By Shane Goodman shane@dmcityview.com

Moore — a less pompous ass

Michael Moore is a pompous ass — the left’s counter to Rush Limbaugh, an equally pompous posterior. But Moore’s movies create a following, and his latest, “SiCKO,” is his best work to date. The film creates conversation about the issue of America’s failing health care system with the public, the presidential candidates and the media. Our local daily began coverage on the subject this week, but it lacks the depth and sincerity needed to pound the issue home. We realize we are at insurance industry ground zero in Des Moines and risk offending some in the industry, but our staff doesn’t sit on boards and committees with high ranking insurance execs. And we think that’s vital for any news organization.

We published in Civic Skinny a few weeks ago how management from local insurance companies have instructed employees not to talk to the media about this movie. Their marketing departments released information boasting what a great job their companies have done in providing coverage, and they placed blame for the broken system on others. Both sides have now spoken. Unfortunately, the problems still exist.

Moore has proven to be a polarizing individual, but those who despise him should not avoid this movie. He has clearly tamed his self righteousness and flamboyancy with “SiCKO,” and even takes a well-deserved shot at Hillary Clinton. We are reprinting (with permission) Carl Kozlowski’s exclusive piece from the Pasadena Weekly about Moore and the movie. The film documents the perils of the poorest members of society in a way only Moore can do it.

Two sides to every story? You bet. And insurance companies are not the complete devils that Moore would like us all to believe. They are businesses, expecting to earn a fair profit. And, like all businesses, are forced to make tough decisions to stay afloat. But Moore isn’t concerned with the profits or sustainability of the insurance corporations. His goal with “SiCKO” was to document and share the everyday stresses that the uninsured, the depleted and the down and out must face. And he did it quite well.

Thanks for reading.

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