In general I like Michael Moore's movies. At a time in our history when the deck is even more heavily stacked than usual in favor of the rich, we need a few gadflies. Based on what I read about "Sicko", though, I decided not to go see it. (It is in my Netflix queue now that it is on DVD). He has a tendency to grandstand and gloss over inconvenient facts or POVs that don't support his themes. One particular thing I read that turned me off is that in "Sicko" he goes to France and acts incredulous that they have universal health care. He went not knowing this? Give me a break! That act is getting a little old. I hope he continues to make movies and continues to be a gadfly. He just makes it awfully easy sometimes for his enemies to dismiss his entire message.

I can't post a message about such a well intentioned man that consists of nothing but criticism. I wish the people who reflexively bash everything he does would watch one of his movies, which many of them have not. "Roger and Me", about the closing of a GM plant in Moore's home town of Flint, MI, would be a good start. And IMO "The Big One", about corporate downsizing, is even better. There is lots of humor in both of them, not just righteous indignation. Also, I will always admire what he did in New Orleans after Katrina. He didn't do it for the cameras -- I heard about it from someone who was there -- but he had a huge operation, working closely with veteran's organizations (that might surprise some of his critics), helping those in need. He was there for quite a while, too, not just flying over like some people I could name.


>As usual with a Michael Moore movie, his Sicko was roundly attacked by his critics. I'm kind of amazed that this movie passed by rather quickly. The topic of healthcare was front and center for about 2 weeks.
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>Although in many cases the focus was on the fact that Michael dared to take a trip to Cuba.
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>The problem with the Health Care system here, is much like the problem with the Tax system. There are many, many people who have a vested interest in keeping it status quo. There are many companies built around either Health Care or calculating taxes.
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