Bush supporters descend on hometown as Moore documentary is shown

HUNDREDS of people descended on the small town of Crawford, Texas, a few miles from US President George W Bush’s ranch - half to show their support and the other half to see the controversial documentary criticising his administration.

Carloads of people cruised down Main Street last night, with many holding pro-Bush signs out their windows, passing by a building where more than 300 Bush supporters spilled out of a rally.

Some yelled their disdain as cars carrying filmgoers turned down the road leading to the car park where filmmaker Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 was shown.

“While we certainly do not agree with Michael Moore ... we do agree that it is important that we protect the right to be on a dissenting side of an issue,” state representative Arlene Wohlgemuth said at the rally. She is the Republican congressional candidate for the 17th district, which includes Crawford.

Carol Bernhard and friends came from Austin and held a huge sign proclaiming: “This is Bush Country”.

She said she did not plan to see the movie. “I’m not going to give that traitor any of my money,” she said.

The film was shown at the Crawford Peace House, an inter-faith gathering place that often serves as a catalyst for peace protests at Bush’s nearby ranch.

“This was not done as a protest, it was a demonstration of free speech,” said Kay Lucas, a volunteer with the Crawford Peace House.

It brought the film to town when it seemed Fahrenheit 9/11 would not be shown in Waco, the largest city near Crawford. One Waco cinema started showing it last week, nearly a month after its nationwide release.

Moore’s condemnation of Bush’s actions following the 9/11 attacks has become the first documentary to top the $100 million mark in the US. Moore initially said he would come to Crawford and discuss the film after showing it. He even invited Bush, who is staying at his ranch this week, to attend.

But yesterday Moore decided to remain at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, saying his presence in Crawford would overshadow the film’s message and detract from the convention.