Greg Palmer

Former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill wrote a great column in today’s Times about healthcare reform. What I like is that he doesn’t rule out nationalized healthcare (indeed, by calling for a national risk pool, I think he’s acknowledge that the future is in universal care). But what I like even more is this:

In the end, we cannot look at insurance coverage, medical costs, quality of care and information technology as separate issues. As we strive to make sure every American can get necessary treatment, we must look at every aspect of our health care system. We can do much better, and we should start now.

That’s what’s not being talked about in great enough detail. Healthcare reform has to be more comprehensive than just “cover everyone.”

My favorite review of Sicko yet:
“I walked out of Sicko with an overwhelming pride for sharing a nationality with Michael Moore as he may be one of the greatest American patriots of our time.”

I saw Sicko on Friday night. It’s fantastic and moving; I highly suggest you see it. As an amateur media watchdog (I see all sorts of their antics at work), I’ve been closely watching the debate between CNN and Michael Moore.

Here’s the first clip, where Moore (rightly!) attacks Wolf Blitzer, Sanjay Gupta, and CNN for their poor reporting of not only Sicko, but of the entire health care crisis:

Moore agreed to do an unedited follow-up interview that CNN aired on the next day’s edition of The Situation Room.* The second half of the interview plays like the first half should have. It’s a bit more in depth and really talks about Moore’s motivations and decisions in the film-making process. If only CNN were like this all the time, they might have better ratings:

* CNN advertised this show with door hangers that say “Don’t Interrupt: I’m in the Situation Room.” Ha! Please, does anyone consider Wolf Blitzer essential viewing?