hard questions

To be perfectly honest, I had never seen a Michael Moore movie before SiCKO. I knew who he was, and as a raging liberal, I respected that he was out there pounding the pavement fighting the good fight. I had just never gotten around to seeing any of his films. SiCKO is a brilliant movie. It is brilliant, and disgusting, and powerful, and hopeful, and sad, and absolutely hilarious. The American health care system gives Mr. Moore plenty to talk about, and he handles the material with both epic humor, and also, surprising sensitivity. Why is America one of the only countries in the world that has a heath care system that works for profit? Is a socialist health care system such a terrible thing? It seems to be working in Canada, France, England, and Cuba, where Mr. Moore goes to speak to people about their experiences. Approaching a couple at a London hospital who are leaving with their newborn, he asks them how much the trip cost them. The couple are confused and amused that he is unwilling to believe their response that it costs them nothing. In fact, they end up laughing at the notion that they would have to pay. One particular figure that really stuck out in my mind is that the United States was listed number 37 on a list ranking the world's health care systems. That staggers me. I hope that everyone will go and check out this movie. When did making money become more important that saving people's lives? Why is the American public not crying foul at what is going on?

Final thoughts: A very powerful (and funny!) look at an incredibly messed-up system. Is the only answer to find a Canadian and marry him?

photo credit: http://www.movieweb.com/