David Michaels

Overview

"Fast Forward" is a thought-provoking book written by David Michaels, a professor at the George Washington University's School of Public Health. The book dives into the complex world of science, politics, and corporate interests, examining how these factors influence the regulatory system designed to protect public health. Michaels draws on his experience as the former Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health to shed light on the manipulation and distortion of scientific evidence within governmental agencies and the dire consequences it has on public wellbeing.

Key Points / Ideas

Throughout "Fast Forward," David Michaels uncovers several key points that highlight the pervasive impact of corporate interests on public health and safety.

1. Manipulation of scientific evidence: Michaels delves into the disturbing practice of corporate entities cherry-picking and distorting scientific data to further their interests. He presents concrete examples, such as the tobacco industry's deceitful tactics to downplay the harm caused by smoking.

2. Regulatory capture: The author argues that regulatory agencies tasked with safeguarding public health often become captured and influenced by the very industries they are meant to regulate. Michaels demonstrates how revolving door relationships between government agencies and corporations lead to compromised decision-making processes.

3. Consequences for public health: Drawing on his expertise in occupational safety and health, Michaels reveals how the manipulation of scientific evidence harms workers and the general population. He unveils numerous instances where regulations were weakened or delayed to prioritize corporate interests over public safety.

4. Reinventing the regulatory system: The author emphasizes the urgent need for reform in the regulatory system, proposing strategies to reduce corporate influence and restore scientific integrity. He advocates for transparency, independent research, and the empowerment of regulatory agencies to prioritize public health above economic gains.

Evidence and Examples

David Michaels supports his arguments with a wealth of evidence and notable examples that illuminate the destructive consequences of compromised science and corporate influence.

One compelling example is the manipulation of research by major asbestos manufacturers to cast doubt on its harmful effects. By suppressing and misrepresenting scientific findings, these companies managed to evade regulation and accountability for decades, resulting in countless avoidable deaths.

Michaels also discusses the case of lead poisoning in children, highlighting how the lead industry, through its political connections, successfully influenced the government to stall regulations that could have prevented this public health crisis.

In addition, the author sheds light on the role of think tanks and industry-funded research in sowing doubt and misinformation around climate change and the health impacts of various pollutants.

Conclusion

"Fast Forward" serves as a wake-up call to the dangers of corporate influence and political manipulation in science and regulation. David Michaels exposes the extent of distortion and corruption in our regulatory system, uncovering the insidious ways that corporate interests jeopardize public health and safety.

By providing compelling evidence and powerful examples, Michaels makes a convincing case for urgent reform. He encourages readers to recognize and challenge these systemic issues and advocates for a regulatory system that prioritizes scientific integrity and public wellbeing over corporate profit.

For those interested in understanding how the intersection of science, politics, and corporate power impacts public health, "Fast Forward" is an essential read. It urges readers to be critical consumers of information and emphasizes the importance of holding both government agencies and corporations accountable for their actions. This book serves as a companion to other seminal works on science manipulation, such as Naomi Oreskes' "Merchants of Doubt" and Wendell Potter's "Deadly Spin."