I finally had a chance to catch Michael Moore’s new film Sicko.  For those unaware, the film is about the health care and insurance industry in the United States.  Moore is a powerful storyteller, and the movie really hit home.  Until about two months ago I was not covered by insurance.  As it stands now, I have Blue Cross catastrophe insurance only.  After watching the movie, I’m starting to think that is a waste of my money.

Needless to say there are two points which the movie alluded to that were not covered nearly enough.

First is how the lack of health insurance stifles creativity in the US.  Every year, people take corporate jobs they hate basically to provide health insurance for themselves or their loved ones.  If they did not need to worry about health care, would they do something else.  Maybe they would cure cancer instead of creating the next male enhancement drug.

The second point comes when Moore is talking to a member of the French government.  The official points out that in his country, government officials fear the repercussions of the voters.  What a novel concept.  Here, voters fear their government officials.  It must be nice to have a voting public that actually gives a damn, holds people responsible, and can see through their bullshit.