Incredible work tracing how monetary debasement directly produces the hyperreality we're experiencing. The kulak comparison isn't hyperbole when officials literally advocate for 'impoverishing the middle class' and seizing property. What caught me was how this creates its own feedback loop: debasement cretes rage, rage enables confiscation, confiscation acelrates capital flight and further weakens the system.
You wrote, "At the same time, the President threatens pharmaceutical companies with “every tool in our arsenal” if they don’t slash prices..." It caused me to think of Prevnar 20, with Pfizer making revenues of $6.4 billion in 2024 off it. The FDA emphasizes looking at absolute risk reduction (ARR) as the gold standard metric. A 2015 trial of Prevnar 13 shows the ARR rounds down to 0%. The FDA approves Prevnar 13, which as a vaccine is worthless, but makes billions for Pfizer. Interesting dilemma for Pfizer. If them, you slash the price as Trump threatens. If me, you pull the ineffective product from the market.
Your articles are so good it makes me envious! You've quickly become one of my favorite follows on Substack. As always, great stuff!
Much obliged!
Incredible work tracing how monetary debasement directly produces the hyperreality we're experiencing. The kulak comparison isn't hyperbole when officials literally advocate for 'impoverishing the middle class' and seizing property. What caught me was how this creates its own feedback loop: debasement cretes rage, rage enables confiscation, confiscation acelrates capital flight and further weakens the system.
Exceedingly interesting series. Thank you!
You wrote, "At the same time, the President threatens pharmaceutical companies with “every tool in our arsenal” if they don’t slash prices..." It caused me to think of Prevnar 20, with Pfizer making revenues of $6.4 billion in 2024 off it. The FDA emphasizes looking at absolute risk reduction (ARR) as the gold standard metric. A 2015 trial of Prevnar 13 shows the ARR rounds down to 0%. The FDA approves Prevnar 13, which as a vaccine is worthless, but makes billions for Pfizer. Interesting dilemma for Pfizer. If them, you slash the price as Trump threatens. If me, you pull the ineffective product from the market.