Sicko (2007)

Regardless of your feelings towards the polarizing filmmaker Michael Moore, Sicko deserves your attention. Examining America's privatized health care systems, Moore exposes the corruption in our government where health care lobbyists outnumber senators four to one. Our America allows hospitals to dump patients on the curb when they can't pay their medical bills. Our America celebrates the heroes of 9/11 and then turns it's back when them when health issues arise. Our America makes a man choose between paying $12,000 to reattach his ringer finger and $60,000 to reattach his index finger. Our America lets citizens die because they can't afford a life-saving treatment.

By comparing the American health care system to that of France, Canada, Great Britain and Cuba, Moore exposes an appalling lack of care and an even worse case of not caring. Moore portrays universal health care as a Utopian system devoid of flaws. Citizens of these nations are provided with quality health care free of charge and while Moore neglects in examining how systems of this kind are supported save for a short digression into taxes, he does make a solid case.

Taking 9/11 rescue workers to Cuba for health care treatment may be viewed as an over-the-top stunt, but separate the propaganda from fact and you examine the fundamentals of humanity. These workers rife with undiagnosed health issues are welcomed by the Cuban health care system. After a short intake interview consisting two questions, your name and birth date, the workers are treated with a battery of tests and examinations with no regard for payment. The caliber of care was embarrassing. These heroes that were worshipped by their own countrymen years ago are now seeking treatment from a country that, according to our government, is evil.

Moore's tongue-in-cheek take on the stereotypes of socialism and the Red Scare is eye opening. Despite growing up far removed from the Cold War, even I know that socialism is to be feared. *rolls eyes* I was surprised not to find Sicko rife with rhetoric and anti-American sentiment. Instead, here is a man who seems genuinely engaged in created a national dialogue and demanding change. Moore is thrusting upon the American people the ugly truth and asking 'why aren't we doing something about this?'

After viewing Sicko I can't help but wonder what does it take? Money should not equal care. Medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy here in America. 18,000 people die each year in America due to lack of medical treatment they can not afford. Does that not bother anyone? Why are we not demanding more from our government?

Ultimately, it is up to the people to demand change in the system. Apathy is no excuse-- only frightened, hopeless people don't vote. Frightened, uneducated people sick their heads in the sand thinking 'what can I do'. It benefits the government for it's citizens to be indebted, hopeless, uneducated people-- they don't know how to resist.

Several DVD extras provide further dialogue on the benefits and myths surrounding socialized medicine. The interview with former Labour Party MP Tom Bein should not be overlooked.

If anything, Sicko should make angry. Angry that in such a civilized nation would allow its citizen to die from lack of health care. If in that anger, you decide to take action (see H.R. 676), then maybe all is not in vain.