From: bigoldberg@igc.org (Billi Goldberg)
Newsgroups: sci.med.aids
Subject: FDA in Action
Date: 11 May 92 14:50:48 GMT
Organization: UCLA, Computer Science Department
Note: non-commercial reproduction.
Archive-Number: 5388

This is from a post by the sysop on the Seattle AIDS Info BBS.

The BBS number is 1-206-323-4420.

All I know is what I read in the following post.  It is quite 
interesting expecially in light of the recent thread on governmental 
backlash on AIDS.

Billi Goldberg

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Msg#:  933 *OPEN DISCUSSIONS*  05-09-92 22:00:40 (Read 16 Times)  
Subj: FROM 28 BARBARY LANE - ACTION NEEDED         
 
         THIS IS IMPORTANT! EVERYONE that has an interest in alternative 
therapies needs to become aware of what has gone on here in our area! On 
May 6th, 1992  the FDA staged a RAID on the Tahoma Clinic in Kent 
Washington. They were  accompanied by state and federal enforcement 
agents who actually BROKE DOWN the  doors and came in with weapons drawn 
in flak jackets and riot gear. They held  the staff at GUNPOINT. They 
ordered patients to stand against the wall and  detained staffers and 
physicians for most of the day while they confiscated  injectable 
VITAMINS and MINERALS. The Tahoma Clinic is run by Jonathan Wright,  MD 
and several Naturopathic Physicians. Patients come from across the 
country  to be seen at the Clinic. Dr. Wright was the medical editor of 
Prevention  magazine for 9 years and is internationally known for his 
expertise in   nutrition. 

         The FDA acted as if they were busting a crack house rather than 
a  professional clinic with an international reputation. The tactics 
they used to  intimidate everyone there are not an isolated incident but 
part of a pattern  since Dr. Kessler has taken over as head of the FDA. 
Similar actions were taken  against three other manufacturers of 
supplements in the last year (Allergy  Research, Thorne Research and 
Highland Labs). In every single instance agents   broke down doors with 
shotguns pointed at the heads of employees who, by the  way, have never 
offered ANY resistance to federal agents at any time during FDA  
inspections. The level of force used is reprehensible.

         The products that the FDA was after included injectable B 
vitamin complex,  other injectable vitamins and minerals and various 
business and patient MEDICAL  records. Some of you here on the BBS that 
I have seen on a professional basis  know that without Dr. Wright many 
of the things that we use to aggressively  treat HIV on a comprehensive 
holistic basis would not be available if it  weren't for Dr. Wright 
taking a chance and sticking his own neck out because he  cares about 
getting PWA's and HIV+ people the BEST care and most importantly  
maintaining their FREEDOM to choose the KIND OF MEDICAL CARE that they 
want.  Without people like Dr. Wright you will have only one choice... 
drugs like AZT  and DDI. Even if you do not seek out alternative care 
PLEASE help us maintain  the right to CHOOSE for those that AZT and DDI 
are NOT the answer. If this is   allowed to stand it will set a 
dangerous precedent.

          RIGHT NOW the FDA is acting upon legislation that will take 
effect in May  1993 (unless we stop this NOW) that will effectively 
REMOVE 50-70% of the food  and nutritional supplements from health food 
stores. They are doing this  through a new law called the Nutrition 
Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). NLEA  will be used to limit the 
potency of supplements to no greater than food items.  That is... you 
may not be able to buy Vit C in a tablet that is any stronger  than what 
is in an orange... or a Vit A supplement that is any stronger than  what 
is contained in one carrot etc etc. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU who relies 
on  Vit C, NAC or any other supplement to treat yourself for HIV or 
simply to  maintain health MUST let you voice be heard NOW.     Write 
and call your senators, representatives, the White House etc. Let them  
know you will NOT stand for their police state tactics and enforcement 
that  will take away your right to choose vitamin and mineral 
supplements and your  RIGHT to visit a health food store or holistic 
clinic.

         To date, although a search warrant was issued listing items to 
be  confiscated, the FDA, US Attorney's Office and the Judge in this 
case have  REFUSED to even tell anyone what federal law they believe was 
violated. They  simply will NOT tell US! Is this America ? Call Kent 
Pullan - King Co  Councilman on the Law and Justice Committee. DEMAND to 
know why the King County  Police held shotguns at the heads of patients, 
staff and physicians. 

PHONE  296-1009         CALL Susan Barnes, Asst. US Attorney. Demand to 
know WHAT federal law she  believes was violated and express your 
outrage at the handling of this case  with gestapo nazi like tactics. 

PHONE 553-4149         CALL Roger Lowell, Seattle area director of the 
FDA and express your  outrage at the handling of this and that he would 
dare to limit your choice of  health care and your right to take food 
supplements that in ten years have  never resulted in a single death or 
injury (1982-1992 from info from Jrnl or  Emergency Medicine based on 
info from Poison Control Centers). Mr Lowell is at   486-8788

         Do the Same for Gary Dykstra, Mr. Lowell's boss in Washington 
DC. He is  the Deputy Commis. of the FDA at 301-443-1594. Give him hell! 
Judge John  Weinberg is the judge that signed the search warrant and can 
issue the order to  unseal it. Tell him how you feel. his PHONE is 553-
5774

        LASTLY - the WHITE HOUSE has set up a DEDICATED FAX LINE (FAX 
ONLY!)  SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS CASE. PLEASE FAX FAX FAX to George Bush 
and Sam Skinner  his Chief of Staff and tell them how you feel about 
this issue. Tell them you  are tired of being forced to take drugs and 
not have the freedom to take  supplements or choose your own physician 
that uses nutrition instead of drugs.  FAX#  202-456-2461.

         AND PLEASE copy this and post it and get the information out. 

                                      -- Sysop   

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