"Sicko" brings the pain

I like Michael Moore's movies. I don't agree with his points all of the time and I don't think that he offers many viable solutions to some of our nation's many problems, but that's not his job. That's the job of the politicians and the elected representatives of your hometown and state. Watching Sicko will make you realize how woefully inadequate a job they're doing for you and your family.

Moore's latest sees him take a layman's perspective and simple curiosity to investigate how different societies approach health care. From a couple in their 50s who had to move in with their daughter and her family in Colorado Springs after they exhausted their life savings paying for care for the husband through 3 heart attacks to a French mother who has a government paid helper come and assist her with cleaning, cooking and laundry - at no cost to her.

While it's easy to see how & why pundits attack Moore (he feigns being surprised a lot - undoubtedly for effect), it's undeniable that America handles the care of its citizens in very different way to the rest of the civilized world. If you can't pay, you'll very likely get worse care, if any at all.

The film also, in brief, brings to light the fact that insurance companies have come to rule health care in America. If the amount of detail in how this came to happen were represented by the Sahara, we get about two dumptrucks full; and yet, it paints the picture. Starting with Kaiser Permanente, medical care became a for-profit business with patient care being only one of the major concerns. Over time, patient care has taken a back seat to growth and rising profits; with many neglected customers left dying with letters denying their claims for benefit. While I'm not dying, I feel this personally. In January 2006, I ruptured my left ACL and medial meniscus while playing indoor soccer. Luckily, I was insured and the whole episode including surgery and rehab cost me about $600 out of pocket. Even at hundreds of dollars, I felt relieved. When I applied for and got new insurance in October 2006, I was told that coverage for ACL injuries would not be covered as it was a pre-existing condition. They did not specify which knee. Should I be injured again, I have no doubt I'll have to fight in order to be cared for.

For his effort in making the film, Moore's being investigated by the U.S. Treasury department due to part of the film being made in Cuba. Strict regulations are still in place regarding travel to Cuba and what one may and may not do while on the island. Moore went to the main hospital in Havana and arranged treatment for 3 9/11 rescue workers. Later, they were received at a firehouse where all its members stood at attention in honor of their service.

I've been to Cuba. I've listened to Castro speak, at length, about Cuba's relationship with the U.S. and how he would love to have diplomatic relations with his neighbor to the North. I've sat, spoken with, eaten with, drank with and enjoyed time with Cubans and can say with confidence that they mean us no ill. They are no threat and yet for 45 years, our government has forbidden us from interacting with these people. It is our shame, as Americans, to bear for not having engaged our representatives to end the embargo.

Sicko brings to light one of a few 800lb gorillas lurking in American society and in a brief fashion, illustrates the implications of our attitudes toward and systems of health. The resulting impression is frightening, astonishing, shameful, and unacceptable.

For too long, corporate profits have come before care for the people; for too long the few have chosen what the many will be allowed.

We, the people, shall endure it no more.

Sicko opens in cinemas nationwide on June 29th.