Scott Galloway is a well-known American professor, author, and podcaster. He is the Professor of Marketing at the New York University Stern School of Business, where he has taught since 2002, and is the founder of several companies, including L2, a business intelligence firm, and Section4, an online education platform. He was a guest on Michael Smerconish's CNN Saturday morning show (12/15/2024), and talked about the other Axis of Evil, and it's right here in the USA, and who it is...the industrial food complex, the pharmaceutical industry, and the health insurance industry. Here's a breakdown of the potential issues... Industrial Food Complex: Unhealthy Food Products: This industry is often criticized for producing highly processed, nutrient-poor foods that contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Lobbying and Regulation: The industry has significant influence on food policies and regulations, which can hinder efforts to promote healthier diets. Pharmaceutical Industry: High Drug Prices: Pharmaceutical companies are frequently criticized for setting excessively high prices for medications, especially those treating chronic conditions. Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: DTC advertising can encourage unnecessary drug use and drive up healthcare costs. Lobbying and Regulation: The industry also lobbies heavily to influence drug pricing and regulatory policies. Health Insurance Industry: Limited Coverage: Many health insurance plans have high deductibles and co-pays, making it difficult for individuals to afford necessary care. Administrative Costs: A significant portion of healthcare spending goes towards administrative costs, such as billing and insurance paperwork. Profit-Driven Model: Some argue that the insurance industry's focus on profits can lead to decisions that prioritize financial interests over patient care. By labeling these industries as an "axis of evil," Galloway is likely suggesting that they work together to maintain a system that prioritizes profits over public health. This system, he argues, contributes to rising healthcare costs, poor health outcomes, and increased reliance on medication. What do you think?
I think all of those industries are highly regulated, and if the above statements are true, it's more an indictment of corrupt/incompetent/both government than it is anything else. The well-known Food Pyramid as it was finally published is nothing more than a graphic of which lobbyists have the deepest pockets. But you know what people are gonna ask for when they see that data??? They'll ask for more government oversight. It's the only thing people want more of when it's proven to have failed in the first place.