I was very sad to read about Lori Robinson’s story and the associated dereliction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ironically, the FDA is an agency within the Department of Health Human Services and is one of a multitude of federal agencies that are a law unto themselves. These agencies are not accountable to any branch of the federal government, and thus are not accountable to the American people.
The HHS.gov website states that, “The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans by providing for effective health and human services. ...” I think Doug Robinson would take issue with that statement. Especially concerning is the fact that Doug and his family had no recourse in contesting the decision of the FDA.
The HHS.gov website goes on to say, “HHS is the U.S. Government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.” From what I read in Doug’s article, I cannot think of anyone who was less able to help herself than was his wife, Lori.
Perhaps we would be better off by removing federal agencies that speak platitudes of goodness and care and yet are deaf to the cries of those citizens they were created to protect and serve.
Don Fink
Layton, Utah