Sit back and prepare to be angry. The government has gone and done what we told those no good, pencil pushing, paper shuffling bureaucrats to do. That's right. They've cut costs, regulations, and in some cases even federal jobs. Say it's not so! Oh, but it is so. For 35 years I've had a ringside seat to the privatization of government. I've watched and may have even participated in this devolution of regulation and contracting out not only Federal jobs but actual Federal responsibilities. The Bleeding Edge is the story of the chickens coming home to roost.
When I see the well dressed, cleancut, all American Scott Whitaker, CEO Advanced Medical Technology Association sing the praises of the FDA's newly crowned Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb and refer to the FDA's regulatory function as "robust, thorough, and very effective." I actually see an extremely overpaid and overfunded lobbyist claiming victory over his natural foe: The FDA Regulator. This once feared and vigilant patient advocating watchdog is now no more than an industry lap dog.
My mind's eye immediately serves up images of Ajit pai drinking out of his freakishly oversized Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Mug as he gleefully announces the end of the Internet consumer protection; a.k.a net neutrality Title II Utility regulations , December 14, 2017.
I suppose the big difference is that Mr. Pai's subservience to the all mighty dollar will likely only kill new innovation from internet startup competitors. That's not the case with Whitaker and Gottlieb. It can be argued that their dollar driven, regulation slashing mission actually ensures medical device innovation. That innovation comes at a cost but hey, what's a little pain, suffering and death against a 300 billion dollar industry?
This 100 minute documentary packs each one of 'em with well produced and well edited dense content that is sure to hold your interest. So sit back on that sofa and prepare to not only get a little mad, but a lot informed.
Rated NH (No Hypochondriacs)
