Michael Moore: Sicko?

Question

I have just seen Sicko by Michael Moore and I have never been so shocked in my life. As a British citizen I would laugh at anyone who asked me to pay for my medical bills. How can American hospitals treat people in such a way? I know that Michael Moore is a biased film maker and edits everything to suit his political needs but there is no denying the horror of the American medical system. How can any society that supposedly cares about the welfare of its citizens place financial concerns above their welfare? I'm not saying that the NHS is perfect, far from it in fact. The NHS has been guilty of negligence and responsible for deaths which could have easily been prevented. But I would sooner go into the worst run hospital in Britain than any of the best ones in America.

Is there anyone running for political office who is going to attempt to change the situation? Surely even the most ultra conservative Americans can't have anything against free medical care for all can they?

In response to CJ's comments, what exactly is wrong with making sure that all citizens have the right to free medical care? Especially when it works so well in other countries? Yes the NHS isn't perfect and people are left behind, but we still have a better overall standard of health, lower infant mortality rates and a higher life expectancy. Even one of our former cabinet ministers who is HIV positive states that he owes his good health to the care he received on the NHS.
How can it be anti-American to provide everyone with free health care? A healthy society is a hard working society which makes for a stronger society. And as America is built on Christian traditions, the traditions of charity and the claim that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than a rich man to get into heaven, always seem to be forgotten when the Christian company directors are denying people vital care.

I'm glad with the response from everyone especially the American citizens, perhaps you should take a leaf out of the French's book and everyone go on strike for free health care. lol.

As I stated before I know that Michael Moore is biased and uses his films to promote his own agendas, but the horrifying reality of medical care in America would make me want to take my father to Cuba for a heart transplant.

Answer 1

In fact, if you saw that horrendous medicare drug law that was passed, it did nothing to help the elderly

Answer 2

The devil in American and Canadian Health Care Systems is that they both profit from disease, and repeat visits. Contrary to what Mr. Moore believes (I e-mailed him on this) is that while Canada has a government pay system, the services provided are still in the private sector. (this is contrary to the political rhetoric, and the misconceptions of the Canadian system) The USA is ranked 36th in the world, Canada 30th, just behind Columbia, however Italy and France are in the top two and seldom if ever mentioned. You see the business of treating disease, and or symptoms leads research and treatment away from simple cause and effect. Many people with intestinal problems are labelled with a disease, ie IBS, Crohns, may develop MS or Cancer. Yet a simple wide spectrum anti-biotic, or herbal treatments for parasites would avoid all the symptoms, and all the treatments, which are billed per visit. Truth can lie...when it is part of the truth. The key to resolving this is to get Big Business to understand that a healthy population will spend more on GM products and Microsoft products. Let us find preventative cures, the current system does not want that, since it would bankrupt them. Caesar J. B. Squitti H. B. Commerece

Answer 3

I have not seen Sicko yet but have seen "Bowling for Columbine " and " Fahrenheit 9/11" and lets be honest like him or loath him a lot of what he says is true. When people saw these they thought bollocks but how many gun crimes do America have. And look at the **** up they have made of the Iraq situation they are in deep **** and the reason that they loath Michael Moore is that he is too near the truth.
I take my hat off to him he is only saying what the average American is thinking.

Answer 4

i just watched the movie. It was great. He does have one great point.....Americans fear the Government. It should be opposite: government should fear us. Americans are lazy. If we want universal health care then we should not sit around and talk about it! We need to be protesting, voting, writing letters, becoming leaders! Nothing will get done sitting eating cheeseburgers at drive thrus......we need to fight for it! Like other countries, France etc. They fight for what they need! And they not even in big debt! We americans have the largest debt and yet we complain about higher taxes for health care. But when a hospital bill for $10,000 comes we chew the goverment out. Lets all do something about it! If you feel strongly enough, you need to start a movement.

Answer 5

I have not seen Sicko, but I am familiar with Michael Moore. He continually exaggerates one side of the story so I would not use any of his "documentaries" as REAL evidence of anything. That being said, I do believe the US does need health care reform. The fact of the matter is is that the best doctors in the world, from a variety of specialties are practicing in the US, and well, that costs something.

Answer 6

Ever single aspect of American society is controlled or at least highly influenced by BIG BUSINESS! Thats the facts ,, our system is flawed ! But the powers that be, want it that why an as long as if takes Millions to become President it will never change! Its to the point in America that even to run for local office it becomes costly! Most Americans can not afford it!

Answer 7

Don't listen to CJ's comments. He, she or whatever it is is full of shiiite.

I'm a Canadian who lives in the UK and Health Canada and Britain's NHS are far superior services to anything offered in the U.S.

The Americans are so bloody terrified of ANYthing government controlled, but they have no problem believing that a for-profit corporation will represent their best interests in health care.

And CJ's comment about the heart-transplant person is most likely bullsh*t, too. In Canada, when you need life-saving surgery IT GETS DONE AND IT GETS DONE IMMEDIATELY .... Same as in the UK with the NHS.

Answer 8

Basically a lot of people in this country are "I have mine (health insurance) so who cares" It is also a good way for the politicians/ wealthy to make more money.

I haven't seen the movie and probably won't because I don't really like Moore (his ideas are good, because just like any Hollywood producer his in it for the $), but it is real life for me.

$3,000 it cost me to go to the ER, without insurance and nothing was wrong ("precautionary" they said for car accidents).

Answer 9

THE MAN ABOVE ME IS A TOOL! LMAO!!!!!

I watched Sicko 2 weeks before it was released (You all know HOW!) and I have just 1 thing to say.....I now reside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Lol Good riddance! I can finally get my shoulder realigned and be able to swing a bat again :)

Answer 10

Sure they can, that they'll no longer make money off the healthcare business. The physician, nursing and other associations will fight any attempt to socialize medical care because it will cut into their profits. Add to them the pharmacy lobby and it will never change voluntarily.

Answer 11

Michael Moore pretty much tells it like it is. He is not popular in some circles for it, but he is truthful. Many of us who are not wealthy can tell you that Mr. Moore speaks the truth. He is one of most truthful filmmakers around. I congratulate him and hope that he continues. I believe that God is with him or he wouldn't be so successful. Remember this, What shall we then say to these things, If God be for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31. Also, The Lord daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. - Psalm 68:19. Peace and God Bless.