Full Disclosure?
“Grassley has received nearly $1.3 million in contributions from health industry interests over the past six years, according to Maplight.org, a nonpartisan research group. Only six senators have received more campaign money from these interests.
Grassley projects himself as a public watchdog. But some Iowans at his public meetings around the state this month said his heavy health industry fundraising has the appearance of influencing his positions….
Grassley says the campaign contributions have no effect on his positions. Some national health care reform advocates, including those who support a public option, agree.”
In the name of transparency, all physicians are now required in journals and at public research conferences to fully divulge all financial interests that they or immediate family may have in medical related parties (stock ownership, consulting arrangements, royalties or research support). This is good. It keeps the debate honest and research in the proper perpective.
All politicians and “experts” on TV should be held to the same standard. Let’s pass a law. Every time they say something on television, a disclosure banner should run under their talking heads stating from whom they receive campaign support. Let’s keep the debate honest… the people deserve this much.
