Dave Kopel is compiling a comprehensive mega-list of the lies, distortions, false connections, and loony conspiracy nonsense in Michael Moore’s agitprop film: Fifty-six Deceits in Fahrenheit 911. (Thanks to all who emailed this one.)

Too much here to pull a quote; just go ye and read. And be amazed at the depth of Moore’s dishonesty.

According to New York Times knucklehead Paul Krugman, however, even if Moore’s film promotes lies and conspiracy theories disguised as political opinion, that isn’t really a problem—because he’s revealing “essential truths.”

“Essential truths” that are based on blatant lies. Interesting concept.

Viewers may come away from Mr. Moore’s movie believing some things that probably aren’t true. For example, the film talks a lot about Unocal’s plans for a pipeline across Afghanistan, which I doubt had much impact on the course of the Afghan war. Someday, when the crisis of American democracy is over, I’ll probably find myself berating Mr. Moore, who supported Ralph Nader in 2000, for his simplistic antiglobalization views.

But not now. “Fahrenheit 9/11” is a tendentious, flawed movie, but it tells essential truths about leaders who exploited a national tragedy for political gain, and the ordinary Americans who paid the price.