REFRAME: FDA failures

I heard on NPR Morning Edition a commentary by Russell Roberts on the FDA.
FDA
In a nut shell, I heard the failures of the FDA (managed by appointees of this administration) framed in the context of an inefficient government al institution (what isn't under a Republican?).  There was no discussion of HOW the FDA has failed, for example, the inability of the FDA to monitor the LACK OF DISCLOSURE of negative research on drugs available on the market.  Russell Roberts argued for MORE FREEDOM to choose the drugs you want.  Notice the key words.  Thanks to Lakoff, I fired off a response to REFRAME after the break.
That felt good.

My email to NPR:

On this morning's Morning Edition (11th of January 2005), Russell Roberts gave a commentary on the right of the patients to determine if risk was acceptable when prescribing drugs.  Whereas I agree with the premise of choice in balancing risks with the benefits of medication, the commentary missed a critical element in regards to making a choice.  The potential patient must be able to make an educated choice.  When companies, such as Merck with Vioxx and other recent revelations, fail to disclose the risks inherent with their products, they violate the trust of the people.  Sadly, these deeds are done solely for the sake of profit.  The responsibility ultimately rests on the companies.  As a fail-safe, we trust the administration to place qualified people in the FDA to ensure the health benefits and potential health risks are appropriately vetted before allowing their sale on the open market.  The recent failures of the FDA reflect poorly on our administration to safe-guard the rights and health of the people.  We need a more open process if we are to actually have choices.  After all these years, why has this administration and Congress failed to provide a patient bill of rights to spell out these issues, such as the right to weigh the risks of medications toward treating a disease?  In sum, I agree with the argument for choice by Russell Roberts; however, we cannot make a choice in our best interests if we are not provided the appropriate information.  The solution rests in a responsible companies and a responsible government not less regulation.

Constant vigilance and action!