Filmmaker and activist Michael Moore has sparked significant public discourse following the assassination of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. The tragic incident has brought renewed scrutiny to America's for-profit healthcare system, as anger and frustration burgeon within the public sphere. Moore, who has long been outspoken about healthcare issues through his documentaries, including the critically acclaimed SICKO, posted his response on Substack, where he addressed the backlash after his name was cited by the alleged shooter, Luigi Mangione, in his manifesto.
Moore's post was unapologetically incendiary, stating, "The anger is 1000% justified. It is long overdue for the media to cover it. It is not new. It has been boiling.” He argues against suppressing public outrage, insisting instead on amplifying it. He elaborated, “I'm not going to tamp it down or ask people to shut up. I want to pour gasoline onthat anger." This sentiment resonates with many Americans who have suffered under the burdensome realities of high medical costs, denied claims, and growing medical debt.
Moore emphasized the importance of recognizing the systemic failures at play rather than merely condemning the act of violence. "This is not about the killing of a CEO," he wrote, making it clear he unequivocally condemns violence. “Yes, I condemn murder, and that's why I condemn America's broken, vile, rapacious, bloodthirsty, unethical, immoral health care industry.” His passionate indictment of the industry highlights the anguish felt by millions facing financial ruin due to healthcare-related issues.
The filmmaker’s remarks amplify the broader narrative about how the healthcare system has historically failed to prioritize individuals' needs, leading to despair and suffering. He stated, "No one needs to die—No one should die because they don't 'have' health insurance. Not one single person should die because their 'health insurance' denies their health care to make a buck." His reflections suggest not just outrage but also the necessity for transformative change.
Moore calls for dismantling the current healthcare model and replacing it with a universal care system, akin to those found in Canada and Taiwan. He noted, “We need to replace this system with something sane, something caring and loving — somethingthat keeps people alive.” This standpoint echoes sentiments from many health advocates who demand reform and accessible care for all.
The circumstances surrounding Thompson's death have drawn attention to embedded injustices within the healthcare sector. Moore reframed the assassination as part of a larger commentary on systemic failures. He observed, “This anger is not about the killing of a CEO. If everyone who was angry was ready to kill the CEOs, the CEOs would already be dead.” By making this point, he emphasizes the underlying issues rather than the specific incident.
Reflecting on Luigi Mangione's manifesto and his rationale, Moore noted its references to his work as illuminating the corruption and avarice within the healthcare industry. Moore found it surreal to acknowledge, “It's not oftenthat my work gets a killer five-star review from an actual killer.” His dark humor not only highlights the bizarre circumstances but underpins the depth of frustration among the public related to health insurance profiteering.
Public reaction to Thompson's assassination has varied, with some condemning the violence outright, yet others expressing sympathy for the sentiments behind it. Moore asserted the legitimacy of this anger, arguing it speaks to widespread suffering rooted deeply within the healthcare system's inequities. He called for accountability from both the industry and elected officials, stating, "I condemn every one of the CEOs who are in charge of it and I condemn every politician who takes their money and keeps this system going."
The aftermath of Thompson’s assassination has amplified the call for action, and Moore’s voice has become more important than ever. He encourages viewers to engage with his works, particularly SICKO, which he has made available for free. “This is a moment where we can create change,” he urged, rallying support for reform. Moore’s message resonates powerfully, urging the public to examine the moral ramifications of allowing profit to dictate health outcomes.
With the stakes higher than ever, Michael Moore remains unflinching, positioning himself as both critic and advocate for systemic change. His refusal to mute the outrage bubbling to the surface challenges both leaders and the public to engage with the urgent need for healthcare reform. This powerful discourse serves as not just commentary but also as clarion call to action within the rich but precarious fabric of American society.
