Movie producer Harvey Weinstein, the executive producer of "Sicko", Michael Moore's new film, is a supporter of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and it is reported by the AP and various newswire reporters in Cannes that he had tried, in vain, to get Moore to re-edit the film's unflattering depiction of the senator.
US director Michael Moore poses during a photocall for his film 'Sicko' running out of competition at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, 19 May 2007, in Cannes, France. EPA/CHRISTOPHE KARABA
People react strongly to Michael Moore, they either love him or hate him. International Herald Tribune reporters Milt Freudenheim and Liza Klaussmann claim the insurance industry officials and health policy experts "have acknowledged that the film documentary 'Sicko,' Moore's indictment of health care in the United States, taps into widespread public concern that the system does not work for millions of Americans."
"Sicko" was screened at Cannes Film Festival in France last week and overall received favorable reviews, and illustrates some heart wrenching personal stories and Catch-22's that cause problems for average American families.
"Sicko" will be in American theaters on June 29, timely as health care has become a front burner issue along with the Iraq war and immigration in the United States.
International Herald Tribune reporters Milt Freudenheim and Liza Klaussmann report that the head of America's Health Insurance Plans (based in D.C.) suggested "that discussion of the movie could advance the industry's interest in obtaining more government money for people who do not have insurance".
"If the movie results in members of Congress and governors putting this issue squarely on the table as the No. 1 priority, we will be part of that discussion and will welcome it," said Karen Ignagni, president of the health plans group said to the reporters for the Tribune.
The Tribune cited several academic sources who poll and research on the subject of healthcare, and claim that the American people are on the verge of being fed up, demanding something be done now.
"60 Minutes" the news television program as well as The Los Angeles Times have run stories outlining the ongoing practice of patient dumping, where homeless and poor people are essentially left on the streets in skid row areas still in their hospital gowns, not treated for their ailments that brought them into the hospital. Overwhelmingly the patients are old, sick and often suffering from dementia. Moore examines this in his film "Sicko." too.
Moore, once again being feted in Cannes, was interviewed by a round of news bureau sources, and the fact was revealed that Weinstein, the executive producer of Moore's film and who is a supporter of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, had tried to get Moore to change his portrayal of the senator.
International Herald Tribune reporters Milt Freudenheim and Liza Klaussmann report that the "early part of the film unrolls as a virtual love letter to Clinton, chronicling her efforts as first lady to push through an overhaul of the health care system. But the tone changes as the film proceeds, lumping her among the members of Congress that 'Sicko' contends are financially beholden to insurers."
Said a half-joking Moore: [Weinstein] "just wanted me to leave in the bit where she was young and sexy." Moore refused to edit to his producer's tastes.
tribune-source
RealnessMay 24th, 2007 - 19:26:27
Maybe he should ride with Paramedics here in the USA as we continually go to bogus non emergencies with the homeless and provide emrgency room evaluation and care at no cost. The best insurance here is none, just call 911. Note we may be busy transporting someone with a pain from 3 years ago when you call with your real emergency.
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