On June 25th, I was fortunate enough to see Michael Moore's new film "Sicko." If it wasn't enough to see the film four days before its opening, the ever satirical writer/director Mr. Moore himself was there for a Q & A moderated by Ron Howard. What an amazing experience and privilege it was to witness this event as it happened. You know how people always say they wish they could have been somewhere during a historical moment in time, or been apart of something historical, or lived in a period in time when exciting transformations occurred? Well, this was one of those moments! I believe this film is by far, Michael's best. And, despite what some people think of Michael, this documentary appeals to everyone, because it boils down to a very simple fact of life: People deserve (whoever they are) the right (not privilege) to receive EQUAL and UNCONDITIONAL medical attention.

I implore everyone I know, and everyone I don't know to see this film. Once you see this film or even if you don't get the chance, I further implore everyone to push their congresswoman/man to support HR 676 (US. Rep. John Conyers's Bill for expanding Medicare to all US citizens over the next 15 years). Don't let the AMA and Health Insurance Industry's rhetoric of "socialism" scare you away from Universal Healthcare. Be pragmatic and ask yourself who runs the public school system, the post office, the library system, the fire fighters, the police. The government. So, why can't the healthcare system be run by the government, instead of private companies seeking profit.

Unfortunately in the history of America, some of the greatest influences or catalyst for governmental action has come as a result of forced realization. Theodore Roosevelt created the FDA after reading Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle" (a novel about working conditions in the Chicago meatpacking industry, in June, 1906). Perhaps, (the democratic masses willing it) 101 years after Upton Sinclair's novel, Michael Moore's film "Sicko" will influence the creation of Universal Healthcare in America (something that England has had since 1948, Canada since 1966, France since 1945, Cuba since 1964).

Why can't the worlds richest nation, have it too? If we can spend (as of June 26, 2007) 437.9 billion dollars to fund the Iraq war, then we can find the money for healthcare.

Below is a link to a site that will help you find your congressional representation. Additionally, it has a letter that you can use to encourage your representation to endorse the Universal Healthcare Bill HR 676.

http://www.healthcare-now.org/write_congress.html

Sincerely,

Steven Hacker

Pat

MM have proven himself a stretcher of the truth, with his 'shock-you-mentaries. I've refused to watch his last release, Farenheit 9ll, or whatever it's called.

Good read

I say raise the gas tax by $1.00 /gal. to fund medical coverage. This will quickly induce automakers to make vehicles using alternative fuels/power. Bring back the EV1 !!!

The UK has a national health system which is in constant turmoil, but again certainly doesn't demand that kind of taxation. Again, everybody has access to treatment, although waiting times for non-urgent surgery can be quite long.

If we follow Michael Moore and Hillary Clinton and the rest of the Peanut Gang we are all doomed. We should certainly learn what is really going on in other countries before we criticize this one. Cuba is a Communist country and the people are as poor as can be. Their healthcare is lacking EVERYTHING. Open your eyes and don't believe that ridiculous man when he opens his mouth. You know how I know he is lying...HIS LIPS ARE MOVING !!!!