Inconsistent thinking

Dear Editor:

It was interesting to read last week’s letter from Eric Pritchard headlined “Three Government Abuses.” As regular readers of The Messenger know, Mr. Pritchard frequently treats us to letters warning of the evil incompetence of government. I was fascinated to see that he is now calling for increased regulation of the medical profession. He contends that the medical profession cannot self-regulate because medical associations are corrupt. I would have expected him to argue that we can trust the marketplace to eliminate the doctors he calls “patient killers.” After all, their patients die, leaving them with no customers.

Pritchard goes on to assert that “corrupt medical associations proclaim practices that do not promote health, but promote a pharmaceutical.” What a revelation, that market forces promote profitable products over good policy! Who would have thought?

As usual, he gives no detail and cites no sources, so I have no idea what it is he is really writing about, but it seems clear that Pritchard is only against government regulation until he needs some for himself.

Bob Wurster
Berkeley Springs