06-28-2012, 12:12 PM
Well I have a degree in epidemiology so I do have some background in how such things are determined, and I've worked on a number of clinical trials. However, it doesn't take a degree to determine if there is scientific evidence for something or not. If something has been rigorously tested, gone through years of clinical trials, and ultimately gets FDA approved then yes, there is at least some hint of efficacy. Of course there can be things that have not gone through that process than may be useful. Most supplements and alternative medicines in health food stores actually have some reason for their existence. Although often that reason falls apart in human trials. It's safe to say something that fails to have proven efficacy in human trials is akin to snake oil. I guess what has irked me most are the signs in those stores touting nonsense about the tap water that goes through a placebo machine. I'm assuming as the owner he does make the determination to promote what he sells in his stores or not. Again, good for him, and that is his right. Ultimately, I feel that selling placebos for a living to the easily duped is not a progressive position, and I would prefer to vote for a progressive who as a legislator is going to base decisions where relevant on sound science and research. It's what I would expect in regards to environmental policy too. In Puna, so many people seem to latch onto unproven magical thinking solutions of the week, and lack any sort of critical thinking ability or understanding of the scientific method. His stores are the epitome of that to me. That isn't something I in any way want promoted by our elected officials. For me it is no different than voting for someone with a strongly religious background who will be influenced in their voting by their religious background.