By Cory Doctorow (GPG 0xBF3D9110957E5F4C) @doctorow.pluralistic.net · 21/08/2026These regulators are meant to be experts, nonpartisan and neutral, operating with the highest degree of probity, recusing themselves in the event of even a whiff of conflict. 16/ 1643
By Cory Doctorow (GPG 0xBF3D9110957E5F4C) @doctorow.pluralistic.net · 21/08/2026It has to be that way. You may not be able to assess claims about the safety of vaccines - or opioids - but you can see for yourself whether the FDA is full of ex-pharma execs. You can see for yourself whether pharma company lobbyists all used to work for the FDA. 17/ 3743
By Cory Doctorow (GPG 0xBF3D9110957E5F4C) @doctorow.pluralistic.net · 21/08/2026You don't need to be a virologist or a cell biologist to tell whether the system that's supposed to sort truth from lies is fit for purpose. 18/ 1570
Becca @sciencelizard.bsky.social · 21/08/2026I mean, I very much *am* able to assess claims about safety of vaccines and opioids, and a lot of that is because of getting a PhD in molecular medicine alongside friends who now work for FDA 1171
mysticlawyer @mysticlawyer.bsky.social · 21/08/2026That has the causality reversed. Most people come into FDA because they agree with the mission, and then find that the salary is not enough for their needs. Then they move to the private sector that pays way more than enough for their needs. But they don’t start at FDA with intention of selling out. 000
