The Deindustrialist Newsletter : [Issue 6 - Week of November 20th, 2023]
Hello, fellow Deindustrialists,
I hope your Thanksgiving was a joyous one, full of family, fun, football and good ‘ole home-cooked food. If you haven’t already read my ode to Thanksgiving, I highly suggest doing so. More importantly, I hope you continue to carry forth the essence of Thanksgiving throughout your daily lives.
Although short, this past week has been busy. I included some stories from the previous couple of weeks that I missed that I felt added to the themes of this week.
In this edition of our newsletter, we embark on a deep dive into recent developments that span the vast landscape of public health, Big Pharma, and the intricate weave of corporate practices.
Vaccine Controversy Chronicles
We begin with news of GC Biopharma's "GC1109," on the brink of becoming the world's first recombinant anthrax vaccine. Amidst this scientific progress, we're faced with the disquieting revelation that U.S. children have received double doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine due to vial content misunderstandings. Meanwhile, a preprint study ignites concerns about residual DNA in mRNA vaccines, with Pfizer's doses showing potential integration risks into human genomes.
Pfizer’s Paxlovid treatment is under scrutiny for its link to a higher rate of COVID rebound. In the educational sphere, D.C. students are now exempt from mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, marking a significant shift in public health policy. Big Pharma, specifically Pfizer and Moderna, is doubling down on their advertising efforts, even as ethical concerns arise from halted vaccine trials and inadequate trial participant information, especially highlighted by the case involving pregnant women in Pfizer's RSV vaccine trial.
Tragically, the death of a young boy in France post-HPV vaccination has triggered investigations into Gardasil's safety, while Texas takes a stand against Pfizer for selling an alleged ineffective ADHD drug. In a startling exposé, Moderna's efforts to suppress 'anti-vaccine' narratives through a 'disinformation department' have been unveiled, highlighting the delicate balance between public health information and corporate censorship.
Fluoride, Radiation, and Industrial Toxins
Our attention turns to a study linking high fluoride exposure to cognitive impairments in children, renewing debates over water fluoridation's safety. The potential reproductive consequences of cellphone radiation emerge from a Swiss study, as well as concerns over increasing cancer risks associated with high BMI in late teens. An alarming report indicates a spike in terminal cancers among young adults in the U.K., coinciding with the mass COVID-19 vaccination period, challenging mortality trends, and demanding urgent inquiry into potential vaccine correlations.
Not entirely surprisingly, nearly 40% of conventional baby food has been found to contain toxic pesticides. Research shows that certain pesticides could be contributing to a global decline in sperm counts, while ultra-processed foods have been implicated in increased cancer risks. The EPA's consideration to approve a pesticide for fruit crops, despite risks to children, and the undisclosed use of chemicals by the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania, represent the ongoing tussle between industrial interests and public health.
Pharma Ethics, Opioid Crisis, and Corporate Responsibility
Nick Dearden's "Pharmanomics" lays bare the stark reality of an industry often driven more by profit than by the Hippocratic oath. Price gouging, the suppression of negative drug effects, and the obstruction of medical research are not just accusations; they are systemic issues calling for a fundamental shift toward a healthcare system that is ethical and publicly accountable.
The opioid epidemic, a blight that has scarred communities and families, is now revealed to have been fueled by calculated strategies targeting our nation's defenders—veterans. Companies like Purdue Pharma, with strategic advice from McKinsey & Company, allegedly honed in on these vulnerable groups, leading to addiction and loss of life.
In the agricultural sector, fifty environmental groups have taken a firm stand against the USDA CROP Act of 2023, which threatens to slow-walk pesticide protections.
Social media giant Meta faces a lawsuit accusing it of putting profit before the mental health of teen girls. The allegations against Instagram, claiming that it manipulated vulnerable users with harmful content for financial gain, reflect a broader issue of corporate responsibility in the digital age.
Diet, Technology, and Lifestyle: The Everyday Impact
Our daily lives are intertwined with choices and innovations that shape our health and wellbeing in profound ways. The food we consume, the screens we gaze upon, and the connectivity we rely on, all bear consequences, often hidden beneath the surface of convenience and habit.
In the realm of nutrition, a study funded by the California Strawberry Commission brings a hopeful message, suggesting strawberries might play a role in reducing dementia risk. Yet, we must approach such findings with discerning minds, considering the source of funding while acknowledging the potential benefits of these beloved fruits. Another beacon of promise shines from research indicating that trans-vaccenic acid, naturally occurring in the meat and dairy from grazing animals, could bolster our fight against cancer by empowering the body's own T cells to combat tumor growth. These insights not only inform our dietary choices but also potentially reshape the role of nutrition in disease prevention and treatment.
Legislative measures like the Real MEAT Act emerge in response to a growing call for transparency in our food systems. With plant-based diets on the rise, clarity in labeling becomes crucial, ensuring consumers are fully informed about the origins and nature of their food choices. This act is a reminder of the importance of truth in consumption, as we navigate a landscape where traditional and alternative food sources coexist.
In Stamford, Connecticut, a community's decision to reject the installation of 5G infrastructure reflects broader health concerns associated with this new technology. As the march of progress brings faster connectivity, it also brings anxiety over potential long-term health effects, calling for a cautious and well-researched approach to the deployment of such technologies.
As we consider the impacts of our dietary habits, our engagement with technology, and our lifestyle choices, we are reminded of the intricate web these elements weave within the fabric of our lives. It is our responsibility to remain informed, to critically evaluate the information we receive, and to make choices that align with our values and our health.
Vaccine Trends, Family Meals, and Marketing Ethics
The CDC reports an unprecedented rise in childhood vaccine exemptions in the U.S., forcing the industry to take a look in the mirror as to what’s causing this. Experts remind us of the irreplaceable value of family meals for bonding and cultural heritage, urging adaptable approaches to preserve this tradition. The FTC's warnings about inadequate disclosures of paid promotions on social media underscore the need for transparency in food marketing.
As Deindustrialists, we stand for health sovereignty and the right to transparent, unbiased information. These stories are a testament to the critical need for scrutiny and the pursuit of truth in an age where health and corporate interests intersect. Let's continue to advocate for ethical practices, informed policies, and a healthier world for all.
That’s all for this week. As always,
Stay informed. Stay empowered. Stay free.
-Greg