what a brilliant film and proof that our National Health system works.
I kind of feel sorry for our cousins across the water.

It really was an eye opener..I consider myself lucky to be canadian..I cant imagine living in the states (no offence) What do people do if GOD FORBID they need major surgery & have no health insurance?

the health system in france is pretty amazing as well, but i think they are heavily taxed?

It was an interesting flick, but I approach Moore's work with my guard up... even as I'm generally inclined toward his political views. He's been known to couch the content of his films for maximum rhetorical effect at the expense of exploring the entirety of a subject.

It's true: The quality of available care in the U.S. is superb, but the accessibility for a growing sector of the population needs fast attention. Are you guys (sonic and muirdo) satisfied with the state of health care in your respective countries? Is your taxation fair considering your level of coverage? How about waits? Prescription costs? Etc?

Lammastide said:

As a US citizen I don't find it particularly superb at all

hospitals are understaffed, overworked , and making way way too many mistakes.
the care and attention that we tout as being so superior to other nations astounds me. I think it's less than stellar myself.
If it's superior to other countries I would HATE to see what their health care systems are like.


I apprach Moore films with a certain amount of skepticism, but also glee. It's not that he's 100% accurate , nor lacking in his own liberal 'spin'--he certainly isn't. It's that at least when he makes a film, it gets folks talking. The democrats are failing to do all the things the claim they are for--Moore calls them on their bullshit, and skewers the Republicans while he's at it---nothing is more entertaining to watch.

Ahhhhh go butter some bread Muirdo

Imago said:

Can't argue with you on any of that.

When I make mention of the U.S.' "superb" quality of care, I'm careful (and I obviously should be more careful) to point out that what I mean is such quality is available ...albeit at a premium. Hospitals, indeed, are overworked, understaffed and riddled with mistakes. For the lucky few that can afford it, though, supplementary private practice care and all sorts of alternative treatments, specialists and technologies are at their disposal in the U.S. by virtue of a market that allows them nearly unchecked financial return. The crime is -- who can afford such things?
[Edited 4/20/08 22:24pm]

Lammastide said:

Millionaires and celeberities I guess.

But even then, you're chancing it. I mean, Michael Jackson contracted vitiligo from his plastic surgeons, despite the fact that it's not even contagious. If that doesn't scare folks, what will????? WHAT. WILL ?

Imago said:

The poor, knifed-up rich. Will anyone hear their cry?

Lammastide said:

UGH.

She's like the Darth Vador of b-list celebs. More machine than man now.

I'm interested in seeing this film.

Here in Thailand every Thai can get a free card that allows them to go to hospital and only pay 30 baht ($1) for seeing a doctor, treatment, or even sometimes really quite complex operations. You pay for basic medicine when you have a problem like say food poisoning or asthma or something like that but it's really pretty cheap and Thais don't get charged top dollar when expensive medicine and procedures are necessary (so being rushed to A&E to be saved you don't later find you have a bill that's more than years and years of your salary ).

When I took Mon to a private hospital here she had to have an emergency operation. We had a nice private room, she was in surgery for 3 or 4 hours, she stayed 2 nights and three days and the bill was about $1700. Even that I thought was very reasonable compared to back home.

.
[Edited 4/21/08 2:29am]

Lammastide said:

Eww.

Lammastide said:

I have never known anything else other than the UK's National Health.When I have had to use it I have felt that they did a good job (except maybe the doctor who after 5 minutes of trying to get my dislocated pinky back into place decided it was broken after all )
Some of the stories from Sicko almost made me well up,seriously!!!Either that im getting soft in my old age.

muirdo said:

I can't WAIT to leave this country AGAIN!!!

I HATE THIS PLACE!!

I know Moore has a tendency to spin facts so I try to take his docos with a grain of salt. Of course, I know there is a fair amount of truth to what he says in this flick. I've thought about moving to the States briefly for a while for school, but frankly, I'm terrified I'll break a leg or something and have no way to pay for it.

Canada's health care system is touted as the best in the world. And maybe it was. But in the past few years we have been sliding down in quality, though we're nowhere near pathetic American standards. Honestly, I have no problemwith paying slightly higher taxes if it means we have quality health care available to everyone, regardless of income.

Tommy Douglas is my hero.

I know Moore has a tendency to spin facts so I try to take his docos with a grain of salt. Of course, I know there is a fair amount of truth to what he says in this flick. I've thought about moving to the States briefly for a while for school, but frankly, I'm terrified I'll break a leg or something and have no way to pay for it.

Canada's health care system is touted as the best in the world. And maybe it was. But in the past few years we have been sliding down in quality, though we're nowhere near pathetic American standards. Honestly, I have no problemwith paying slightly higher taxes if it means we have quality health care available to everyone, regardless of income.

Tommy Douglas is my hero.