I find this post from the folks at Pandagon to be a bit puzzling:
You know, I wonder about the results of this poll. I watch news a good 6-7 hours a day, and read even more – between Iraq and Terrell Owens gettin’ a white lady, the FDA story barely got play. After Friday’s basketbrawl, it was over.
Did people even know that the FDA’s regulatory oversight is about as good as a drunk’s motor coordination?
As someone who usually holds most government agencies with little to no regard, I find it puzzling that Jesse refers to the FDA with such contempt. Granted, every time there is a food poisoning case 60 Minutes will run a shock and horror piece on how few Food Inspectors there are and that we are on the verge of a major food epidemic.
But, you know what? I am on the verge of a major food epidemic every day. But, gosh darn it, I keep washing my foods and keep washing my hands, cooking my meats thoroughly, and what do you know- crisis averted!
At any rate, the reason E. Coli and Mad Cow breakouts are such a big thing, and the reason VIOXX and Thalidomyde are so seared into our memory is because they are such rare events, and as such, are outliers to the norm.
If you factor in all that the FDA is responsible for, and the number of ways in which the FDA is involved with so many apsects of our lives, add to that the pressures and demands of consumers and big business and the tightrope the FDA must walk between the two of them, while also noting that quality food and drugs are available for market at mostly reasonable prices, and I would argue that it is difficult to view the FDA’s performance as anything less than a smashing success.
And yes, I know this post is going to get me on the Libertarian shit list.