What is the film really about?
It was an emotional appeal to a nation so used to the preferred medium of sensationalism to make a point …and what a point, but what a sad way to make it. This moving but one-sided documentary failed, in my view, to tackle the real issue of why health care is so expensive, or what the best way to tackle it would be? Making obvious comparisons with Europe is engaging, but when poignant counter-arguments are dismissed with a nonchalance usually associated with French waiters, the viewer is left asking what is the truth? On balance, I’d put my money on half truths, as opposed to outright lies, so he gets my vote. But it remains a sorry plight of a people that one man sees his mission to correct a system gone awry, using highly emotive techniques to do it. So folks, not enough balance here.
What does the film achieve?
It has a greater chance of fueling the divisive bipolarity that is becoming more apparent in the US, to which many posts here will testify, than bucking the system. Did Hilary decline to be interviewed for her input? Was she asked? Was anyone asked? Are Americans going to go out on the streets and protest? …I don’t think so. Has is heightened awareness of the issues? Yes, but mainly in the liberal camp who are more savvy when it comes to these issues anyway. Michale Moore is a wonder man, and you have to take your hat off to him, but this was a hard hitting indictment of a way of life, as much as a health care system and isn’t going to endear everyone to his cause, even if they are paying extortionate premiums.
What can be done?
Maybe the problem should be tackled and solved at the State level? Perhaps a two tier-system (public/private) based on ability to pay could be introduced? Whatever happened to Mutuals, whose duty was first to policy holders, because there were no shareholders? A highly litigious climate, high tax deductibles in pharmaceuticals, shareholders vs policy holders, morality vs profit, health education and the media’s role, all need to be thrown into the debate, if you want to mobilize a nation to partake in shaping the future.
