Thanks for spotlighting this potentially lethal problem and, as always, including a plug for universal healthcare.
I'm glad you included framing around national security...
(a) Eisenhower 'sold' the interstate highway system to politicians and the public as a "national security" issue (i.e., 'defense'). It's even in the name of the original 1956 enabling legislation.
(b) You mention “Maintaining key reserves of life saving medications in the event of market or supply chain disruptions...” The strategic petroleum reserve holds tens of billions of $$ of oil. (So much for the 'free market'. Is this socialism, or what?!) If we do it for oil, why not for health-saving, life-saving pharmaceuticals? Persistent, frequent shortages prove the market is broken.
(c) IMO we need SYSTEMATIC reframing of Medicare for All as a national security issue. As a marketing communications challenge, this is part of what I used to do for a living. But hey, don't get me started!
(d) We the People must regain control of businesses' right to exist. They have a PRIVILEGE to operate, not a RIGHT. If people are sickening and dying, the implicated businesses must lose their privilege to operate.
Thank you so much Ira - I really like the way you view the issues. I've never thought of the privilege to operate a business, but in the face of illness and death, that's a great idea.
Thanks for spotlighting this potentially lethal problem and, as always, including a plug for universal healthcare.
I'm glad you included framing around national security...
(a) Eisenhower 'sold' the interstate highway system to politicians and the public as a "national security" issue (i.e., 'defense'). It's even in the name of the original 1956 enabling legislation.
(b) You mention “Maintaining key reserves of life saving medications in the event of market or supply chain disruptions...” The strategic petroleum reserve holds tens of billions of $$ of oil. (So much for the 'free market'. Is this socialism, or what?!) If we do it for oil, why not for health-saving, life-saving pharmaceuticals? Persistent, frequent shortages prove the market is broken.
(c) IMO we need SYSTEMATIC reframing of Medicare for All as a national security issue. As a marketing communications challenge, this is part of what I used to do for a living. But hey, don't get me started!
(d) We the People must regain control of businesses' right to exist. They have a PRIVILEGE to operate, not a RIGHT. If people are sickening and dying, the implicated businesses must lose their privilege to operate.
Thank you so much Ira - I really like the way you view the issues. I've never thought of the privilege to operate a business, but in the face of illness and death, that's a great idea.
What an amazing backgrounder on the problem. Thank you, Alan!