While you are correct that the The Draft Guidance for Industry on “Complementary and Alternative Medicine (’CAM’) Products and their Regulation by the Food and Drug Administration” does not contain wording that is an imminent threat to our ability to obtain supplements, herbs, etc., let us not forget the very real threat that the FDA, and our government, is trying to erode our rights, bit by bit, in order to harmonize with CODEX. This Draft by the FDA is simply one of their baby steps in their journey to do so. They must act slowly, so as to no alarm the citizens of America, as we are the last bastion of health rights on our planet. Yet they are inching closer every day, as you can see by the passage of the AER into law. (How did THAT get passed? I thought Senator Hatch was on our side?)

In the Draft, the FDA has labeled herbs, devices, supplements, etc. as “CAM”. This sets a precedent, and if it is not challenged by industry professionals, such as the UNANA, the FDA will likely continue to insinuate that foods of any sorts or supplements, etc. are medicine. We cannot allow them to be called medicine.

Plus, the word “prescribe” used the FDA Draft is vague. What do they mean by “prescribe”? I remember the days when I could be arrested simply by telling someone that Ginko could improve their memory. Seriously! I still couch my nutritional suggestions with “If I had this specific problem, I’d use….”

Even the National Health Federation (the oldest health freedom protectors around) is missing the point a bit. I quote, “On the fear that the FDA will go after MDs practicing CAM – keep in mind, that physician/patient medical records and communications are protected by the federal HIPPA law. If the FDA wanted to go after a CAM practitioner, based on evidence of using a CAM treatment regime, they could not get evidence, without violating this law. The FDA would have to get a patient’s written consent to release records.” http://www.thenhf.com/press_releases/pr_27_apr_2007.html

The most troubling part of the NHF lobbyist, Lee Bechtel’s, letter to the NHF is that he uses the anachronism “CAM” in the context of CAM practitioner and CAM treatment regime, etc. You can see how quickly and insidiously wording can be accepted into the general population’s vocabulary. Then the concept becomes reality. The FDA is not stupid. Thye know how to word things in order to get their needs met.

Secondly, and a bit off topic, I never sign a HIPPA form. Yes, you can refuse to do so… HIPPA does not protect our privacy. It’s a sham law. Any law enforcement agent can demand your records and get them, if they deem a law is being broken. That is stated right on the HIPPA form. So, Lee Bechtel, is wrong there. As much as I appreciate and support the National health Federation, tthey are wrong about this subject, in my opinion.

If you want to help save our rights, please read exactly what is happening with this Draft and also, what to do about it at:
http://www.healthfreedom.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=249

I’ve been fighting this battle for 35 years. My mother fought it for 15 years before that. We know how sneaky the FDA can be. With CODEX looming, it seems that we cannot rest for a moment. The thing that helps most is to write your Congressmen and to send MONEY to organizations to help pay their legal and lobbying fees.

Be well and don’t lose hope. Action speaks louder than words.