General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCNN: Read whistleblower Dr. Rick Bright's full statement
I have spent my entire career in vaccine development, in the government with CDC and BARDA and also in the biotechnology industry. My professional background has prepared me for a moment like this -- to confront and defeat a deadly virus that threatens Americans and people around the globe. To this point, I have led the government's efforts to invest in the best science available to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this resulted in clashes with HHS political leadership, including criticism for my proactive efforts to invest early in vaccines and supplies critical to saving American lives. I also resisted efforts to fund potentially dangerous drugs promoted by those with political connections.
Specifically, and contrary to misguided directives, I limited the broad use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, promoted by the Administration as a panacea, but which clearly lack scientific merit. While I am prepared to look at all options and to think "outside the box" for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public. I insisted that these drugs be provided only to hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 while under the supervision of a physician. These drugs have potentially serious risks associated with them, including increased mortality observed in some recent studies in patients with COVID-19.
Sidelining me in the middle of this pandemic and placing politics and cronyism ahead of science puts lives at risk and stunts national efforts to safely and effectively address this urgent public health crisis.
I will request that the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services investigate the manner in which this Administration has politicized the work of BARDA and has pressured me and other conscientious scientists to fund companies with political connections as well as efforts that lack scientific merit. Rushing blindly towards unproven drugs can be disastrous and result in countless more deaths. Science, in service to the health and safety of the American people, must always trump politics.
I am very grateful for the bipartisan support from Congress and their confidence in my leadership of BARDA as reflected in the generous appropriation to BARDA in the CARES 3 Act. It is my sincere hope that the dedicated professionals at BARDA and throughout HHS will be allowed to use the best scientific acumen and integrity to continue their efforts to stop the pandemic without political pressure or distractions. Americans deserve no less."
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/22/politics/read-whistleblower-vaccine-development/index.html
mcar
(42,287 posts)spanone
(135,802 posts)The story on every news channel all day......and mr. TV missed it?
Lying SOB
mcar
(42,287 posts)Voltaire2
(12,977 posts)Kaiserguy
(740 posts)He can in fact not only shoot someone on 5Th avenue, be he can kill a unlimited number of American and his base will still love him. That must be some really strong Kool-Aid that they have been drinking.
Wednesdays
(17,331 posts)"Opiate for the masses."
bronxiteforever
(9,287 posts)malaise
(268,844 posts)Bravo Dr Bright..Your name is perfect for this greedy,arrogant and ignorant dumbass monster.
The real heroes and voters will end this nightmare for everyone
sop
(10,136 posts)underpants
(182,717 posts)Mike Nelson
(9,949 posts)... if Crooked Donald were normal, he would open by reinstating this doctor immediately... next, he should apologize to the American people for his outlandish and dangerous behavior. Finally he should offer the immediate resignations of himself and Pence.
bucolic_frolic
(43,111 posts)I mean what do you expect?
Gothmog
(145,046 posts)This person was doing his job
Bernardo de La Paz
(48,984 posts)NBachers
(17,096 posts)stillcool
(32,626 posts)He's probably put himself in a world of hurt, from the right-wing terrorists.
RustyWheels
(123 posts)And I love how he slipped "Rush" and "trump" into his accusation....
"Rushing blindly towards unproven drugs can be disastrous and result in countless more deaths. Science, in service to the health and safety of the American people, must always trump politics."
At least I hope this was intentional.
soldierant
(6,836 posts)and will be, if he or she has not already been, fired and not replaced.
It's the GAO which should look into this.
LymphocyteLover
(5,639 posts)qwlauren35
(6,145 posts)I think McConnell is finally sufficiently embarrassed at having him for a president.
LymphocyteLover
(5,639 posts)by this madman.
DEbluedude
(816 posts)Sadly, now identified as whistleblowers.
UTUSN
(70,671 posts)SayItLoud
(1,702 posts)Science, in service to the health and safety of the American people, must always trump politics.
Response to Mike 03 (Original post)
geralmar This message was self-deleted by its author.
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)TY!
marieo1
(1,402 posts)I say this whole administration needs to be booted to the curb!!! They remove people that are so knowledgeable and have years and years of experience and expertise in this field. Right now we need their knowledge, experience at this sad time in our history. Instead, DJT and all his cronies need to be removed.