[extropy-chat] The Hidden Luddite was Re: peak oil debate

[Lifespan Pharma Inc.]

I do have a good example of how this actually happens.

We raise hemp in Canada
Hemp is regarded much like marijuana in the USA for growing by farmers 
by USDA , DEA and FDA
so is disallowed.
DEA and FDA prevent USDA from letting farmers from growing hemp because 
it might be the thin edge of the wedge to
break marijuana prohibition.

So if you are a USA farmer you want both things relaxed so you can grow 
a profitable crop. (cure the disease)
If you are an Canadian farmer you want the status quo because you can 
supply finished product of a type acceptable
to export to the USA into a captive market, and continue to do so 
without domestic competition. (treat the disease)

Similar with some disease drug development, you want to treat the 
disease so it does not kill but your efforts to
simply give a one time treatment that forever cures and eliminates the 
long term market for a treatment that
curbs but does not quickly cure has market disincentives built in.  
Investors won't spend 300 million to for example
cure diabetes with a one time treatment when a drug that emeliorates 90% 
of the damage without reversing
the disease is a wonderful investment. 

Wish human nature was more ethical but I really think money takes 
precedant over ethics in the marketplace which
by its basic nature is sociopathic and not socialistic.

BillK wrote:

>On 9/7/05, The Avantguardian wrote:
>  
>
>>I even see the insidious tendrils
>>of econonomic luddism much closer to home in the HIV
>>antiviral pharmaceutical industry. It's the only way I
>>can explain why after so many billions of dollars
>>spent and so much knowledge gained regarding HIV,
>>there is still no cure. Its because the current market
>>emphasis and economic inertia is toward "treatment"
>>and not cure. 
>>    
>>
>
>More than 20 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.
>AIDS deaths in 2004, estimated at 3.1 million.
>
>You *really* think some people are deciding not to bother finding a
>cure because they can make a bit of money on the deal?
>
>I'm glad I don't live in your alternate universe.
>  
>
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