July 19th, 2004 9:05 pm
Open Letter to Bill Timmins, President Aladdin Casino and Hotel

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=93

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"