I wrote an article the other day about Michael Moore's film 'Sicko', trying to show two sides of a coin. Last night I saw Moore on the Tavis Smiley show where he spoke at length about this film.

I still haven't seen the movie but I did gain a greater insight into what Moore was trying to say. While I can't remember the exact figures, I was astonished at how many Americans don't have health insurance. It seems to be that only the rich can afford it. Smiley mentioned he knows people who pay $1000.00 per month for coverage. A far cry from the $400.00 per year my friend quoted me years ago.

Say what you want about Moore, but if he is advocating for government funding on this issue, I'm on his side. No one should be denied medical care because they can't afford it. No one should have to think twice about seeing a doctor because they worry about the cost.

In this vein, I do believe we have a superior system here in Canada. Sure, it gets abused left, right and centre, but nobody is going to the poor house because they can't afford medical help.

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July 31st 2007 @ 14:07

Posted By: youranter - Category: No Category

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Political Certainty

1. July 31st 2007 @ 15:31. Jim Stillman Says:

From what I have been reading, I agree totally with you. In the U.S., politicians (and the drug manufacturers and some medical groups) have frightened the public by scare phrases: socialism among them. I, personally, have a great policy, as a retired government employee.But I still pay over $7500/year for coverage, including our Medicare, a supplemental policy and a separate dental policy.

Universal health care is a necessity; yes it will mean taxes but this is a vital need for which government is needed.

Thank you for following up.

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2. July 31st 2007 @ 15:46. youranter Says:

Thanks for the kick in the pants, Jim. This subject has bugged me for quite a while. I tried to pont out in the original article that our systems are not that much different, only the method used to pay for care. I hope I succeeded.

3. July 31st 2007 @ 17:00. S.L. Bradish Says:

The main problem with our health care system is frivolous lawsuits. Knowing they can be sued for anything, everything and nothing has caused doctors to pay huge malpractice insurance fees. Some have even gone out of business. Lawyers like John Edwards caused it and now they want to "fix" it by raising taxes to pour into yet another bloated bureaucracy that won't work. The rich and the poor can afford health insurance. The rich because they can pay for it and the poor because they get it free. If frivolous lawsuits were stopped and malpractice insurance costs were cut, maybe the middle class could have the same coverage. HMO's sound great on the surface, you pay them every month and get what care you need. They don't always work that way, however. The HMO decides what you need and when you'll get it. Many of our medical insurance carriers charge a bundle and provide pitifully small benefits. I know one couple who pays $6,000. a year and gets one tooth cleaning. period. If they need surgery the ins. co. agrees to pay 100% until the surgery is done and then says "Ooopppsss, did we say 100%? We meant 0%. Pay it yourself." As long as ins. co.' are allowed to get away with this practice, it will continue, driving up the cost for everyone else. Medical ins. attached to car ins. policies are just as dishonest. My daughter had a terrible accident several years ago that left her with permanent nerve damage. The other driver was totally at fault, but the insurance only paid a small percentage of her medical bills.

My point is that we need to change the laws and repair the system with legislation not with another form of "Hillarycare."

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4. July 31st 2007 @ 19:47. youranter Says:

I don't know if this is 'Hillarycare' or not, but you bring up a valid point SL. The lawyers are getting rich while the common Joe is left in the lurch. If the HMO's were taken out of the equation, and everyone had gov't sponsored health care, you wouldn't have the problems you describe. Everyone would be equal and receive the same treatment, regardless of means. It seems a more equitable system to me.

5. July 31st 2007 @ 20:02. Nickoftime's Sanity Corner Says:

Ranter,

some pretty good comments here...I agree with both SL and Jim...Healthcare in America stinks...and unless something is radically altered real soon, it's liable to kill off a lot of innocent people who don't have the money to pay for the proper treatment!

Great post!

Take care,

Nick

6. July 31st 2007 @ 21:20. Anonymous Says:

Hi Ranter, just looking in on some of my faves..great post. I haven't seen the movie yet but intend to.

Back soon,

D. Armenta

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7. July 31st 2007 @ 21:33. youranter Says:

I know it might mean a raise intaxes, Nick, but I would think you could hold a candidates feet to the fire and tell them to cut some waste somewhere (and where doesn't the gov't waste money?) and trnasfer the funds to public health> I know it's impossible, but it might just work out even.

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8. July 31st 2007 @ 21:35. youranter Says:

Hi D. You've been missed. I still haven't scene the movie but I am intrigued now. All this was off the top of my head and I can only hope I did the subject justice. Thanks for stopping in.

9. August 11th 2007 @ 23:05. Nickoftime's Sanity Corner Says:

Ranter,

proper use of government funds for a worthy cause in America!!??

What the hell are you thinking man!?

LOL

Take care,

Nick

youranter
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10. August 12th 2007 @ 11:36. youranter Says:

Sorry, Nick. I wasn't feeling well at the time. Let me get a Blue or two under my belt and I'll be right as rain again. What the Hell WAS I thinking..................... .....

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