Indie Film? In New Albany?

I'll admit I was shocked. Shocked, I say, to discover that independent film was returning to New Albany. Last time I looked, Constituency for Progress was putting on the COLDEST outdoor screening of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" ever recorded. And they showed it twice, despite several near cases of hypothermia.

Hoosiers for a Common Sense Health Plan, joined by CFP and your local independent booksellers, are offering Michael Moore's "Sicko," an entertaining and provocative documentary about America's health care environment, where not only the children but millions of others are "Left Behind."

Huzzah, Hooray, Kudos. And thank you.

DETAILS: Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m. The film is a little over two hours long and the time will pass rapidly when accompanied by the brew and repast par excellence provided by host Rich O's, off Grant Line Road on Plaza Drive in New Albany. We'll close the store a few minutes early to get over to the No. 6 beer bar in the world, order a Big Ten pizza and a couple of Electors.

It will be fun to reconnect with our old friends from Constituency for Progress and our new friends from Hoosiers for a Common Sense Health Plan, co-sponsors of this amazing film. While everyone in attendance won't agree as to who should lead our country forward, you can count on a common wish for COMMON SENSE when it comes to collectively providing health care for all.

If there's one thing we've learned, it is that the so-called free market is destroying lives. Our duty to our fellow man requires that we join to provide a common sense health plan that leaves no one behind.

Don't believe me? Come watch the film with us and then tell me where I'm off-base. Or just enjoy the food, libations, and company. I guarantee you won't find a more literate, compassionate, and rational gathering of souls than at this singular event.

I'm reminded of the query, "What Would Jesus Do?" I'm convinced he'd be there at Rich O's on Thursday night.

But this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.