M Moore vs Aladdin Casino

[RoninLB]

I got this in e-mail yesterday.



You may recall, the Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas "through out" Linda Ronstadt for her anti American stance while performing. This caused Michael Moore to send a strong letter of complaint to the President of the Aladddin.

Here is his letter, and the reply from Mr. Timmins.
Response to Michael Moore's, "Open Letter to Bill Timmins, President Aladdin Casino and Hotel"

As you most likely know, Michael Moore posted the following letter: After the letter, you will find the response... PLEASE READ MR. TIMMINS RESPONSE. IT IS EXCELLENT. KUDOS TO MR. TIMMINS!


Bill Timmins
President Aladdin Casino and Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
July 20, 2004

Dear Mr. Timmins:

I understand from the news reports I've read that, after Linda Ronstadt, one of America's greatest singers, dedicated a song to me from your stage on Saturday night, you instructed your security guards to remove her from the Aladdin, which they did. What country do you live in? Last time I checked, Las Vegas is still in the United States. And in the United States, we have
something called "The First Amendment." This constitutional right gives everyone here the right to say whatever they want to say. All Americans hold this right as sacred. Many of our young people put on a uniform and risk their lives to defend it. My film is all about asking the questions that should have been asked before
those brave soldiers were sent into harms way. For you to throw Linda Ronstadt off the premises because she dared to say a few words in support of me and my film, is simply stupid and Un-American.

Frankly, I have never heard of such a thing happening. I read that you wouldn't even let her go back up to her room at your hotel! Are you crazy?
For crying out loud, it was a song DEDICATION! To "Desperado!" Every American loves that song! Sure, some people didn't like the dedication, and that's their right. But neither they nor you have the right to remove her from your building when all she did was exercise her AMERICAN right to speak her mind. Of all the things that go on in Las Vegas, this is what creates the need for serious action? What about the other half of the crowd at the Aladdin
who, according to the Las Vegas Sun, cheered her when she made her remarks?

Did you throw them out, too?
I think you owe Ms. Ronstadt an apology. And I have an idea how you can make it up to her -- and to the millions of Americans you have offended. Invite her back and I'll join her in singing "America the Beautiful" on your stage. Then I will show "Fahrenheit 9/11" free of charge to all your guests
and anyone else in Las Vegas who wants to see it. Mr. Timmins, as the song "Desperado" says -- "Come to your senses!" How can you refuse this offer? I await your reply.

Yours,

Michael Moore Director, "Fahrenheit 9/11"
===============================================
> > Response
> > ===============================================

July 21, 2004

Attention: Michael Moore,
In response to your letter dated July 20, 2004: You are correct that I had security remove Linda Ronstadt from Aladdin Casino and Hotel where the fun never ends and everybody wins.

How very interesting to learn you are such a fan of Ms. Ronstadt. You questioned where I live and surprisingly knew Las Vegas is in the United States. You should visit it sometime. There are thousands of wonderful 'All You Can Eat' buffets.

There are also a lot of casinos who's owners don't **** around. I am aware of the First Amendment and you have the right to talk about your hatred of America but once you are on my property and you are upsetting my guests, you will quickly learn about my rights. I can't remember if it was Jesus or George W. Bush that said, "Freedom is a two-way street." Ms. Ronstadt learned this long before I had her thrown out of my casino. You question my
actions? If you come onto my property and upset my guests, you will receive the same, if not worse, treatment than Ms. Ronstadt received. I am sure your mere presence would upset my guests.

You claim your film, "...is all about asking the questions that should have been asked before those brave soldiers
were sent into harms way." I think your film does nothing but aid the enemy and hurt our troops. You have betrayed our troops, our leader and America. I have no respect for you or your vision of what America should be. I paid Ms. Ronstadt to entertain
my guests, not divide them. The half that did not leave probably thought the verse you mentioned, "Why don' you come to your senses" was addressed to you. Maybe she should have dedicated her song, 'You're No Good' to you. I would have asked her back, had she done that. Regarding your request for me
to apologize to her, have you and her on my stage singing anything about this Country and then playing your piece of
**** film is ludicrous!

One of my workers is currently throwing away every complaint letter from brainless followers of you, claiming they will never visit my Casino. I could not be more pleased to know my casino and hotel will always be void of the kind of people who support you. Meanwhile, my hotel has been quickly booked solid for the rest of the year with true Americans who love this Country and support our efforts overseas. They will see a framed copy
of your letter and my response in the lobby to ensure they begin their experience with a laugh.

Sincerely,
Bill Timmins President Aladdin Casino and Hotel Las Vegas, NV

[john70t]

Nice. What was Moore thinking he'd say? His house, his rules (to a point). Discrimination through politics and personality? Still legal.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by john70t

Nice. What was Moore thinking he'd say?

Moore became great in his own mind. He also cracks himself up when he tells a joke.. go figure.

[Mule]

I got 20 to 1 MM won't show his fat as$ at the Alladin. Any takers?

[mikester]

She was wrong to expect that she had the freedom to say what she wanted on someone else's dime.

She can say what she wants but she can't expect that it won't have any consequences.

Michael Moore's talent with facts are about as entertaining as an episode of "the Family guy" and in exactly the same way.

[RickM]

Beautiful, simply beautiful.

[RickM]

Originally posted by mikester
She was wrong to expect that she had the freedom to say what she wanted on someone else's dime.

But she's "one of America's greatest singers" ?????

[Scooter]

[Rot 911]

This to me had the smell of urban legend all over it. A quick google search confirmed my sense of smell is still good.

"Comments: The open letter from Michael Moore to Aladdin Casino and Hotel president Bill Timmins, taking him to task for firing Linda Ronstadt after she dedicated her song "Desperado" to Moore and called him "a great American patriot," is authentic (see original on MichaelMoore.com).

The purported response from Timmins is not. It was originally posted on the conservative forum FreeRepublic.com on July 21, 2004 by a member nicknamed Jayhawk5150. Only after its provenance was questioned did the poster reveal it was a joke, saying it should have been entitled "Suggested Reply to Moore's Letter."

[Scooter]

Although I am not gullible enough to believe everything I read (especially in OT), I still like the letter.

[VaSteve]

Too bad it's fake. I would have liked Tabs to go over and take a photo for us.

[djmcmath]

Bummer. I feel kind of stupid now, as I fell for it. It had the ring of a jaded, un-PC casino owner who had seen and done all sorts of bizarre things, and was totally unafraid to disrespect MM in writing. Oh, well.

Dan

[tabs]

Originally posted by VaSteve
Too bad it's fake. I would have liked Tabs to go over and take a photo for us.

Before or after the Buffets?

[tabs]

This town wouldn't be big enough for MM and me, there aren't enough buffets....Just by looking at him I know I would be in for a serious challenge...

[928ram]

Wasn't that casino already sold and turned over just a couple days after her appearance? So MM wrote a letter to someon he new wouldn't recieve it (gee..why's that familiar) and he brags about it??

OF course if the letter was recieved, the course of not responding is clearly the most admirable course; MM isn't worth a sheet of paper, envelope or a couple drops of ink, let alone a $0.37 stamp.

[911pcars]

"Timmon's" letter reminds us that not everything you read on the net is factual even though you agree with it. In that regard, the Internet is but a huge rumor mill. In fact, what comes out of a politicians mouth is suspect as well, even though you agree with it.

Geez, the sources for getting facts are getting scarcer aren't they? Think about the "facts" we'll hear if there's a national security czar controlled by the commander-n-chief.

Sherwood

[sammyg2]

I lost all respect for Linda Ronstadt when I saw her in a hot tub with Barney drinking margaritas and singing the "Plow King" theme song.

No, that's not exactly right. I never had any respect for her at all, nor any of the other self-indulgent celebrity-turned activists who think that just because somone pays then for entertaiment gives them a forum to express their political opinion. That's not why they are there, that's not why they are getting paid, they have no business turning their job into a political commercial.
None of them pay for a 30 second spot on NBC to air their views, why should they steal the time to do it from the fans who paid for that time?

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by sammyg2
I lost all respect for Linda Ronstadt when I saw her in a hot tub with Barney drinking margaritas and singing the "Plow King" theme song.

Uh,...

"Mr. Plow, That's the Name, The Name again is Mr Plow."

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by sammyg2

I lost all respect for Linda Ronstadt when I saw her in

I kinda thought anyone that was associated with Leon Russell would be ok.. I guess I needed a 25yr up-date.

[techweenie]

There's one born every minute.

Aladdin management has invited Ronstadt back *with* Moore.

The guy who threw her out was in his last week or so of employment before the new owners took over.