I never found any reason in particular to like Michael More as a director. I have never seen any of his movies until I decided that I wanted to watch his newest, Sicko. I didn't expect to like it, I have come away from it with a new view on many issues.
It is difficult to put into words how persuasive the movie truly is. The message is a simple question: why do we pay for health care? I'm going to ruin it for those that haven't seen it, but that doesn't matter. Everyone needs to get the message, no matter how it is delivered.
The movie starts by looking at people in the US who needed medical help and how their treatment revolves around money, not the care they need. It then focuses on the quality of care in Canada, England, France, and finally Cuba. It is incredible how backward the US seems in comparison to ALL of these countries.
Did you know in France, if a mother needs help doing laundry the government will PAY to have someone do it for you! Also, in all of the above listed countries (and probably more) there is next to no charge for any health services provided, including medication. In England, doctors are paid based on how healthy their patients are.
That is the important message to get away from the movie. Simply put, the US NEEDS to move to a socialized medical system. The current system is based on monetary profit. The problem is, we won't, at least any time soon. The reasons for that get into political arguments which I would rather avoid. I was actually surprised by the lack of "Bush bashing" that took place in the movie. I expected quite a bit more, but based off of the comparison of me not having saw any of More's other movies, this was the most subdued with regard to political agendas.
The reason for that is that health care is not a political issue, it is a moral one. Everyone who needs health services should have them provided. I truly believe in that. I am so absorbed in my own life (like many Americans - well... not even Americans because those in Canada get free health care) I don't know how to help promote any change.
I normally don't blog about this like this but sometimes I just get the urge to make my opinion known. I don't know what to do other than blog about this topic. I've never cast a vote in my life, although I'm now a registered Democrat (that is still weird for me to say). I do know that I strongly support socialized medicine. Hopefully there comes a point where I can make a difference.
I hope in some way this movie affects people to make it known that things need to change. Maybe a change will happen. I don't know.
I know many people will be skeptical about watching this movie, but I can definitively say it is worth watching.
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