David Masten, at Catallarchy, explains it this way,
If computers were regulated like drugs:
- Unfortunately, the Electronics and Computers Administration would have just approved the Intel i486 for prescription use, and just approved the Apple ][ for over the counter sale.
- Any reasonable computer would require a recommendation from a properly licensed computer professional who has a PhD in Computer Science and several years experience.
- You will want to check with your insurance company to see if they will cover the costs of a Macintosh or they will only cover a white box 8088.
- You want the insurance to cover it because the Mac costs $25,000 or more.
- Norton Anti-Virus may not be available due to shortages, and the President will make statements about only certain at risk users should get Norton Anti-Virus. McAfee and F-Secure got out of the anti-virus business last year citing financial losses.
- Politicians and MSM would be whining about how computer prices just doubled again this year.
To the best of my knowledge, computers can’t kill you. (though they certainly take up a lot of time) Vioxx, on the other hand, may have led to 27,785 heart attacks. And that’s after getting through a regulation process which Merck consistently calls to rigorous.
On the other hand, some argue that the FDA’s over-regulations have killed more.
Your citing a study done in 1974. Regardless, I’m surprised that you’re puting the lives of those facing death today in front of those who could be at risk tomorrow. Take Vioxx again, the head of the FDA testified last night that probably not enough studies were done before Vioxx went to market and that the warning labes were not worded strong enough. As a result, anywhere from 20,000 to 120,000 died of heart attacks or strokes while trying to better manage their arthritis.
Also, check out this article about what happened when the FDA approved an “abortion pill” using:
It’s not about “puting the lives of those facing death today in front of those who could be at risk tomorrow”. It is about the seen and the unseen. You see the many deaths because of Vioxx rush to approval, but there is also many deaths as a result of a drug taking too long to get approved.
It’s both sides of the same coin.