GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Union Baby — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:42:24 GMT

Fred - just because you have access to healthcare the rest of your life courtsey of the tax payer does not make you an expert. Try to live without insurance for awhile, like your good buddy Don Sundquist tried to bankrupt the Tenncare system in Tennessee (and almost did it). It's the insurance company Stupid! They are the problem, and not once in your entire life have you ever voted to shut them down or at least rein them in - shameful Fred, just Shameful.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Gary, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:43:01 GMT

Just wondering: You too busy to post any graph discussing Moore's side of things?

Even FoxNews gave Sicko a great review?! Weird, reactionary stuff from the GOP...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,273875,00.html

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

CJ — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:46:55 GMT

I don't think it helps their image for a presidential candidate to attack a film maker when there are more serious issues at hand. Instead of scoring political points with the base, let Hannity and Rush do the ususall dirty work. It's similar to Edwards getting in a tussle with Coulter. It'd be interesting to see if Romney engages in this as well.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Al, KS — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:48:09 GMT

Did I miss something...is Moore running for President? Attack the messenger, but take campaign money from drug and insurance companies. Are the Repubicans even credible on this subject?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Scott in South Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:12:33 GMT

Being bad-mouthed by these clowns would be a compliment.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:17:25 GMT

Gigolo Rudy is so sleazy he will say anything to get on the side of the religous right and neo-cons. Why do you not focus on family values....LIKE RECONCILE WITH YOUR KIDS. Don't you love that all these Republicans are getting busted on lewd and lascivious behaviors and drug charges...HAHAHAHAHAHA!GREATEST HYPOCRITES OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Russell in Maryland — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:29:12 GMT

Do they even give a care about health care? That is the real issue.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

M. Boley — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:31:40 GMT

Oh boy, I can see where this is going. All the MM detractors will start screaming about how 'fat and ugly' he is and attempt to connect those to the healthcare issue. Wow, that's quite a stretch!

All right. A bit on the side but nevertheless... Here's the question I've been dying to ask. Explain the relationship between someone being 'fat and ugly' and their capacity for intelligence and veracity. Let's have it, folks. Oh, and back up what you say with FACTS, not emotionally-based name-calling, ad hominems, and other worthless rhetorical 'devices'.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jamie Downs — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:46:07 GMT

We should nationalize health care so it runs just like the Post Office.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Carol — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:57:58 GMT

Yes, my cable news network is MSNBC which includes "Tucker" (the one show that keeps the network really fair and balanced). He interviewed someone last night, cannot remember who..sorry. But the point is the guest who I believe was a Republican tried to discuss the content of "Sicko" but all Tucker, the devout administration lover, wanted to discuss was Moore's weight since part of the movie which I haven't seen yet talks about the health of American citizens. This is the level of intellect that Tucker and his kind (usually from Fox) have left to discuss since to really get into issues would leave him with little to say, at least with a straight face. Tucker, isn't it time for you to move on to the 24/7 ad for the Whitehouse, Fox news?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Dorothy — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:58:51 GMT

"Fatso"--A movie

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Sarah, Columbus, OH — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:01:28 GMT

I'll take the post office over the current health care system. Have you experienced the horrors of not being insurable because of a pre-existing condition? This topic is too serious for smart-mouth comments like that. very thoughtless.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

SO FAR TO THE RIGHT; TED NUGENT WOULD BE A LIBERAL,TEXAS — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:03:09 GMT

I like the way you liberals are picking on one of your own (Giuliani)! As for Republicans being busted for lewd acts; it works bothways Juan! The liberal press loves' to show a bad Republican. What about the Clinton's? They have great morals! Stop being a sheep!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Nick in Seattle — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:03:45 GMT

So, I haven't seen the film yet, but Im guessing that it talks about health care. What I want to know is how much both sides are talked about in the film. I mean, just because health care sucks in this country DOES NOT mean that it is at the fault of the republicans. Does anyone remember the shape it was in during the Clinton administration? You should, because I believe Hillary decided to do something about it... and failed, MISERABLY! So, before you go attacking republicans for bad health care, look at everyone that sits in the senate and the house! They are the ones, COLLECTIVELY, that allow our country to operate without healthcare... not just the republicans.

Also, has anyone ever realized what would happen with the free healthcare that I hear so much about? Go to Cananda and tell me how pristine their hospitals are... cuz guess what, many of the elite doctors from Canada actually come to the States are go elsewhere where they can be paid more. You want good treatment from good doctors? Well, it wont come with free healthcare, I can guarantee that!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

john scalamonti, old bridge, nj — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:04:47 GMT

It'a amazing how the richest country in the world can't provide health care for it's seniors and poor. We USE taxpayers dollars to subsidize the oil companies the corn farmers, the pentagon, the war and the rest of the world. Let's take care of our own first and provide universal health care.It's the right thing to do.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

SO FAR TO THE RIGHT — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:05:21 GMT

Moore is a Canadian and should stick to his countries politics; or become a U.S. citizens. Throw out the illegals- starting with Moore!!!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Nadiyah in San Diego — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:06:11 GMT

Like Mos Def said in a spoof on BET: "Fool-iani, you ain't foolin' nobody. All you wanna do is bullsh*! and party!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

T. Wallace — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:07:16 GMT

Well, the Post Office runs a lot better than George Bush's War on Terror (Al Qaeda back to full strength), his idiotic adventure in Iraq (4000 dead Americans and counting, not to mention many thousands of Iraqis), and his promise to secure our borders (12-25 million illegal aliens, depending on your source, and growing by thousands daily).

While we're busy beating up Michael Moore, lets not forget that pharmaceutical lobby which lines the politicians pockets and makes damn sure you pay 2-3 times more than your Canadian counterparts.

And let's not forget Bush's vetos of anything to do with stem cell research. Lord knows we wouldn't want our science to compete with the rest of the world and risk offending James Dobson and the rest of the Christian right.

Paris Hilton does more time than Scooter Libby and you Republicans look the other way. Where is your shame?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

SO FAR TO THE RIGHT — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:07:42 GMT

Why should Republicans be afraid of Obama? Obama should be afraid of Hillary! Look what happened in the White Water Affair!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Kurt Kriz — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:10:25 GMT

My only real problem with Michael Moore has little to do with the fact that I'm a Republican and more to do with being a fan of the TRUTH. Michael Moore has openly admited (although not to loudly or often) to editing both his facts and footage to force people to respond the way, and towards the political side he wants them to. The real shame is that he won an academy award for "Best Documentary" with his method for "Bowling for Columbine" (I guess they don't have one for "best propaganda film". As much as I hate the healthcare system and the insurance companies, I'm not going to jump on his jingoistic bandwagon just because this time I happen to hate who he's going after. His footage is both doctored and edited out of sequence, while his facts are often outright lies, by his OWN admission. Go ahead and go after the Healthcare Industry, the War in Iraq, or Guns if that's the way you feel America, but don't do it BECAUSE of anything Michael Moore tells you. READ the FACTS not the BLOGS. Don't just "Rock the Vote" but get informed first by non-profit oriented sensationalist-biased neutral third parties, and ALWAYS question how and where your statistics come from.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

SO FAR TO THE RIGHT — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:12:07 GMT

Baaaaa Baaaaaa Sheep!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Philly, Melbourne, Florida — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:17:53 GMT

Moore is from Michigan, which is close to Canada. Way Far Out Right's brain isn't close to reality, STFU stupid.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Mark Y; Westlake Village, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:22:28 GMT

so far to the right,
as usual, you bushies bring up history nearly 10 years old and only one person. The GOP has had several others more recently than Bill - Mark Foley, Bob Allen, Vitter, Newt's affair during Clinton's impeachment, Bill O'Reilly's sexual harassment settlement. Typical right wing hypocrisy...and where do you get Moore is Canadian? He grew up in Flint, MI per several Google sites.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:23:04 GMT

Yep, mention Michael Moore and the right-wingers- (SO FAR TO THE RIGHT) come out. Case closed. Michael Moore, for you information, was raised in Flint, MI and watched first-hand what corporate mis-management can do to a town. As far as the healt-care system goes, I think people should look at all the facts. The truth is we have a great emergency and trauma health-care system but the rest, frankly, sucks. Almost nowhere else in the western democracies do people have to make the choice between eating or going to the doctor. Of course, some people do eat too much, including myself at times, but that does not mean I wouldn't deserve good health care if I needed it. What a crock. Maybe Michael should do a film called "fatso" about those who eat at the public trough for billions of dollars and turn around and complain about someone getting less than a thousand of month to live on because they are sick or disabled. Huckabee has just proven exactly why I would never vote for him. By the way, Michael Moore-haters, how many things did he say about Bush and the Iraq War were BS; tell me that.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Hector Cruz — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:23:20 GMT

Tucker, it is time to leave. A 99:1 libs:cons ratio is too much to bear for the MSNBC crowd.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

lover of right — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:23:25 GMT

I agree totally with Kurt Kriz you have exactly the right idea and your comments are very compelling. And my opinion of Michael Moore is too horrific to type out what exactly I think of the creep. The fact that is a liar and a big fatso and is making money off of idiots who buy into his lies is appalling to say the least!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Mike Smith — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:25:10 GMT

"The Great Uniter" has taken our country to such polarized extremes, with the help of "fair and balanced" journalism that is nothing short of the Jerry Spring Show, that most Americans can only parrot whatever Rush Limbaugh or Fox News regurgitates.

Look how many people attacked Michael Moore's movie before they ever saw it, simply because it was Michael Moore!

Hopefully the neocon movement will drown in its own pitard - sooner rather than later.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Bruce, Springfield, IL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:26:25 GMT

I agree with Al from KS. Amazing. Michael Moore makes a movie and attacks a totally inadequate health care system, and the GOP conservatives go nuts with personal attacks on Michael Moore. Rush Limbaugh attacks every Democrat from time of birth to the present, and liberals and moderates basically say to themselves, "Typical comment. Consider the source."

Point being--when the facts are too pointed and too indefensible, GOP defenders attack the messenger.

Think about the legacy of this administration--Iraq, lousy health care, out-of-control immigration, loss of manufacturing jobs in USA, declining world image,
and the only thing the GOP can rail about is Michael Moore? That is an ostrich-type approach to solving America's problems.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Blue Blooded, Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:26:36 GMT

So far to the right....when will you neo-cons get over the fact that Bill Clinton had an affair and lied about it.....since when is the president the moral authority? It's so naive to think that ALL of the politicians (and probably Hillary too!) are NOT getting "favors". Grow up! It's reality, and it's none of your business.

Republicans: the epitome of hypocrisy. Bush is lying to us on a daily basis and that's just perfectly OK!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jamie Downs — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:28:47 GMT

"Well, the Post Office runs a lot better than George Bush's War on Terror"

So are you agreeing that health care should be run like the post office, or disagreeing that health care should be run like post office?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Kachies, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:31:37 GMT

Whatever Moore's shortcomings, I'd rather have someone present and discuss a REAL issue than be forced to discuss fake issues by the media. The presidential campaigns are much more lively and make more sense when the candidates are forced to discuss issues that affect the electorate like healthcare, guns, and foreign policy. So to attack Moore for merely bringing this heinous situation to light is "sicko". Why don't Guiliani and the other GOP lightweights just discuss the issues?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Tina Bensley, Baltimore, Maryland — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:34:05 GMT

I find it amusing that "they", can take cheap shots at Moore(yes sometimes he set himself up) but; never really discuss the issue of health care. The other day on Foxx (yes I was somewhere, where I had no control over the TV - I wouldn't watch that crap by design) Wolf or one of the other "alleged news people", made a brillent statement about Hillery. Quote - Well you know she wants Universial Health care, the dems want to raise taxes and use that money for their social programs. Unquote. Now I understand how dare they try to use our money to help "US". Much rather spend it on an bogus war, so Billionair Bush can be a multi-Billionair. And while we make him and his gang of thugs richer, we should dread the day anyone in our family gets sick. Makes perfect sense. Who are these people???

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

merry beyeler — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:35:54 GMT

Regarding other countries "free health care", yes they pay for it with their taxes. At least their taxes are going to something positive versus ours which are going to kill people in foreign countries. Health care should be non-profit which doesn't necessarily mean run by the govt.
greed based health care will always be obscene! It should be a service and the people who provide it paid a reasonable wage, including doctors, nurses, mid levels, technicians, etc. I would rather pay for someone else's operation than another humvee in iraq.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Slightly Left, Edwardsville IL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:38:07 GMT

I think it is important to note if you haven't seen the film that it isn't a political film at all. It isn't about left or right, it is simply comparing our health care system to that of other countries and honestly when you see the difference, it is quite scary. Our system compared to some 30 other countries is severely lacking. I do consider this a must see for educational purpores, period.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Tom, Chicago area — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:39:11 GMT

Mchael Moore is a professional liar. However, there are problems with the healthcare system in this country. I don't know the answer but a Government Program is NOT the answer.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Blue Blooded, Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:40:06 GMT

Kurt - If you're a fan of the truth, how is it you support this administration? Really, please answer without bringing up Clinton or some other democrat that has lied.

And, "lover of right" you might want to chime in, Since you think MM is a liar. Tell us how you can defend the LIAR in Chief? If lying is the impeachable offense, why are Bush & Cheney still in the White House?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

lover of right — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:43:34 GMT

To all of you who love to eat up the media hype and the lies they feed us about the GOP and our President, get real. Read and listen to both sides and make an opinion that is actually one of your own. Stop ragging on the far right because they stand for christianity and have some morals. Bill Clinton couldn't tie his own shoes w/out the help of his manwife. What a joke he made of our nation when he was in office but oh, everyone forgets about all the costs and lies told to us by the Democrats, HOW CONVENIENT!!!!! grow up!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

LongOne — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:45:52 GMT

One thing I truly despise about Republicans is the fact that everything to them is black and white. And yes, Gary in Des Moines, zebras ARE reactionaries!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Rob Ferris, St Louis, MO — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:52:01 GMT

Time and again I read about the "bad healthcare" in places like Canada and England. Which kinds of begs the point since "bad healthcare" beats "NO healthcare" any day in my book!

Whether you love Michael Moore or hate him he is still right about the basic problem....healthcare for profit and politicians on the take!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

chris — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:52:22 GMT

errrrr...i'm not even a michael moore fan, but it drives me nuts that this 'news' blotter page lists some republican disses on the guy, pronounces 'ouch' as if they are going to hurt the credibility of the film, but then give no context for me to judge for myself whether the criticism should be accurate. i need to know what is being misrepresented in the film, i need to know where they stand on our current system which FRIGGING SUCKS (yes, compared to Canada where I have also received (very good) treatment), how they are going to defend it, and how the moore camp responds....plus, and this is unrelated (sort of, but not really) i am peeved at the way the guliani "swiftboaters" are compared to the kerry swiftboaters. at least the firefighters have some factual basis to lodge their complaints. i thought that the kerry critics were proven to be mere political hitmen...why are these two camps being compared as if they are the same thing?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Blue Blooded, Vegas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:55:12 GMT

Lover of right....seriously, don't assume that we aren't listening to the opposition. I listen to Rush, Savage & Hannity, and occasionly try to sit through the FOX news....you must know your opponent. Why don't you try it? Obviously you aren't listening to either side if you don't think Bush is lying to you.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Lisa, Douglas, GA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:58:47 GMT

Romney better stay out of this one.
He's got a $10 million home - and well - several homes - at least as many as Rudy has had wives.
And the media bashes Edwards for a $5 million home??
Oh wait - none of the OTHER millionaire candidates are advocating for the working poor. Bingo!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Joe the Man, panama city, FL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:59:28 GMT

a) Moore's movie is not about republicans, it is about the health care industry.

b) the health care industry is much much larger than Hillary Clinton, with deeper pockets than all of the billionares on the planet combined. she was in a steep up hill battle on wet clay, and was destined to fail.

c) canadians love their system, any comments to the contrary is right off the EIB broad cast network and has no basis in reality. Besides, there are better examples of National Healthcare: see Germany and Japan. In fact, there are literally dozens of other systems to learn from, as the US is the only industrialized nation on the planet that doesn't have it. BTW, we spend 64 times more per patient than Cuba, and we get the same results.

d) the poor in this country do have insurance, and it's loads better than the insuarnce they offer at IBM. It's name is Medicade, and it's the best insurance in the country. What we have to worry about are the middle class with "insurance" and the upwardly mobile clerks at the insurance company that get promoted based off of denying you procedures that doctor who spent 15 years in higher education and intership says you need.

e) it's funny to hear people bemoan "governmet run" insurance. You certainly wouldn't bemoan "government run" defense. Seriously, if privatization is the end all be all cure, why don't we privatize the police, firemen, and defense? Things that make you go "hmmmmm".

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Pat Duncan — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:59:56 GMT

Those who oppose government health care are the very ones benefiting from the system, like drug companies and doctors and all the ancilary services that provide money to lobbyist to gauge the public. I can't believe health insurance cost a family of 2 or more, for HMO coverage as much as $10,000 or more just for the policy. Then you are not certain what else you will be asked to pay anytime you go to the doctor. Is this the way a system is supposed to work?
Cost more and get less? What is wrong with the voting public? Look at what the health care industry charges...where is the justification?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Russell in Maryland — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:00:49 GMT

Antelopes are missionaries

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

annefrank — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:02:36 GMT

John Edwards has successfuly fought for the little guy and WON! - against the powerful Insurance and Pharmaceutical industries - corporate sponsors of the corporate media!
So that's it! I wondered why the corporate media was always smearing him.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Gloria, La Honda CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:03:12 GMT

Why would anyone with a brain care what Michael Moore says about Healthcare ...or anything else? For the record, I am a Republican and proud of it. I've had many years in my life when I did not have health coverage, but it was never the responsibility of the government to use other taxpayers money to take care of me. Why doesn't the looney left ever want people to take responsibility for themselves and their children?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

mo — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:08:03 GMT

It's all plain simple folks. Vote out all the so-called republican. END OF STORY

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

John Rodgers, Aliso Viejo, Ca — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:12:06 GMT

This movie was great, we need more people like Moore to stand up for us. I ask all of you, go to a person from Europe and ask them if they would trade there way of lift with ours. The first thing that they say is Our health care sucks, College cost are out of control and our child care in not attainable with out help. They see us as traped in a blackhole of Corporation control. Corporations run our country and we are their pods. In Europe the people come first and the people keep it that way. It's time to get ride of the people who scratch each other backs to destory our lives. Wake up people, only the poor people want to come here to USA, but they also want to go anywhere that gives them more options in life. Ask how many of them in Europe, if they would come here to America.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Blue Blooded, LV — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:14:32 GMT

For you backwards neo-cons that think Republicans are the only ones with "morals" and religious beliefs, you have to know deep down that Jesus was a LIBERAL. If the word offends you, you don't know what it means! I am so sick of Democrats being tagged with the immoral and hethan labels. Again, it's so ignorant and simplistic. Like calling MM a fatso..... it's 3rd grade mentality.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

deedee bend oregon — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:15:42 GMT

We have the best healthcare system in France. We can choose our doctors, we don't have to wait, home visits are still made, when you have sugery, they don't throw you out after 2 days, prices on mecications are reasonable and you will never loose your home for not paying medical bills. And by the way, we have great scientists and doctors! The health care system in this country stinks!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jacko Longstreet — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:18:00 GMT

A sweaty sack of suet that could not tell the truth if his life depended on it yet the hysterical liberals can't get enough of Michael Moore. Wonder why that is? Hmmmmmmmm. Could be they all love being in lala land?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Sierra, San Francisco — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:18:08 GMT

Isn't Rudy's health care plan to send fire fighters and rescue workers into a toxic pit and let them contract cancer ? That lowers health care costs for NYC when these first responders die prematurely.

What do the NY fire fighters think about Rudy, anyway ??

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

deedee bend oregon — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:20:29 GMT

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Ollie, Toronto — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:30:28 GMT

I do not understand why people and particularily politicians feel that it is correct thing to critisize Michael Moore for bringing this huge problem to the attention of the american people. Should we not be concerned with what is best for everyone ? The system in Canada, France and England is not perfect by any means, but we can learn from everyone what will work and what will not. I have seen figures that the free health care system would cost $350 billion (probably more), but if we took away the political payoffs to a lot of members of congress and leaders of the country, reduced the excess profits on most medications, and even if we had to implement a 1-2% increase in taxes this would in my belief take care of itself. Then we can also start with making corporations responsible in bringing some of the jobs back to the country and so on.... Unfortunately presently it would appear that their own pockets are more important than the citizen's well being.Is it right that some CEO should be making $20-50 million a year ?
Thank you Michael for making this film, it sure has opened the eyes of a lot of people, some are still oblivious to what goes on around them until they will loose their jobs, insurance coverage and their
life.
By the way I happen to be a Canadian who recently underwent a bypass surgery, non emergency in 14 days from my first doctors visit and it cost me nothing. My concern is with the human race and what we are doing to each other - and the lies and incorrect statements from politicians on both sides of the border.
How much is the Iraq war costing - I heard $12 billion a month, thats 144 billion a year, plus the health care costs of all the wounded and suffering of widows and families, another source towards health care
Cheer up and let's see how the awful system can be fixed the best way

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Patty M. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:36:04 GMT

"Many a truth is told in...hyped up documentaries!"

Ok, to those on the right - relax, go see the movie on a Wednesday at noon when no one is watching and you don't have to worry about being seen walking into a Michael Moore film!
The bottom line is this - There is so much truth to his movie regarding our healthcare industry, as an American citizens, please don't expect your heroes on the right to shine a light on these issues. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN! I know you don't like Michael, but having worked as a claims examiner for Blue Cross, i.e. a person who determines whether a claim is payable or not, I can tell you there is much truth to people not getting the care they truly need because the insurance company doesn't want to shell out the money to pay for care, operations and medication. Even though you pay a ridiculous premium every month, you can't get the real help you need because they refuse to HELP you.
What happened to "brotherly love?" I thought that was at the heart and soul of our country. And if you are truly a Christian living in this country you KNOW the golden rule, "love thy neighbor as thyself." When someone is hurt or sick, you help them. We have a system set up that will bankrupt a sick person, refuse to offer service and put them out on the street.
Michael Moore's film sheds light on a broken system and is basically saying, "Hey America, wake up and ask yourselves, who are we?????????"

As for my job - don't work there anymore and would never do it again.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

CJ — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:36:17 GMT

This post is starting to get off topic for a bit..but the health care system does need to be seriously looked at. When the first question a doctor's office asks...do you have insurance, who is your insurance carrier...there is a problem. I'm fine..I'm covered under Blue Cross. But imagine not being able to get decent immediate treatment and having to go to the 2nd rate public health centers with long lines. My wife's doctor had quit accepting Medicaid patients. It's a real issue.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Nick Clear, Alameda, Ca. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:37:13 GMT

We are the richest country on earth. We should have the BEST health care system. We rank 2 places above Cuba. A poor third world country. This is a national disgrace. Our health care system is a broken. No American should become bankrupt because of medical bills.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Blue Blooded, LV — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:37:23 GMT

Jacko - When will you see through your veil of hypocrisy that the idiot you voted for has been lying since he took office! So quick to call everyone a liar, except Bush. You create your own reality, talk about lala land! Again, someone please defend this lying administration without attacking the Democrats.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Freida Lickme, S.A. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:37:37 GMT

Oh wrong yee liberal dumas!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Vaughn W Collins — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:39:05 GMT

F Y Fatty

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Ezra S, San Francisco, Ca — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:39:27 GMT

Yeah, well...all I can say is that everyday I live in fear of losing my medical insurance. I am in my early 30's and the medication that I must take for the rest of my life would not be affordable without insurance...AT ALL. No medication, I die - it's that simple. Oh yeah, and 11 days in the hospital would have cost me $38,000 dollars had I not been insured - can you say insane? Take that to your red politicos and lobbyists. I'd love to hear their replies. The U.S. is indeed a great nation, but obviously not great enough.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Sally Seal — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:40:18 GMT

Oh my goodness--just reading all of this MM junk is sickening! First of all 1) he is a misguided person with no morals. 2)As for the Clintons...duh?? Morals? they have none--3) this Obama person...CHECK his background people--SCARY--if your READ YOUR BIBLE you would pick up on this. 4) Edwards...a little man. .
I am getting off of the subject at hand I realize, but folks...be leary of these "people"...they fill your minds with craziness--tell you what you WANT to hear....Micheal Moore is one of these & is just a pathetic man who keeps yapping because the media listens and prints his crap.....so sad. No wonder the world is in the horrible shape its in.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Anton, LA, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:42:05 GMT

Anyone with a brain knows that Moore more is doing what every US citizen has a constitutionally given responsibility to do, hold those in power responsible, whether it be the government or corporate America. The problem that Moore address are the Americans who do take responsibility for themselves and their children but still loose because the system is designed to deprive them of what they're paying for.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Paul, Fresno, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:45:24 GMT

It's funny reading about how our country has gone to hell over the past 8 years: Iraq, lousy health care, out-of-control immigration, loss of manufacturing jobs in USA, declining world image.. as Bruce states. Well let's visit those issues briefly:

Iraq - clearly a Clinton legacy - gutless to the end, left to someone else to deal with - well he did bomb that asprin factory...

Lousy healthcare - first, we have a satisfaction rate in this country in the 80% range, so what exactly is lousy? Does the issue need to be addressed? Certainly. Out of control costs, access, chronic illness - all of these issues have been on the table for a couple of decades - clearly not a Rep / Demo issue, it is an issue that no one has adequately addressed.

Manufacturing jobs have been racing out of this country for decades - thank the unions and a lax import policy.

Declining world image - who gives a crap what the "world" thinks of us. I say let's stop sending the billions in aid all over the world to all of these folks who don't like us anymore, pay off our debt, and lower our taxes so all of us can afford things like healthcare.

Michael Moore? He seems like a bright guy, but he comes off as acidic, mean, angry... you need a better messenger

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Patrick in Salt Lake City — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:45:45 GMT

Thank God for Mr Moore. I wish some of our Democratic leaders would show the same moxie that Michael showed in his interview with Wolf Blitzer. It is time for progressives to stop acting as punching bags for the likes of Russert, Matthews, and the rest of the "liberal" media.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Moore S. Better — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:46:24 GMT

When people understand PIG business and corporations make their excessive profits off of keeping the average person down and exploiting what little they have, there will be action in the streets. That may be the ONLY way politicians will finally take care of the average person in this country. Michael Moore is one of the FEW individuals doing positive work for this country! Thank you, Mike, for the work you do.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Eddie Jabonowitz Portland, Oregon — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:47:51 GMT

So far to the right. Thank you.You make me laugh. You have set the bar for ignorance. I have come to the sad realization that this " cone of ignorance" that you and most Republicanlive in starts at the top, festers within a group of corrupt, both morally and legally advisors to our sad embarrasment of a president and then seems to filter on down to small, narrow minded 3rd grade droupouts that all they can do is blame the prior admisistration for the state of affairs that we now experience. That is a sad and weak way to look at the world. Michael Moore is not the problem. The problem is an administration that is so far removed from it's people. If you can claim to be a true american then how can you and other right wingerthinkers justify an elected offical-the predident of the USA ) Illegally elected by the way. to stomp on the constitution of our great country day in and day out
and still think the way you do? With Dubya in the Whitehouse and his gang of four constantly pulling his strings and putting the word in his mouth you will get your wish. For the good of the people, by the people& of the people will never come to the light od day. until 1-1-09 Enjoy it while you can,
associates of this sad

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

John Doughboy, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:48:51 GMT

Whether you love him or hate him, he is right atleast 51% of the time. That makes his work an important part of our growth as a country. Few others have the courage to stand up to the nations biggest problems. Bloggers can b*tch and moan all day, but the facts stand. Capitalism has its problems. Dems in this nation outnumber Repubs by about 4 to 1. But still only 54M out of 300M vote in the general election. Why? Repubs use massive amounts of money to sway the scales. They are not all evil, but right now the extremists are destroying everything our fathers died for.

Interestingly, there is an intriguing correllation between Americans cynicism of the American political system and the way the rest of the world view Americans. The same people who hate America actually hate warmongers like Bush and the general Americans hate him equally. We are just so wrapped up in our jobs and taking the kids to soccer that we cant be passionate about what is really happening. Seven years since Dubya took office we are all still divided. Neither side (left or right) is right. Real leadership and accountability is needed.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Rick S, Leesburg, Florida — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:49:49 GMT

deedee talks about the healthcare in France. Exactly what is the amount the government takes out of your earnings to pay for the healthcare system? Do you still have to pay for certain things out of your remaining money?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

jim — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:53:15 GMT

michael moore is so rich he doesnt even use the healthcare system. the system is broken due to poor people, not fat people, or disabled people, or immigrants! its poor people of which some are fat some are disabled and some are immigrants. rich people pay for their treatment. for anybody to imply that the health care system is messed up due to people with health care issues then they obviously are retarded and need to get some mental health care!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Mary Parker, Jefferson, Oregon — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:58:01 GMT

I have seen the movie. Its mainly for people WITH health insurance. The drug compainies and the insurance companies are TERRIFIED Americans will get a taste of what France, Canada and Cuba offer all their people. We take free schools, police,fire, but we should not want free health care?? Come on, The Republicans and some Democrats are bought and paid for with drug,insurance and oil money. The GOP is going to spend tons of money making sure we dont ever get learn of Moores hope for America, so just get ready for them to take Moore down the dirty road they paved with your tax $$$$ !!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

joe cano — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:58:27 GMT

Rich old white guys that never have to worry about ever being denied medical attention complaining about Moore outing bad healthcare in this country. So much for compassionate Christians. Compassionate if your are white.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

tony nelson — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:00:17 GMT

funny how all the rich bastards in this country hate michael moore....i wonder why that is....hmmmmmm?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

SO FAR TO THE RIGHT,TED NUGENT LOOKS LIKE A LIBERAL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:01:02 GMT

Gee Sorry there liberals; I got M.M. mixed up with Bill Clinton during the Vietnam War! So many Big Macs and well! They're twins!!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Thomas Fuller, Lincoln, Ne. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:05:10 GMT

If pharmaceuticals, insurance companies and the AMA hadn't spent millions of dollars bringing down Hillery Clinton's health care plan, maybe our health care system wouldn't be in the mess it is in today.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Anton, LA, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:06:55 GMT

The movie makes one thing clear; the current heath care system is designed to make corporations more money and give less care. It's an indisputable fact as stated in Richard Nixion's and John Ehrlichman's own words. How can anyone think that such a system is remotely moral?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Ezra S, San Francisco CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:10:58 GMT

Sally Seal is a putz

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Brandon Gustafson Fargo, North Dakota — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:13:45 GMT

I've gotten care in "socialist" Ireland. The care was as good as it is in this country, faster, and cheaper AT FULL PRICE. I would trade health care systems with Canada in a second (and while we are at it, can Canada please take Guliani, Thompson, and Huckabee too? Thanks!).

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Lillie Davis, Birmingham, AL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:14:18 GMT

I loved MM's film, Sicko. I think everyone should see it (esp. before they comment on it), just to realize that we care more about "capitalism" than we do about people. It really reinforced what I already know - with a healthcare mgmt degree, my career started with Healthsouth (whose CEO, Richard Scrushy) is now behind bars. Ironic, no, reality. I'm sick of conservatives - get real, stop listening to gov't lies (like any of us know the entire truth anyway) & realize that costs are insane & the reality is change is needed. I'm glad MM's film is sparking debate!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Not John Doe, Chicago, IL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:15:43 GMT

Hey, so far to the right... Other than supidity, hate and Baaaaing for dates, what do you do for fun? PS. Ted would skin and eat you for lunch you mindless grub

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

John Stevens, Portland OR — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:17:33 GMT

So far to the right, lying again. Michael Moore was born in Flint Michigan which makes him a patriotic American, trying hard to tell the truth despite the Republican Noise machine and corporate media.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Will, Fort Mill SC — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:21:52 GMT

All I see is two basic philosophies to medical systems. One inclusive system and one exclusive system. Ultimately, the exclusive system puts a $$ value on life, the inclusive system doesn't. WWJD?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Not John Doe, Chicago, IL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:23:41 GMT

Sally Seal, one more misguided uneducated Moore basher, who can't even check her grammer before she clicks the submit button.

My argument was just as baseless as yours but, at least I smart enough to check my spelling and my grammer before I hit the submit button.

Also, Clinton has been out of office for six plus years, get over it or join so far to the right and baaaa for dates.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Tony DeLand, FL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:28:28 GMT

Any Congressman or Senator that doesn't think their voters should have guaranteed healthcare without fear of going bankrupt should give up their Government Healthcare system that they receive once they get in office.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

FED UP ALMOST BROKE — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:30:41 GMT

Do you not GET IT, Americans, (sheep). The corrupt Amereican "political system" of Poli-ticians (blood-suckers) and their corrupt greedy, immoral and business proteges; without concience keep you (sheep) so busy with their rhetoric (until they're busted AND PARDONED)for their own illegal activity WHILE THEY KEEP US POORER AND without any way to communicate our disgust, disdain and disapproval of their actions. Think about it...you're flooded with "commentary", (most is lies) AND YOU HAVE NO WAY TO VOICE YOUR OPINION OR TO BEGIN A LEGAL ACTION TO KICK THEIR A_ _ _ _ OUT AND PUT THEM IN JAIL commenserate with their crimes against humanity. Think about it, lies, unnecessary military deaths of our sons and daughters, illegal wiretapping, NSL letters, all that for the almighty dollar...yours...no theirs now. tHINK ABOUT..GET A VOICE TO STOP THIS PIRACY OR THERE WON'T BE AN AMERICA.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:30:58 GMT

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbb — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:31:12 GMT

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

aaaaaaaaaa — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:32:42 GMT

I'm interested in seeing the message I just put up or will it be censored.

Your comment or rating has been received. However, due to caching and moderation, it may not be displayed right away.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Ben Richards — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:37:31 GMT

This, sadly, is mostly about the culture of selfishness that exists in this country. The whole "I worked hard and got mine so f**K anyone who couldn't" attitude. If we still had the money that we blew in Iraq, we'd be able to afford health care coverage for everyone. America is just totally hung up on making people suffer for personal failure, bad luck or a lack of opportunity. We seem to get off on our money and possessions mostly by smirking at those less fortunate. That's what's really "Sicko."

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Dan — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:41:14 GMT

OK, the REAL reasons that we have high healthcare costs (and high insurance costs) as well as lesser quality outcomes/$ spent.
1) malpractices lawyers. You can correlate health care costs directly to ratio of lawyesr/MDs. It is not just the cost of suit awards, the MAIN added cost is defensive medicine..the extra tests/scans/procedures that docs order on nearly every patient that they expect will be OK but are done on the 0.01% chance they will miss something. Simple CYA from a group threatened since med school.
2) drug research..US drug companies due the multibillion dollar research/expensive FDA approval - Canada et.al does cheap generic knock offs and looks like the hero.
3) Obesity rates, smoking, alcohol abuse, drugs all generally higher than most developed contries. The majority of hospital admissions are realted to self inflicted misery.
4) lack of emphasis in preventive care, more emphasis in end of life care (the later in part driven by #1).

Note that more trial lawyers in office is not going to help this folks(eg Edwards who became rich from bogus cerebral palsey suits), nor is nailing insurance and drug companies who are in general just reacting to market forces generated by the above. Americans need to take MORE responsiblity for their bad health habits not complain quiet so much about what government should be doing to provide free care. A role of government in preventive care is reasonable but should be mediated through private sector forces as government is incapable of doing this (and most other) task correctly.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jed Cruz , San Jose, California — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:41:15 GMT

I've said it before and I'll say it again, take the focus off of the man who is merely presenting the message of a system that's really sick. I think the main message of this article (if you're a critical thinker) displays the GOP as losing its base because they're obviously on the offensive attacking Moore when he's not a presidential candidate. It makes it interesting; however, that the article here is drawing attention to Moore's criticism without actually giving him any defense. Nonetheless, his issue of health care is still brought up, but in such a vague fashion. Anyway, MSNBC: when will your news org start do a dateline investigative news piece on the stories of the millions WITH health care in the United States and the effects that greed and profiteering have on consumers with such a lousy product? Make that a neat op-ed instead of playing the game the GOP and its base wants you to do: taking the focus away from the issue.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Ben Richards — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:43:07 GMT

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Dvaid SB CA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:01:18 GMT

It must be a sad world to live in when you go to work listening to Savage, at work listen to druggie limbaugh, on the way home listen to Hannity, then when you get home watch o'reilly and FOX noise machine. Now do we see why these people are so nutty!!!!!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

J.D. in California — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:02:33 GMT

What is really sad is that I note that only a handful of you who have posted have actually seen "Sicko". The only ones who seem to have a clue as to what the film is actually about are the two or three here who have seen the film. I saw it last week. It is a great and honest documentary. It is not about the poor, the indolent, the millions without health insurance. Its not about suffering democrats or demanding liberals. Its about all of us who actually have insurance....and think we have coverage. Besides those on medicaid, the only people this film is not about are the very wealthy, who can afford any manner of health care, no matter how costly. Sure, Cheney can pay for his hundreds of thousands of dollars of surguries--even if he wasn't already covered for life for free. But, I sincerely doubt that Gloria from La Honda could do the same. Even routine surguries can cost 200 grand or more. Gloria, could you cover that? Oh, you have insurance now. Guess what, this movie is entirely about people like you and me--the vast middle class, from upper middle class to the insured poor, who have insurance, who suddenly require coverage, only to discover that they can be turned down by their insurers. The actual stories in this film are real, and a number of the stories are about people who were solid republicans, who thought just like Gloria, that they were immune from the problems of our health insurance/health care system. Then, they get sick and discover their insurance rejects their claims, even though back up by solid medical evidence, even when life threatening, or when such care makes the difference between spending the rest of their lives in a hospital bed versus recovery, going back to work and living a normal life.

You may not like the messenger but the message of this film is about you and could save your life. Go see the film, and then draw your conclusions about Michael Moore, and more importantly, about your own health safety net.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Keep things in Perspective — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:03:46 GMT

Am troubled with the thought that these blogs and messages look like Libs and Cons/Michael Moore and Limbaugh just play for the sound bites, stir up their base, and appeal to the lowest common denominator. I don't particularly like any of MM's films, because they attract so much criticism that the eyes are taken off the real issues. Sicko raises a great point about health care in this country, but in true MM fashion - his info is inconsistant-bordering on innaccurate. He uses deception, and cherry picked info that pleads his case when it isn't needed - health care status alone is enough for a movie. But he has to use old Soviet style tactics, and use only info that is best for him, and stops looking at any other credible, peer-reviewed, etc. data. And now, more time is being spent on the debate over accuracy, consistancy, and facts - vs the real issue of Health Care. Bravo America, and braavo MMoore. All he did was cause a lot of excitement - but he never generates a movement towards change.
America has no where else to look but in the mirror when it comes to why we don't have "free" health care. We complain about it, make movies about it - but clam up when it comes to voting yes on a 48-55% tax on our income to pay for it. And get off the pharma companies. Yes, they make money - but that is the world we live in. Capitalist society - they have share holders, and profit responsibilities. The Canada's of the world don't pay for innovation and new discoveries with years of research $. They just benefit from ours, and because of that, they don't pay for it either - the drug companies do. And yes, they have huge marketing budgets for branding and programs for medical professionals - but 80% of those budgets are free samples of the medications. Would the public want that budget put towards cheaper prices without any free samples of the medications for your doctor to give you? And enough about their huge profit margins; why doesn't MM complain about some exorb profit margins of certain physicians over others, law firms, brokerage firms, .com companies??

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Tony, CT — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:07:41 GMT

All the Republicans on this board are proving the point of the article. They are so easy to manipulate. Just mention Michael Moore (or Hilary Clinton, for that matter) and they turn into drooling, raving, gibbering lunatics; spouting corporate media talking points like demented parrots ("Hilary is a man", "Michael Moore is evil", "Michael Moore is fat", "Michael Moore is a socialist traitor").

Come on Republicans, you can do better than that. Defend your positions with FACTS, not rhetoric, gossip and jingoistic namecalling. If you are so certain that Michael Moore is wrong, then convince me. Tell me exactly what he is lying about. If you are so convinced of your positions, then you should be able to defend them with reasonable argument (saying you hate Michael Moore and bringing up Bill Clinton's fellatio doesn't count). Convince me why a government run healthcare program is so much worse than what we have right now. Come on Republicans, let's see if you can put together more than one coherent sentence without slinging mud. You can do it if you try REALLY hard.

Here's another thing for you to think about. We have spent almost $1 trillion dollars on the "War on Terror". Why? To protect against another 9/11. Okay, I'm fine with that. But let's say we had spent that money on universal healthcare instead and said "we'll take our chances with the terrorists" rather than invading Iraq and giving corporate WELFARE (yes, Republicans, the GOOD kind of welfare) to Halliburton and Bechtel. Hundreds of thousands of lives would have been saved because of the easier availability of healthcare. Perhaps the terrorists would have hit us again (not certain, but possible), but would as many Americans have died in another 9/11 as have died as a result of not having access to healthcare?

My point is this. Republicans are happy to spend trillions of dollars on taxpayers money to fight the most disastrous war in American history, just because they think it could save American lives (yeah, right). But they won't spend a cent to save American lives by making healthcare available and affordable to all. Hypocrisy.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Zebra, Chicago IL — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:14:08 GMT

deedee talks about the healthcare in France.

Dee Dee does not talk about double digit inflation, living in a 12x20 foot apartment (sorry, 3x6 meters),
70% taxes, and nightly riots.

Health care in this country? Places like Cook County Hospital in Illinois (Chicago) will not turn anyone away.

Even if you're not covered, your covered.

Libs, keep your claw like hands out of health care.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Rich Bitch, RIchmond VA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:32:00 GMT

### funny how all the rich bastards in this country hate michael moore....i wonder why that is....hmmmmmm?

Because he's so freaking stupid.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Rich Bitch, Queens NY — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:34:39 GMT

>>> you have to know deep down that Jesus was a LIBERAL. <<

Nope. He was a conservative. He hated liberals.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jim, Santa Cruz — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:54:23 GMT

Keep things in Perspective? Yes, get rid of the free samples in exchange for a better health care system. Yes, a capitalist society is brutal when it comes to share holders' profits - many facets of our economy suffer due to the short term perspective of Wall Street. Notice how many FDA approved drugs these days are actually dangerous to take? You think Pharma is acting responsibly? Insurance companies, same story - shareholders before policy holders. It sucks and everyone knows it and the only way to fix it is progressive political change brought about by the work of people like Michael Moore. Get ready 'cause a big change is coming.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Dan — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:07:41 GMT

"Come on Republicans, you can do better than that. Defend your positions with FACTS, not rhetoric, gossip and jingoistic namecalling."

See my 7:41 PM post Tony. I am a physician on call so I gave only the quick & dirty. But I know what I am talking about.

"My point is this. Republicans are happy to spend trillions of dollars on taxpayers money to fight the most disastrous war in American history, just because they think it could save American lives (yeah, right). But they won't spend a cent to save American lives by making healthcare available and affordable to all. Hypocrisy."

Such sweeping generalizations should be beneath you. But trillions spend on defense is infact the first duty of our government as defined by the constitution. This implied duty of gov to provide free healthcare was not really described by Jefferson or the founders. It is a coverup/bandaid solution for the real problems..

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

mm,ma — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:08:48 GMT

I was Tucker (on MSNBC) talking about MM's weight. People like Tucker are a shame to journalism. MSNBC should throw him out, not because of him talking about MM's weight, but for him being so low on IQ that he can not think and talk logically. Fox is the true place for him where he can have people of his calibre listen to his nonsense.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

indiana man — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:11:21 GMT

Conservatives are very liberal; liberal in their lies,
liberal in threatening civil liberty, liberal w/ the blood of human beings, liberal w/tax breaks for the wealthy,liberal in their support of health insurance instead of healthcare, liberal in increasing the national debt. "rule-of-law"Laughable. Moral? Newt,Rush,Rudy,Bob Barr? Hypocrites all. Gloria you slay me. The median income in La Honda, CA $93,842 in 2005.Botox for everyone! Lastly,we do have government run healthcare in the US.It is called the Veterans Administration. It,however is run shamefully, and conservatives and liberals share that blame.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:25:03 GMT

So far to the right- keep drinking the koolaid while 70% of the population are sick and tired of the Shrub's lies.....and you call liberals sheep. We are not holier than thou hyprocrites who wrap themselves around the bible and flag and then secretly like a rat pay 20 bucks to a male hustler. Ted Nugent would be insulted you are using his name. What cant use your own?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

mary burt — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:33:08 GMT

So, when the fat cow needs the triple bypass (very soon, looks like) will he be getting it done in Cuba?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

april — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:39:32 GMT

People! The government does not owe you health care! Read your constitution. There is NOTHING in it about health care. If you want to live like a socialist, move to a socialist country.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Mark Thieme — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 02:39:47 GMT

9 years ago, I was in Cuba under the auspices of the Department of State. I interviewed people on the street without restriction. I stayed in private homes, including the homes of doctors. I met with hospital administration and health care managers. I lived with everyday people... played baseball the kids in the streets... talked with the old folks over the strongest, sweetest, coffee I have ever tasted... From personal experience I can say unreservedly, SICKO is the real deal.

Michael Moore is not making a "partisan" statement. He is indeed presenting "facts on the ground." Those who mock him, if they live long enough, will soon enough be faced with the sickness of our predator medical "system."

I am now a prisoner of the American health gulag. A prisoner with the best health insurance money can buy... without hesitation, I can say, Cuba does a better job than the United States caring for the health of its diverse population. The Cuban government with all its polymorphic perversity, has nonetheless put the health of its citizens at the top of the list.

It ain't perfect, but it beats to hell our socially Darwinian, morally vacuous, corporate medicine. Moore is just pointing out a hole in the American capitalist ozone. Of course it is embarrassing to us. It should be.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Tony, CT — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 02:56:52 GMT

This movie was about how the middle class in this country are getting stiffed; people who have worked hard, played by the rules, raised families and been good Americans. They paid thousands of dollars for healthcare, thought they were covered, but then got denied for critical healthcare when they needed it. Yes, it's about you and me; not rich Senators and billionaire Republican elitists who use the corporate media to manipulate millions of dumb sheep into stifling debate by yelling at Michael Moore and coming out with childish anti-Clinton jibes.

This movie describes how cubicle jockeys at HMOs are actually REWARDED for denying legitimate claims from middle-class Americans. Why should I have to deal with an HMO anyway? Why should I have to ask permission from an office clerk 2,000 miles away to have a lifesaving operation? Why should big HMOs be allowed to get filthy rich by potentially condemning people to death or bankruptcy? Is this what Republicans call "moral values"? If it is, then you can stick them up your you-know-where.

As for some of the Republican loudmouths on this board (not the reasonable ones who make some interesting points), I say this. If I were prepared to sink to your level, I would wish that you get critically ill and that your healthcare claim got denied by your HMO just like the poor folks in this movie. But I won't sink to that level and won't wish anything bad on you, because I have REAL moral values.

One more point. The comparisons Moore made with Cuba, France, the UK and Canada, I didn't read as putting down America. The way I interpreted that was: "Hey, we're America! Why should we be 37th in the world? If these countries can provide healthcare for all, then why can't we?"

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

making a difference, Roanoke, VA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 03:52:32 GMT

"liberal"..."neo con". This is why we fail. Pawns of corporate media endorsed by corporate America. Yes, we do have a problem with Health care in this country. I've heard before that you can tell a lot about a country by the way it treats it's poor and disadvantaged. We fail on that mark. Legions of homeless. Millions without access to health care. Vets suffering from PTSD and not getting relief/treatment. Yes, there are 36 nations that do it better. They pay higher taxes and get socialized medicine. They have a different mind set. Not "what's in it for me?". Rather, "how can I help?". It's called a "society". BTW, we already have socialized medicine on a smaller scale. It's called the "veterans administration". And yes, it's the best.
My father spent the last month of his life in a VA hospital. Had it been up to the private sector, he would have been on the street.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

BBR, Milwaukee Wisconsin — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:37:03 GMT

Just saw the movie. I thought it was eye-opening, some parts shocking, shameful, and heart-breaking. Corporate America is the USA. The USA isn't a country that works together for the benefit of eachother, the USA is McDonald's, Star Bucks, and every other retail/restaurant chain you can think of.
When a doctor gets promoted by how many patients he/she is denying procedures for, that should be a huge F*cking red flag that something is wrong here...
If my husband was dying of cancer and the insurance company that my hard earned dollars was paying for denied his treatment and as a result he died, I would hunt down every person responsible and make them suffer for my heart break.
It's too bad a movie like this doesn't make anyone stand up and move, I'll protest, is anyone with me? Probably not, the American way is to get angry, be in denial, order some take out, and carry on the next day like nothing has happened. Typical, disgusting. By the way, did anyone notice that yes, Hillary Clinton was trying to establish a Universal Health Care system for our country, failed miserably because she was PAID off to stop campaigning her plan. Yeah, that's right, democrat or republic, the government sucks and so do the politicians. Why even have elections, there's no one worth voting for... It's pretty sad when children recognize the face of Ronald McDonald but not Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Wayne, M'town TN — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:17:55 GMT

Moore makes much of the Cuban healthcare system.
Does he tell you that the hospitals his guests went to is the top tier reserved for party officials and foriegn guests?
As misdirection he claims one patient slipped out and went to the addmissions desk and told them she was from Salvadore or some such and was treated the same, any foreign visitor even those from places like salvadore get top tier treatment while common Cuban citizens are farmed out to converted warehouses and old hotels where they must buy sheets and tolietries from vendors, and get treatment that a vetrenarian could have given.
Antibiotics and medical equipment should be plentiful, since they have an industry devoted to the manufacture of those items, but once again the average Cuban can't benefit from that because these items are sold for profit or given to other countries as propaganda.
Theres a shortage of trained doctors because those not reserved for top tier are being farmed out to Hugo Chavez in return for oil, 20,000 at last count.

From Mocumentarian to Propagandist is a short step indeed.

Also Moore is an honorary Citizen of Canada but he doesn't reside there so he may have broken Canadian law by interfering in Elections there.

BTW
Don't the Democrats ever catch on that Moore is laughing at them behind their back as he waddles to the bank with their money?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Fred Remus, San Diego, California — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:23:10 GMT

This is old stuff, but did Clinton actually lie? He said, I think, "I have never had sexual intercourse
with...." and recieving fellatio is not sexual intercourse it's sodomy, isn't it? I'm not talking about the morality of the acts, but the meaning of the words.
Precisionist,San Diego

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

H P Boston — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:06:20 GMT

I LOVE Mr. Moore!!
KEEP stiring the pot Mike we sure need the bright lights on health care. If the repuglican hate you I know you are doing something right, for the left!
The right loves to have someone to hate.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

H P Boston — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:15:34 GMT

Tony, CT Great post. Your point is well taken, you
have stated the facts and I am impressed.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Rick, Germany — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:16:59 GMT

Um sorry Joe the man, but take it from someone living in the heart of Germany. Germans are NOT happy with their health care system.
When the wall came down Germany was flooded with people who had no real job skills and who had not paid into the system. (Mexico and the USA)?
Those interlopers have been subsidized since the day they set foot on German soil and now the average hard working, tax paying, German will wait two to three months just to see a doctor to get prescriptions written.
There are no two classes of health care in Germany. One for the rich and one for everyone else.
Social health care just dummies the system DOWN to the poorest common denominator.
The US may go to a social health care system, but it will suck just like everyone elses.
By the way Japan’s health care system works because it is for the Japanese. Third and fourth generation people living in Japan, not of Japanese descent will never be Japanese.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

WDRussell,East Liverpool, Ohio — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:08:17 GMT

This is a good example of the difference between the left and the right.
Michael attacks the multi-million dollar gun indudtry and the multi-billion dollar health care industry.
The Rushs and Anns attack the poor, the sick, the disabled, the homeless, people who would never have a chance of defending themselves.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Buzz — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:04:32 GMT

A poem for 'so far to the right...'
"here I sit, buns a flexin',
Tryin' to make another Texan"

But serriously, folks- I wonder how much healtcare you could buy for $12 BILLION a M O N T H ??

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

JIrby, Colorado — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:51:18 GMT

Why do working class Repubs hate someone who is speaking up for them and trying to make their lives better? He's not doing it especially for them, but the will benefit, just like they will benefit when we get Bush out of the White House and put a Democrat in. That's what brainwashing will do.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Nick, London, U.K. — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 16:44:37 GMT

We in the UK love free health care(NHS)
all kinda folks(black,brown,white,asian,man,women,child rich,poor)get health care. No employer have to pay no money. Health care must be for everybody not just rich folks. Health care is the most important thing in your life.

Imagine you american's : if when you get sick you got nobody to pay your bills ? what the heck are you gonna do ? sell your house,car,your business(if you have one) ?
thank god we don't have to worry about Health care
i'm not saying every thing is 100 % ok. But the poor and the people who have no insurence know that there is a better chance to survive and go home to your family with free health care.

good luck guy's-

God save the queen

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jellova — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 16:49:17 GMT

I've been to Europe, and I've repeated to citizens there the arguments I hear in the US for not having universal health care such as: in Europe you have to wait for treatment; socialized medicine costs more. Every person I met heartily disagreed with those statements. In fact, when I was in England in the late 70's, there was a program on the BBC that was entitled something like "Don't Get Sick in America" and detailed the shock and awe felt by English tourists when they received an astronomical bill after having an illness or accident that required hospitalization in the US.

Another English tv documentary I saw a few years ago in the US was about a progressive debilitating disease. It was about how one English family dealt with the family member's illness. There were 2 very striking things: The first was that they were never told by their health care system, as I am often told by Kaiser, "Wait and see if it gets worse". They got care right away. The second really striking thing was there was no mention whatsoever about money. If it was a typical American middle class family, there would have been a lot of discussions about:
- how to pay for the co-pays and prescriptions
- how to pay mortgage/rent payments once the disease progressed to the point that the person could no longer work
- how to pay for home care of the person or figure out who has to give up their job to care for that person
- how to pay the health insurance payments after the person leaves their job
- what to do after the person leaves the job and no longer is insured through work, COBRA runs out (assuming they were able to afford COBRA), and they can't get health insurance because they now have a pre-existing condition. The English family had to deal with the stress of the illness, but did not have to deal with a new huge financial stress or bankruptcy like we would in the US. I challenge you to find any middle class person in Europe or Canada who, after being given all the facts about how health care works in the US-what the costs are before and after you get sick-would be willing to trade our system for theirs. Go ahead. Then write an article or a book about it and I'll be the first one to read it.

For those of you who only have to pay $100 or so a month for health insurance now, and for those of you that have health insurance through your job, how are you going to pay for it if you get sick or injured and can't work? Remember, once you're sick and can't work, and your insurance through work runs out, you now have a pre-existing condition and even if you can find a company willing to insure you, the price will be astronomical. I'm 53 and in good health and I pay over $400 per month. Contrast that with my Irish relative who pays ZERO per month and can go to the doctor of her choice and is never told to "wait and see if it gets worse". In the US we pay 2 to 3 times what people pay in countries with universal health care because our middleman, the insurance companies, have to make a profit. Would you be willing to give up paying $1200 a year for health insurance premiums in exchange for a tax of $400-$600 per year that provides you with coverage that allows you to see the doctor of your choice and health care that continues even if you can't work and no matter how expensive your medical costs?

I know 2 people who died because their HMO told them to "wait and see if it gets worse". In one case it was a man having a heart attack who was given an inhaler and sent home. In the other case it was a young woman with leg pain that turned out to be a blood clot that killed her - they wouldn't even let her come in to be examined by a doctor.

The US is in the unique position of studying every other health care system in the world then putting together a great system. If you don't want that to happen, that's fine, but don't tell me it isn't possible. We put a man on the moon. And if you love to pay insurance company profits, that's great! There's nothing to stop the insurance companies from opting out of the national health care system and competing against it. If they can do the job so much more cheaply AND make a profit at the same time AND actually provide health care, I say go for it! After all, it's a free market.

I know many people are frightened by the S word (socialized), but all we're talking about here is self-insurance which is nothing more than cutting out the middleman so that we-the-people can take care of ourselves. Isn't it the American way to cut out the middleman to have more money for what you want to do? Isn't it a personal responsibility to use your American ingenuity find a better way to do things when something isn't working? We're already self-insured in a number of areas and no one freaks out about them: police, fire, emergency medical, pubic roads, libraries and military services. We provide socialized medicine to anyone who is jailed at Guantanamo Bay. We provide socialized medicine for life to members of Congress - even to those members who expect you to pay for their socialized medicine for life but would deny the exact same benefit to you and your family.

The current US health care system has had 35 years to get its act together. If it was going to cover every citizen and not deny insured people services; make it easy for doctors/employers/individuals to deal with insurance paperwork and quickly reimburse them without a fight; lower the cost of prescription drugs to the same affordable levels that they sell them for in other countries, it would have done so by now. When a company or industry is dysfunctional, it creates a vacuum and an incentive for someone to come along and do a better job. Let's be responsible for our own health care and provide better service to ourselves for less cost. Let's stop being the "me" society and behave like "we-the-people".

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Fed up with the Feds, northeast PA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:12:15 GMT

When are we as Americans finally going to WAKE UP and realize that neither major party has the best interest of the tax paying public in mind. The only thing they're interested in is lining their own pockets. WE ARE ALL SHEEP TO THEIR SYTEM. Our constant bickering over which side is right or wrong will only increase the stranglehold they have over us. We as the American people need to come together to do what is right for us as a nation of its people. Remeber folks, the one thing those in power cannot do without is us. We are the ones that fuel their machine.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Peter, Pittsburgh, PA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:34:32 GMT

Lover of right, did you ever notice that Jesus never asked for payment when he cured the sick. What an interesting concept; free medical care.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

CDoyle, Littleton, CO — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:49:45 GMT

Those is Washington forget what it is like to pay out $700 per month for healthcare. All in my family are healthy (at least for now) except my husband who is dead from cancer and my 12 year old who has Type 1 (never ever to be confused with Type 2) diabetes which diagnoses was totally not her fault. I challenge anyone in DC to try to make my checkbook balance with these types of costs and increased fuel and increased food costs and heating costs. (And, even with all of this, I am not on welfare - just work my ass off and still financially sinking) What will my 12 year old do when she is an adult.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

C Doyle, Littleton, CO — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:52:58 GMT

Gloria:

Let's pull the plug on all people (including children) who have cancer or some other chronic health problem...that will teach em all, they cannot afford health care, tough luck for them...right on Ms. Republican. I am a Republican and the far right and your views sickens me. What would Jesus do, religious right? Maybe you will call ole Doc Kevorkian before you need medical assistance. Hope you never touch medicare or medicaid.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Luis, Houston Texas — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:42:23 GMT

I don't know about the health care system in Canada but I lived in England for 3 years and I only have positive things to say about their Health Care System. It's not totally free but it works great.Oh!!! the United States Postal Service is also an exemple of great service and efficiency. Where else can you sent a letter the distance from Maine to Calfornia for only 39 cents knowing that it'll be overthere in less than a week time?. Sure!!! the private sector would love to take control of USPS and we would be paying 3 dollors for delivering the same letter.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:34:22 GMT

Tony, you are absolutely right. I don't know who said "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link" but it is true. While we are spending billions of dollars to show al-Quaida and the world how strong we are, here at home the chain is weakening to a point where it could snap at any time. Our citizens aren't entitled to decent health, our kids get only the education they need to get a job (instead of one which entitle them to actually be educated), our manufacturing jobs are disappearing and, if the truth be known, globalization is creating an environment where our citizens don't have it much better than they will in a third world country. Sure, the stock market is going great but how many of us are actually benefitting from it? Sure, we have the world lead in medical and pharmaceutical research but how many of us can afford to pay for it? Is the average citizen benefitting from the war in Iraq? Michael Moore is just asking the questions all of us should be asking but are too smug in our own God-given American self-reighteousness to do so.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

melanie chicago, IL — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:49:59 GMT

Michael Moore I think represents a prespective that while not every American may agree with is a crucial component to a positive process of conversation and problem solving that needs to happen to improve this country. He is a film maker, an artist, and someone who has taken it upon himself to interact with this country in a deep and meaningful way. I do not think many politicans can say the same. Besides, all politicians no matter what party they are from have an obligation to vote on issues in accordance with that of all of the people in the areas they represent. It is after all the American people themselves who have the power to run the country, and the elected officials should show some more respect and do their job.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Terry — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 23:32:43 GMT

That you would oppose what Michael Moore portrays as the truth in USA healthcare is beyond uninformed....it's knee-jerk reationariy right-wing thinkings. We've got about 40 million folks that are uninsured and many millions that are under-insured.....we lag behind most Western European countries in terms of health-care benefits for the general population. But we've got one hell of a lot a rich CEOs in the healthcare field.....insurance companies own this country, above and beyond all other coroporate interests. I'm sorry to say I have no confidence whatsoever in elected officials of either party....why??? Because they're all rich as hell and could care less about your little tiny problems.....I was hoping that democrats would begin to rectify the damage that Bush has created but now I doubt it very seriously. Congress and elected officials are very far removed from concerns of the electorate.....check it out people - these folks are rich, rich, and rich. There is simply no heart-felt committment to the concerns of the general populace...there is really a monumental arrogance in Congress as well as in the Executive and Judicial branches of government. We are in a danger zone in the county that has not been seen before, because of the opporunities of expanded wealth for a few - typified by the hubris and slack-jawed mumbo jumbo of elected officials.....yes, Nancy Pelosi is a prime example. I would have voted democrat all the way, but I have zero trust in the Nancy/Hillary school of politics.....these people are rich as rich can be, but when do you stop serving yourself and begin to think of others??? Pelosi allegedly wants the Senatorial position in CA - so play politics. This is self-interest in all of it's ugliness - neither Nancy or Hillary have what it takes people - all people are created equal ... don't give me gender considerations at this point. What you see is what is get. I wish I could recommend anyone at all that has a ghost of a chance at being elected....of course Bush makes all alternatives look inviting, but the Executive branch now has vast powers that are relatively new and unpredicatable in their consequences.....the Founders knew these possibilities and tried to circumvent this development. Neither the press (the 4th Estate) nor the genreral public seem particularly concerned about
the real and implied threats to our individual freedoms. We live in perilous times, and largely due to the mis-management of our illustrious government and it's willingness to occupy other sovereign nations......the thinking that pervails in our present administration should be a warning to all that wrong-mindedness and a general lack of cognitive clear-thinking will generate global ill-will for many years to come. We in this country have been severly damaged by the gross governmental mis-management of the present administration - far more than Muslim terrorists could ever have hoped for in their despicable acts of 9/11. People are living in a bubble here - make no mistake. We'll be in Iraq for many years to come, even though we've been invitied to leave more than once - Why so??
The general populace is simply a tool for making the rich - richer. There is no simple morality and no ethic that prevents this action.....humans are what they are, and they are not by nature good, kind, and altruistic....especially when put in an advantageous position concealed by a political cloak of secrecy. Right at this very moment in time we are looking at what the next century may become if we continue to ignore present realities. As for myself, I just don't see the kind of public committment among elected officials that I remember from 20-30 years ago. For those that can remember back a few decades, nothing is the same at all. As a voting population, you will get what you think you deserve.....nothing more or less. The rich have taken over governmental management and this certainly includes both parties - we as a people do not have adequate representation by any margin......we've got lobbyists, corporations, and millionaires running the country. Look for candidates than can somehow escape that description, otherwise in 20 years even those republican gen X'ers won't recognize the place.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Shirley Hamilton Leeper — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:26:19 GMT

Someone needs to be a leader who will stand up and tell its people that enough is enough. People of America, we need to take responsibility for our own health. We need to drop the weight, by eating right and exercising. I see what America eats every time I am in the grocery store or I am in a restaurant. We want to have our cake and eat it too! Plus, so many in the health care community act as if we are doomed – it is our lot in life to be unhealthy and that these pills are our only hope. RUBBISH! IF we all took responsibility then we could focus on "health" care for all - but in our sorry sick state, we can't afford it! We can't afford to pay for medicine that someone is taking for cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, indigestion, insomnia, restless leg syndrome - get my point? This could be JUST ONE PERSON! We need to get off the dang couch, incorporate fruits and veggies into our diets , stop frequenting the processed packaged junk foods that are pushed at every corner – and then, when we are the best we can be, maybe we can afford to cover everyone.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Joe Blizza, Pgh, PA — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:39:03 GMT

Is there any NON-LIBERAL on this site? Guess not. Good. Let me explain something to you folks - Michael Moore criticizes overconsumption of oil. I happen to agree with that. But what about overconsumption of food? Obesity is one of the biggest problems with the health care system. If you don't think so, ask your doctor next time how many patients they tell to lose weight. Knee problems, back problems, heart problems...too many due to obesity. And I can't wait for Moore's next documentary on why education is too expensive. Of course, that will NEVER HAPPEN! Apparently, when liberals are the ones making money (instead of evil oil & evil pharmaceuticals), it is okay.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

College Station — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:41:20 GMT

Technically our taxes aren't actually going to the war in Iraq. That's emergency spending, so our kids' taxes are going toward the war in Iraq. When will our stupid kids learn that this is a no good war that they should stop wasting their money on??

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

MD Mother, Orlando FL — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:49:43 GMT

To "Joe the Man" from Panama City - you obviously do not have Medicaid or Medicare.

I think these programs could work - if they were properly funded. But they aren't.

Insurance in this country isn't setup to deal with long term, chronic care situations. If all you need is the occasional doctor visit, you'll be fine. But if what you need requires long term care - as in from the day you were born till the day you die - you'll have a very difficult time. I know. I live it; everyday since my now 20 year old daughter was born.

There are no easy answers. It is complicated. Even people who work in the healthcare industry don't understand it enough to get people like my daughter through the system because EVERY year the rules change. There are budget cuts and reallocation of resources.

There is no easy solution.

And I wish the one we have came with a REALLY good users manual.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Viet Tran — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:52:11 GMT

Government was and should be set up to serve it's people. No matter what Republicans think. Not all people are born with wealth or health. If you are a decent human being like Jesus WAS (because he's dead), you would have a well evolved genetically embedded trait of empathy. When you help others, you are helping yourself also. When you only help yourself and ignore others, you fail to recognize that you absolutely need them for your own existence. One of those poverty stricken folks could have ended up finding a cure for a condition that you or your loved one might have or develop. Try to see beyond the distance your hands and pockets and you might understand why it's so important to take care of your brothers and sisters. And yes, that's my real name. I hide nothing, therefore I have no reason to be afraid. You should try living this way, it's like floating in the sky.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

hafdan, asheville, nc — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:11:29 GMT

Wow! I try to be objective but those of you troweling out right-wing talking points are making me physically sick!!! You are spewing personal attacks on people in an attempt to cloud reality (or avoid it anyhow) and not addressing the issue.

And Dan... Believe me, when you figure out the tax breaks that the richest in this country get as opposed to what the majority of the population gets, they should have no issue giving up .08% of their income. Whereas people like me give up almost 18% of my income to taxes. I want to know who you work for and what your health and financial situations are. Your bullet list is compelling... you state that malpractice costs are an issue but, didn't dubya just dissolve the rights of people to bring up malpractice suits? I am not certain and am not stating this with certainty but I think I read it somewhere. Unfortunately I am focusing on the thousands of Americans who have died in a war based on lies and greed. I am going to use all caps now so you on the right can understand: IRAQ HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH 9/11!!! CAN YOU REMEMBER THAT?
Which brings me back ON topic... Injured "insurgents" get better health care than tax-paying American citizens.

Any of you blowhard morons (see I am using your tactic now. Clever huh?) who rant about Moore and his movies, politics, where he was born, etc... Are you living in a fishbowl? GW, are you the "so far right" poster above? Dick? is it you? If you deny that greed is running our healthcare system, then you are indeed an idiot. Dan stated that Pharmies pay lots of $$$ to give free samples of meds. Now why would they do that Dan? Pharmaceutical companies are the suppliers and doctors are the pushers. Doctors get all kinds of benefits for selling us drugs. Some are even threatened when they don't.
Like all other things American since Reagan, greed will rule over logic or compassion or intelligence EVERY time until these lunatics are brought to justice (maybe they can get commutations of their sentences and a relative pittance of a fine) for treason and crimes against humanity.

One final off-topic note: What did any Iraqi do to you? I am a surviving crewmember of the USS Stark. Read that story. that should piss you off more about Iraq than anything from the last 6 years. And I still don't hold all people with brown skin and different cultures responsible. But then I like to view b4 I rant.

Hafdan

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

el garee~ — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:32:27 GMT

Liberals vs. Neo-cons...? Banal arguments regardless of the ideology and it doesn't really work at all. Moore is right. It's easier to visit another country to get acceptable medical care. Read and weep 'patriotic' americans. Health treatment here is systemically sub par and possibly you should know it, if you can deal with some reality. Try traveling and compare if they let you out or give you any time off. Or remain hardheaded, and just revel in the corporate propaganda, insurance shell games, keep sitting and suffering in your own little mud pile. Adequate health care isn't a commodity when it affects us all.
el garee~

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jacques Poirier, Cantamar MX — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:41:20 GMT

Reading these blogs makes me happy to be a Canadian living in Mexico with no health care. At least there are no republican zebras here, no Rush Limbaughs, just complete health checks with bloodwork and computer print-out for 500 pesos ($46 dollars). Prescription drugs are 30% of US prices and no one here chews on MM. They dont know him. I feel for American liberals and I invite all them for R&R at my casita. Here is a simple tolerant country with tremendous family values. Viva Mexico and Canada, the bread in the sandwich. Let us pray that the bologna in the middle becomes edible again.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Millington, Long Hill Township, NJ — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:41:20 GMT

Michael Moore like Thomas Aquinas is overweight. Both have or had pretty good heads on their shoulders. Comparisons and ad hominem attacks are odious and they say more about the attacker than the attacked.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

John, St. Louis, MO — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:18:35 GMT

Well, as a Nurse and Radiologic Technologist, I'm intelligent enough to know that most of you people are completely clueless. That goes for presidential candidates on both sides as well. Do you want to know the truth from the trenches folks? I live it every day. Mike Moore is spot on. If anything he's probably a little too conservative in his documentary Sicko. It's worse than any of you know. - John RN RT(R)

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Lee in CA — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:05:30 GMT

Rudie-Tutti is such an idiot. News flash for you, poser: 1) We're ALL 9/11 survivors. Being in NYC doesn't make you any more qualified to be president than a palm tree in Hawaii, and 2) If U.S. foreign policy is the "most absurd reason" you've ever heard for the 9/11 attacks, then I guess you subscribe to Bush's explanation? They hate our freedoms? And like President Emperor, you'll be an appeaser by taking our freedoms away, so the terrorists won't hate us any more? Put on a dress, crawl into a New York sewer and wrestle alligators, you baffoon!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Central Illinois Phil — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:30:06 GMT

The governor of IL, a liberal Democrat, wants $4 billion a year to cover the uninsured of the State. He wants the money from the "fat-cat" businesses in the state. He has strong majorities of liberal Democrats in both the House and the Senate for the state. Even those libs have figured out that is too much of cost to burden the businesses of IL with.

I'm work with a small business, about 40 people, small tech company. My employer has his bags packed, and he's moving to Indiana if this bill goes through. As for us workers? We can go with, or he'll find someone else.

Now, throw this up on a nationl scale. Big international business will just push more work off shore. Smaller businesses will cut back or go out of business.

I know most of the people on these boards don't have jobs with corporations. But, just think about it for a minute before you have a knee-jerk reaction to supporting socialized healthcare.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

john doe — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:02:39 GMT

what a fat idiot

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Kimberly, Portland — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:26:33 GMT

I don't know where people get this 48% tax increase to pay for healthcare. There is already a - I think it's HR 676 that states it would probably be about a 5-6% increase. I could totally deal with that, I already pay a 700.00 co-pay per month to insure my family.

Yes, it's true that overweight people need more healthcare; no one ever argues against that. But there are thousands of things that can happen to you that can wipe out everything you have that aren't related to healthcare and aren't your fault: how about car accidents, cancer, childbirth issues, household accidents, strokes, heart attacks, (which to a large extent is genetic, not weight related), alzheimer's to name a few? It's crazy to think that being overweight and then losing weight is going to keep you healthy and out of the hospital your entire life.

We really do need a national health care system. Why can't we come up with something that everyone can be happy with? People say oh, well, we don't want the government running our healthcare. Well, use federal dollars and manage it on a local level where it's the local people that are the government! That takes that argument away. My husband and I were on a road trip the other day and were trying to come up with ideas - we decided federally funded, county managed and regulated (which brings the management down to the county level), managers are locally voted on, so the federal and state management are out of it. Similar to the county police infrastructure, basically. You'd have to have the prereq of being a doctor to be able to be the head of the agency, or a nurse practitioner. All health, vision and dental would be covered. Elective surgery like plastic surgery or elective cosmetic surgery would not be covered. Medical school would be free to all students that held a certain GPA and could pass tests similiar to LSATS to make sure the field of doctors would be actively recruited. This whole program would be paid from federal taxes, however, if you wanted to pay into private insurance you could, so if you wanted to opt out of public insurance plan, you could have a tax deduction from the taxes you paid during the year.

So if you didn't want to pay into the system, fine. Use your private health insurance and keep going to Kaiser. I mean, I feel I was pushed into Kaiser anyway because all the other health plans we had were too expensive and didn't cover dental or vision. And I have 2 month appointments to get into the doctor or get dental visits, excuse me I have 10 week visit wait for dental. Forbid I have to go to urgent care if I have the flu and wait two hours to see a nurse practicioner. Oh yah, and I still have a 15.00 co-pay for the visit and 15.00 co-pay for the medicine. Let's see, so I'm paying 700.00 a month, (plus my employer pays part), and then still paying on top of that. And that's just for little things.

There has to be a better way for Americans.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

aikanae — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 19:34:36 GMT

I just saw Sicko and documentries don't inspire me usually. This film was brilliant. Moore virtually eliminated the political divide with a couple of jabs at how BOTH repubs and dems have failed with the healthcare issue - by focusing on the lobbying dollars. Both sides score a 0. 90% of the movie was about real people WITH INSURANCE. It's hard to watch without getting emotional or realizing you could be next. The film does what journalism should have been doing by asking the questions - not providing answers. Keep an open mind and see it before you diss it.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Sandy Harrison, Eagle CO — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 23:37:19 GMT

But I won't sink to that level and won't wish anything bad on you, because I have REAL moral values.

Against abortion there Tony CT?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Richard A. Damon, BS, MD,AAFP, ABFP, Bozeman, MT — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 23:46:43 GMT

I have recently seen Michael Moore's Sicko and applaud his expose'. People deriding his production are berift of the facts and should open their eyes and minds to the following published statistics:
1)U.S.health care spending is twice the median for industrialized countries.
2)The U.S. ranks LOW amoung many countries in mortality rates and healthy life expectancy.
3)There are wide disparities of care and treatment outcomes across states as well as population groups in the U.S.
4) The authors of a report entitled. U.S. Health System Performance,"in Health Affairs, Sep 20,2006, rated U.S. performance on health outcomes,quality,access,efficiency,and equity, with other industrialized nations. The U.S ranked 15th out of 19 countries on death from preventable diseases before age 75, and was last among 23 nations on infant mortality.
5)U.S patients are less likely to gain rapid access to care by physicians or qualified medical professionals.
6) U.S. insurance administrative costs are more than three times those of benchmark countries (and at least 20% higher than in countrieswith similar complex systems.
7) In 2004, 40% of U.S. adults reported going without care because of cost.

Michael Moore has brought to our attention a crisis that is only one example of our nation's dysfuctional, political, administrative, legislative and corporate corruption and dyshonesty. When will we the people exert our will about many issues. It is time for a transition to take place if we are to survive as a society and nation.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Mark Thieme — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:40:51 GMT

9 years ago, I was in Cuba under the auspices of the Department of State. I interviewed people on the street without restriction. I stayed in private homes, including the homes of doctors. I met with hospital administration and health care managers. I visited hospitals and clinics and noted there some fascinating differences, not the least was that they apparently had never heard of "crack-baby wards," those chambers of horror for screaming, dying babies, born addicted to crack cocaine that are to be found behind closed doors in every major European and American hospital.

I lived with everyday people... played baseball with the kids in the streets... talked with the old folks over the strongest, sweetest, coffee I have ever tasted... From personal experience I can say unreservedly, SICKO is the real deal.

I am no particular fan of Michael Moore's films. This one, however is a keeper. Michael Moore has not made a "partisan" statement. He is indeed presenting "facts on the ground." Those who mock him, if they live long enough, may soon enough be faced with the sickness of our predator medical "system."

I am now a prisoner of the American health gulag. A prisoner with the best health insurance money can buy... without hesitation, I can say, Cuba does a better job than the United States caring for the health of its diverse population. The Cuban government with all its polymorphic perversity, has nonetheless put the health of its citizens at the top of the list.

When I was there, there was evident a dramatic difference in the relative health of people over 50 and the younger generation. Many older folks reported never having even seen a doctor until the mid-sixties. These are the people who praise the health care delivery system most vociferously.

Check out the annualized rate of increase of life expectancy of Cubans with that of the rest of the world, including the US. Cuba has been catching up at a remarkable rate for the past forty years. They have come a long way since the CIA and Lucky Luciano were calling the shots. Universal health care and education (along with the dumb and dumber blockade which cynically keeps basic pharmaceuticals out of Cuban hospitals) have played a significant role in keeping Castro and the minority (less than 5% of the population) Communist Party in power.

The Cuban health care system ain't perfect by a damned sight, but it beats to hell our socially Darwinian, morally vacuous, corporate medicine. Moore is just pointing out a hole in the American capitalist ozone. Of course it is embarrassing to us. It should be.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Jenny, Greenbelt, MD — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:24:49 GMT

As Moore himself points out, he's highlighting the advantages of health care systems in other nations because WE'RE THE US, and we ought to be doing at least as well in standards such as infant mortality and access to health care as places like Cuba.

Originally, he went to Cuba to go to Guantanamo Bay, because at Guantanamo Bay we provide free health care to detainees. Ironically, while "terrorists" get free health care, first responders to the 9-11 terror attacks do NOT get free health care to address the illnesses they got FROM PICKING UP THE PIECES OF 9-11.
So, why not see if Guantanamo Bay would provide free health care to the heroes of 9-11?

Well, of course not. You see, the ONLY reason the detainees get health care is because of domestic and international humanitarian groups and because there are still some parts of the Geneva Convention regarding "humane treatment" that the USA has not decided to ignore yet.

"Humane treatment" is the key here. I don't care how much you make, you ought not to suffer and die simply because you don't have insurance. More and more employees are on "contract" with no insurance, more and more companies either cut insurance out or offer policies that cover almost nothing or cost too much for anyone to afford.

In addition, companies that used to pick up a large part of the cost of insurance for families now contribute only to the worker's insurance. If he or she wants to put spouse/kids on insurance, they must pay the WHOLE premium. My co-worker quit after she found that it would cost over $300 per month to add her newborn child to her policy.

If a person has been without insurance for over 64 days, any pre existing condition they have can be excluded from coverage for up to 18 months when they get insurance again. So you either pay for insurance for over a year and can't use it for what you really need it for, or you just go without.

In my state, Maryland, I was quite ill and looked at Medicaid because I was unable to work much (no insurance from a job) but did not fit the criteria for Social Security Disability. Even the few hours I worked put me over around $450 gross, which was the limit for how much you could make and get Medicaid.

If you are ill, there is little to no chance of getting an individual policy.

Maybe some people think that everyone should have to "work for what they get." The fact is, if you pay any attention to the news, employers are almost all cutting their share of health insurance premiums because the cost is skyrocketing and they can't afford it. The end result? More and more Americans are coming to see that they can't afford to pay several hundred dollars a month for the premiums, plus a copay every time you go to the dr. or get a prescription. God forbid you have to go to the hospital! Even with excellent insurance, a less than 72 hour stay in a shared room with minimal care cost my boyfriend well over $1000.

It is NOT humane that so many Americans, determined to be responsible and carry insurance, are increasingly burdened. The fact that big business now supports some kind of health insurance reform shows that they are having trouble competing in a global market where businesses in other countries have govt. subsidized healthcare so don't have to spend all that money.

Currently we spend MORE on healthcare than other western nations, yet with LESS total money spent, they somehow manage to have at least basic universal coverage. AND many nations also have private add-ons that people can purchase if they want, or to get faster care...so there ARE options other than the "state run" system in these nations, plus they provide basic health care for all their citizens, AND they spend less than the US does for it.

How can we lead the world when we are determined to pay more for less, and with a system based on greed?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Chris, Reston, VA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:53:33 GMT

Republicans are ideologically opposed to having universal health care. They repeat the same lies about how the Canadian and Western Eurpopean health care systems are inferior to ours, despite longer expectancies and better health outcomes. To people like Giuliani and Fred Thompson, corporate profits are more important than human lives. Of course, the Republicans also get huge campaign donations from the 'health' insurance and pharmaceutical industries. So do the Democrats, which is why most of them are so tepid on this issue while paying lip service to universal coverage. The Republicans, though, are far worse. Giuliani is particularly despicable. He will go to any length to pander to these conservative Republicans, shore up the corporate interests that he is whoring himself out to and bolster his image as someone with unbridled comtempt for the have nots in our society. The fact that this mean spirited old curmugeon is ahead in his party's polls is very revealing about the prevalent mentality the Republican base.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Michael, Los Angeles California — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:00:38 GMT

"We should nationalize health care so it runs just like the Post Office."

You wouldn't trust the government to run your health care, yet you trust them to run the defense department, military vets health care, your social security benefits, etc...

BTW, the government already runs the biggest health care program. It is called Medicare. I also have no problem with the post office. I mail something and it gets where it is going. Your metaphor is uninformed and outdated, just like your talking point.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:24:53 GMT

Rick, I've heard the German economy was still struggling to absorb the former East Germany. Is that so?

I can believe it. It takes a while to hollow out a local economy, and I can guess it takes a while to do anything with that depleted area again.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Julie Engstrom, Rockford IL — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:09:49 GMT

Did anyone note the age of the doctors that were involved in the recent attacks in England? 26 and 27. One was even something called a "junior neurosurgeon. This is normal for countries with socialized medicine. Getting doctors on the cheap is necessary to keep the costs down. Lots of Dr. Doogie Howsers.

In the US, doctors are doing their residency until they are well into their 30's. They are much better trained. The kind of care you get with younger and inexperienced doctors will not be what you get with more experienced doctors.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Amy B Portland, ME — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:16:54 GMT

I just fired CNN because of their snarky treatment of Michael Moore. Previously, I had terminiated CBS for, well, hiring Katie Couric, then ABC for hiring a Republican operator to write the script for the 9/11
mock-umentary and for the right-wing bias in their dreadful The Note.I hope MSNBC stays unbiased and respectful of people like Moore who shine a light on the status quo. Stay true MSNBC! I'm depending on you to keep me informed.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Janeel Young, Wellsburg PA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:51:03 GMT

>>> Stay true MSNBC! I'm depending on you to keep me informed.

CBS and CNN are too far to the right for you?

May I suggest Venezuelan state run media if the MSNBC thing doesn't work out? This would be a good stop gap until the Fairness Doctrine gets passed.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Texas Ranger — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:03:14 GMT

What ever you do, do not cross Amy B's heros! She'll come at you like a spider monkey.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Amy B Portland, ME — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:15:56 GMT

"What ever you do, do not cross Amy B's heros! She'll come at you like a spider monkey. "

That's right!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

jjGA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:24:26 GMT

Perhaps all this "to do about something" is hitting too close to the politicians who are in the pockets of the drug companies and insurance companies. Look at the profits of both. THEY are not paying for this free care we are giving illegal aliens - we are. They are not paying for medicaid for those who cannot get healthcare - we are. Duh - rob the taxpayers to cover the uninsured - rob the insureds and companies who provide coverage for them throught sky high premiums and deductibles and while you are at it - refuse to cover anything people BUY insurance to cover. Wow. What a concept. What a bottom line profit. What a winner for all who have a hand in the pot -- what a big money machine to support the candidates of their choice to make sure they go in or stay in office so they will continue to allow all of the above. Any company is in business to make a profit and so should insurance companies. How much profit is ever ENOUGH?

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Joe Williams, Ontario — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:37:43 GMT

Spider monkeys are small evil little creatures that smell bad.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

H P Boston — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:32:19 GMT

Spider monkeys are small evil little creatures that smell bad. JOE WILLIAMS...sounds like the creatures in the White House! Could also be the texass rangers.

AMY I also boycott ABC, trash crapola. I do not BUY cable so I am spared cnn and faux noise. PBS and the INTERNET/MSMBC....Information central.
I do like Couric, I can do without B. Walters though.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Still Blue, Las Vegas — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:39:31 GMT

Rich Bitch,

You say Jesus hated who? I fell I can safely speak for Jesus on this one, and that hate was not something he was involved in. He would have been helping his fellow man, loving them unconditionally.

You're too ignorant for words!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

RB — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:04:30 GMT

"He would have been helping his fellow man, loving them unconditionally.

Jesus would drive a Hummer.

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

april — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:36:57 GMT

Funny. You people are all over the Constitution when it supports your agenda i.e., screeching in the streets about how bad America is, or how much you hate Bush, but you completely ignore the fact that the Constitution says NOTHING about health care. READ THE CONSTITUTION!!

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Rob Herrington — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:30:54 GMT

To the left: do you owe anything, anything at all, to your country, your government, your co-citizens, your co-txpayers, in exchange for this guaranteed access to health care? Must you work? What if you don't want to work? Can you smoke, drink and eat to excess, whine on the 'net when you should be exercising, ignore all of your doctor's advice, and still enjoy your entitlement? It's always guaranteed, no matter what? Guaranteed heart bypasses too? Heart transplants if you're in your 90's? Liver? I can't imagine any sane person will say "sure, no problem," so here's my follow up: at what point if any does the system have the right to give up on you? How can this be enforced? You do want enforcement of the obligations of both sides (the citizen and his government), I hope ....

GOP loves to hate Michael Moore

Ciara, Salisbury Mills, New York — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:35:59 GMT

Michael Moore SUCKS...
Who wouldn't get all fired up when his name is mentioned? Michael Moore is the one topic that causes such a fuss in my economics and government class. He's a stupid man and I agree with Fred Thompson...
He needs to go back to Canada instead of bashing the American ways!
Damn liberals!