Area GOP upset over 9/11 movie shown at school

By The Associated Press

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Judy Baker, a teacher at Henry M. Jackson High School, showed the anti-Bush documentary last week to students in her government class as part of a lesson in propaganda and politics. She adhered to district policy that requires permission from both the principal and a parent for students to see the R-rated film.

"We're supposed to be training kids to be informed voters. It seems appropriate to help kids critically dissect information and analyze it," Principal Terry Cheshire said.

Only one parent opted for their child not to view the movie Thursday, but the local GOP headquarters received a call from a concerned parent and an e-mail about the movie, said Darcy Cheesman, coordinator for the Snohomish County Republican Party's get-out-the-vote campaign.

The staff called Cheshire to complain because of the film's portrayal of President Bush.

"I have a 13-year-old out in Monroe and a second-grader, and I would be up in arms if a teacher decided to show this movie, even if it's [labeled as] propaganda," Cheesman said.

The office also sent a copy of "FahrenHYPE 9/11," a movie that responds to and critiques Moore's film. Cheshire, the principal, said he'd approve the film if Baker requested its use.

Filmmaker Michael Moore's condemnation of Bush's actions regarding the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon became the first documentary to top the $100 million mark domestically. In the film, Moore examines the Bush administration's alleged financial ties to Saudi Arabia and the bin Laden family.

Moore has campaigned against Bush at college campuses and other venues, including a stop earlier in October at KeyArena in Seattle.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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