Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry 2012
I recommend to you a 2012 documentary film on the life of Chinese artist Ai Wei-wei, a voice of protest against the heavy handed Chinese government. As a reward for his artistic efforts and political activism, Wei-Wei suffered through police beatings and arrests.
Although the government has revoked his passport, Wei-wei refuses to be silenced. His art exhibitions are continuing outside of China here in the US. So, if you have a chance, try to catch an exhibition of his art at your local museum. Next best thing is to watch the documentary: click here.
The Choice to Submit
Wei-Wei has to deal with a personal decision on a daily basis, to defy or submit to unjust authoritarian suppression. This holds true for us health care professionals as well. We face, on a daily basis, the choice to submit or remain defiant to authoritarian forces which seek to control health care, and the way we practice of medicine.
Who Controls the Health Care Industry ?
The pharmaceutical industry, the health insurance industry, the government agencies and news media outlets are now in control of the health industry in America. Similar to any other corporation, their goal is to maximize profit. This is America and corporations exist to make a profit. This is only natural.
Making Profits Off the Backs of Sick People
However, when it comes to health care, there is something very wrong with making profit off the backs of sick people. The health industry makes a profit by denying health care to sick people. When you ask your health insurance company to pay for your health care bill, a lab test, or medical procedure. What do you find out? The health insurance company has denied payment because the test or procedure does not meet their “guidelines”. Who makes up the guidelines ? They do. It’s a rigged system.
Bad Drugs
The pharmaceutical industry makes a profit by convincing doctors and patients to use “bad drugs” that don’t work and cause adverse side effects. The usual corporate methods are applied to health care with deceptive advertising, lies and outright falsehoods, along with complicity of the government regulatory agencies such as the FDA and USDA which have “revolving door” policies with corporate health care. The television, radio and news media are all under the control of health corporations that pay them well for advertising space.
Submission or Defiance ?
The vast majority of physicians are submissive, as they fall in line and don’t make waves with the “System”. Yet, a few brave souls don their white coats every day and do battle with this authoritarian medical system in order to provide their patients with the highest level of health care. This defiance of the authoritarian medical system is a lonely and dangerous task, with great risk in terms of personal and professional cost. Thanks to Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei for providing a model of defiance against authoritarian government.
Articles with related interest
Protect Your Family from Bad Drugs
How Crafty Health Insurers Are Denying Care. You can fight back when your health plan says no.
Jeffrey Dach MD
7450 Griffin Road Suite 180
Davie, Fl 33314
954 792 4663
Links
Netflix Page for Never Sorry Documentary
WeiWei New Exhibit on Alcatraz ISland
Man Attacks Vase at WeiWei SHow in Miami
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