There are more libertarians in a pandemic

[KenH]

“To cite one salient example: had Americans been free to choose who certifies the diagnostic tests we use, then U.S. labs, health systems, consumers, and arbitrageurs could have spent the first two months of this pandemic purchasing any of the many reliable SARS-CoV-2 tests that have been available in other countries since January. Testing would have been widespread. Epidemiologists would have a better handle on the virus's prevalence and progression. Containment measures could have been narrower in scope. Health professionals would be better able to target care to those who need it.

Instead, the Food and Drug Administration created a shortage of tests by blocking Americans from purchasing those or any other tests for two months. Losing that freedom made us more vulnerable by allowing this disease to spread unchecked across the country.”

There are more libertarians in a pandemic

 

[Reynolds]

“To cite one salient example: had Americans been free to choose who certifies the diagnostic tests we use, then U.S. labs, health systems, consumers, and arbitrageurs could have spent the first two months of this pandemic purchasing any of the many reliable SARS-CoV-2 tests that have been available in other countries since January. Testing would have been widespread. Epidemiologists would have a better handle on the virus's prevalence and progression. Containment measures could have been narrower in scope. Health professionals would be better able to target care to those who need it.

Instead, the Food and Drug Administration created a shortage of tests by blocking Americans from purchasing those or any other tests for two months. Losing that freedom made us more vulnerable by allowing this disease to spread unchecked across the country.”

There are more libertarians in a pandemic

Anything private sector can do well, govt can royally screw up.

 

[just-want-peace]

I don't know that much about the FDA, but, like so many good intentioned "agencies", there is a strong possibility that their evolved purpose in life is now more self-serving, than serving!!
They did do good by their delay of approval of, (I think), thalidomide(?) many years ago as the rapid use of same in Europe, IIRC, resulted in quite a few birth defect babies! Overall, it seems to take an irresponsible period of time to get ANYTHING through the bureaucracy - typical of the result of a litigious society.
Along these lines also consider the EPA, NEA, & numerous other alphabet agencies that, IMO, are for the most part useless and/or creating more problems than they solve; JMO!!
Conservatively, I would estimate that 80-90% could be eliminated with no resultant harm than a bunch of bureaucrats having no cushy (union protected??) jobs!
First move would be to eliminate "liberals" from having any ANY power; then hold the Rs, Is, et al's feet to the fire and make gov't employees follow the same exact laws & regulation as us deplorables!! This includes MOST DEFINITELY all our congress critters

Yeah, I know, I'm still looking for that pot-o-gold at the end of the rainbow!