Michael Moore as American ambassador.
WHERE TO INVADE NEXT
By Marlene Ardoin
In “Where to Invade Next,” Michael Moore invades one country after another in order to steal their good ideas to bring back to the United States. This is similar to what he did in “Sicko,” only he is not just concentrating on health care, but he is open to a whole bunch of new ideas.
I believe Moore’s heart is in the right place. He sincerely wants to make the USA better. And, Americans are open to this kind of exploration, since we are already made up of every country in the world.
Unfortunately, Moore did not learn anything by making “Sicko.” Moore almost died of pneumonia prior to the opening of “Where to Invade Next.” I know it is so hard to stick to one’s own advice, but he really needs a personal assistant, trainer, wife, or all of these. He needs someone who can say “no” to the Coke. Lots of countries have free health care, that’s not the issue here.
After viewing “Where to Invade Next,” I would love to go to Italy. They have great work benefits, like lots of vacation time off. Thirty days of paid time off and two hour lunches, so workers can go home to eat. Wow! The couple he interviews wanted to come to the USA, until he describes our measly work benefits. And, Moore is right, everyone in Italy does look like they just had sex.
After Italy, I really would love to go to France someday. Michael is impressed with how the French feed their school children. In fact, he sits at one of the tables with the children to partake in their one hour, multi course lunch. The chef describes the different, nutritional dishes, which are served with water. I can only imagine what the French children were thinking, when Moore tries to introduce a glass of Coke Cola to them.
As a side note, the French have a reputation of being cool to Americans. The reason could be that most Americans do not use the words bonjour and au revoir. Using those words when you meet someone is a French courtesy that acknowledges ones presence. Omitting this courtesy is very offensive in France.
Slovenia has free college, as does Finland.
Norway shows compassion to felons and the crime rate is low. Interestingly, this is the country where all the school children were massacred on that island a few years ago.
Portugal does not persecute people who use drugs, but offers rehab.
Iceland jailed the bankers who caused their financial meltdown, and recovered quickly.
Tunisia has scored women’s health care and Planned Parenthood, in spite of being an Islamic country.
Germany does not whitewash Hitler’s years, and has lots of reminders, so as to never forget.
And Finland, had the best educational rankings in 2012, when the film was made. Now, South Korea has that distinction. Both countries hold education in high regards and teachers are treated with great respect (equal to how we revere doctors or lawyers in the west).
I could spend a lot of time on each country and what they have to offer, but I suggest you see this film and decide for yourself.
Michael Moore has uncovered some interesting ideas and presents them with his usual humor and verve.
3/19/2016 # Where to Invade Next