Health Insurance Industry, Big Pharmaceuticals Launch Michael Moore Smear Campaign
There’s no getting around the fact that people are dying in this country as a result of the decisions that get made by these health insurance companies. People are dying in this country because they can’t afford the pharmaceuticals because of the price gauging that takes place.
- Michael Moore
You’ve got to know that you’re getting too close to someone’s uncomfortable truth when you’re the target of an organized, well-funded smear campaign by not one, not two, but THREE different industry-funded think tanks.
Michael Moore has always been a lightning rod for controversy. I suppose that will happen when someone makes a well-researched argument that makes you look like a total, self-absorbed, heartless dick. And when you can’t argue based on facts (because the facts expose you for what you are), the only weapons in your arsenal are name-calling and cheap, gratuitous insults.
I’ve been a fan of Michael Moore since his old TV Nation back in the mid-90’s. Yes, I share his political views, but what I’ve always admired most about Moore is his willingness to tell the truth…and to do it with a sense of humor. Moore would be just another Liberal with an axe to grind except for his ability to expose self-interest, corruption, and hypocrisy with humor and clarity.
The problem for Moore’s targets is that they can’t debate him on the facts. The man does his homework. All those he skewers can really do is to ridicule him for his appearance (OK, so he’s fat and dishevelled…who cares??) or his political beliefs- neither of which produce arguments effective enough to counter Moore’s factual presentation. The fact that he now has three think tanks funded by the health-care industry taking aim at him tells me that he’s probably too uncomfortably close to the truth for someone’s liking. I haven’t seen SiCKO, because it hasn’t yet opened in the Houston area, but you can bet I’ll be there on opening weekend. I can hardly wait to hear what insults and lame, petty arguments those on the Right will be launching against Moore and his new movie. I can’t imagine they’ll be able to counter the facts, so, as usual, what we’ll be left with will be laughable attempts to paint Moore as a clueless, out-of-touch Librul.
Of course, I suppose one has to feel something for the pharmaceutical industry. After all, it can’t be easy being exposed as little more than corporate greedheads less concerned with health care than their own bottom line. And with all that money, there’s plenty to spread around to buy some cheap personal attacks and “research” to refute Moore’s well-researched arguments.
Bring it on, y’all….
I love Michael Moore. He and I share similar backgrounds, both from midwest blue collar towns decimated by the decline and greed of the American auto industry. He has been right, although considerably ahead of American public opinion, on just about every issue he has taken on. Big Pharma, the insurance industry and for profit hospital corporations ought to be scared to death by this movie. It just might turn the tide of American opinion once again.
I'm with you guys on the Michael Moore issue. He does the homework, hasn't lost his senses of humor or humanity and is one heck of a smart person. Everytime he comes out with something I expect to hear he's died under "mysterious circumstances" -- guess I've been reading too many conspiracy theories :)
Michael Moore tries awfully hard sometimes to convince us he's personally a jerk, but...I will give him two (more important) credits: he gets the big things right even if he gets some little things wrong, and the man does know how to make a film. Does he ever.
And I note that he succeeds in his life's work without shredding the constitution, declaring war to cover his daddy's failures, or even shooting anyone in the face.