Health Care and Documentaries

I don't want this to turn into a political debate.  I spent a few years very involved in politics and I got burned out.  At this point, I get frustrated with how all aspects of politics are corrupt in some way and it just seems too big of  a problem to be fixed.  I am so thankful that God is in charge.  I am thankful that He has set the leaders in place and that He has a reason for doing so.  I am thankful that He hears our prayers about everything, including politics.

With that said, I wanted to share a resource with you - free documentaries.  I found a website that offers documentaries to be streamed for free.  I watched SuperSize Me a few years back and was amazed.  No, I don't believe every word in what I see.  I appreciate the new point of view that these documentaries bring.  Tonight, I watched Sicko for the first time - Michael Moore's documentary about America's healthcare problems.

I generally really don't like Michael Moore.  I have a very different world view from him.  This documentary  definitely gave me a new way of looking at Moore.  It was very well done and very informative.

I can't really put into words what I have taken away from this documentary.  My heart hurts.  I didn't realize the struggles many in our country have regarding health care.  I didn't realize where the US stands in global rankings on life expectancy and health care.   My heart hurt hearing the stories of those struggling and those who have lost their lives due to problems in our system.

I know that no system is perfect.  Our system needs to change.  It doesn't need small changes here and there with government oversight.  It needs a total revamping.  I have talked with doctor friends about the recent health care proposals.  Those friends were scared to death by the proposals.  I don't know what the answer is, just that there needs to be a change.  One big concern is having abortion on demand be covered and more taxpayer funded than it currently is.

*tangent alert*
I would love to see Planned Parenthood put out of business through a revamping of the health care system and increased education rather than salesmanship (required ultrasounds and such).  I would love to see parents regain the right to know what is happening with their children's bodies (both with abortions and birth control without parental notification/consent).

*tangent over for now*

My fears?  I fear that whatever changes take place will be undermined by our culture of big business and greed.  I fear that those in need will need to wait too long for care.  I fear no change happening at all due to lack of education or political posturing.

My hopes?  I hope that there is change.  I hope that families broken by health care worries will find healing.  I hope that the changes will reflect a culture of life rather than death.

My challenge?  I challenge you to watch this documentary and see if it affects you.  As I said before, I don't endorse Michael Moore in general.  I do recommend this documentary.  I don't want you to blindly believe everything you see.  Take it as a jumping off point and continue learning.  Once you have been learning, start doing.

What can we do?  First, we can pray.  Pray for our leaders, pray for our government, pray for ideas on how to help.  We can support the free/reduced cost health care systems in our areas.  Donate extra supplies.  I recently donated some glucose meters I had gotten free with coupons plus basic toiletry items to a local health clinic.  They were very thankful.  Many people who use their services cannot afford soap and shampoo.  How likely is someone to get a better job if they are unable to get clean?  Just a thought.

If you have an iron stomach, jump into the politics of this hot issue.  If not, just pass along the challenge to others.  Spread the knowledge.  Share information.  Share dialogue.  Most of all, just do something.

What are your thoughts?  I am curious!