The Truth Finds Us

Ezra Klein - Is the Government Going to Euthanize your Grandmother? An Interview With Sen. Johnny Isakson.

With the debate on healthcare reform gaining momentum this month, the personal stories of individuals and families either denied healthcare by their providers or without health insurance at all, are coming more into the public light. I’ve become a bit numb in my reaction to the stories having lived through my own medical maelstrom, but just scratching the surface a bit brings back the moments of panic that takes over your life when least expected. The issues around health, well-being, care and financial stability become the first and last thought of each day and the entire world is colored by the fluctuation in each arena.

That we as a generation and a society are at a turning point to help ourselves is not part of the debate. We all know it. We know it’s right to reform a system that is not functioning efficiently with the most important element of our lives; our health. (Our grandmothers and theirs before them knew that “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything”). We know it’s right to make healthcare available to every member of society, just as we make education, personal security and equal rights available.

As we watch the angry response to the inclusion of a measure that would have medicare pay for the consultation with a doctor of the patient's own choosing, in regards to end of life issues, it occurs to me that the need for the provision will be very clear to everyone when they find they are in that inevitable position themselves or with their parents, spouses or children. We all face the same challenges and no matter how strong or brave we are, we all need help.

The scenes being played out at the “town hall” meetings across the country demonstrate how much fear underlies all of healthcare. In the brief images I’ve seen, it’s reminiscent of the clips of the civil rights struggle in ending segregation in this country. The venom and fear mongering grows each day. As difficult as it is, our generation is confronting this fear and seeking the truth. It’s painful but liberating, and in the end, the truth finds us.

Thoughts beginning to come forth...

Last week I was asked to participate on a panel seeking to set out a bi-partisan platform on healthcare reform for whoever the eventual candidates are for the presidency. It was sponsored by the Creative Coalition and The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. The panel was moderated by former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona (2002-2006) and included several healthcare experts who focused on the fact that chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. and accounts for the vast majority of healthcare spending. I was there to put a personal face on chronic illness.

It was the first time that I’d told the story of Dying to Live - the journey into a man’s open heart to such a large audience. It was also an audience of theatre, film and TV people including a number of celebrities. The response was strong and I’m beginning to realize that many of the thoughts I’ve had about the resonance of the issues of the film are beginning to come forth. I’m not that different than any of the folks in that audience or many others regarding the medical and personal challenges I’ve encountered. I just happened to have a camera turned on while the events of my life played out. But in one regard I am different than a number of other audiences that may see the film. I had the resources to confront many of the challenges with insurance and I had the time and means to provide caregiving to my loved ones when it was most needed. This theme is becoming consistent in all the conversations I am having after screening and discussing the film.

I’m beginning to get into the loop of people who want to make changes in society in a variety of ways. Some of it gets a bit heady to be in the company of people whose work I’ve appreciated for along time. The case in point was an invitation to attend the AARP Magazine “Movies for Grownups” awards. As you know AARP caters to the above 50 demographic in the US and has an active involvement in supporting quality entertainment for this part of the population. I found interest in the film that evening and am hoping that AARP may review the film or do an article on it as the film is really for baby Boomers and Seniors who are one of the most underserved audiences. I’ve been surprised with how seniors respond to screenings of the film, relating so strongly with my mom & aunt going on to tell me “ we have kids your age that we didn’t realize were facing such challenges in their lives”.

Two reviews of the film came out recently. Since I started my career as an actor 35 years ago there was always the apprehension and excitement surrounding the reviews of the work. A lot has been written about critics and the perspectives on things. You know if you believe the good ones you should be believe the bad ones too. I’m glad the film is having the opportunity to find its audience.

Here’s where you can read the reviews:
http://growthhouse.typepad.com/les_morgan/

http://menscenterlosangeles.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-and-invitation-to-dying-to-live.html