Thread: I watched Sicko!
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Old 07-31-2007, 06:56 PM   #7 (permalink)
garysher
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tadpole256 View Post
I finally did it... I sat down and watched Sicko. And I have to admit it was an excellent film, and Moore made a lot of good points. He has a real way of tugging on the old heart strings (he has a lot of blue-collar appeal). I think it is appalling, the condition our health care system is in, and I am shocked by some of the practices uncovered.

The only part of the movie I am against is the idea of socialized health care. As a Free Market Libertarian, and a believer in the teachings of Adam Smith, I have to say that I believe the free market stirs innovation, and quality of service. Speaking of someone who is a part of a socialized health care system (Tricare), I can tell you it has lots of problems.
It's interesting to hear universal health care referred to as "socialised" healthcare.

That word strikes terror into the hearts of most Americans - even though most of them don't understand what it means and don't seem to object when they drop off their little pumpkins at the "socialised' school every day.

Speaking as someone who grew up in a heavily Socialist country, the UK, I oppose socialism in general and support capitalism.

But healthcare is different because the element of choice that is essential to a true market, doesn't exist.

Nobody chooses poor health. Nobody chooses to be diabetic, or to have an accident.

I think universal healthcare is the only fair solution. You can guarantee everyone will complain about it, as they do about the NHS in Britain, but at least it's there when you need it.

When I lived in the UK I had private insurance as well, just as I have sent my children to private schools in America. It's my choice and if I can afford it I'll do it.

I feel no resentment about the fact I still contributed toward the NHS or to public schools here. But I think it's terrible when people have to sell their homes or become bankrupt to pay for healthcare, when the illness wasn't their choice.

And the way health insurance companies play with peoples' lives in America is scandalous.

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Doggone it darn right you betcha bless your heart maverick