Undermining the Foundations: How Big Pharma and U.S. Politicians Contradict American Ideals

In the United States, the founding documents like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence enshrine principles of freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. These documents are meant to guarantee every citizen the right to life and liberty. However, when it comes to healthcare—specifically the accessibility of affordable medications—Big Pharma, supported by certain U.S. politicians, seems to operate in direct contradiction to these foundational ideals.

The Perversion of American Ideals

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness:

Central to the Declaration of Independence is the idea that every individual has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, by monopolizing the pharmaceutical market and setting exorbitant prices for essential medications, Big Pharma restricts access to life-saving drugs, directly impacting the right to life and well-being of millions of Americans. According to a report by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, pharmaceutical companies have significantly increased the prices of essential medications, making them unaffordable for many Americans .

Constitutional Promises:

The Constitution promotes the general welfare and secures the blessings of liberty. However, the actions of pharmaceutical giants and their allies in Congress—who often receive substantial campaign contributions from these corporations—suggest a prioritization of profit over people. This not only hampers the general welfare but also limits liberty by forcing individuals into financial hardship just to afford basic healthcare. The influence of pharmaceutical lobbyists on U.S. healthcare policy has been well-documented, with companies spending millions to sway political decisions in their favor .

Bill of Rights Violations:

The Bill of Rights emphasizes individual freedoms and protections against oppressive government actions. By allowing pharmaceutical companies to lobby and influence healthcare policies to their advantage, the government is complicit in creating a system that feels oppressive and unjust to the average citizen. The right to a fair market and consumer choice is overshadowed by corporate monopolies, leaving little room for affordable generic medications that could alleviate financial stress on families. Studies have shown that the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. is a significant barrier to access, with nearly 30% of Americans reporting not taking their medications as prescribed due to cost .

Drawing Parallels and Extrapolating Conclusions

The monopolistic practices of Big Pharma, supported by legislative protectionism, mirror a kind of tyranny that the American founders fought against. They intended for a government that serves the people, not one that binds them to the interests of a powerful few. The lack of support for generic medications and the barriers to market entry for more affordable drugs are modern examples of how economic and political power can undermine basic rights and freedoms.

The Need for Reform

To realign with the original visions of American governance, legislative and regulatory reforms are necessary. These should aim to:

1. Limit the influence of Big Pharma in Congress: Implement stricter lobbying laws and transparency requirements to reduce corporate influence on healthcare policies .
2. Promote competition in the pharmaceutical industry: Support the development and availability of generic and alternative drug markets to drive down prices and increase accessibility .
3. Encourage patient-centric policies: Ensure that healthcare decisions prioritize patient care over corporate profits, focusing on the welfare of the public .

Conclusion

The current state of the American healthcare system presents a clear deviation from the principles upon which the United States was founded. The essence of American democracy is threatened when corporate interests override the common good. It is a perversion of American ideals when the health and welfare of the people are sacrificed for the financial gains of a few. Advocating for a return to these ideals means pushing for a healthcare system that truly serves its people, upholds their rights, and reflects the founding values of the nation.

References:

1. “Drug Pricing Investigation: House Committee on Oversight and Reform.” Retrieved from Oversight.house.gov.
2. “Pharmaceutical Lobbying: Background.” OpenSecrets.org. Retrieved from OpenSecrets.org.
3. “Pharmaceutical Influence on U.S. Healthcare Policy.” Health Affairs. Retrieved from HealthAffairs.org.
4. “The High Cost of Prescription Drugs in the U.S.” Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. Retrieved from HealthSystemTracker.org.
5. “Americans Struggle to Afford Rising Prescription Drug Costs.” AARP. Retrieved from AARP.org.
6. “Reducing Corporate Influence in Healthcare Policy.” Brookings Institution. Retrieved from Brookings.edu.
7. “Promoting Generic Drug Competition.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from FDA.gov.
8. “Patient-Centric Healthcare Policies.” National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from NIH.gov.