Has Big PHARMA Established a "War Room" to Deal with MM's Film?

----- Original Message --------
Subject: Berkowitz-BIG PHARMA'S 1st COMMENTS on Michael Moore's 'Sicko'
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 11:51:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: WKBBronx@aol.com
To: AuntVarn@aol.com


Has Big PHARMA Established a "War Room" to Deal with Michael Moore's New Film?

In an article appearing in the August 2006 issue of The Pharmacist magazine, The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has issued its first statement about Michael Moore's upcoming film "Sicko" (scheduled to be released by the Weinstein Co. in 2007).

In Bill Berkowitz's exclusive piece, 'Sicko' -- Should the Pharmaceutical Industry be Concerned about Michael Moore, PhRMA's Senior Vice President Ken Johnson said that he didn't expect Moore's movie to be "balanced," "thoughtful," or "well-researched." Johnson also pointed out that PhRMA has "more important matters" to think about than "Michael Moore's latest escapades."

John Stauber, the founder and executive director of The Center for Media and Democracy, and Michael Wilson, the writer/producer/director of the documentary, Michael Moore Hates America, also comment on Big PHARMA's plans when Moore's "Sicko" is released.


This story is currently available only in the print edition of The Pharmacist magazine and has not been posted online. For more information on the piece contact: The Pharmacist, 214 S. New St., West Chester, PA 19382, (610-436.8888) --- www.therph.com

The pharmaceuticals are VERY interested in public perception, as all large corporations are. The thing that might be of concern is when they take the fight outside of the public realm, and onto the world of media owners. Quashing the film, limiting distribution, etc.
And then there will be the badmouthing of MM that is surely to follow.

Kind of a monopoly. They (like big oil) feel they can do whatever they want. Are we going to boycott our heart medication?

I suppose we could go generic, but that's not always possible.

It is very illuminating to examine the saga of how methamphetamines make it to the market.
Public opinion is very important, as there are always aspects of the business that are not determined strictly by sickness/cure arguments.

On Edit: Crappy grammar.