David Kessler's "A Question of Intent"

Paper Summary:

In this paper the author summarizes and reviews David Kessler's "A question of Intent." Kessler's drive to bring tobacco products under the supervision of the FDA makes up a major part of his book. The role of the FDA in the US is described. The author compares Kessler's book to watching a movie--the story is gripping and compelling.

From the Paper:

"Kessler described the goal of the FDA succinctly once as "safeguarding America's health." However, that responsibility covers a wide range of issues. The agency is concerned with the safety not only of food and drugs but also blood, medical apparatus, make-up and anything that gives off radiation, including televisions and microwave ovens. They assure that medical apparatus works as described by their makers. As Kessler points out, if everyday items malfunction, you simply return them to the store or manufacturer for satisfaction, but when medical devices malfunction, people can die (Shenk, p. 1). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Berelau, John. 2003. "Smoking out Big Tobacco; Critics Contend That Philip Morris Is Backing FDA Regulation of the Tobacco Industry in Hopes of Snuffing out Smaller Competitors." Insight on the News, November 24.
• Kessler, David. A Question of Intent: A Great American Battle with a Deadly Industry. 2001: Public Affairs, New York.
• Reuters. 2004. "Tobacco Lawyers Challenge Former FDA Chief Kessler in Tobacco Trial [09/24-4]." UPDATE, Sept. 23. Accessed via the Internet 4/19/06. <http://www.no-smoking.org/sept04/09-24-04-4.html>
• Shenk, Joshua Wolf. 1996. "Warning: Cutting the FDA Could Be Hazardous to Your Health." Washington Monthly, Vol. 28, January-February.
• United States Supreme Court. 2000. "FDA V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORP. (98-1152) 529 U.S. 120 (2000) 153 F.3d 155, affirmed." Supreme Court Collection. Accessed via the Internet 4/19/06. <http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/98-1152.ZS.html>

More papers on David Kessler's "A Question of Intent":

• Book Review # 105602 : "David Kessler's "A Question of Intent"
• Analytical Essay # 130670 : "A Question of Miracles" and Faith Healing"
• Book Review # 113288 : "A Question of Torture"

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