I recently had the delightful pleasure of being invited to a screening of Sicko.  Sicko is the latest documentary from Academy Award Winning director, Michael Moore.  Although Moore is painted as the personification of a modern day rebel and saint, his latest film regarding the U.S. healthcare system, proves to be his most heartfelt and pure film.

Sicko tells the story not of the 50 million plus Americans who cannot afford health insurance, but rather an introspective look into the feasibility and economics of the 250 million Americans who do have health insurance.  It would seem like those of us who pay our premiums rely on our insurance companies to cover our expenses during a health emergency; however, insurance companies are making record growing profits.  If this seems normal, we must ask: why are insurance companies making so much profit?  When did providing health care become more an issue of profit rather than service?  The simple economic evaluation assumes that to make more money, one should spend less.  This is exactly what the insurance companies are doing, as outlined in Moore’s film, Sicko.

Although Moore is famous for being one-sided in his political plight, this film is made for the American people in a hope to promote understanding and encourage change in our system.  The argument Moore makes is one of a moral and ethical tone.  If the United States is one of the richest countries in terms of GDP and other health indices, why do we fall so low in our health care system? In his film, Moore uses juxtaposition to analyze the US health care system versus counties like Canada, Britain and France.  Because these citizens pay for universal health care through taxes, doctors and health-aids are government employees and patients need not worry about their medical bills.  Citizens can chose which hospital, pharmacy, and doctor to see – without paying any money.  This may seem like a mythical utopia, but as Moore captures in his film, this is a reality. 

While questioning a former parliament member of Great Britain, Moore asks why one person should be responsible for the health and well-being of his fellow citizen.  Moore’s guest replies with a very simple answer, stating it is a moral and ethical obligation that everyone in the country takes care of one another.  He also adds that the people of Great Britain work together for change and the government of these countries fear the people.  However, in the United States, the public fears the government.  Any way you digest this information, I think there is something worthwhile and encouraging about taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters.  I am reminded of a similar passage in the Bible. Mathew writes, “Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

I strongly encourage you to see Sicko, as it will serve at the very least, as an eye opening experience.  This issue of health care, at its root, is not a political one that should be determined by government, but a moral and ethical one, where the citizens of any country should strive for universal health care.

For more information on Sicko and local show times, please visit www.MichaelMoore.com