Michael Moore's letter to the Aladdin... and the response

[AlphaSigOU]

Guaranteed to ignite a political firestorm...

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 your 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 marks? 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"

The response:

Response--July 21, 2004


Attention: Michael Moore,

In response to your letter dated July 20, 2004: You are correct that I had security remove Linda Ronstadt from Aladdin Casino and Hotel where the fun never ends and everybody wins. How very interesting to learn you are such a fan of Ms. Ronstadt.

You questioned where I live and surprisingly knew Las Vegas is in the United States. You should visit it sometime. There are thousands of wonderful 'All You Can Eat' buffets.

There are also a lot of casinos who's owners don't f*ck around. I am aware of the First Amendment and you have the right to talk about your hatred of America but once you are on my property and you are upsetting my guests, you will quickly learn about my rights.

I can't remember if it was Jesus or George W. Bush that said, "Freedom is a two-way street." Ms. Ronstadt learned this long before I had her thrown out of my casino. You question my actions? If you come onto my property and upset my guests, you will receive the same, if not worse, treatment than Ms. Ronstadt received. I am sure your mere presence would upset my guests.

You claim your film, "...is all about asking the questions that should have been asked before those brave soldiers were sent into harms way." I think you film does nothing but aid the enemy and hurt our troops. You have betrayed our troops, our leader and America. I have no respect for you or your vision of what America should be.

I paid Ms. Ronstadt to entertain my guests, not divide them. The half that did not leave probably thought the verse you mentioned, "Why don't you come to your senses" was addressed to you. Maybe she should have dedicated her song, 'You're No Good' to you. I would have asked her back, had she done that.

Regarding your request for me to apologize to her, have you and her on my stage singing anything about this Country and then playing your piece of sh*t film is ludicrous! One of my workers is currently throwing away every complaint letter from brainless followers of you, claiming they will never visit my Casino. I could not be more pleased to know my casino and hotel will always be void of the kind of people who support you. Meanwhile, my hotel has been quickly booked solid for the rest of the year with true Americans who love this Country and support our efforts overseas.

They will see a framed copy of your letter and my response in the lobby to ensure they begin their experience with a laugh.

Sincerely,

Bill Timmins

While I tend to side with the casino owner, that letter was really unprofessional. He should have tried to be the bigger man.

[kappaloo]

blah, though I did enjoy this line:

You are correct that I had security remove Linda Ronstadt from Aladdin Casino and Hotel where the fun never ends and everybody wins.

I love when companies put marketing into their letters knowing that the general public will one day read it.

[moe.ron]

Originally posted by kappaloo
blah, though I did enjoy this line:

You are correct that I had security remove Linda Ronstadt from Aladdin Casino and Hotel where the fun never ends and everybody wins.

I love when companies put marketing into their letters knowing that the general public will one day read it.

LOL, I was thinking the same thing. Subliminal marketing. Brilliant.

Last I herd, Michael Moore and Linda Rondstadt might have the last laugh. From the impeding new owners of Aladdin Casiono:

We hope to be approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission to become the new owners of the Aladdin Resort in Las Vegas as early as September 1, 2004. Upon the assumption of ownership, and with a new management team in place, we would like to offer the use of the Theatre of Performing Arts to Linda Ronstadt for a second concert and further to take Michael Moore up on his offer to join her on stage to introduce her and sing a song.

[Lady Pi Phi]

I have to agree with Kappaloo. His response to Moore was very unprofessional.
He would have come off a lot better if he were the bigger man.

[AlphaSigOU]

The more I read it, the more I'm inclined to raise the bullsh*t flag on this one. While Timmins was well within his right to kick out Ronstadt, the response to Michael Moore's letter is downright unprofessional.

"Where the fun never ends and everybody wins?" Better back that up with some 200% payout slots... 'cause I've never heard of such a slogan!

[moe.ron]

Originally posted by AlphaSigOU
The more I read it, the more I'm inclined to raise the bullsh*t flag on this one. While Timmins was well within his right to kick out Ronstadt, the response to Michael Moore's letter is downright unprofessional.

"Where the fun never ends and everybody wins?" Better back that up with some 200% payout slots... 'cause I've never heard of such a slogan!

Nothing on snopes. Maybe it's still new?

[Jill1228]

Yeah, I like the way the owner advertised in the letter, but...

The Aladdin has went downhill in the last couple of years, not to mention went thru a lot of financial problems. Sure I love their rooms (they have a great place on the strip) but their champagne brunch sucks!

Yes I am a Vegas aficiando!

[ragtimerose]

I just got back from Vegas, and I understand that the Aladdin has been sold to Planet Hollywood.

I agree that Mr. Timmins' response to Michael Moore was most unprofessional. A marketing slogan? Really!

[AXOjen]

I'm no Michael Moore fan... but this does sound a little fishy.

I hope someone keeps us posted as to whether or not these letters were actually written by the two "gentlemen" in question. I'll be on the lookout, too!

[Kevin]

The whole thing is almost definitely a hoax.

But the owner was well within his rights to determine what happened on his casino's stage. The 1st Amendment doesn't protect that kind of stuff.

[DeltAlum]

Way back in 1967, when it was still Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Ponys, they were playing at a little club near the TV station I worked for during college.

I went to see her -- and damned if she didn't get thrown out of there for telling a customer to F--K off after he said something allegedly rude.

She can have a nasty mouth -- and sometimes says unwise things.

Having said that, I agree that the manager's return letter was highly unprofessional.

[cuaphi]

I'm sorry but I think this whole incident was a non event that everyone involved is using for as much publicity as they can wring from it. Linda Ronstadt is still performing? Isn't Aladdin not doing that well? And we all know Michael Moore is a publicity whore.

Wake me when it's over.

[honeychile]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Way back in 1967, when it was still Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Ponys, they were playing at a little club near the TV station I worked for during college.

I went to see her -- and damned if she didn't get thrown out of there for telling a customer to F--K off after he said something allegedly rude.

She can have a nasty mouth -- and sometimes says unwise things.

Having said that, I agree that the manager's return letter was highly unprofessional.

Cosign.

I have a disc jockey friend who has in his contract that, if Linda Ronstadt is scheduled for his drive time, he does not have to be there. He said that she ignores the disc jockeys between plugs, and is just downright rude. And this was YEARS before this current PR stunt!

[AXO Alum]

Real or not, this was some funny isht....

You questioned where I live and surprisingly knew Las Vegas is in the United States. You should visit it sometime. There are thousands of wonderful 'All You Can Eat' buffets.