Exposed: The Secret Corporate Funding Behind Health Research

[Clara T]

Exposed: The Secret Corporate Funding Behind Health Research
Academics and the media have failed dismally to ask the crucial question of scientists' claims: who is paying you?

by George Monbiot
 
Arise, founded in 1988, seems to have been active until 2004. It described itself as "a worldwide association of eminent scientists who act as independent commentators". Its purpose, these eminent scientists said, was to show how "everyday pleasures, such as eating chocolate, smoking, drinking tea, coffee and alcohol, contribute to the quality of life".

Three weeks ago, while looking for something else, I came across one of the most extraordinary documents I have ever read. It relates to an organisation called Arise (Associates for Research into the Science of Enjoyment). Though largely forgotten today, in the 1990s it was one of the world's most influential public-health groups. First I should explain what it claimed to stand for.

<snip>

It maintained that there were good reasons for dropping our inhibitions and indulging ourselves. "Scientific studies show that enjoying the simple pleasures in life, without feeling guilty, can reduce stress and increase resistance to disease ... Conversely, guilt can increase stress and undermine the immune system ... This can lead to, for instance, forgetfulness, eating disorders, heart problems or brain damage." The "health police", as Arise sometimes called them, could be causing more harm than good.

This showed that in the previous financial year Arise had received $373,400: $2,000 from Coca-Cola, $900 from other firms and the rest - over 99% - from Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, RJ Reynolds and Rothmans. In 1994-95 its budget would be $773,750. Rothmans and RJ Reynolds had each committed to provide $200,000, and BAT "has also shown interest". She suggested that Philip Morris put up $300,000. Then the memo becomes even more interesting.

http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0207-25.htm

[MountainLaurel]

1. This looks interesting

My mind is starting to shut down at the moment; will have to check it out in the a.m.

However, the name George Monbiot sounds quite familiar to me. Has he written books before, or has been involved in something that got a great deal of press?

[McKenzie]

2. his site is here>>>

http://www.monbiot.com/

[MountainLaurel]

3. After reading this

I think one of the major issues that appalls me is the fact that a major scholarly publication did so little due diligence on its editorial board members and authors. This is the sort of thing that peer-review is supposed to guard against. It just goes to show how little information out there is truly trustworthy.

[Clara T]

4. Monbiot

has written alot on Gloabal warming and has written alot on the rapture ready fundies. He's also been interviewed several times by Amy Goodman, kind of a stand-in semi-regular on Dem. Now!

Widely published in his home of the UK