Posted on 10/16/2014 10:03:45 AM PDT by Laissez-faire capitalist
The Obama administration has failed us.
With that in mind, potential treatments/vaccines for Ebola are being worked on and tested as we speak, and despite the lack of ability to pay for any potential vaccine on the part of almost all western Africans, pharmaceutical companies should develop said vaccine(s) (if at all possible) and distribute them free of cost to those who cannot afford them.
While I do support huge profits to be made by pharmaceutical companies, I believe that there are exceptions to the rule, and I do believe that this is the time and instance for this very exception.
What say you?
DOA. The FDA will require years of clinical trials.
I say you better get your flame suit on. Nanny stating troll.
So you would remove any incentive to develop an Ebola vaccine? Why would you want to do that?
Actually, that hasn’t stopped experimental trails that have already been conducted against Ebola.
And thus continued experimental trials will continue...
Ergo, develop the vaccine even if it is vis-à-vis experimental trials and disburse it to Africa free of charge. This needs to be stopped ASAP.
The incentive is the same as the one that compelled the Jewish man who helped the Samaritan man who was waylaid on the road to Jericho.
Jesus answered the question “who is my neighbor” and that answer has not been annulled.
Vaccines are not as great as people have been led to think.
Win-win!
There are companies that are already on it.
The company I work for (will not mention the name, confidentiality and all that), is performing contract analytical work on a protein-based vaccine component specifically designed to target Ebola.
So it IS happening.
How would you feel if some well-intended person said to you, "While I believe that everyone should get a fair wage for an honest day's work, I believe that the shareholders deserve more for their investment. I think it's time for you to give up your day's/week's/month's worth of pay."
You could argue that the shareholders' treatment isn't as dire of an "emergency" as an Ebola pandemic, but just because you declare an "emergency" doesn't give you the right to impose how others should or shouldn't act.
That said, in the event of a world-wide outbreak, I do think that there would be a coming-together of governments and private companies to develop a fast-track vaccine. It may be a temporary cost and reduction in short-term profit, but hopefully the longer-term good will would turn to profit later.
Please.
I am hardly a nanny stating troll, despite your use of Ad Hominem.
There are exceptions to the rule, and Jesus answer to the question of “who is my neighbor” compels us today to help people (even a Samaritan) regardless of their ability to help themselves.
Adam Smith wrote a two-part work, one on Capitalism and the other on The Theory of Moral Sentiments. He stated that Capitalism is the way to go 9and it is), but it must be balanced out with morality.
Good idea! Get together some venture capital, form a pharmaceutical company, and have at it.
?? Why can’t they make a profit? I demand you give us free labor and become an indentured servant.
I think you are greatly mistaken that the Pharmaceuticals have any intention of that happening.
The infected in Africa may not pay, but expect the member states of the UN, which mostly means US Tax Payers to foot the bill.
That said, I suspect they could distribute free 90% of the stock and put 10% on Ebay, and still make significant profit.
Most pharma companies are in bed with the Gov’t anyway. When Uncle Sam writes all the rules and pays 50% of the bills, it can’t be any other way.
If the central-planning commissars want to order their lackey’s to produce something, why do they need my permission?
So now they should “for free” develop a vaccine. Its that easy, eh?
Why don’t they also cure cancer “for free” while they’re at it?
How is this paid for? should these people volunteer and surrender their goods & services for free?
Any chance we could forego a couple of them bike paths and do something that actually save American lives? Just sayin...
I’d say pick a new screen name that better reflects your true economic beliefs.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.