Get SiCK

In somewhat of a follow-up to my previous post, I thought it would be informative to spread the word of a new film that will soon be released. Although I update my "Current Viewing" monthly, this is the first time I have dedicated an entire post to promoting a film.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last decade, you know of Michael Moore. He is the man responsible for some of the most prolific and controversial documentaries ever, including Roger and Me, Bowling for Columbine, and Fahrenheit 9/11. Although his sensationalist tactics have been criticised by all but the most progressive of us, he has brought a new level of public awareness to issues and policies that would otherwise be ignored.

His newest film, SiCKO, highlights the inequalities that currently exist in the US healthcare system. And unlike Fahrenheit 9/11 -- which had its validity as a legitimate documentary debated endlessly by political pundits -- there is no denying that the US has the worst healthcare system of any westernised nation (and believe me, I am constantly reminded of that fact in my public health courses).

So, in a first for me, below you will find the trailer for SiCKO. If you have trouble loading it, it is readily available for viewing on YouTube. And, just to make it more difficult for you to avoid, here are the release dates of SiCKO around the world:

USA - 29 June 2007
Australia - 16 August 2007
Canada - 29 June 2007
France - 17 October 2007
Germany - 11 October 2007

Now, of course, just watching the trailer will not do much in getting the US healthcare system changed. Luckily, there are a few options for my American friends. First, when the movie is released, go see it! Make SiCKO's opening weekend box office rival Spider-Man 3's or Pirates of the Caribbean. Although not the best way of promoting positive social change, it will send a message to lawmakers that Americans do care about the health system.

A better, and more direct route, of course, is to contact your Congressman directly and tell them that you're ready for a change and the current healthcare system in America is inadequate and unacceptable.

We have a long way to go before anything resembling universal healthcare in US is enacted, but by rallying together and crying out for a change, we can get there that much faster.