For too long we have had double talking politicians including the Progressive ones. Newcomers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represent the temperament, values, and fighting bona fides we need now. Watch the very serious side of her expose the Pharmaceutical for just what they are without even raising her voice.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Pharma theft
Capitalists defending the pilfer by the pharmaceutical companies of the American people like to talk about the reasons the price of drugs are high is because of the costly research and development necessary to bring drugs to market. They love to talk about the amount of risk it takes as well.
What these pharmaceutical companies do not highlight is a reality many have written about, but past politicians don’t often mention as they discuss healthcare policy. As Ocasio-Cortez points out on in a Congressional Hearing, the taxpayer pays for, are the initial investors in most of these drugs. For many medications, only after their viability is evident are they turned over to the private entities, pharmaceutical companies, and prepared to market. She framed a question about the initial R & D on drugs in market terms which illustrated the extent of corporate welfare.
“Would it be correct, Dr. Kesselheim, to characterize the NIH money that is used in development and research as an early investment?” Ocasio-Cortez asked.
Dr. Kesselheim replied in the affirmative.
“So the public is acting as an early investor,” Ocasio-Cortez continued. “in the production of these drugs. Is the public receiving any sort of direct return on that investment from the highly profitable drugs that are developed from that research?”
Dr. Kesselheim replied that the taxpayer got none of the profits. The Congresswoman re-exposed the racket.
If the R & D cost, risk, and other cost were as extreme, then these companies would not be as profitable as they are with tremendous growth yearly. They do not price drugs for their value but for the maximum amount the mythical market will bear.
Politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who are not owned by big pharma and other corporations do not have to temper their line of questioning away from reality. They can ask the questions so that Americans get the unadulterated truth allowing them to vote their interests. It allows politicians to legislate for the American people instead of legislating for the multi-millionaire, billionaire, and the Plutocracy.
We need to ensure Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is reelected. More importantly, Democrats already serving must get with the Progressive program or be primary(ed).
I know we are all very swamped. Politicians and the Plutocracy use that reality to take advantage of us. We do not understand the level to which they are robbing us blind. Please read the article “The $100,000-Per-Year Pill: How US Health Agencies Choose Pharma Over Patients” in its entirety. It will show the level of corruption in pharma’s relationship with the government. Most importantly, please share this post.