Sicko

I saw Michael Moore's doc on the sad state of health care in America. Being in the field for 30 years I felt he he brought up several spot on observations. The fact that this country is run by wealthy lobbyists more than anyone else plays a big part. He covered the propaganda that we are fed regarding the evils of socialized medicine, the money that has been given to gov officials to prevent universal health care, and the appalling use of bonuses to HMO docs to deny care. He also presents the greed and corruption within the insurance companies. He then travels to Canada, England, and France to interview both their citizens and US citizens on their thoughts. I know for a fact that the only people getting rich in health care are the insurance and pharmacutical companies. I see 80-90 yr olds coming in to my ER on 30 meds most of which cause terrble side effects resulting in an ER visit. If you are 94 do you really need to care about your cholesterol level. The US uses a disproportionate amount of dollars on end of life care so a patient can go back to the nursing home and lay in a bed and wait to die. The Canadians, French, and British enjoy their health care and feel a true democracy means every one contributes to the good of all. I have seen no advances in the quality of life since I started practicing as a nurse. People may live longer but in worse circumstances. I especially loved his comment on the French way of life including plenty of cigarrettes, alcohol and rich food and they live longer than us. The US has a higher rate of infant mortality than all other industrialized nations including Guatamala. A lot to think about and vote on in the next election.