November 2011

Criminal Indifference

You Seinfeld enthusiasts might be familiar with the crime of “criminal indifference.”  That was that charge against Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer in the final episode of the Seinfeld series.  They were convicted, of course, based on their many examples of self-indulgent indifference to others over the years.

The term “criminal indifference” came to mind to me today as I read a new report about how tobacco settlement and tax funds are being used in the United States.   That report (“A Broken Promise to our Children”, available online at

Drug Money

There are now historic shortages of many prescription drugs in the United States.  The reasons for these shortages are said to be complex, but really they are pretty simple.   It is about making money.  Here is the story in a nut shell:

Pharmaceutical companies make most of their money on brand-name drugs.