The story of MPI film Mine Your Own Business is no longer just the story the film tells about environmentalism's dark side--it is also the story of how environmentalist groups are seeking to suppress the film itself.
MYOB's premiere in Washington, D.C. last week exemplified this.
Greenpeace executive director John Passacantando--who was part of an international effort to convince the National Geographic Society to reverse its decision to screen MYOB--declined an invitation to attend the premiere, and likewise declined to participate in the scheduled discussion afterward. Meanwhile, as the image above shows, MYOB director Phelim McAleer was not only present at the screening, but actively engaged the protesters who were picketing outside.
Two distinct attitudes toward free expression and debate are exemplified here. One makes a film that tells difficult truths and asks hard questions. The other seeks to suppress the film and refuses to participate in the analysis and reassessment the film invites. It's not hard to decide which one is in good faith, and which one is not.