We have an Antrim neighbor who makes movies, usually controversial, always with a message. Michael Moore's latest effort is called "Sicko", and it focuses on the health care systems in the United States. It is not about those without health care. It is about the system of care whether you have some type of coverage or not. Last Thursday there was a private showing of the movie up north, and the big news is that the North American premier will take place June 16th in Bellaire.

The first challenge for some in this crusade will be to get past the opinions they have had sculpted for them about Michael Moore, and focus on the problem at hand. There is no political agenda hidden in this movie. The health care industry in the United States does not discriminate between Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, or your spot on the social strata.

Take your first steps in the crusade by not listening to partisan, prejudiced previews of the movie, or what you might have thought about Michael Moore in the past, and walk into the theatre with an open mind to see this movie. When you walk out, take your next steps and march with all citizens to a drum that beats for each and every one of us. The crusade is one for the care that we all deserve. We. All. We. All. We. All.

This is a movie and a cause for which we should all have mutual interest. Mr. Moore says, "Can't we find common ground here? Can't we all agree on some very basic things about our society?" He adds, "I am hoping for liberals working with conservatives. First we have to agree to help and work with those with whom we have disagreed in the past."

It is in that spirit that Moore has consented to having the premier in his home community. It is a Democratic Party fundraiser that will result in a sizeable donation to one of their charities. But before anyone jumps on the relationship with the Antrim Democrats as being not conducive to the aforementioned spirit of cooperation, know that Mr. Moore has made the movie available to Republicans as a fundraiser as well. He cites that, "The movie has tested very positively with Republicans. The health care issue is bigger than any political affiliation."

With wife Kathleen Glynn, an executive producer of the movie, Moore enjoys the values and friendliness he has found in Antrim County. He cites, "The only difference is, there the problems are urban, here they are rural." Kathleen and Michael are quietly, very active philanthropically in Antrim County.

Once voted "class clown" by fellow students in high school, Moore sometimes finds a conflict between the entertainer side of himself and the passionate political side. That shows in his movies, this one included.

Our crusade must start with each of us reaching up and reaching over this divide that has been carved between us. Then we must reach forward and move strongly to accomplish quality and equality in our health care system. From "Sicko", the line, " 'Me' must be replaced by 'we'", could be our mantra. Antrim County is the perfect place to begin this quest in our nation's history. We are people who believe in "We".

After the movie I was home, working in my driveway when a neighbor came by walking her dogs. She wondered what I had been up to, and I said that I had interviewed Michael Moore and seen his new movie. At the mention of Michael's name, she put her index finger partway in her mouth feigning a gagging reflex.

I couldn't let that pass. I explained what the movie was about and that it was far above any partisan politics. In fact, when I asked if she knew of anyone who had a health care problem, she proceeded to tell how she had been angered when her husband was denied care after being diagnosed with early stages of diabetes. Before she headed down the road, she said that it sounded like an important movie to see. I had just taken my first step in the crusade.