Michael Moore’s new film, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” opened Friday. The film tackles the U.S. economic system and the banking and financial crisis of the past year. The Denver Post took two local business leadersDirk de Roos and Vitaliy Katsenelson — to the film to get their opinions, and solicited reactions from attendees at Friday’s showing. Here’s what they had to say:
DIRK DE ROOS, 64, an attorney and partner at Faegre & Benson.
“Moore’s premise: Everything used to be better back in the ’50s and ’60s. The world was good, jobs were secure, people were happy, and the sun shone down on a beaming little Michael Moore. . . . Capitalism has destroyed the 1950s world Moore loved. Capitalism is evil.
“The rest of the move is a series of vignettes to prove this point. One point certainly hits home hard, the huge and repeated misdeeds of those who are trusted. But under the theory of throw it all on the wall and see what sticks, Moore soon drifts away to seemingly random clips about people behaving badly.”
MIKE HARRIS, 42, a carpenter and north Denver resident.
“The part that got to me emotionally was listening to President Frank Delano Roosevelt talk about a second bill of rights that would offer Americans the opportunity for a home, education, the ability to make a decent living and health care. What could have been a huge turning point was lost. We were sold a bill of goods that it is through your own effort or lack thereof to achieve those things. Those opportunities don’t exist for everyone.
“I will be recommending the film every chance I get.”
VITALIY KASENELSON, 36, a portfolio manager with Investment Management Associates in Denver and a Russian emigre.
“Don’t kid yourself, this piece of work is not a documentary. It lacks objectivity and has no intention of seeking the truth, and it is anti-American and anti-capitalist propaganda.
“There is little information in this movie. Moore spends the bulk of the film going through our country’s trash and presenting it as the main course.
“Moore neglects to admit that capitalism has brought people out of poverty and socialism sunk them there. He offers no alternative to our ‘broken’ capitalism system other than let’s have ‘democracy.’ “
JOHN McELRATH, 65, retired U.S. Air Force and Denver resident.
“Democracy is a farce. This country and Congress are run by 1 percent of the people, the rich. The system is absurd, and abuses have gotten to absurd levels. Moore says there will be revolution. If something doesn’t change in this country very soon, within a couple years, it will happen. This film should be mandatory viewing in all schools in the city.”
