Last night I watched Michael Moore’s new documentary SiCKO. Let me tell you, it was fantastic! Moore’s witty humour and eye-opening style is at its finest in this movie. As “the only country in the Western World without free universal health care,” the US is a health disaster, leaving its citizens to foot the bill for expensive medical care. Although insurance companies exist, their main objective is to turn a profit and that means finding any way they can to deny coverage of health problems. As a result, many people in the US end up dying unnecessarily or going bankrupt because they have to pay their medical bills.

In the documentary, Moore explores the health care systems of four other countries (Canada, England, France, and Cuba). The conclusion is that, in these countries, the overall health of the people is greater those in the US. People in these countries live longer and are less likely to have health problems. For example, living in Canada, statistics say that I will live 3 years longer than my neighbours in the US. And, the thing is, people in these countries think the US is totally crazy for not having the same type of system and would never allow their governments to get rid of free health care.

The government in the US has scared its citizens away from state-run healthcare by calling it “socialist” and associating it with communism. Of course these are just silly scare tactics that have been proven wrong. But, if you’re told this sort of garbage your whole life, then how can you think otherwise?

Another concern for Americans is taxes. Many people don’t want to pay the taxes that go along with increased social services. They feel it is their right to have as little government intervention as possible. However, they don’t think about the long run. If you look at countries where social democracy is the norm (high taxes, lots of social services), you will notice that the standards of living are greater. Sure you pay more taxes, but you also get free healthcare, unemployment insurance, and other such services. In the end, everyone benefits (well, except the 1% of the population who are billionaire CEOs of big corporations). You know that when babies born in El Salvador (a third-world country) have a better chance of surviving than those born in Detroit (part of the most “developed” country in the world) there’s a problem.

I thought this documentary-movie was great and should be watched by everyone. I liked it not only because it focuses strongly on health care, but it touches on many other problems of the current system, such as corporate power and the illusion of choice/freedom. So, when SiCKO hits the mainstream theatres, do yourself a favour and watch this movie!

Related Posts

• No Related Posts