If pharmaceuticals were produced and sold like computers
David Masten at
Catallarchy asks a great question:
bq. In my Saturday morning just woke up way too early fog, I could have sworn I heard some “expert” proclaim that vaccines and drugs are produced and sold just like computers. David then goes on with some examples -- here are a few:
bq. Anyway, if vaccines and drugs were produced and sold like computers:
* Vaccines and drugs would be available at really low prices, and be even cheaper next week.
* I could choose to consult with my doctor or just go get the drug(s) I want.
* I could buy last week’s drugs for even lower prices from e-Bay.
bq. Alternatively, if computers were produced and sold like drugs:
* Commercials would air with “Ask your computer professional if Pentium is right for you”
* 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.
* 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.
* “Police raided a nerdy teen this morning - among the things found were soldering irons, oscilloscopes, compilers, and large numbers of first person shooter games and vehicle simulators…police estimate a street value of several billion dollars…”
Heh -- there's more at the site. One of his readers made this comment:
bq. However, I feel I should point out that you are leaving out the blue screen of death… Which fits with your analogy, though not in the right way.
Good point!
Posted by DaveH at November 15, 2004 5:29 PM