Rant 'n' rave: Reader response

It seems nothing has Utah County wound tighter than the debate over controversial filmmaker Michael Moore's scheduled stop at Utah Valley State College next month.

And while the rants are definitely louder than the raves, that isn't necessarily a gauge of public sentiment. Because if anyone could rival the outspoken, unapologetic Moore, it would be anti-Moore fans who loathe the Oscar winner's "Fahrenheit 9/11" — even if they haven't seen it.

Tim Turley of Herriman makes an interesting, if inappropriate, comparison between Moore and another detested individual. But his rant isn't unique — it's just the honest opinion some share. He writes:

"The reason for not bringing Moore to UVSC is to not allow him the venue to showcase his talent for producing deceitful, dishonest and truth-distorting persuasive films. UVSC would get more mileage by sending the check straight to al-Qaida. Moore should be tried and convicted for treason for openly aiding and abetting the enemy. If UVSC follows through with their invitation to Moore, they might as well invite Osama bin Laden or Hamas to speak on campus as well."

Wow! But how do you really feel about him?

UVSC student Courtney Matteson words her rant with a little more tact. She writes:

"Even though UVSC says that they want Moore there because of the documentaries that he makes, we all know that he cannot keep his mouth shut. This was Michael Moore's idea, and the only reason he solicited this opportunity was for political gain. It had nothing to do with the well being of the students at UVSC."

However, some people, like Greta deJong of Salt Lake, admit that they think Moore's visit isn't worth getting heated about. She writes:

"Certainly Michael Moore's time would be better spent at a school in a swing state, but I for one (and I know about 1,000 more) will be thrilled to see him here."

And UVSC student Keith Lue splits his comments right down the middle of the road. He writes:

"I'm OK with bringing Michael Moore on campus. I think it's good in education to have a balanced discussion. My concern is that student government will spend its entire speaker budget on Moore and ignore requests for other speakers that can be brought on campus for $4,000 to $5,000. I believe in letting the students have decisionmaking power, but I also believe in teaching prudence and frugality. So if they can really bring the price down to $20,000 and get the balanced paid by $5 tickets and sponsors, then great!"

What a diplomat Lue is. Could he be a politician in the making?