by David Elder

Created on: March 02, 2008

Michael Moore is a film maker, the author of several books, and a political activist, who has transformed the term "Question Authority" into his own personal art form. For a majority of Americans, Michael Moore is an irritation, an insult to hallowed institutions, and a misguided rebel who finds fault with our government at every turn. For these reasons, he will be remembered more as a political activist than as a filmmaker. Only time will tell if his books will be his crowning achievement.

Michael Moore is either lauded as a visionary or reviled as a traitor. Regardless of his affect on those who read his books or watch his films, he fulfills his role as agitator admirably. It may be a combination of his scraggly appearance, his weight, and his overbearing confidence in his mission to uncover real and imagined conspiracies that makes him a lightning rod for polarity. Whether he's hated or hailed, it's impossible not to have an opinion of Michael Moore.

In his first film "Roger and Me" Mr. Moore chronicles the demise of Flint Michigan through the loss of automotive jobs at General Motors. As with all of his subsequent documentaries, Michael mixes humor with serious accusations that show in stark reality, the damaging effects on Middle America caused by corporate greed. True to his "in your face" style of journalism; Michael tries to get an interview with Roger Smith, the CEO of GM, with hysterical results.

Following the same general theme, Moore's film "The Big One" shines a light on the Nike Corporation and their propensity for sweatshop manufacturing overseas, and whom he contends ignores and even encourages human rights violations. Moore's interviews with the CEO of Nike, Phil Knight, garnered some priceless responses that eventually led to improved conditions at Nike's plants.

The film "Bowling for Columbine" decried the proliferation of guns in America, and the ease with which they could be obtained. Michael's efforts were rewarded with an Oscar, the unending enmity of the NRA. Mr. Moore's interview with the spokesman and president of the NRA, Charlton Heston, showed his lack of respect as he belittled one of America's favorite icons. The treatment of Mr. Heston at the hands of Michael Moore may have been the turning point for conservative America in their utter dislike of the filmmaker.

In his most controversial film to date, "Fahrenheit 9/11" Michael Moore took aim at President Bush and his administration for the handling of the aftermath of the tragedy on

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