in the "VIP" room ...PETA's AR commitment is just an eternal and offten pointless stunt

P.D are you posting this one Jack??

Posted by: Gerardo | June 28, 2007 01:33 PM

Rojo, it is only viewed as a fringe group by those wishing to portray it as such, and that have ulterior motives for doing so. Bigger isn't necessarily better, but it does indicate a mainstream acceptance of the organization. Read Ariel's post for a dissertation on the word "radical". It's not necessarily a pejorative moniker.

Posted by: Mike | June 28, 2007 02:10 PM

SHAME ON YOU PETA!
Your methods of attracting publicity disrespect your message.

Posted by: E. Carr | June 28, 2007 02:10 PM

I can not for the life of me understand the mind set of PETA for allowing their spokespersons to behave the way they do. Insulting Michael Moore because he is over wieght is just foolish and only serves to weaken the credibility of the PETA organization further. It is my understanding that PETA wants their message to be heard. What is the message ???
Be kind to animals???
That is not the message we are hearing... Your celeb spokespeople are babbling fools ,your executive reps are militant hate mongers and your general membership are ingnorant to the truth.there is no message other than that PETA is a terroist organization who has lost sight of it's true purpose..to protect animals from cruelty. Now.. I would imagine that one of your hired thugs will respond to this message by firing off a blast of your canned clap trap filled with questionable "facts" and more insults as it seems that is all you people are able to muster. Here is some good advise....dont fund domestic terrorism ,dont attack people who choose to eat meat or wear leather etc , and stop letting idiots speak for you if you want to be taken seriously.

Posted by: Alex | June 28, 2007 03:23 PM

Sorry, Kelly. I meant to address the post to Maya. Doh!

Posted by: Mike | June 28, 2007 03:53 PM

People seem to hear what they want to hear. Those of us against Ingrid's letter aren't worried about Michael Moore's "feelings" and whether or not "he will cry about it." That's ridiculous. It's a matter of wrong and right. To make it more simple for people who get lost in the politics of it all...it's wrong to take cheap stabs at somone to try and make a point. Talk about the issues, not about how someone looks. The issues are worth talking about (thanks to those who actually did that on this blog!) and less about whether someone is fat or not.

Posted by: Theresa | June 28, 2007 05:06 PM

Ugh, he sounds like a horrible person, and like another person mentioned, he only wants to get rich. Go PETA!

Posted by: Jessica | June 28, 2007 05:06 PM

PETA makes me sick. I've been a vegan for 9 years and its a lifetime commitment that i've made but I also believe in human rights and social justice. Obviously the seemingly overly white progressive PETA organization is totally foreign to the plight of the working poor and people of color who do not have access to healthcare. You obviously do not know working class americans who work really hard and still cannot afford coverage, who are left with thousands and thousands of dollars in debt because they didn't have insurance. Or I bet Ingrid has never had to cross the border to Mexico or Canada to get coverage because its cheaper and its the only thing you can do to be get better. It makes me so sad that you are shifting the attention of a harsh reality for millions of people. Both issues are important and they should not be pitted against one another. I care about animals and I care about people too. PETA will never get one cent from me again.

As feminist it also pisses me off that this skinny white woman discriminates against FAT people.

Posted by: Hortencia | June 28, 2007 05:24 PM

I’m a longtime vegetarian. But I don’t believe in pushing dietary ideals down people’s throats, (seeing as this is a free country, and all.) I don’t like it when people self-righteously try to talk me into eating meat, and I don’t like it when vegetarians attack meat-eaters with their animal-free version of bloodthirsty emotional cruelty.

People’s food choices are personal. Your letter to Michael Moore was vicious and rude. You’re right, he can take it. But that’s not the point - it marks PETA as an offensive organization, which is one of the things that keeps me away.

PETA should know it can catch more flies with maple syrup than with vinegar. Your Sexiest Veg Celeb Contest is a PERFECT example! I hope you decide to give up your addiction to harassment and choose the gentler and more effective road of positive reinforcement.

Posted by: Meryl Ann | June 28, 2007 05:33 PM

This is exactly why I am a vegan who chooses not to financially support PETA. Bullying someone into supporting you cause is so low. You all should feel ashamed and embarassed.

Posted by: Lauren | June 28, 2007 05:56 PM

Just a thought here, guys. Bullying is when the strong prey on the weak. When two titans like PETA and Michael Moore go up against each other, that's just fun. Try to have a sense of humor about it. I've never seen such a long list of prudish responses to something as innocuous as a humorous letter. Get off your high horses.

Posted by: Jeb | June 28, 2007 06:01 PM

Thank you Mike and Ariel for logic and your comments which are right on target and I strongly agree with.

Maya your clients need to be worried more about our government for reasons too numerous to list. And yes there are people who do enjoy hurting animals from all social classes and even those best "educated' formally.

Meryl Ann food choices are indeed personal especially to the animals that are being slaughtered as we speak.

Funny, why do AR activists need to justify the movement to spread compassion for animals. Other social movements don't worry they simply carry on with their agenda. Women and blacks fight for their rights and don't try to justify their stance, tactics or their respective movements.
AR activists need to just carry on and help animals in any way you can. Bush and the media have done a grat job in declaring all activists as terrorists unfortunately. Just another tactic to wear down activists and continue with the status quo.

Posted by: Anonymous | June 28, 2007 07:05 PM

One thing Michael Moore believes in is "freedom of speech." Without those who promote freedom of speach, the voice of organizations such as PETA would be squelched. We may not agree with each other, but we do have the right to express our opinions. I would not be surprised if Michael Moore was mocking PETA just because he "could." It's the "I have a voice and I'm going to use it" stance he always promotes.

Posted by: Cheri | June 28, 2007 07:05 PM

I love Ingrid Newkirk and support her 100%. I don't like it that Michael Moore hunts. It would make me very sad if Michael Moore was disrespecting animal rights. I love Michael Moore's work and his ambition to change the health care system in the USA. Michael Moore is almost as big as an elephant. He obviously has personal issues to deal with. Most people I know have issues. It is important for all of us to critize each other. Otherwise we can't learn or grow.

Posted by: Nicola Grobe | June 28, 2007 07:07 PM

Most people who are intelligent enough to care about the welfare of animals know the meaning of "the elephant in the room". They are probably also intelligent enough to realize the expression was used as a double entendre (not tasteful, but creative).

I received PETA's patronizing letter that said, in part, that Michael Moore, as a provacateur, could take it. Of course he can. But perhaps the thousands of PETA members who are overweight might take exception to the fat attack. I found it offensive enough to cease my contributions to PETA.

What are you people thinking? Michael Moore's books and films are not a forum for your message. Who would want to see photos or films of animals suffering, being killed, etc.?

I don't care for your offensive, bullying tactics and wonder how many other supporters and potential supporters you alienate through your methods.

Posted by: Terry | June 28, 2007 07:17 PM

There's a difference between holding someone's feet to the fire and throwing them in it.

Moore learned that when he bushwacked Heston. In this moment, his message was lost and it took a chunk out of Moore's credibility.

Every time the dialogue turns to name calling, we are mired in that event.

Where's the Bono of Peta?

Where's the measured voice of a true leader?

Who's turning off the killing machine?

Posted by: Lisa Waugh | June 28, 2007 07:18 PM

Wow, Ingrid has been successful in her goals, with Moore's new documentary coming out, and sidling up to the hype that goes with it. While I did not agree with the finger pointing over weight issue, it was a good ploy to stir things up. The sad thing is, so many people refuse to open their minds to this issue, and leave their meat eating lifestyle for a healthier more ethical one. I still have a hrad time, it's like quitting an addiction. So attacking Moore is the way to convert people? Moore has created a platform for speaking out against travesty, why doesn't Peta just get into the movie theatre with something sensational? I'd drag my meat eating friends and pay!

Posted by: Beth | June 28, 2007 07:22 PM

Again, Maya is speaking for me. I don't want to seem like an airhead here who has to follow others' opinions, but, if i do apolagise for not knowing the whole story behind the Michael Moore-PETA relationship, it is a bit your own fault that this wasn't said before.
Obviously it's not your job to give us a history lesson, but as long as you are showing us a not-so-soft letter, maybe show us a bit of the background so we can rest assure it's not as bad as it sounds.

Also, i think the expression also shocked me a bit more because i am foreign and i wasn't aware of its use - same when i first heard my teacher telling a student he was going in 'half-cocked' which i missinterpreted at the time *tee hee*

Either way, and going back to what MAYA said, lets keep it clean. Lets leave the agressive stuff for ALF and etc which they do better than anyone else and lets not stain PETA's efforts by showing the public we're agressive or 'weird' or 'sycos'. I'm not saying we all become hippies and go love the next, but if this man - who is doing something good for people but unffortunetley isn't animal-wise yet - isn't bending, calling him names will certainly not help us! Patience and tolerance (as well as persuasion) are the best solutions i can think of.

There are so many creative heads out there wishing to help PETA in some way or another that maybe we could even start a campaign on 'HOW TO PERSUADE MICHAEL MOORE' to respect animals as much as he respects and cares for Humans, and in this campaign no-one could use offensive, shock-therapy language.... Brief it to us, give us a symbolic prize in the end. Lets make this go somewhere interesting!

x
Sahra

Posted by: Sahra | June 28, 2007 07:23 PM

Hmmm, since when does political views/actions have to do with a person's appearance? Although I do see that Michael Moore doesn't hold back when expressing his views, I don't believe he's ever made fun of someone's appearance.

This is elementary school crap.

Regardless of the 'elephant' euphamism in the other letter, one can easily read between the lines and see the pun.

What's next for PETA's agenda? Nanny-nanny-boo-boo, you're a hypocrite if you're a fat vegetarian/vegan?

I support and contribute to PETA, but sometimes I wonder if such a group leans towards fascist tendencies.

Posted by: Leti | June 28, 2007 07:24 PM

Hi Eve,

Didn't see an answer to your question.
Are you going veg or vegan? If full-on vegan, some fake meat is made of seitan (wheat gluten). Quinoa is a an excellent protein grain with a full amino acid profile. Up here in Canada, toasted hemp seed with sea salt is legal (you won't get stoned unless you eat about 20 pounds, but it is oddly addictive---now Syd Barrett-era
Pink Floyd finally makes sense :) )

Are you allergic to soya beans? Beans are great (soya, kidney, chickpea, faba), and so are whole grains (oat groats or steel-cut oats, brown rice, hard wheat berries). Lentils are bursting with protein, as are nuts and nut butters of all kinds and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame). Good luck!

Posted by: Michael | June 28, 2007 07:27 PM

I'm confused as to why anything that Michael Moore has said or done (or not
said/done) should prompt or justify inappropriate actions by Ingrid Newkirk. Like it or not, PETA *means* animal rights at this juncture. A little more mature thought is needed when you are representing so many well-meaning people.

When not written off as a militant group, PETA is often thought of as being a mainstream animal rights organization -- the most famous protectors of animals. That is why I very much wish they would act maturely and honestly, and keep the subject of the discussion to animals only.

However, the truth about PETA's stance on companion animals and euthanasia is one way in which the organization is not at all mainstream. I have a feeling many of its celebrity supporters are unaware of it. The issue often gets buried, and then I get an email from PETA in my inbox with doggie pictures, asking for a donation. ???

In-your-face tactics are fine if they are not personal attacks, which never yield any progress. I wish PETA would not paint itself as the ultimate protectors of animals if it plans on employing both immature and misleading tactics.

Posted by: Sarah C. | June 28, 2007 07:38 PM

O.K. I didn't know that you had reached out to him before to no avail, nor did I know about his hideous stunt in-front of the PETA building mocking animal rights with signs and innocent animals as props. Disgusting! I will research more thoroughly next time before reacting in defense to PETA communicating in this same style and manner as their targeted recipient. I am also going to seriously re-think my supporting him ($$) and his passions (however much I may agree) being that I now know what his blatant disrespectful nature is towards animals.

Posted by: Bridget | June 28, 2007 08:33 PM

I didn't know Moore was such an a*****e towards animals!
If he doesn't care about the animals, what makes us think he's not making these movies 4 money? Born again Christian my a**.

Posted by: Paul Thandi | June 28, 2007 08:41 PM

Wow, I was pissed about PeTA's letter, and I still am but the stunt that Michael pulled with the animals is sick! Why do people have to be like this? That is absolutly reduculous especially since we all know that animals can feel and that they are living beings. How can he say that he cares about the world when the only ones he obviously cares about are humans?!?! I do have to say though that his movies do bring things to the publics attention, just like his new movie Sicko, I never knew about the health care issue. Its just too bad he cant open his eyes and make a film to educate the public about the meat industry.

Posted by: Corey | June 28, 2007 09:15 PM

If PETA is such a "fringe" group, I wonder why they have had such a significant impact on people and organizations all over the world???

The few individuals who have nothing better to do than try to "prove" the insignificace of PETA and its supporters really do not matter too much. The bottom line is that PETA, its members and supporters, and members of all other animal rights groups around the world are being heard, and changes are happening in a big way. I believe that some day, though unfortunately not likely in my lifetime, people will be looking back and wondering how people could have been so cruel (just like they do now regarding slavery for example).

I think the backlash against the animal rights movement is actually a positive thing. It demonstrates that those who have a vested interest in using animals for food, entertainment, clothing and experimentation, are very afraid, because they realize that animal activists are having an impact.

And Ariel, your June 28 post was very well stated! Thank you!

Now, those of us here who are trying to help the animals should all just forget about Michael Moore and whether or not Ingrid's letter was inappropriate, and let's kick some ass to save more animals!

Posted by: Michele | June 28, 2007 10:09 PM

thanks for letting us know about peta's history with michael moore. it's a drag that his past actions for the betterment of the way people are treated don't include the rest of earth's creatures. even if vegetarianism isn't in his future, i hope he will someday create a documentary on the cruelties of factory farming. i still don't agree with peta's letter to moore suggesting he change his diet...it's like having someone come to my door wanting to share their religious beliefs with me. if i wanted to know more, i can find you. meryl ann has it right - positive campaigns are far more effective in the long run than sensationalist attacks. peta is still cool at its core.

Posted by: kimberly | June 28, 2007 10:37 PM

I tried to post here before and for some reasons it wouldnt be posted. Hope this time it does cos i just want to give my view and move on.

I'm not a vegetarian cos of PETA. I'm a vegetarian cos I love animals and decided to live in a cruelty-free way, and that did lead me to become PETAs member.

However, I'm getting sick of this "I'm better cos I don't eat meat" thing. This is a big world and guess what: u might find out people is different from you! (wow, i know) Still, we have 1 world and we are expected to live like human beings, RESPECTING every individual as you want to be respected. And to respect means to let be.
If I want to be respected for being a vegetarian I have to respect meat-eaters, that's a fact.

What I eat is a personal choice, so is theirs.

Reading the posts, and since some people is being so sensitive to the negative response on PETAs campaigns I had to say: YES, face the reality, most people out there think PETA is full of dangerous, crazy extremists. Even people that is into animal rights and think the worst of PETA.
As a member/supporter of- of course I care what people think of the organization I belong to!
PETA is not making me "proud to belong" anymore.

Posted by: Nely | June 28, 2007 10:40 PM

I'm a proud supporter of PETA, and am disappointed in the comments made by Ingrid. There is just no reason to attack another person -- taking advantage of their moment in the spotlight -- to try to get your point across. It's pure negativity -- not something I want to be surrounded by. Be positive and others are likely to follow. Set a good example, and be a leader. You'll gain a lot more respect, Ingrid.

Posted by: Marla | June 28, 2007 10:49 PM

I actually have mixed feelings on the whole thing. But the bottom line is PETA has done more for animal rights across the world than any other organization could ever dream of, so who am I to question Ingrid's motives and tactics.

Posted by: Kel | June 28, 2007 11:05 PM

I believe that most of us are supporting PETA to help improve the quality of life for animals less fortunate than others. Yes Michael Moore may not respect animals as much as we do but he does respect humans and he is trying to make the population aware of social and political injustices that are brought upon us especially the less fortunate. He is aiding those who otherwise could not see and defend themselves. He may have other beliefs but please do not use the PETA name and reputation to go after someone who many respect. You yourself can write to him and call him whatever you want, by the way I’m sure he knows he’s fat, it’s no secret and in reality it makes PETA sound childish calling someone an elephant. I believe if PETA had written a letter of concern rather then attack it would have had a better outcome.

Posted by: ana maria | June 28, 2007 11:49 PM

** I know this is long, but please beat with me – THANKS!! **

This is about way more than whether or not Michael Moore’s feelings are hurt and/or whether or not he is a jerk when it comes to animal rights. It is about not stooping to the level of name-calling – ESPECIALLY when it comes to how someone looks! Although I think Moore could handle being called an “elephant” (by the way, PETA – I don’t buy your “meaning” of the elephant comment for one second!), does that mean it is okay for PETA to call him that? NO!! Despite the fact that with time, education and respectful communication Moore’s views on animal rights could indeed turn more compassionate, he is not the only person who was offended by that insensitive comment! IT IS SO MUCH MORE THAN ABOUT MICHEAL MOORE!! It is about offending all of the people (fat or not) that are, or could potentially choose to be, part of PETA.

Case in point…

As I said in my previous post, I am long-time supporter of PETA – both with trying my best to respectfully educate people and by donating all I can to help the animals. I was very much looking forward to PETA coming to my hometown last weekend to educate people on how to network with other like-minded people. I paid the $20 for the luncheon and eagerly awaited the day. A day or so before I was to attend, this whole Michael Moore, PETA making fun of fat people thing came up. It got me pretty upset and I chose not to go. Let me explain why.

I am more than 100 pounds overweight. I am a vegetarian. I also have had an eating disorder for the last 10 years (I go back and forth between excessive bingeing and excessive food restriction). To say that I am self-conscious of my body and my weight is an understatement. There are not many places that I feel I can go without being looked at, talked about and judged because of my appearance. One of the “places” I always felt I would be free from ridicule was with PETA. The people at PETA are thoughtful, compassionate people, right?? Needless to say, I now know that isn’t always the case – even when it comes to its President.

Ingrid has an enormous amount of power and influence on the people associated with this organization (not to mention the rest of the world!). Her words and actions will be emulated by many. In most cases, her influence is a wonderful thing!! She is truly an amazing woman – one whom I have admired for years. However, with her influence comes a lot of responsibility – as they say, “Shit rolls down hill”, right?? As the President and Founder of PETA, it is Ingrid’s responsibility to set the tone for the energy PETA creates. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not, for one second, saying that she is personally responsible for every word and action spoken and taken by every PETA member; BUT, she does have a certain level of accountability, don’t you think??

The other issue that this whole thing brought up is PETA’s reputation. Most people don’t understand the amount of good that PETA does for animals, and they mainly associate negative things with the group. (Nor do they give a crap that the “meaning of the word ‘radical’ stems from the Greek language meaning ‘to get to the bottom of things’”.) I find myself regularly defending PETA and the work it does, trying desperately to convince people that at its core – it is an incredible organization that makes a huge difference in its plight for the compassionate treatment of all animals. Unfortunately, most people in business (whether for- or not-for-profit) know that you could do 100 good things and no one notices, but you screw up one time and everyone is going to hear about it! (Think about the last time you ate out and had a good meal, had great service, etc. – how many people did you tell about your experience? Now think of a time when you ate out, had a long wait, your food was cold, and your waiter was rude – how many people did you tell about THAT experience??)

The point is – we all need to watch what we say, watch our actions, and treat people with respect and dignity. It doesn’t mean that we can’t be strong, stand up for what we believe in, and go against the grain. But, what it does mean is that it’s about more than our good intentions – it is about how people perceive us. Our intentions don’t amount to a pile of shit if the perception of us is off. Our words and actions have greater impact than we ever really know – just be conscious of what you say and do. I know that this whole thing has been a good lesson for me to keep myself in check.

Posted by: Pam | June 29, 2007 02:48 AM

Fair enough. But you know ignorance is bliss. From Michael Moore's work it is clear that he does care about similar issues, but like so many others he has a negative view of animal rights. The situation reminds me of NOFX, they wrote anti-animal rights songs, etc. until they actually bothered to listen to PETA. After this they had a change of heart and started getting involved with campaigns. Michael Moore mocking this good cause doesn't necesarily make him a bad person, just uneducated. Hopefully he will see the light one day, but being rude to him will just have the adverse effect.

Posted by: Eve | June 29, 2007 06:33 AM

mike,
sure whatever makes you feel better.

Posted by: rojo | June 29, 2007 09:20 AM

I agree wholeheartedly with jojo. Peta missed the point. We are not feeling sorry for Michael Moore, we are deeply disappointed with PETA's approach. It was rude and unneccesary. Why waste time badgering someone who really doesn't care...continue your great work instead!

Posted by: Cathy Colaco | June 29, 2007 10:36 AM

Anger, accusations, bitterness, moral "superiority"; with these attributes I find it unlikely that a majority of hearts and minds can be touched. 20 years ago a kind and gentle girl exposed me to a new way of thinking...I then made a choice. Lead by example people. Good-day.

Posted by: todd | June 29, 2007 11:19 AM

At first I was shocked by Ingrid's letter to Michael Moore,but after knowing some facts and the way he ridiculed PETA (and dared to used innocent animals to do it),I really don't see why one should wear white gloves (french expression) to say what he or she has to say to this man...makes me wanna throw my ''Bowling For Columbine'' dvd in the trash. Thanks to Jack for the follow up.keep the good work.

*I still believe though that a long-time constant positive approach is the best way to make people change their minds,and that Michael Moore is a man you better try to have as a friend.

Posted by: stephane Leclerc | June 29, 2007 12:01 PM

Michael Moore just wants to get rich and PETA Sucks

Posted by: Brandon | June 29, 2007 12:41 PM

I do think he is bring some important to the front.
If he's trying to make money from it that's ok.
But to be for Hunting.And make a documentaries .Saying hunting is ok.
When he made Bowling For Colunbime.
That documtentary was like those students being hunted.
If he wants to eat meat I know I can not stop that.
But he could help in the future if he thinks about it.When he may want to make other documentaries.
The Animal Kingdom is full of documentaries to be made.
And he could be helping endangered species get off on the list.As the Bald Eagle did yesterday.
"Food For Thought Mr. Moore????"

Posted by: Curtis Thiel | June 29, 2007 01:18 PM

I like Michael Moore - I like PeTA - the benefits we will all reap as a result of their actions is immeasurable. Thank you to both parties. Go see SiCKO this weekend and afterwards handout out some go veg leaflets...

Posted by: Christofu | June 29, 2007 01:43 PM

PETA ROCKS!!!! Animal abusers SUCK.

Posted by: John Carmody | June 29, 2007 02:12 PM

Hahahaha.
Michael Moore is an idiot.

Posted by: Cristyy | June 29, 2007 08:20 PM

God Bless the people of PETA. Ecclesiasted 3:19 says it all. Mankind has no right to treat animals in such horrific ways. The Bible also says in Proverbs "The Rightous man regards his beast but even the tender mercies of the unrightous are cruel. God did not need Moses to part the Red Sea but God used Moses. God is using the rightous and merciful people of PETA and I'm delighted to be a member

Posted by: Kimberly Smith | June 29, 2007 08:53 PM

Doctors will tell you that a lot of medicines are made from plants. And a lot of doctors are liking healthy foods !
Maybe Mike has not had the time to delve into animal rights yet ??? Or a vegan diet ??? How about organic ?
Would Ingrid consider sending a shipment of vegan foods to Mr. Moore so that
he may try them ?
Ever try to controle diabetic problems with a vegan diet ?
How about clogged arteries ?
I am reading that even lupus sufferers might be helped by a vegan diet.
And you thought that tobacco lawsuits were interesting !

Posted by: f s | June 29, 2007 09:25 PM

I have to say that Emily (refer to quote below my statement)wrote her response
as if she was speaking for me, too. You don't have to tell me that a vegan diet is better for your health and animals. I already know and agree. The "elephant in the room" as being merely an expression, not a shot at his weight, IS insulting to my intelligence. Would you have used that expression with someone who looked like, say, Nicole Richie or another skinny person?
These pot shots are exactly what turn people off of PETA. I even know animal rights activists who don't care for PETA for this reason, too. Personally, I enjoy many of your campaigns, but in some cases disagree. This is obviously one of them:)
No one here who is an a.r. activist is for anyone who is anti-animal rights or welfare. Many of us are just against name-calling. I find the organizations who seem to get even the most stubborn people on their side for the animals are the ones which take a mature approach. This is not to say that you have not made progress. You most certainly have. I do applaud that.

***I saw on t.v. tonight that Al Gore has lost weight. Has anyone tried to find out how or congratulate him on his weight loss? Even if he still eats meat, it's a good gesture to give praise for his efforts in weight loss and utilize this good will to possible open other gates towards him going vegetarian.***

Cheers,
Heather

"About the use of "elephant in the room". Yes, it's an expression but to claim that Ingrid was not using that expression to poke fun at Micheal's size is being disingenuous. Please do not insult my intelligence. I understand puns. Ingrid was obviously making a play on the expression. Why try to deny it? It's not that big of a deal.

Anyway, I noticed that you said nothing about the fact that Ingrid may have hurt many overweight supporters of PETA.
Yeah, Micheal Moore is an A-hole but it has nothing to with his weight. Again, you can be fat, vegan, and an animals rights activist. I'm all three. Stereotypes aren't very useful."

Posted by: Heather | June 30, 2007 02:10 AM

I never minded PETA until recently. Firstly how can anyone take seriously a organisation that has a pron star as their spokesperson and secondly an attack on Michael Moore as being fat and a meat eater. Your point being. There are millions of fat meat eaters.
Are you runiing out of things to say...
As they say if you have nothing worth saying keep your mouth shut.

Posted by: Blogsworth | June 30, 2007 04:10 PM

Michael Moore is a fat ignorant man. He profiteers from playing on European stereotypes of USA and Americans and playing into anything that will arouse enough controversy to sell himself. One, of many examples, of his "spinning" things is how he glorified Cuba's healthcare but then saw to that the camera scanned quickly over the list showing Cuba coming in after USA in healthcare--funny that is! He is the size of a small elephant so "an elephant in the room" is quite a funny play on words! One poster asked if we assume he eats dead animals because he is fat; YES. Among other reasons. Vegetarians usually do not get obese due to the healthy nature of our diets. We also avoid a myriad of other health problems. Plus this man has glorified his grotesque eating habits and has the nerve to ridicule people for caring for animals; and then has the nerve to act as if he is a moral authority on human rights. If you do not respect your fellow creatures they should not respect you!

Posted by: Alexis | June 30, 2007 05:40 PM

ahhh, Jack, c'mon now. i just read your letter to PETA members, commenting on the huge response your blog got from Ingrid's letter to MM. you refer to the excitement of discussion on both sides of the issue, when it was painfully clear that a VAST majority of people took credible issue with Ingrid's letter. obviously, she used the expression (and, yes, we do all know it's an expression) "elephant in the room" as a double-entendre - OBVIOUSLY. there's one point here, and only one point: your message is not heard if you slam it in someone's face, insulting them in the process. we can talk all day about MM's stance on animal rights, or how he can be tough, so he must have a thick skin, but that wasn't the specific point of Ingrid's letter. the bottom line is, and i'll say it again, she owes him an apology.

Posted by: Ginny Rankin | June 30, 2007 07:11 PM

Micheal Moore and Peta are both one sided and act immature alot of the time in protecting their causes, even if they are often extremely good causes.

Both can be misguided and radical, as I myself admit I can also be when I feel passionate about something.

Sometime I do stupid things out of emotion, and then look back later and then it's palm to forehead.

I do not believe caring about animal rights is a waste of life, however. Very much the opposite. Any unjust suffering of women, men, children, and animals should be ended if possible, esp. when it's done because of stupid reasons like fashion or circus acts, etc.

Posted by: Jane | July 1, 2007 09:22 AM

Is this some kind of joke? Ms Ingrid something's whole letter reeks of the schoolyard malice which is shameful when served by children, but downright disgusting coming from an adult. Why would this woman send a letter to someone who doesn't like her anyway?

Posted by: Rachel | July 1, 2007 07:25 PM

As a right-winger, I'm not all that fond of Michael Moore. His new flick, Sicko, does make a big point. Ingrid Newkirk has no right to criticize his weight and attribute it to eating animals. Ever heard of genetics? I weigh 110 lbs (female, 5'5") and am an avid beef-eater. In fact, I raise cattle and sheep, and fatten my own stock to butcher. I believe that while PETA may have had the right things at heart when it developed, Ingrid Newkirk has taken the group in a tragic direction. I am NOT an animal abuser because I eat meat. And I'm not fat from it, either!

Posted by: Deej | July 1, 2007 09:33 PM

You are nit-picking Michael Moore. There are more important things to complain about. Obviously the one's who object have not seen his recent movie "sicko". If gave him a little breathing room, maybe you would have a better chance of bringing him in on your side.

Posted by: Laurie | July 2, 2007 01:25 AM

that dudes a joke, he only feels like showing the bad side of everything,

Posted by: joseph | July 2, 2007 01:56 AM

Erm, why would PETA want anything to do with Michael Moore? He is low brow, repulsive and hated. The stereotype of him as a 'burger eater' is great, as he is a walking argument against meat consumption. It would be disastrous to have him on side. No offence to my American AR cousins, but Moore is representative of everything that is gross about the USA. You have to remember not to confuse 'progressive politics' with Animal Rights. We have supporters from the far left to far right and everyone in between. AR is NOT a political issue, and having left wing sensationalists like Moore on side would be a major setback.

Posted by: Sean | July 2, 2007 12:07 PM

You should use you time for more useful thing, like curing world hunger. Not trying to eliminate a source of food. Show me a picture of a kid from Etheopia starving and an animal in a slaughter house, and the kid would get my sympathy. You would rather save a sheep then save a life and that's wrong.

Posted by: Justin | July 2, 2007 05:34 PM

Personally, I think that blog hurts both parties more than it helps. I haven't lost my respect for Mr Moore, but the blogger could use a big can of "When I am about to say something stupid, I should just shut up".

Posted by: Dave Darby | July 2, 2007 06:27 PM

I am disappointed with PETA. Michael Moore is trying to raise awareness in order to help human beings. I realize that PETA is not about helping human beings, but why in the world would you call someone a gray elephant. This is ugly. You are not attacking Michael Moore; you are attacking every person who is overweight. Not only were you being petty to someone who should be considered a hero, but you were attacking all overweight people. Maybe since PETA is so worried about animals, PETA forgot how to deal with humans. Maybe PETA should be called IMUS instead.

Posted by: y | July 2, 2007 06:57 PM

PETA has bigger fish to fry and wasting their time on personal attacks on any person is demeaning not only to the person but to PETA's ability to gain more global support. These type of petty outrageous stunts geared only for publicity makes me reconsider my support for PETA everytime. How about rising above the fray and work to educate more, not ostrasizing anyone for any reason. My PETA donation envelopes will go into the trash until I see some real mea culpa regarding this attack and until the petty attacking nature of how PETA does business and their childish hate mongering stops.

Posted by: Stephanie | July 2, 2007 07:18 PM

PETA can certainly disagree with the way Michael Moore has handled animals but to take aim at his weight is a very CHEAP shot. PETA is not Weight-Watchers - PETA is an organization for the animals that do not have a voice in their treatment. Very poor PETA.

Posted by: Dee | July 2, 2007 07:42 PM

Ingrid says: "personal responsibility is a big part of why people look and feel as ill as they do." This is true. MMoore's movie is about the healthcare INDUSTRY. However, please don't make it sound like people who do end up getting sick and run into headaches with the healthcare system could've avoided it all by being vegetarian. That is a very naive way to think.
p.s. (I hope this message makes it past the PETA filter)

Posted by: Dee | July 2, 2007 07:47 PM

Some advice about his diet?

No... you called him an elephant, and made several other obnoxious comments about his weight.

I'm not concerned about Moore's feelings -- I'm pissed off because an organization I usually support is acting like a bunch of 6 year olds on a playground! Calling names? not a good way to educate!

As an overweight veggie myself, I find the whole thing offensive, and it only makes PETA look like the whackjobs so many say they are!

Posted by: H.A.F | July 2, 2007 08:08 PM

M. Moore is a basically just a hypocrite and a huge speciesist (and I didn't mean fat when I said huge, gosh). He shows so much interest and compassion for the human race, but he just stops there; like that's enough. He expects everyone to go out and change their ways; but he can't even do that for an issue so important as this. Hypocrite.

Posted by: JLK | July 3, 2007 01:59 AM

I guess Michael Moore is more interested in improving people's lives rather than animal's.
Personally, I think meat is a very important part in our diet, otherwise we would have the same digestive system than the one of cows!

Posted by: Alejandro | July 3, 2007 03:25 PM

The health system is overloaded with preventable lifestyle related illnesses. I think Ingrid is right in pointing this out. Our health is mostly our responsibility and not the government's.
A prime contributing factor to this epidemic is the massive consumption of meat in America.
I have not seen Sicko, but if it does not address this fact,I think it is not a balanced documentary and Mr.Moore is nothing more than
a hypocrite.

Posted by: suze | July 3, 2007 06:48 PM

Where did this aparent story come from? About him sending a bunch of people dressed up as animals and sending such a nasty message. It doest sound realistic...where is the proof...
I am honestly curious...i always thought Moore was a down to earth good guy.

Posted by: SAB | July 3, 2007 07:38 PM

It's just outrageous that PETA wants to criticize Michael Moore because of his body size, particularly since his movie wasn’t about personal health—it was about cor