[m0zg]

My point is, until we ban the immediate popping up of these figureheads on Big Pharma boards (something Trump tried and failed to do, and Biden won't even try), there's a massive conflict of interest, and everything they say and do should be regarded with a lot of suspicion. Pay them twice as much, but then say "you can't take money from the companies you're charged with regulating, directly or otherwise, for 5 years or you go to jail". The situation we have right now is just dumb and corrupt AF across the board. Fauci generated somewhere near half a trillion dollars of revenue for Pfizer just on COVID alone, and there's nothing whatsoever in US law preventing him from collecting a de-facto deferred bribe after he leaves NIAID. Happens to every single one of these figureheads, without any exceptions. I strongly suspect that's why they take these relatively unexciting jobs in the first place - for the potential to earn something more "exciting" that they wouldn't be able to get otherwise.

If you think they have your interests in mind, I suggest you reconsider. At best, your interests might sometimes align with those of their true masters. But if they don't, who gives a shit - Pfizer has legal immunity now.

[throwawaygh]

I largely agree that moving between gov't and private sector should be illegal or at least highly constrained, particularly in leadership or decision-making positions. But I also think you're unserious and insincere.

> Pay them twice as much, but then say "you can't take money from the companies you're charged with regulating, directly or otherwise, for 5 years or you go to jail"... Happens to every single one of these figureheads, without any exceptions.

You know how I can tell you're an unserious? You're criticizing Fauci for doing exactly what you want -- staying a well-but-not-unfairly-paid civil servant for his entire career. If Fauci was going to cash out, he could have done so decades ago. He's been at the top for a long time.

Which, BTW, is FAR more common than not. The people you're describing are not the median or normal outcome.

I don't think you have thought seriously about your criticism here, and I don't think you're commenting on this issue in good faith.

Have a good Thanksgiving.