Industry profits override scientific findings, Endangering America’s health.
Alan E. Moses
February 22, 2007
In August of 2003 a special investigation by the Government Reform Committee found that science is taking a back seat to industry profits. Scientific Advisory Panels are being manipulated. Experts are replaced by those with strong ties to industry. And sadly the problem is worse in 2007 then before.
The suppression of scientific information and distorting the facts appears to be the goal of these government advisory panels. By altering or presenting incomplete and inaccurate information. The health of America’s population is being sacrificed.
The United States Agriculture Department policy requires scientist to seek approval before doing research on “agriculture practices with negative health and environmental consequences.” Within the EPA you are not allowed to conduct analysis on air quality that differs from the clear skies initiative.
Former EPA administrator William Ruckelhaus says of this pattern “Is the analysis flawed? That is a legitimate reason for not releasing it. But if you don’t like the outcome that might result from analysis, that is not a legitimate reason.”
An agriculture department microbiologist was not permitted to publish or present the research that indicated that industrial hog farming may contribute to antibiotic resistance. This was traced back to an industry communication.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) requires that federal committees be “fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented” and provide advice that will not be inappropriately influenced by the appointing authority or special interests. The CDC, FDA and EPA all seem to continue to ignore this act.
We have the following going on without control; Appointing people with scant scientific credentials but strong industry ties, Appointing non-experts with right wing ideological agendas, Opposing the appointments or reappointment of qualified experts that include some of the most respected scientists in their fields on the basis of a political litmus test and Altering information on government web sites that conflicts with industry needs.
With the AP report about Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s connections with the pharmaceutical industry we see the other avenue of control. Campaign donation by the Merck Political Action Group of $5,000 towards Gov. Perry’s re-election, Also connections with Merck lobbyist Mike Toomey who is Gov. Perry’s former chief of staff. We can better understand why Gov. Perry did not hesitate to push for the new Gardasil vaccine for girls to be mandatory. Merck is the producer of this vaccine and many other vaccines that are mandatory for children.
Government leaders and authorities continue to place blame for threats to the American way of life on those outside of our borders. Our focus is drawn away from the threats from within such as industrial profits overriding the American population’s physical and mental health.
Alan E. Moses
February 22, 2007
In August of 2003 a special investigation by the Government Reform Committee found that science is taking a back seat to industry profits. Scientific Advisory Panels are being manipulated. Experts are replaced by those with strong ties to industry. And sadly the problem is worse in 2007 then before.
The suppression of scientific information and distorting the facts appears to be the goal of these government advisory panels. By altering or presenting incomplete and inaccurate information. The health of America’s population is being sacrificed.
The United States Agriculture Department policy requires scientist to seek approval before doing research on “agriculture practices with negative health and environmental consequences.” Within the EPA you are not allowed to conduct analysis on air quality that differs from the clear skies initiative.
Former EPA administrator William Ruckelhaus says of this pattern “Is the analysis flawed? That is a legitimate reason for not releasing it. But if you don’t like the outcome that might result from analysis, that is not a legitimate reason.”
An agriculture department microbiologist was not permitted to publish or present the research that indicated that industrial hog farming may contribute to antibiotic resistance. This was traced back to an industry communication.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) requires that federal committees be “fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented” and provide advice that will not be inappropriately influenced by the appointing authority or special interests. The CDC, FDA and EPA all seem to continue to ignore this act.
We have the following going on without control; Appointing people with scant scientific credentials but strong industry ties, Appointing non-experts with right wing ideological agendas, Opposing the appointments or reappointment of qualified experts that include some of the most respected scientists in their fields on the basis of a political litmus test and Altering information on government web sites that conflicts with industry needs.
With the AP report about Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s connections with the pharmaceutical industry we see the other avenue of control. Campaign donation by the Merck Political Action Group of $5,000 towards Gov. Perry’s re-election, Also connections with Merck lobbyist Mike Toomey who is Gov. Perry’s former chief of staff. We can better understand why Gov. Perry did not hesitate to push for the new Gardasil vaccine for girls to be mandatory. Merck is the producer of this vaccine and many other vaccines that are mandatory for children.
Government leaders and authorities continue to place blame for threats to the American way of life on those outside of our borders. Our focus is drawn away from the threats from within such as industrial profits overriding the American population’s physical and mental health.