I've just finished watching Sicko, by Michael Moore, and after feeling scared and worried about my impending job in the United States for most of the film, the ending left me feeling warm, fuzzy and full of hope.
This was a typical "Michael Moore" investigation, admitedly he did leave out the fact that the French economy is in a state of collapse, that the British government seems adamant to destroy the NHS (and Primary Care Trusts do oppose treatments they think they can get away with not treating), and that in Canada the system is not as efficient as if you were a legacy trying to get into the Mayo Clinic.
However, that said, i'm currently feeling very proud of the NHS, and i think we should be more proud, because we do have some very good doctors, nurses, consultants, secretaries, janitors, and even probably a couple of good mangers in the NHS.
I watched Fahrenheit 911, and i wasn't hugely impressed, yes i did find out things i didn't know before, but it was preaching to the converted, i would have (if i were an American voter) voted for Dick Cheney for president before i voted for the dumb plank they have in power now.
This film was about Michael being Michael, and what Michael does very well is make people feel bad about themselves for being bastards.
The art of the political stunt to make a point is a very difficult one, and this time he is a past master, even down to the way he used homeland security to make themselves look foolish with their "hiding" of Guantanamo Bay's location.
Nobody forced the politicians to not treat those volunteers, but by not doing right by their "heroes", it turned a good point, into an earth shattering point.
Every country has its problems, and US of A has more than most. Its people, while passionate and even occasionally compassionate, are very good at missing chances for greatness. However i don't think this is one of those times. Now is the time for change, look at your leaders, your rulers, your masters,
would you deny a man his life just to get another million dollar bonus?
would you celebrate every failure in the principles on which healthcare is founded?
would you be happy that the least among you cannot risk the cost of going to see the doctor they "choose"?
These are not your compatriots, equals or fellows, they are the kind of people who would deny you air if they could make a profit out of it.
It is your time.
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