He did well enough with "Roger & Me," a 1989 documentary that blasted General Motors and, specifically, its chairman, Roger Smith, who refused to talk to Moore, and with the anti-gun "Bowling for Columbine."

But he really put the cash in controversy with this year's election-year release of "Fahrenheit 9/11," which has made $118 million even before its theatrical rerelease and video/DVD release scheduled in the next two weeks.

Some people are saying the activist capitalist doesn't belong in Utah, particularly not in Utah County, the epicenter of conservatism.

Little realizing that all that's doing is raising his fee.

Of course he belongs — anywhere in America he's invited.

And who knew freedom of speech could pay so well?

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Lee Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527.