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July 11 2007
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Michael Moore Responds to CNN "Fact Fudging" Accusations

Michael Moore’s latest documentary Sicko is causing much stir in the mainstream press. As expected, media outlets including CNN have come out with reports that Moore has exaggerated or all-out “fudged” the facts.

Not taking the criticisms lightly, Moore has released a “point-by-point obliteration” of the CNN reports geared to buttress the credibility of the film.

For example, CNN claimed that Americans have shorter wait times than everyone but Germans when seeking non-emergency elective procedures, like hip replacement, cataract surgery, or knee repair. However, they didn’t bother to mention that out of six countries, surveyed, only Canada had longer waiting times than America for sick adults waiting to schedule a doctor‘s appointment for a medical problem, and delays in other countries affect only 3 percent of patients.

AlterNet July 10, 2007



Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:

If you haven’t yet seen Sicko, I highly recommend it. Even though I don’t agree with his solution, Moore has put together an excellent portrayal of what is wrong with health care in the United States. Sicko is one of the BEST films I have ever seen, and I’m thrilled that he’s not taking the mainstream press’ criticisms sitting down.

A 2001 U.S. study showed that about half of all bankruptcies in that year were the result of medical problems -- and most of those who went bankrupt for this reason (more than three-quarters) were covered by health insurance at the start of the illness. Medical bankruptcies affect more than 2 million annually. Sicko offers a well-researched, and often heart-breaking, examination of the causes and effects of this problem.

However, although Moore assessment of the problem is spot-on, he would have the U.S. government pay for all the care for the uninsured. While the movie makes some compelling arguments and it might make sense for acute traumas, the bulk of the disease in this country are chronic degenerative diseases. With the government NOT paying for these expenses, the U.S. is already paying more than two trillion dollars a year for "health care" and headed to three trillion per year by the end of the decade. If the government assumes these costs it will bankrupt the country even faster.

What is the solution to the current health care disaster? Going back to natural healing that treats the cause of disease, not the symptoms -- and, of course, taking responsibility for your own health.

You can also watch the Michael Moore's actual interview on the site.  Not only was I entertained by this video but Michael also taught me a GREAT tip.  In the future I will follow his model and refuse to do any TV interviews unless they are live as this prevents any editing from occurring.

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Community Comments ( 56 )
Comment on this Article
  
  
Health Freedom
[ Joined on 11/06 ] [ Posted on July 12, 2007 ]
16 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Dr. Mercola says that the solution to the current health care disaster is to go back to natural healing that treats the causes of disease, not the symptoms (italics added)

The problem with this whole discussion of Sicko is that everyone is focusing on the symptoms of the health care crisis (e.g. astronomical costs, poor coverage, low quality care) and ignoring the causes of the health care crisis.  This is a mirror-image of the problems with the modalities themselves.

It is widely observed that in genuine free markets, costs go down and quality improves over time.  Why is this not happening in our health care market?  Because massive and ever-escalating government interventions have not allowed market forces to work their magic.  Why have we had these interventions?  Because powerful special interests have devised ways for them to make more money at the patient's expense.  For all who cares about our health care system (and I think this would be most Mercola readers), you must educate yourself as to the causes of our health care crisis, beyond your direct experience.  In this regard, I have 2 recommendations:

1) Rent "Hoxsey: How Healing Becomes a Crime" via netflix or blockbuster online, for a quick education.

2) Read the essay I have linked to below:

http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0409g.asp
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
BigEdd
[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on July 15, 2007]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola
Health Freedom,

I agree with you wholeheartedly.  Not only must we address the causes of our health care crisis, we must also solve the problem of why people get sick - that is solve diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease, for instance.  My various posts on this website point to what I call my "Thorn Theory" which suggests that forces of nature (enforcing the Nature's Balance), primarily in the form of plant herbivore feeding deterrents, are responsible for human suffering.  You could say that the plants are killing us!

Look for my posts.
Mercola
  
GRAYWOLF
[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 11, 2007]
       
   
Apprentice User
  Mercola

Sorry about putting this here...it wouldn't let me start a new comment...

MM is such a hypocrite! It is OK for him to "fudge facts" (lie) but no one else is allowed to do it if it contradicts him!

  
  
Russ Bianchi
[ Joined on 09/06 ] [ Posted on July 11, 2007 ]
15 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Gupta is a puppet of Big Pharma commercial sponsors on CNN, just like Rosenfeld is on Fox with Sunday Morning House Calls who knowingly, or unknowingly, LIED about the safety of Viagra, and when presemted irrefutable evidence to the contrary did nothing to publicly correct his assertions.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
annapavlova42
[ Joined on 02/07 ] [ Posted on July 12, 2007 ]
12 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
If you look at Mr. Moore's intention, rather then ripping every little mistake he has made, perhaps you will see that, this may be the begining of a very good thing for health freedom.

He is also open to new information and education.  Wouldn't it be great if we emailed Mr. Moore and  offered him some new insights?  Web address's, names, new information, etc.  I bet he will jump to this  new opportunity. 

This will be great for health freedom.

So, what do all of you think?
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
Bikin Mom
[ Joined on 07/06 ]  [ Posted on July 13, 2007]
4 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola
I like that idea, I will write him with links to info about the sucess of natural/traditional remedies also. I was fortunate that some old friend wanted to get together for for dinner and movie. They picked "Sicko" which I wouldn't have otherwise seen. It was surprising and I am glad I saw it. I wish more people would take Mercola's suggestion and just watch online or go to the movie.
Mercola
  
BigEdd
[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on July 15, 2007]
1 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola
Annapavlova42,

I have new information in the form of a new idea as to the cause of disease.  I call it the "Thorn Theory".  Check out my previous posts on this website.

By the way, how do I send this new idea to Mr. Moore?
Mercola
  
annapavlova42
[ Joined on 02/07 ]  [ Posted on July 15, 2007]
1 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
bigedd,

Go into his webb site, and find his contact information.  You can also do a research for other ways of contacting him.

He has become a very popular man, and it may be difficult.  But keep on trying.
Mercola
  
Halobeans
[ Joined on 11/06 ]  [ Posted on July 24, 2007]
       
   
Savvy User
  Mercola

That is a great idea Anna. Obviously he could use some more info.Please let us know if you find a way to contact him!

  
  
DAN B.
[ Joined on 07/07 ] [ Posted on July 13, 2007 ]
11 Points        
   
 
Novice User
I have not seen the movie, but saw him on the Oprah show.  I do not agree, with the solution.  Its all about the money!!!!!!!!
   Prevention is not a priority!  Just ask the Agriculture, Big Pharma, Cancer research, Drug research ???????????   If they found a cure they would be out of business, Gov Grants, all donations would dry up.
    The sad part is the solution has been there all the time.  Dating back to the roman times, the diets were all natural, they predicted the when the life style of the Affluent became dominate, society would collapse.
    There nunneries valid studies which connect our life style to Cancer, Heart Disease, Obesity, Diabetes and numerous other problematic afflictions. 
      NATURAL WHOLE FOODS and or Wlhole food sublimis are a key to our Health problems. only change can save us, our society, and the people who contole the Food chain, are not going to let that happen.
   The mind is like a Parachute, it works best when OPEN.!
1. Read Dr M's articles on prevention.
2. Be able to think out side the box.
3. Get and read a book called "The China Study" by T Colin Campbell Phd.... If you can read this book and not be upset as to who is contolling the food chain, thats ok, at least, you had the forciet to be open to a diffent Life Style.
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
BigEdd
[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on July 15, 2007]
4 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola
Angelic

Great comment about the June 4th issue of Time.  Once we solve the problems of why people get sick, the trusted people of the USDA, the FDA, the ADA, etc. should be held to account.

Check out my previous posts on this website.
  
  
NZ Mary
[ Joined on 11/06 ] [ Posted on July 13, 2007 ]
11 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
We have public health care in NZ which means our taxes pay the bulk of the convential health care bill. Adults have to pay about $30 to see a doctor, although less if they are on a benefit (receiving welfare), which by the way includes everyone over 65, and a reasonably small charge for each prescription item. Hospitals are free. Even though I agree that drugs are not the answer to chronic health problems, and that if I am diagnosed with cancer I'll be off to Mexico and none of the taxes I've paid will be given back - I am so pleased to be living in a country where no one is ever kicked out of a hospital due to lack of money and people do not become bankrupt because they have accident or a sick child, and everyone who needs treatment gets it. Also, people will not take control of their own health if they are poor, stressed, sick or hopeless.
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
annapavlova42
[ Joined on 02/07 ]  [ Posted on July 13, 2007]
8 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
NZ Mary,

Continuing with conventional medicine is not taking control of your own health.

Cancer is curable.  All physical problems stem from a low functioning ammune system.  There are several remedies from the alternative world that you can use to decrease, greatly, your chances in contracting any illness.  Including alternative eating, life style , naturopathic MD's, and products.
  
  
mmc88121
[ Joined on 11/06 ] [ Posted on July 11, 2007 ]
11 Points        
   
 
Moderator User
While I might not agree with the way Michael Moore does things, he definitely brings issues to the forefront and this is one that needs to be fixed.  Maybe not the way he is thinking, but at least he is making people take a look at it.

Mary
 [ Reply ]
  
  
canadienne
[ Joined on 07/07 ] [ Posted on July 13, 2007 ]
7 Points        
   
 
Novice User
Here is a list of the medical care received by my immediate family in the past 20 years. All free, including diagnosis and drugs for the elderly or welfare recipients.  Father: heart, triple by-pass surgery, ten years of costly hormone treatment for prostate cancer, lots of pills. Uncle and aunt: surgeries and chemo for colorectal cancer, heart angioplasty. Sister: 10 years of broad spectrum treatment for MS. Husband: 2 knee replacements, 1 hip replacement, auto crash treatment. Sister: drugs and diagnostic tests for artheriosclerosis and depression. Sister: surgery for endometriosis, psychiatric counselling.  Brother: diagnostics for MS. There was no great waiting times.
I am very grateful that my family has access to free medical treatment. 2/3 of the healthcare budget goes to drugs. What is sorely lacking is preventative education, and coverage to "alternative" practitioners. Our doctors are well-educated in conventional treatments, enjoy highly subsidized educations, then, upon graduation, many leave for the USA where the big bucks are. Foreign trained docs find it very hard to practice here. And there is serious pressure for legalizing private medical care from those who stand to benefit, as in the USA.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
home with 3 boys
[ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on July 24, 2007 ]
5 Points        
   
 
Novice User

Wow! This is my first post, though I've been visiting mercola.com for 10 years. Everyone seems to be forgetting that no matter how healthy you think you can become by changing your actions, we live in a fallen and polluted world.  The water, air and yes, even organic food is laced with chemicals that will be here long after we are all worm food.  Best intentions are the best that we can do, but don't think that you can definitely avoid contracting cancer, etc from the environment that we live in!  We'll all die eventually, and most of us will not die "naturally in our sleep".  Our organic food is watered with this polluted water, is planted in the polluted soil and is constantly exposed to the oodles of chemicals that are in our air.  No, I'm not a pessimist.  I'm a realist.  I have been studying to get a degree in Holistic Nutrition for 2 years.  I have since learned that the science of health is just like every other science.  It's just someone's best guess as to what is best.  Don't kid yourself into believing that you will ever achieve perfect health in this lifetime.  It's just simply not a reality. We can all do our best, but there is a place for conventional medicine, also.  I take no medications, don't immunize my kids, and we eat as much organic food as we can afford.  We are all very healthy and I shop for organic food, yes even at the local farmers market.  Feeding a grown man, three growing boys and myself all organic costs us well over $1200 a month!  Are you kidding!? I refuse to spend that much on food, so we've settled for organic, or natural and some conventional, when the cost is not practical.  Yet I feel no guilt and I will lose no sleep over my choices.  I feel great about it.  I am so glad to live in a country where I have so many choices.  

 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
Health 1
[ Joined on 03/07 ]  [ Posted on July 24, 2007]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

WOOOW!!!  I give you a great deal of credit for sharing your inner most beliefs truthfully stated.  You think much like I do, as my posting of relpy above show. I am able to base it on observation of patients, as are you. Good for you...Talk about confirmation.

Blessings to all.

Dr. Trudy

  
  
jenanne
[ Joined on 07/07 ] [ Posted on July 24, 2007 ]
4 Points