What John Bartlett should be apologizing for is the use of words like "simulcra" and "execrable". You are obviously a "perfesser" of some sort, which is also evidenced by your question, "What is the thesis of the film?" As with so many academics, you missed the point. That point is a question, and the question is not at all ambiguous (just as Canadians having as many guns, but not shooting each other as regularly is not an "ambiguous fact")....why do Americans resort to gun violence??! And BTW, I certainly wouldn't take offense on Pete Seeger's behalf because of what you wrote, because you just don't seem to get it, pal.