SICKO

About a year ago, Paula and I watched Michael Moore's "Sicko" in Minneapolis. Eleven people were in the theatre audience. This topped the attendance record for the other Moore documentary, "Fahrenheit 911" which drew only eight folks into the St. George theatre we attended.

This was evidence to me that petty people don't dare to be exposed to ideas promoted by those they dislike. Rather than face the challenges of Moore's revelations, they turn their backs on the man and his works.

I wrote identical letters to health professionals, radio talk hosts, newspaper editors, and others with a public interest to learn how many and who had seen "Sicko." Most of them did answer my stamped self-addressed envelopes, but none had seen the film. One said he would rent it later. Another said she couldn't afford to go. Others merely reported not seeing it.

I was crestfallen by the paltry response.

All of us could learn from Sicko. Those who should know better prefer to be ignorant. Moore's film has merit.

The movie would cause anyone to reassess his or her values. Socialized medicine, national health insurance or whatever modified program might not be the ideal answer, but you must be cognizant of our broken health care system.

Insurance company employees dictate treatment and care. Fifty million Americans can't afford insurance or care. Health professional and insurance corporations hire teams of lobbyists to influence members of Congress. The last and almost forgotten subject is the patient.

Reforms are desperately needed and sitting still to watch Sicko might jar open your closed minds, causing you to create solutions from which we'd all benefit.

It's all so simple.

Meetings & Events

Consultant John Dillinger will speak to the Association of Physicians and Insurance executives on "What the Traffic Will Bear."

Help Wanted

Refusal Clerk to handle requests from ICU nurses and doctors. Must know how to say "no" firmly and without apology. Pay depends on rate of turndowns. Apply in person at White Cross Insurance Inc.

For Sale

American-made pills from Canada, save big. You benefit by fair prices.