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No Bid Contract for SmallPox Medicine
Topic Started: Nov 13 2011, 08:07 AM (275 Views)
George K
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Finally
So we're up to, what, a billion and a half going to companies whose bosses are major Obama donors? I thought the days of no-bid contracts and all that political cronyism was supposed to end.

No I didn't.

Quote:
 
Over the last year, the Obama administration has aggressively pushed a $433-million plan to buy an experimental smallpox drug, despite uncertainty over whether it is needed or will work.

Senior officials have taken unusual steps to secure the contract for New York-based Siga Technologies Inc., whose controlling shareholder is billionaire Ronald O. Perelman, one of the world's richest men and a longtime Democratic Party donor.

When Siga complained that contracting specialists at the Department of Health and Human Services were resisting the company's financial demands, senior officials replaced the government's lead negotiator for the deal, interviews and documents show.

When Siga was in danger of losing its grip on the contract a year ago, the officials blocked other firms from competing.

Siga was awarded the final contract in May through a "sole-source" procurement in which it was the only company asked to submit a proposal. The contract calls for Siga to deliver 1.7 million doses of the drug for the nation's biodefense stockpile. The price of approximately $255 per dose is well above what the government's specialists had earlier said was reasonable, according to internal documents and interviews.

Once feared for its grotesque pustules and 30% death rate, smallpox was eradicated worldwide as of 1978 and is known to exist only in the locked freezers of a Russian scientific institute and the U.S. government. There is no credible evidence that any other country or a terrorist group possesses smallpox.

If there were an attack, the government could draw on $1 billion worth of smallpox vaccine it already owns to inoculate the entire U.S. population and quickly treat people exposed to the virus. The vaccine, which costs the government $3 per dose, can reliably prevent death when given within four days of exposure.

Siga's drug, an antiviral pill called ST-246, would be used to treat people who were diagnosed with smallpox too late for the vaccine to help. Yet the new drug cannot be tested for effectiveness in people because of ethical constraints — and no one knows whether animal testing could prove it would work in humans.

Who sits on the board of Siga? The Koch Brothers! Andy Stern.

Half a billion to treat a disease that doesn't exist except in a few labs - with a drug that can't be tested. I thought this administration was all about science.

And you guys laughed about the bridge to nowhere.
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
George K
Nov 13 2011, 08:07 AM
And you guys laughed about the bridge to nowhere.
I haven't stopped laughing since Iran-Contra.
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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Kincaid
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HOLY CARP!!!
I envy you D'Oh. You'd cry if you were American.
Kincaid - disgusted Republican Partisan since 2006.
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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
Kincaid
Nov 13 2011, 04:17 PM
I envy you D'Oh. You'd cry if you were American.
If I stop laughing, even for a moment, I make this funny screaming noise.
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
That's Solyindrific!
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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Axtremus
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HOLY CARP!!!
George K
Nov 13 2011, 08:07 AM
Half a billion to treat a disease that doesn't exist except in a few labs - with a drug that can't be tested.
This is stupid.
Down with this sort of thing.
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kathyk
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Pisa-Carp
This is why OWS and taking to the streets is the only hope. The corruption is rampant and neither party is immune. Big pharma is one of the biggest perps. But, you know what? The $433 million is a tiny drop in the bucket compared to what the Bush admin gave away when it refused to allow CMS the power to negotiate the price of Rx drugs in the bill enacting Medicare Part D.
Blogging in Palestine: http://kksjournal.com/
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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 12:31 PM
This is why OWS and taking to the streets is the only hope.
There's got to be a better hope than relying on a load of blokes taking a couple of months sabbatical away from living in their parents' basements.
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 12:31 PM
This is why OWS and taking to the streets is the only hope. The corruption is rampant and neither party is immune. Big pharma is one of the biggest perps. But, you know what? The $433 million is a tiny drop in the bucket compared to what the Bush admin gave away when it refused to allow CMS the power to negotiate the price of Rx drugs in the bill enacting Medicare Part D.
Is that as close as we are going to see you admitting that Obie is running a deeply corrupt administration?
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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kathyk
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Pisa-Carp
There's no doubt there's corruption, but I'd venture to guess, considerably less than under the last administration. If you want to look at disgusting no-bid contracts, Iraq took the cake. As to corruption in general, sadly, it's the nature of K street and the power of lobbyists on the Hill. No can get elected without pandering to those interests. I, as did many, had high hopes that Obama could start turning things around, but I'm afraid it's just too deeply entrenched. It seems all that can be done to truly effectuate change is take to the streets. Hey, what a good idea!
Blogging in Palestine: http://kksjournal.com/
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kathyk
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John D'Oh
Nov 14 2011, 12:43 PM
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 12:31 PM
This is why OWS and taking to the streets is the only hope.
There's got to be a better hope than relying on a load of blokes taking a couple of months sabbatical away from living in their parents' basements.
You'd hope so, but what is it? Maybe an armed revolution?
Blogging in Palestine: http://kksjournal.com/
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kathyk
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Pisa-Carp
PS: Oh, and at least I'm able to admit my disappointments in Obama. I don't recall seeing too many of the conservatives here ever doing the same with regard to Bush's many blunders.
Blogging in Palestine: http://kksjournal.com/
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Improviso
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HOLY CARP!!!
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 01:38 PM
John D'Oh
Nov 14 2011, 12:43 PM
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 12:31 PM
This is why OWS and taking to the streets is the only hope.
There's got to be a better hope than relying on a load of blokes taking a couple of months sabbatical away from living in their parents' basements.
You'd hope so, but what is it? Maybe an armed revolution?
Good luck with that.

Our side has all the guns.

What are they going to use? Spitball guns? :lol:
Identifying narcissists isn't difficult. Just look for the person who is constantly fishing for compliments
and admiration while breaking down over even the slightest bit of criticism.

We have the freedom to choose our actions, but we do not get to choose our consequences.
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Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
The only thing that OWS is likely to accomplish is reintroducing a new form of Small Pox or some other new virulent strain of disease. So far we've seen TB, Zucotti Lung, various VD out the yinyang, so I'm sure small pox is on the way.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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George K
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Finally
Improviso
Nov 14 2011, 02:17 PM
What are they going to use? Spitball guns? :lol:
Not quite that sophisticated
Quote:
 
A traffic stop of a speeding vehicle led to the arrest of three men, who claimed to be Occupy Portland demonstrators, and the seizure of incendiary devices, gas masks and fireworks.

In addition to the marijuana, Postlewait found a quantity of firecrackers and two commercially manufactured mortars like those fired into the air during professional pyrotechnic displays. The mortars were contained in glass "Ball" canning jars. One was found on the floorboard at Luff's feet; the other was in a jacket belonging to Luff. Also found in the car were two gas masks, some protective eye goggles, and safety helmet.

All three suspects said that they had spent the night at the Occupy Portland demonstration. They admitted that they brought the seized items to the demonstration in preparation for a confrontation with police when they expected to be forcibly removed from the park. They admitted being at the protest during the police confrontation and had left about an hour before Postelwait stopped them.

Armed revolution? Is that really what you're advocating?
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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KlavierBauer
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HOLY CARP!!!
Armed revolution will be pretty difficult with Black Cats and pot - neither of which is really news worthy or scary in the least.

My neighbors shoot off mortars every time the Broncos score a touch down, and they're probably smoking pot too - I don't worry about them revolting though. :)
"I realize you want him to touch you all over and give you babies, but his handling of the PR side really did screw the pooch." - Ivory Thumper
"He said sleepily: "Don't worry mom, my dick is like hot logs in the morning." - Apple

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KlavierBauer
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HOLY CARP!!!
I mean - they may revolt if Frito Lay gets rid of the fire-hot cheetos, or if the Planetarium stops showing the Pink Floyd laser experience.
"I realize you want him to touch you all over and give you babies, but his handling of the PR side really did screw the pooch." - Ivory Thumper
"He said sleepily: "Don't worry mom, my dick is like hot logs in the morning." - Apple

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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 01:38 PM
John D'Oh
Nov 14 2011, 12:43 PM
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 12:31 PM
This is why OWS and taking to the streets is the only hope.
There's got to be a better hope than relying on a load of blokes taking a couple of months sabbatical away from living in their parents' basements.
You'd hope so, but what is it? Maybe an armed revolution?
No thanks - just take a look at the kind of person that typically takes power after an armed revolution.

Democracy sucks, it's just better than all the alternatives.
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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kathyk
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Pisa-Carp
George K
Nov 14 2011, 03:58 PM
Improviso
Nov 14 2011, 02:17 PM
What are they going to use? Spitball guns? :lol:
Not quite that sophisticated
Quote:
 
A traffic stop of a speeding vehicle led to the arrest of three men, who claimed to be Occupy Portland demonstrators, and the seizure of incendiary devices, gas masks and fireworks.

In addition to the marijuana, Postlewait found a quantity of firecrackers and two commercially manufactured mortars like those fired into the air during professional pyrotechnic displays. The mortars were contained in glass "Ball" canning jars. One was found on the floorboard at Luff's feet; the other was in a jacket belonging to Luff. Also found in the car were two gas masks, some protective eye goggles, and safety helmet.

All three suspects said that they had spent the night at the Occupy Portland demonstration. They admitted that they brought the seized items to the demonstration in preparation for a confrontation with police when they expected to be forcibly removed from the park. They admitted being at the protest during the police confrontation and had left about an hour before Postelwait stopped them.

Armed revolution? Is that really what you're advocating?
Hardly. Although it didn't seem to alarm you too much when Tea Party types were spouting off about taking up arms to "take the country back." All I'm saying is that when things get as out of control as they have, the gap between rich and poor becomes more pronounced and real desperation over basic survival needs sets in, the stage is only being set for monumental change. History shows that this is usually accompanied by violence. To date, I think the OWS people have done a remarkable job of staving that off without violence in spite of a lot of provocation from law enforcement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NSat-nRefXY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NSat-nRefXY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRh-RtmDWY&feature=related

And they students succeed by just standing their ground - solidarity without violence prevails. Pretty amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtE-VAml37I&feature=related
Blogging in Palestine: http://kksjournal.com/
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Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 06:36 PM
George K
Nov 14 2011, 03:58 PM
Improviso
Nov 14 2011, 02:17 PM
What are they going to use? Spitball guns? :lol:
Not quite that sophisticated
Quote:
 
A traffic stop of a speeding vehicle led to the arrest of three men, who claimed to be Occupy Portland demonstrators, and the seizure of incendiary devices, gas masks and fireworks.

In addition to the marijuana, Postlewait found a quantity of firecrackers and two commercially manufactured mortars like those fired into the air during professional pyrotechnic displays. The mortars were contained in glass "Ball" canning jars. One was found on the floorboard at Luff's feet; the other was in a jacket belonging to Luff. Also found in the car were two gas masks, some protective eye goggles, and safety helmet.

All three suspects said that they had spent the night at the Occupy Portland demonstration. They admitted that they brought the seized items to the demonstration in preparation for a confrontation with police when they expected to be forcibly removed from the park. They admitted being at the protest during the police confrontation and had left about an hour before Postelwait stopped them.

Armed revolution? Is that really what you're advocating?
Hardly. Although it didn't seem to alarm you too much when Tea Party types were spouting off about taking up arms to "take the country back." All I'm saying is that when things get as out of control as they have, the gap between rich and poor becomes more pronounced and real desperation over basic survival needs sets in, the stage is only being set for monumental change. History shows that this is usually accompanied by violence. To date, I think the OWS people have done a remarkable job of staving that off without violence in spite of a lot of provocation from law enforcement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NSat-nRefXY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NSat-nRefXY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRh-RtmDWY&feature=related

And they students succeed by just standing their ground - solidarity without violence prevails. Pretty amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtE-VAml37I&feature=related
None so blind.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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kathyk
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Pisa-Carp
Did you watch the videos, LD? If you did (and only if you did), please tell me what I'm blind to. I have a feeling you didn't watch them though.
Blogging in Palestine: http://kksjournal.com/
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Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
Oh yeah, the peaceful actions of those protestors brought a tear to my eye.

You did notice the students resisting and trying to prevent the police from gaining access, correct?

The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
kathyk
Nov 14 2011, 01:37 PM
There's no doubt there's corruption, but I'd venture to guess, considerably less than under the last administration. If you want to look at disgusting no-bid contracts, Iraq took the cake. As to corruption in general, sadly, it's the nature of K street and the power of lobbyists on the Hill. No can get elected without pandering to those interests. I, as did many, had high hopes that Obama could start turning things around, but I'm afraid it's just too deeply entrenched. It seems all that can be done to truly effectuate change is take to the streets. Hey, what a good idea!
Well, they've already taken murder, rape and mayhem to the streets...I got my doubts about change.
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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George K
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Finally
Don't stand so close to me...
Quote:
 
Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat, has asked The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review the Obama administration’s award of a $443 million sole-source contract to a company owned by a major Democratic donor. …
Citing “serious questions” about the contract, the Los Angeles Times reported that McCaskill has asked the inspector general of HHS to investigate. McCaskill is the chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Contracting and Oversight.

And then, there's this:
Quote:
 
In October 2010, Siga announced it had been awarded a multi-billion dollar contract to develop ST-246, despite the fact that the contract stipulated only a small business could be the winning bidder. A smaller company protested, and in response, the Obama Administration blocked everyone except Siga from bidding for a second offering of the contract.

The government’s justification for only talking to Siga was that an antiviral was needed within five years, and Siga was the only company who could do it. That justification troubled some HHS officials, one of whom called it “a stretch” in an internal email obtained by the paper. As much as $115 million in taxpayer money had already been spent developing the drug, which had not been approved by the FDA.
Interesting that the Senator (a Democrat) is calling for the investigation into a program pushed by the White House, eh?

Oh, never mind. It's just a drop in the bucket. Sorry 'bout that.
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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