Re: FDA scientists complain to Obama of 'corruption'

[Guest guest]

"Searching" posted:

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-health/20090109/FDA.Dissidents/

An article about FDA "dissidents" whose goal is to "inform incoming Obama administration the scientific review process for medical devises at the FDA has been corrupted...thereby placing the American people at risk."

A Congressional official was quoted: "Currently, there is an atmosphere at the FDA in which the honest employee fears the dishonest employee, and not the other way around".

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I am 69 years of age, a retired NYC Police Department Sergeant...and...the "atmosphere" described in the FDA today sounds a lot like the "atmosphere" that existed in New York City almost 50 years ago....when the NY Times began publishing front page allegations by Police Officer Serpico (later portrayed by Al Pacino in the movie).... the NYC Police Department was corrupt.

At that time, I was a rookie police officer who absolutely hated Serpico for making his "allegations" public.....because....his allegations caused the public...my own family included.... to question the personal integrity and honesty...of myself...as well as every officer on the New York City force..

So, I can relate to low-level, rookie.... (less than five years) public health workers... who with great integrity....with the absolute best of "good" intentions....labor everyday within public health bureaucracies... and... perceive every "allegation" against their bureaucracy (CDC, FDA, IOM, etc)... as a personal attack.

However, they should know the NY Times publication of Serpico's allegations caused creation of the Knapp Commission...and......it was during the Knapp Commission Hearing that I first heard the level of corruption within the Police Department was so pervasive that "honest employees feared dishonest employees".

Even though I had experienced "it" in small ways...such as...peers suspecting me of reporting corruption to Internal Affairs... because I insisted on paying for my meals.

In all honesty, I was so naive, I did not fully comprehend my "institutional" reputation for "honesty".... would be a detriment to my higher personal aspirations, such as, the "appointed" rank of Detective.

Maybe..... if I saw...over a few years....my reputation for "honesty" was a detriment...I would have found it much easier to "compromise"?

In any event, the ramifications of the Knapp Commission were extraordinary.....affecting the highest corrupt levels of the department...as well as the bottom-feeders. There were mandatory "incarcerations"...mandatory "retirements"... and....mandatory "reassignments" from prestigious commands to the much less desired....uniform patrol.

It was NOT pretty to witness....and...I have personal knowledge of "dishonest" individuals who immediately "turned" on others to save their jobs. Their personal reputation for dishonesty....was beyond saving.....even today....50 years hence.

Why do I recall this?

Because the FDA employees today are trying to do what Serpico did...and.....WE should be encouraged these "honest" employees have taken the first step in regaining control over an atmosphere where the "honest must fear the dishonest".

What WE and THEY desperately need.....is someone at the NY Times.... to do what someone at the NY Times once did.... for Serpico... and... the NYC Police Department.

I have lived it....and....I can promise you..... those who lay their head upon a pillow every night....fearful of what may be exposed....by a Serpico...or...the NY Times....do not rest peacefully.

My friends, there will be a SERPICO....there will be a courageous MEDIA OUTLET.....there will be a KNAPP COMMISSION....and...the "honest will no longer live in fear of the dishonest".

WE WILL HAVE JUSTICE FOR OUR KIDS!!!

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