Filmmaker Michael Moore talks with the press before a screening of his movie "Sicko" for healthcare lobbyists in Washington, June 20, 2007. (UPI Photo/Dominic Bracco II) |
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ENFIELD, Conn., Jan. 20 (UPI) -- The documentary "Sicko," scheduled to be screened at a Connecticut library, was dropped by the Enfield council After a resident complained, the mayor says.
Mayor Scott R. Kaupin, a Republican, says resident Kevin Fealy brought the documentary to the Enfield Town Council's attention and after the council discussed it he asked Matthew W. Coppler, town manager, to talk to the library's director about canceling the screening, which had been scheduled for Friday.
Fealy said he didn't want the town "to promote material such as this on my tax dollars," North Central Connecticut's Journal Inquirer reported.
"The sentiment by the majority is that it's a poor choice and that they should definitely reconsider and if they don't reconsider, then they're going to have the repercussions of the council," Kaupin told the Journal Inquirer.
"I mean, in the end, when budget time comes and (Henry) Dutcher, (the library's director) is asking for funding" for the films, "he's going to have to answer for it."
Councilwoman Cynthia Mangini, a Democrat, described the action akin to banning books. Councilman Patrick Crowley, also a Democrat, said he didn't agree but said "Sicko" may not be age-appropriate for children.
Dutcher says the movie was scheduled to for 1 p.m. Friday making in unavailable for children.
The Connecticut Library Association says it is weighing its options, which may include legal action.
"Sicko," a 2007 documentary by director Michael Moore investigates the U.S. for-profit healthcare with the non-profit systems of Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Cuba. It was nominated for an Oscar for best documentary.
