Michael Moore asking for donations for bailout companies?

You mention the name Michael Moore in any mixed company and you will probably get equally mixed comments. More than once he has proven to be a lightening rod over the issues he has made documentaries about. It seems that lightening will be striking again with his upcoming, and yet to be named, documentary about our current economic situation if a recent stunt he has pulled is any indication.

According to Alex Billington over at FirstShowing.net some of the theaters showing the new Taking of Pelham 123 were to be treated to a trailer of Moore’s documentary. Other theaters though were treated to Michael Moore appearing on the screen asking them to donate money to “needy banks and corporations” at which point the ushers would enter the theater with buckets to collect the money.

This apparently is no joke as Alex has the exact text of what Michael said

“Hi, I’m Michael Moore. Instead of using this time to tell you about my new movie I’d like to take a moment and ask you to join me in helping our fellow Americans. The downturn in the economy has hurt many people, people who have had no choice but to go on government assistance. Yet our welfare agencies can only do so much. That’s why I’m asking you to reach into your pockets right now and lend a hand. Ushers will be coming down the aisles to collect your donations for Citibank, Bank of America, AIG, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and a host of other needy banks and corporations. Won’t you please give generously? Now, I know what you’re thinking – I already gave at the bailout. And I know you did, but even if you’ve given in the past, give some more. It will make you feel… good.”

You can hear the full audio portion of his “appeal” over at Slashfilm. This isn’t something that will be happening at all the showings of the Pelham but rather in selected theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington D.C.

Trust Michael to pull a stunt like this.