CDC takedown

Forbes provides a most excellent take-down of the CDC's input into the campaign to privatize alcohol sales in Pennsylvania.

The only thing missing is a mention of the fact that even if privatization does increase the negative consequences associated with excessive alcohol use, it might still (and perhaps easily) pass a social cost-benefit test. Increased consumption means more utils that have to be weighed against any bad consequences that do emerge.

The public health profession needs to get better at separating science from Sunday school.