LAT: Giving Them a Sick Feeling (next Moore film to target drug firms)

[DeepModem Mom]

Giving them a sick feeling

Drug firms are on the defense as filmmaker Michael Moore plans to dissect their industry.

By Elaine Dutka, Times Staff Writer


America's pharmaceutical industry is putting out an advisory about the latest potential threat to its health: Michael Moore.

Moore, the filmmaker whose targets have included General Motors ("Roger & Me"), the gun lobby (the Oscar-winning "Bowling for Columbine") and President Bush ("Fahrenheit 9/11") has now set his sights on the healthcare industry, including insurance companies, HMOs, the Food and Drug Administration — and drug companies....

***

"We ran a story in our online newspaper saying Moore is embarking on a documentary — and if you see a scruffy guy in a baseball cap, you'll know who it is," said Stephen Lederer, a spokesman for Pfizer Global Research and Development.

In September and October, GlaxoSmithKline, the second-largest in retail sales, as well as AstraZeneca and Wyeth, sent out Moore alerts, instructing employees that questions posed by the media or filmmakers should be handled by corporate communications. Heavyweights Sanofi-Synthelabo and Aventis Pharmaceuticals each sent out similar memos before their recent merger. Merck & Co., Abbott Laboratories, Eli Lilly & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries send periodic messages about dealing with the press but haven't singled out Moore by name. Johnson & Johnson declined to comment....

***

Moore decided to make a film about healthcare because it's "a hot-button issue with the average American — the domestic issue of the day," he said. "Being screwed by your HMO and ill-served by pharmaceutical companies is the shared American experience. The system, inferior to that of much poorer nations, benefits the few at the expense of the many."...


http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/cl-et-sicko22dec22,0,6802866.story

[pnutchuck]

1. Wish he would have done it before the election

I don't think the Freepers realize just how much these companies are screwing the American people. Bushco managed to take the focus off of Health Care and put it on the paranoid concept of National Security. Also, Bush supporters were never going to buy into the concept of Bush is evil and the war is illegal but, health care, as Moore put it, "is the shared American experience."

on edit: mispelled Moore

[dolo amber]

4. "I don't think the Freepers realize just how much these companies are

screwing the American people."

Too true, but THE ONE WAY to make sure they will NEVER believe it is to have MM make a film about it... :eyes:

[SiouxJ]

5. They don't have a clue - they actually defend them!

They have them believing all the money from the ridiculous prices of drugs goes for more research. They have them believing people that sue drug companies are evil, not the drug companies themselves. This is yet another example of how they can get them to believe anything. They put out these talking points through their media machine and all of a sudden you have sick people defending filthy rich pharmaceutical executives. Amazing!

[iconoclastNYC]

13. God I'm so sick of liberals smearing Moore

If Moore was no threat to the right they wouldn't be spending so much time and effort smearing him. He's dangerous because he's circumvented the news media (balance! balance!), and so he's able to makes an effective liberal argument. Key here is effective. Nobody on TV news or the print media comes close to arguing our points so effective and ridiculing the right-wing. Ridicule is an powerful and effective tactic, look what they did with Kerry and flipflop and the purple bandaids.

His films are powerful. You can loan a DVD to someone who is mildly interested in politics but does not have the time or interest in reading a book. Sometimes it only takes one issue to get people to break away from the mainstream media induced conservative haze. I think a lot of people are conservatives by default because the media makes it seem more American and more cool.

This medical thing has universal appeal. I think a lot more people will be able to get someone to watch a Moore film on this topic than F911 which was so partisan, and basically attacking the commander and chief.

Something that we need to do at the grassroots is focus on forming one on one stealth mentor-ships with friends who are ambivalent about politics or just a little right wing. We need to try to find the liberal issue they care about. Due to corporatized media, our targeted converts have most likely never been exposed to an effective argument for the liberal point of view.

Get someone to change their thinking about a single liberal issue and you open their mind a lot. The hardest part of converting someone is getting them over the need to think they are right. You have to pick the easiest issue, the issue that the person is most likely to think about at a later date because it matters to him.

Moore's films are an easy way to get this process started in someone you have targeted. Take them with you to the cinema or just loan them a DVD. Talk to them about the issue afterward. They will not be the same. They may still in defense mechanism mode so you have to not concern yourself so much with trying to make them agree with Moore, but try to offer support to them. Then you try again later. Don't over reach.

WE have to combat this pile-on mentality some liberals have where we pick up the Republican spin points and smear campaigns and do their dirty work for them. If this is the DLC spearheading this then why the hell don't we start picketing the DLC?

Michael Moore is a patriot and his films help our cause. Let the wingers get their panties in a bunch over it. It means it's working.

But don't smear Moore.

(On edit--fixed a typo, rearranged some paragraphs)

[dolo amber]

17. I wasn't smearing Moore

Sorry you read it that way. I was merely pointing out the obvious. :hi:

[iconoclastNYC]

20. You completely dismiss him

You implied it will hurt the issue if he makes the movie.

Sounds like you are smearing him to me.

Sure freepers will never go see this movie. We aren't out to enlighten the freepers. We are out to enlighten the people who don't care about politics or are just barely right of center. We only need to bring 3% of the country to our side to start winning again.

How many people got dragged to see Bowling for Columbine by their more politically active friends and, now know something about "the climate of fear" or how screwed up the NRA/anti-gun control lobby is?

[dolo amber]

21. Well, again...no I wasn't

But, again...sorry you continue to read it that way. :hi:

[iconoclastNYC]

22. OK...i missed the reference to freepers in the subject

I misread it.

[brentspeak]

30. As much as I like where Moore is coming from

the guy blatantly plays fast-and-loose with the facts. Example: the bank scene in "Bowling For Columbine". The bank offered a free rifle to new customers opening an account. Moore shows himself filling out the paperwork for a new account, then immediately after, we see him walking out the bank with a brand-new rifle. The full truth: Moore had to return two weeks later to claim his rifle, because the bank had to do a background check on him first. But Michael Moore wanted to make it appear as if he simply walked right in, and then walked right out with a free rifle.

That is called "playing fast-and-loose with the facts".

[OhioBlue]

31. Does everything need to be footnoted?

Isn't there some room for artistic freedom or whatever? I mean, wasn't the point that he was trying to make that the BANK was giving away a GUN in exchange for opening an account???? Isn't it federal law that there be a waiting period? Don't we assume that the bank is complying w/ that? I don't really think your comment points out any false statement. Maybe I missed something. Did Moore say that the bank gave him the gun the same day? Was he trying to imply that they were not complying w/ the Brady Bill or what ever legislates a waiting period. My impression was that he was simply exposing how ridiculous it is that a BANK was giving away a GUN for opening an account.

[stopping by]

6. Let's not just talk...let's take action!

I have read up on the pharmaceutical industry, and I think Moore is heroic with what he is doing. That industry does nothing but screw people over.

I think we here at DU need to take a stand by refusing to take pharmaceutical medicines ever again. If you just think positively and take time to meditate each day, you won't need them anyway. Who's with me?

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[stopping by]

10. My apologies

Yep, I'm a freeper. I shouldn't have done that. I felt bad afterwards. I'm serious on all counts.

Given that presciption drugs have brought countless benefits to millions, I just wanted to point out that it's a bit silly to present the companies that make them as totally evil. If we gave up prescription drugs, we'd be in bad shape. But I should have made the point in another way.

Moderators: can I get off with a warning? I'll be good from now on.

[Chico Man]

12. Actually I think you need some ADD medication

Since you are so disruptive. Now take two of these and STFU!

[DownNotOut]

14. "Yep, I'm a freeper."

I'll be seeing you later. Enjoy your very short stay....

DownNotOut

[stopping by]

16. I came here to be exposed to different points of view

I like to challenge myself.

Did I make a mistake with my earlier post? Absolutely. It was an emotional reaction to a subject I feel passionate about.

But I've admitted wrongdoing. I'm a guest here, and I shouldn't have misrepresented myself.

Yes, you can have me banned. But what's the point? If I continued to be disruptive, you should ban me in the interests of serving the needs of the forum. But I'm not going to be disruptive again.

[Algomas]

18. Welcome to DU, stopping...

I hope you find a cure for your Freepatitis here. We don't require a loyalty oath but please try to keep an open mind as you browse.

[stopping by]

19. Thanks!

Thanks for the kind welcome.

I'm always looking for the opportunity for someone to prove me wrong. And sometimes, I do get proven wrong!

[leftofcool]

23. It isn't that all drug companies are evil.............

Many times, the chemo is worse than the cancer. There are other avenues that people can explore without resorting to expensive drugs that don't get to the root of the problem, yet your friendly FDA, who lines their bulemic pockets with drug money, wants to see herbs removed from the shelves of the health food stores. Do herbs always work? No, they don't. Neither does modern medicine and folks should have the option to seek medical care they way they see fit for themselves, not the way the government wants, and yes that includes medical weed.

Left of Cool

[dddem]

32. I don't think anybody is all wrong

or all right. Please look into a group called "the Committee of 10,000". They filed a class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies that marketed tainted blood product for hemophiliacs during the 1980's. They estimate 10,000 people were affected by blood product that contained the AIDS virus.
I know (a very little bit) about this because a friend of mine lost her son to AIDS. He was 9 when he became infected, and 21 when he died.
At the time, I found out from my friend that if the families had known the product was tainted, they could have found alternative means to get the clotting factor their sons needed. I also found out that the companies who produced the product KNEW it was tainted, and decided - are you ready for this - that it would be more cost-effective to settle with the victims than to recall the product. Recalling and heat-treating the product would have killed the virus. The FDA knew also, and did not demand a recall, only suggested it; hence the lawsuit.
And just for fun, once a settlement was reached, Medicare stepped in and expected to be reimbursed by the victims estates for the expenses incurred by these men when they couldn't work or get health insurance, or for those still living with the virus, stopped covering them, because they could now afford to pay for all the meds with the settlement money.
I e-mailed Michael Moore with this information when I heard he was making this movie. I hope he considers using it.
I hope I've been able to assist in your enlightenment! Welcome to DU.

[OhioBlue]

27. Exposed to different points of view...

It is always good to keep an open mind and look at things from another's perspective. You can defend the pharm industry with the feel-good argument that we need them and they save peoples lives, make lives better etc. But look at the deeper story. Do you think it is right for the industry to be so commercialized? Do you actually think they should run commercials, sponsor race cars, etc.? Personally, I think it is disgusting. Another point is that the scientists and researchers are probably passionate about their work and many probably see it as helping people & society. They should be commended and valued. But do you actually think the CEOs and Boards of Directors think about anything but the bottom line, the stock price and their million dollar salaries and bonuses?

[iconoclastNYC]

15. Take action: Nationalize the Industry

Nationalize the drug firms and take the profits and put it toward health-care for all.

IT is immoral for Shareholders and executives to line their pockets by price-gouging sick people for the medications they need to maintain their health.

Why is it bad to price gouge for gasoline after a hurricane but charging a heart patient $200/month for pills that cost $1.25/month is just FINE.

Yeah Nationalization will never happen but it should. The only thing to be nationalized in this country in the past however many years was the Transportation Security after 911 and Congress wants to undo that now.

[OhioBlue]

26. I couldn't agree with you Moore

I completely agree with your posts. I think it would be great if Michael Moore makes this documentary. I also COMPLETELY agree that we need to focus on the % that can be swayed. We are not going to change the minds of hardcore Repugs. They are brainwashed. Personally, my boyfriend and my cousin both watched F911 w/ me. Both were proud to vote for Kerry and had never voted before. I also have a cousin that is hard core red. I'm probably never going to change her mind. By the way... Are YOU MM? lol

[leftofcool]

2. The SOB's are already on the run..............

"In September and October, GlaxoSmithKline, the second-largest in retail sales, as well as AstraZeneca and Wyeth, sent out Moore alerts, instructing employees that questions posed by the media or filmmakers should be handled by corporate communications. Heavyweights Sanofi-Synthelabo and Aventis Pharmaceuticals each sent out similar memos before their recent merger. Merck & Co., Abbott Laboratories, Eli Lilly & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries send periodic messages about dealing with the press but haven't singled out Moore by name. Johnson & Johnson declined to comment....


I just luv it when assholes get defensive! Moore alerts! BWHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Not_Giving_Up]

3. Let's see here...

We're not supposed to think that they are doing anything wrong, but when an investigative journalist comes along they put out alerts that questions are not to be answered. Is the country hypnotized? Who belives this shit?

I was watching a show the other night (no, don't remember which one) where they were talking about the Time Magazine selection. There had been an interview with someone from Time who suggested that second place was a tie between Michael Moore for Farenheit 9/11 (big election impact)and Mel Gibson for The Passion. After the clip of the interview was shown, the repukes on the show said that in no way was Moore ever seriously considered. They said Moore had to be listed among the considered so that lefties didn't get upset over a religious movie being considered.

The dem on the show was trying to tell them that Moore did indeed deserve kudos for motivating people to get involved, but the repukes of course said that F9-11 was all a lie.

[Ernesto]

7. They deserve to be scared of Mike!

I just tweak out when I hear those lying Merck adds on NPR. They go on & on about how they care about the public's health (not profits). Pure repuke double-speak. Al Franken should have included them in "Lying Liars".

[Skittles]

8. F***ING COWARDS

running like the cockroaches they are

[depakid]

11. Fish in a barrel

These folks and their corrupt minions at the FDA will be easy targets for Moore. Hell, their exploits have been in the NY Times on almost a weekly basis now for a year. All he needs to do is follow up on those articles and he's got enough damning material for a feature length film....

[Flammable Materials]

24. Advice to Michael:

1. Lose lots of weight.
2. Get a haircut.
3. Shave.
4. Buy a suit.

[thebigidea]

25. while we're at it, some advice for you:

1. Become a bestselling author.
2. Become an Oscar/Palm D'Or-winning filmmaker

Well, we'll stop at 2. That should keep you busy for a while.

[InvisibleBallots]

28. Did anyone see "Awful Truth" episode about the insurance company?

Michael Moore had one episode of his show The Awful Truth where some guy had paid for his health insurance for years and years, and when he needed a new kidney, the insurance company refused to pay for it.

So Moore staged a "funeral" for this guy in front of their offices - it was hilarious - within one week of the show the company agreed to pay for the operation.

Michael Moore is awesome.

[OhioBlue]

29. Yes, I saw it

I borrowed the complete season on VHS from the local library. The episode was great. MM does rock.