Haven't seen Sicko Yet? You really should. It provides insight on a major issue facing this country. And the director of the movie, Michael Moore, has a special offer this weekend - Take a Republican to 'Sicko!'" Take them this weekend and send the ticket stub and entry form to Michael and he will enter them into a drawing. The lucky winner will get Michael Moore to come to their home and do their laundry - just like in France. As Michael Moore says, "What would make a Republican happier than him working away in their laundry room?"

And talking of Sicko - the debates continue and swirl. One of the issues is whether the fact that this country has, in many cases, worse outcomes in terms of life expectancy or infant mortality, than other countries can be attributed to the American lifestyle and not the American health care system. Well, for sure, the British have higher smoking rates than we do and yet they have much better outcomes. I think it's all about preventative care and free care. If you don't have to make a decision between feeding your 2 year old and getting a prenatal checkup, then you are more likely to go get the check up. Or if you learn to control diabetes by early and regular doctor's visits, you don't end up having your legs amputated. And as for the wait times, I would be perfectly happy to wait a few extra days to get elective surgery if it meant that everyone in this country could have access to good quality, free healthcare. And I think there are many others that would too.

Check out this 5 minute movie on single payer
or read the facts behind a bill that is currently in Congress - HR676 - that would implement single payer healthcare. You will be amazed at the savings even though it will provide insurance to everyone in this country. Take the middleman and the profit factor out of the equation. After that, we can take the lobbyists out of the political process. But one thing at a time!

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive