Thoughts On "Bowling For Columbine"

In a multiplex filled with remakes of remakes or stories based upon comics, "Bowling For Columbine" stood out as movie willing to tackle a serious socio-political issue. While I truly appreciate everyone's participation in this thread and find all of the positions and particularly the passion behind those postions most enlightening, I would prefer that we get back to the subject of politically oriented movies. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE POLITICAL OR ISSUE ORIENTED MOVIE? My vote goes to "The Godfather II". It's a searing indictment of the corroding effect of unrestrained capitalism on the family unit. As FFC said, "Micheal is America." My second place vote goes to "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". The townspeople get together and vote for statehood while their representative questions the true price of law and order. It stars John Wayne, Jimmie Stewart and Lee Marvin.

The current Forbes magazine has a list of inaccurate things that are in that Michael Moore movie.

I see my point on the UK gun laws was missed. It is not the level of gun violence between the UK and USA; it is the simple fact that the new laws in the UK have had no effect on the level of gun violence in the UK. The law will end up hurting more than is helps because the crooks already could care less if they use an illegal gun to commit an illegal act.

If you outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns.

Same as the new security measures at US airports. They are silly and only give the illusion of more safety.

Sugarbrie-I'm no expert on the changes on gun laws but I do know there was massive campaigning for changes when the Dunblane(Scotland) tragedy happened about 8 years ago.
This was when a maniac with a LEGAL gun permit shot and murdered some 17 or so children in their class room-all younger than 12 years old.
There was a massive public backlash and gun law reform was demanded.
I think I'm right in saying the two major gun massacres in UK history were carried by individuals with legal gun permits.

Of course you are right,the criminals will always have the upper hand .
You are right too that the gun law reforms will not totally stop the rise of gun related crime.
I'm also aware that the rise of gun related crime will change public opinion and sadly inevitably how we police this and eventually the time may come when people demand the right to defend themselves.
However we are simply not at this stage in the UK and imho the gun laws are being changed to prevent the growth and ease in which people can own guns-it's not the crux of the matter but it may be an important element in preventing a gun culture developing.
The key to me is stopping the criminals before things get out of hand.
I also want to make it clear to the likes of TWL that I neither underestimate American's pride in it's constitutions nor think the UK is perfect.
This is my last words on this and I'll try to answer Onhwy61's political movies question..

Onhwy61, I'd vote for two Peter Sellers flicks: Dr. Strangelove and Being There. The latter was an exceptional film I would put in a top ten list. It is a fine indictment of the political system as being very skewed to those who look the part and points out how much even the crudest, most basic common sense is lacking among those in the media eye.