Michael Moore In Trouble For Cuba Trip

Treasury Investigation; Moore Took Sept. 11 Workers To Banned Island For Treatment

(AP)  Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore is under investigation by the U.S. Treasury Department for taking ailing Sept. 11 rescue workers to Cuba for a segment in his upcoming health-care documentary "Sicko," The Associated Press has learned.

The investigation provides another contentious lead-in for a provocative film by Moore, a fierce critic of President Bush. In the past, Moore's adversaries have fanned publicity that helped the filmmaker create a new brand of opinionated blockbuster documentary.

"Sicko" promises to take the health-care industry to task the way Moore confronted America's passion for guns in "Bowling for Columbine" and skewered Bush over his handling of Sept. 11 in "Fahrenheit 9/11."

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control notified Moore in a letter dated May 2 that it was conducting a civil investigation for possible violations of the U.S. trade embargo restricting travel to Cuba. A copy of the letter was obtained Tuesday by the AP.

"This office has no record that a specific license was issued authorizing you to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba," Dale Thompson, OFAC chief of general investigations and field operations, wrote in the letter to Moore.

In February, Moore took about 10 ailing workers from the Ground Zero rescue effort in Manhattan for treatment in Cuba, said a person working with the filmmaker on the release of "Sicko." The person requested anonymity because Moore's attorneys had not yet determined how to respond.

Moore, who scolded Bush over the Iraq war during the 2003 Oscar telecast, received the letter Monday, the person said. "Sicko" premieres May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival and debuts in U.S. theaters June 29.

Moore declined to comment, said spokeswoman Lisa Cohen.

After receiving the letter, Moore arranged to place a copy of the film in a "safe house" outside the country to protect it from government interference, said the person working on the release of the film.

Treasury officials declined to answer questions about the letter. "We don't comment on enforcement actions," said department spokeswoman Molly Millerwise.

The letter noted that Moore applied Oct. 12, 2006, for permission to go to Cuba "but no determination had been made by OFAC." Moore sought permission to travel there under a provision for full-time journalists, the letter said.

According to the letter, Moore was given 20 business days to provide OFAC with such information as the date of travel and point of departure; the reason for the Cuba trip and his itinerary there; and the names and addresses of those who accompanied him, along with their reasons for going.

Potential penalties for violating the embargo were not indicated. In 2003, the New York Yankees paid the government $75,000 to settle a dispute that it conducted business in Cuba in violation of the embargo. No specifics were released about that case.

"Sicko" is Moore's follow-up to 2004's "Fahrenheit 9/11," a $100 million hit criticizing the Bush administration over Sept. 11. Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" won the 2002 Oscar for best documentary.

A dissection of the U.S. health-care system, "Sicko" was inspired by a segment on Moore's TV show "The Awful Truth," in which he staged a mock funeral outside a health-maintenance organization that had declined a pancreas transplant for a diabetic man. The HMO later relented.

At last September's Toronto International Film Festival, Moore previewed footage shot for "Sicko," presenting stories of personal health-care nightmares. One scene showed a woman who was denied payment for an ambulance ride after a head-on collision because it was not pre-approved.

Moore's opponents have accused him of distorting the facts, and his Cuba trip provoked criticism from conservatives including former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson, who assailed the filmmaker in a blog at National Review Online.

"I have no expectation that Moore is going to tell the truth about Cuba or health care," wrote Thompson, the subject of speculation about a possible presidential run. "I defend his right to do what he does, but Moore's talent for clever falsehoods has been too well documented."

The timing of the investigation is reminiscent of the firestorm that preceded the Cannes debut of "Fahrenheit 9/11," which won the festival's top prize in 2004. The Walt Disney Co. refused to let subsidiary Miramax release the film because of its political content, prompting Miramax bosses Harvey and Bob Weinstein to release "Fahrenheit 9/11" on their own.

The Weinsteins later left Miramax to form the Weinstein Co., which is releasing "Sicko." They declined to comment on the Treasury investigation, said company spokeswoman Sarah Levinson Rothman.

[randalds]

Give 'em hell Michael!

The only problem I've ever had with Michael is that he's just a bit too far to the right for my political taste. Other then that I salute him from one middle aged slightly overweight liberal from Michigan to another!

Stay strong man! The only reason the right wing hates you is because you keep exposing their hypocrisy and they can't face the truth about their sleazy ways or the even sleazier ways of their so called "leaders"! Well SCR*EW 'EM! Just keep on telling the truth and don't let the bas*tards wear you down!

[drinuk]

Let us hope that Moore has the wit and courage to blow the Big Pharma/FDA and government corruption apart. Someone has to have the "Balls" to do it soon, otherwise we will all be under six feet of earth.

[neoconrcrazy]

Go Moore Go!

Thank heavens for open criticsm and opinions!

Bravo Mr. Moore!

[tcs911]

"otherwise we will all be under six feet of earth".... Reality check, drinuk. Will watching this film bring you immortality? I think even with the benefit of Mr. Moore's latest insightful propoganda, he too will eventually find himeself "under six feet of earth". No governmental health care system in the world can protect you from reality.

[acauble1]

"The only problem I've ever had with Michael is that he's just a bit too far to the right for my political taste."

Posted by RandalDS at 04:00 AM : May 10, 2007
........

That's a first! Michael Moore accused of being "a bit too far to the right...", wow!

Well, Randal, I know you've admitted to being a Liberal, your opinions reflect that, and that's fine. But I just don't see Michael Moore's politics being anything close to Conservative, or even moderate. (Yes, I have watched his documentaries).

The irony is that Government policy only helps Castro.

Regardless, who really cares if Moore went to Cuba - it's not like he invaded Iraq based on lies and deception or is responsible for the deaths of countless civilians.

It's funny though - Osama Bin Laden still hasn't been indicted for September 11, but the Treasury Dept will waste resources investigating his trip to Cuba.

Heck, they should just watch his movie when it comes out.

They'll know all about his trip then.

[acauble1]

With Michael Moore's reputation, I feel that this latest documentary "Sicko" will unfortunately be rejected by many who don't associate themselves with the politics he shares.

And that's sad because I'm sure his latest documentary will expose many of the facts and truths that anyone, of any political color, would be able to relate to.

The problems of the health care industry have transcended multiple presidential administrations, and have been fixed by none of them. It is unlikely for a full Democratic Congress and Presidential Administration to improve the situation, (if such a scenario exists after 2008).

A subsidized health care option for people should exist, but free market health care should also exist along side the federal system as well! It works in Canada, and statistics have proven that more Canadians are chosing private health care over the government system. However, the Canadian government health care system is better than nothing for the lower income citizens who cannot afford the private system.

[acauble1]

It would be nice to have a subsidized health care system along side the private system, and make them compete! One of the most ridiculous arguments against a fedrally subsidized HMO is the association of that to the opperations of the U.S. Postal Service. That arguement is obviously made by those who do not understand anything about the U.S.P.S. In fact, the U.S.P.S. opperates very efficiently, considering their level of daily volume. Also, the U.S. Postal Service competes very nicely against the likes of FedEx, DHL, and UPS, and neither of those have the volume that the U.S.P.S. handles on a daily basis, COMBINED! (Even with the increased rates in postage).

Imagine if there was no U.S. Postal Service. The cost to simply mail a slim envelope of anything would be astronomical! It would be well over the rate of a single postage stamp that we take for granted now.

And, America without a subsidized health care option for lower income Americans, has allowed the private system to collude and gouge every American who relies on basic health care when they need it most.

[acauble1]

It would be nice to have a subsidized health care system along side the private system, and make them compete! One of the most ridiculous arguments against a fedrally subsidized HMO is the association of that to the opperations of the U.S. Postal Service. That arguement is obviously made by those who do not understand anything about the U.S.P.S. In fact, the U.S.P.S. opperates very efficiently, considering their level of daily volume. Also, the U.S. Postal Service competes very nicely against the likes of FedEx, DHL, and UPS, and neither of those have the volume that the U.S.P.S. handles on a daily basis, COMBINED! (Even with the increased rates in postage).

Imagine if there was no U.S. Postal Service. The cost to simply mail a slim envelope of anything would be astronomical! It would be well over the rate of a single postage stamp that we take for granted now.

And, America without a subsidized health care option for lower income Americans, has allowed the private system to collude and gouge every American who relies on basic health care when they need it most.

[cnjcc]

If this weren't so serious, it would be laughable how the powerful politicians react to being embarrased or criticized. They're going to pull out every law, fine, etc. they can find by way of revenge.

While Moore does on occasion embellish some facts to make his point, the central message is accurate, and anyway, how is that different than the outright lying to Congressional inquiries and the American public that goes on in Washington?

[cnjcc]

If this weren't so serious, it would be laughable how the powerful politicians react to being embarrased or criticized. They're going to pull out every law, regulation, fine, etc. they can find by way of revenge.

While Moore does on occasion embellish some facts to make his point, the central message is accurate, and anyway, how is that different than the outright lying to Congressional inquiries and the American public that goes on in Washington?

[ekdog]

How is it that we American, who give so much lip service to how free we are, are not allowed to travel to certain countries. Meanwhile, the Europeans and others are free to travel where they please.

What a shame!

[cnjcc]

If this weren't so serious, it would be laughable how the powerful politicians react to being embarrased or criticized. They're going to pull out every law, regulation, fine, etc. they can find by way of revenge, and they're too stupid to realize that their high-profile responses are what are making Moore more famous, and his documentaries more popular.

While Moore does on occasion embellish some facts to make his point, the central message is accurate, and anyway, how is that different than the outright lying to Congressional inquiries and the American public that goes on in Washington?

[gunnerv1]

Moore has gone so far to the right, he's now a left wing extreamist

[space_poet]

Gunner, you ca't even spell 'Left wing extreamist'

[johnpatrick9]

The New England Journal of Medicine reported in 2006 that due to the lack of universal health care in the United States of America some 18,000 Americans die an earlier death. We place at 17 behind other nations where the citizens live longer for they all have "preventive'' UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. Our corporate system of health care is worse than terrorism but lets keep waving the flag and don't be a critic. My sister went to Germany where they "covered" her for cancer treatment which she could not receive in the USA due to a lack of insurance! Stayed six months was cured and the Germans covered the cost after checking her finances. "YOUR WEALTH is not a priority here it is your health and what we can learn from your situation as well." God Bless MOORE for the Truth zings the selfish and the blissfully ignorant. We do so little for our average citizens for all goes to the well connected only. We have some 43,000,000 Americans without HEALTH CARE BUT WE CAN BLOW $400,000,000,000 IN IRAQ!!?? Time to WAKE UP.

[cnjcc]

Ok ... I finally figured out why some posts appear multiple times. It's because when you hit the Publish button, and they tell you it's been temporarily disabled so other people will be able to respond, the conclusion, (supported by your comment not appearing), is that it didn't get published.

However, what they really mean is that "we actually accepted your comment (even 'though we told you we didn't), and we hold it for several minutes, and then publish it.

[ralan40]

While Moore does on occasion embellish some facts to make his point, the central message is accurate, and anyway, how is that different than the outright lying to Congressional inquiries and the American public that goes on in Washington?
Posted by cbsn9000 at 06:58 AM : May 10, 2007

...Where do you get that, cbsn9000???
Lets see, he did a movie about not being able to do an interview with Roger Smith (roger and me). He had gotten the interview but didn't mention that in the movie...despite the fact that the whole premise of the movie was that he never got one. How can you reconcile that minor detail to the phrase "the central message is accurate"??? Stupid things happen to people because of stupid employees, not because the industry is stupid. It happens in every industry. What we have now in regards to healthcare is better than having the government run it. Why do people think the government is going to resolve healthcare problems when they have failed in the past to make anything efficient, fair or cost effective?

[ralan40]

While Moore does on occasion embellish some facts to make his point, the central message is accurate, and anyway, how is that different than the outright lying to Congressional inquiries and the American public that goes on in Washington?
Posted by cbsn9000 at 06:58 AM : May 10, 2007

...Where do you get that, cbsn9000???
Lets see, he did a movie about not being able to do an interview with Roger Smith (roger and me). He had gotten the interview but didn't mention that in the movie...despite the fact that the whole premise of the movie was that he never got one. How can you reconcile that minor detail to the phrase "the central message is accurate"??? Stupid things happen to people because of stupid employees, not because the industry is stupid. It happens in every industry. What we have now in regards to healthcare is better than having the government run it. Why do people think the government is going to resolve healthcare problems when they have failed in the past to make anything efficient, fair or cost effective?

[luvny-2009]

In February, Moore took about 10 ailing workers from the Ground Zero rescue effort in Manhattan for treatment in Cuba.

Maybe if we took better care of those people AND OUR RETURNING SOLDIERS then things may have been different. Those people and our soldiers deserve the BEST of care!

[rational_1]

As part of his documentary about the health care system I hope he also documents Americans' self-destructive propensities towards overindulgence in crappy food and loathing of exercise, perhaps including his own lard-*** self as an example. Want to make a significant cut in the huge medical costs incurred by people the States? Get your kids away from the X-box and go bike riding with them (and not to McDonalds). Make sure you invite Moore along, even though he'll slow you down.

[ctrindle]

good enough for him.. Throw that communist left wing in the slammer with Paris Hilton for a while... They deserve each other...

[rational_1]

Hmmmm... I wonder if, in his health care documentary, Moore will touch on Americans' love affair with crappy food and loathing of exercise, perhaps using his own lard-*** self as an example. Want to make health care more affordable? Drag your kid away from his X-box or rap videos and go for a bike ride (and not to McDonalds). And take Moore with you, even though he'll slow you down. During the ride he can tell you how great Cuba's health care system is.

[mahdeealoo]

Michael could also tell us how amazingly beautiful Cuba is. A tropical paradise that is locked in the 1950's from what other travelers to Cuba have said.

Every country has it's "stuff". We have a throw away society and corrupt government - a direct reflection of the people - from corporate heads all the way down to the city street workers.

I laud Michael's efforts to expose untruths, maybe some will be righted before Mother Nature steps in to do some major butt kicking. I hear she has a talent for that.

[ov442]

Its hypocritical for you hate filled micheal moore bashers to sit there and discuss your bullsh*t views on his movies, while yet you Always Ignore the FACT that health insurance companies routinely deny coverage to people in desperate need and emergencies because of industry policies that fight so many claims.
---And this is what the man is fighting to stop from happening.
An = # of US citizens that are screwed by their health insurance companies are Republican morons that voted for their Republican corrupt politicians that support anything the Pharmaceutical and Insurance industry wants.

They Dont check your voting preference before they put a $9./hour telemarketer on the phone with your doctor to argue with him about what treatments you can get.

[infidel_us]

During the ride he can tell you how great Cuba's health care system is.
Posted by rational_1 at 08:25 AM : May 10, 2007

Bravo! Well said.

[aznyron-2009]

the real joke is about Cuba why is it we are not allowed to go to Cuba since D D Eishenhower was Pres. now I will tell you a story why did the USA back Fidel Castro ? To over throw Batista because the mob was in bed with Batista and the CIA wanted the casino in cuba to fund there covert operations but when castro destroyed the casino the us gov. stop the money so castro being smart went to Krucheve so the double cross works both ways LOL did you all see the godfather movies story in there with out US support fidel could not have won

[jmagarotz]

Michael Moore is living proof that P.T. Barnum was right. He said,"There's a sucker born every minute" and I might add, "There's someone out there to take him (or her)". From reading these comments there's a bunch of suckers waiting to be taken by "Gubment Healthcare"!

[comfortmd1]

i love the CHINtastic picture!!!

actually he was unable to get roger to finish a taped interview(roger and me), after a prelim that had been completed previously. i just find the whole thing silly.

bush demanded the senate and congress lower benefits for veterans repeatedly during the early part of his tenure. people seem to forget that. they were stopped by senate democrats who filibustered (as far as i could find out, there may have been other things they did that for). When the health care issue for the VA came up, uit was not viewed as a benefit dump, so it passed through cleanly. now, several scape goats later, bush is trying to cleanse his image by saying its all "the other guy's fault"

The 9/11 volunteers were mandated by bush cronies in the epa that the work they were doing was "safe". They have since been mostly denied health benefits. i think moore is being persecuted because bush didn't take care of things first

[asor1-2009]

I lost track of time, when did we cease to be a free country? Free to travel where ever we please.
Furthermore, we deny the masses good health care (in the richest country on the globe) and bestow the elite with every possible modern remedy in addition to yearly physicals that run up into the thousands.
We've spoon fed this "documentary" to MM. If not him, someone else would be doing it.

[processor2]

Michael Moore has been proven to be a liar, but it is amazing how liberals will accept what he says as "truth" with their legs spread wide open.

...

[processor2]

Michael Moore has been proven to be a liar, but it is amazing how liberals will accept what he says as "truth" with their legs spread wide open.

...

[processor2]

Michael Moore has been proven to be a liar, but it is amazing how liberals will accept what he says as "truth" with their legs spread wide open.

...

[processor2]

Michael Moore has been proven to be a liar, but it is amazing how liberals will accept what he says as "truth" with their legs spread wide open.

...

[processor2]

Michael Moore has been proven to be a liar, but it is amazing how liberals will accept what he says as "truth" with their legs spread wide open.

...

[asor1-2009]

processor2, you only have to hit the "publish" button once! (Duh, must be a Bushie fan.)

[rushman71]

It is funny on what our society, as America, go out of our way to believe in. I'm not saying that Michael Moore is a totally, completely, liberal-minded bigot. He is trying to make a point. But with way too much exageration.

[rushman71]

It is funny on what our society, as America, go out of our way to believe in. I'm not saying that Michael Moore is a totally, completely, liberal-minded bigot. He is trying to make a point. But with way too much exageration.

[jennmarie620]

There are laws against travel to Cuba due to events that happened over the past five decades - and Michael Moore knew this when he traveled there for this documentary. He is an outspoken liberal with no regard for the laws and rules of this country - he has proven he will do anything he can to get his own agenda across. He should have to pay the consequences for his actions.

It's a free country, but that doesn't mean you're free to break regulation and law just to do what you want to do. Moore needs to be held accountable - something he hasn't had to do in years, simply because he has a "message."

[drummer94]

Mike Moore is doing what he is supposed to. Lighting up the field on which we find ourselves. Bravo!

[luvny-2009]

In February, Moore took about 10 ailing workers from the Ground Zero rescue effort in Manhattan for treatment in Cuba.

Maybe if we took better care of those people AND OUR RETURNING SOLDIERS then things may have been different. Those people and our soldiers deserve the BEST of care!

[zykracosmos]

This situation highlights one of the most absurd policies in US history. As free American citizens who elect their government officials, doesn't anyone want to stand up and question an administration that dictates where you can go outside this country? The idea of an economic embargo against Cuba is as outdated as the Cold War. Castro is 80 years old and dying, and you'd think that Cubans would be planning a revolt. Instead they flood the streets in support of their leader. We've given "most favored nation" trade status to the biggest Communist country in the world, and our corporate leaders are tripping over each other to do business with China's government-owned enterprises, while turning a blind eye to their continued purges of democracy movements, freedom of speech, and other institutions that we supposedly hold dear. All this while we have imposed a crippling 50-year full trade embargo on Cuba and continued to occupy the east end of their country, running one of the most controversial prison systems in the world, in defiance of their request that we leave. Castro overthrew a ruthless dictator who allowed foreign companies to own all the land. Peasant workers died in sugarcane and tobacco fields from brutal working conditions. The American mafia had it's headquarters in Havana. Now Cuba has universal health care, free education, 95% literacy, and a resurgent economy despite our embargo. And Bush wants to punish people who go there for health care!

[luvny-2009]

It's a free country, but that doesn't mean you're free to break regulation and law just to do what you want to do. Moore needs to be held accountable - something he hasn't had to do in years, simply because he has a "message."
Posted by jennmarie620 at 09:29 AM : May 10, 2007

I AGREE 100% so if that's the case Bush & Co should have been put behind bars a long time ago!!

[gunownerdan]

Does anyone else find it strange that Michael Moore is an NRA Lifetime Member and he also uses armed security guards who carry concealed weapons?

[olebd]

I'm surprised it took Bush and his posse this long to go after him. I'd say, for Bush and company, this is a top priority matter above the war, energy prices, the housing slump, foreign policy, etc, etc.

[luvny-2009]

ZykraCosmos - Pretty powerful, nice job!

[grumpas]

It's a free country, but that doesn't mean you're free to break regulation and law just to do what you want to do. Moore needs to be held accountable - something he hasn't had to do in years, simply because he has a "message."
Posted by jennmarie620

Oh! Really! Maybe you ought to tell that to George W Bush! He doesn't have a clue what the laws are for...they are for everyone but him! When is Bush going to get his punishment for sending over 3,000 troops to their deaths, bankrupting us and stealing our civil liberties? No one has the right to question Michael Moore until they have questioned our own President and government! The health care system in this country is criminal. It needs to be exposed for what it is! I have nothing but the highest praise for Michael for doing that!

[processor2]

Michael Moore has been proven to be a liar, but it is amazing how liberals will accept what he says as "truth" with their legs spread wide open.

...

[processor2]

Michael Moore has been proven to be a liar, but it is amazing how liberals will accept what he says as "truth" with their legs spread wide open.

...

[djberson]

Lots of Americans go to Cuba without penalty, but the crybaby government wants to penalize the one person who stands up for those the government neglects.