Re:Oxford University breakthrough on global COVID-19 vaccine
by bumby on Monday November 23, 2020 @11:02AM
(#25188158)
I agree with your overall point that it needs to be looked at holistically, but I don't think I agree with your stance on some of the subsidy arguments.
A subsidy is, by definition, a governmental funding mechanism. "People with illness" who used Pfizer products in the past aren't subsidizing the COVID vaccine anymore than I subsidize an automobile manufacturer making pickups when I buy my tiny hatchback. It's built into the business model and not really a "subsidy".
I agree with you in terms that we shouldn't view these companies as operating in a vacuum, I just don't think the idea of the markets being propped up is the most congruent way of framing the discussion. Pfizer benefited along with most other publicly traded companies, irrespective of their COVID vaccine.
A subsidy is, by definition, a governmental funding mechanism. "People with illness" who used Pfizer products in the past aren't subsidizing the COVID vaccine anymore than I subsidize an automobile manufacturer making pickups when I buy my tiny hatchback. It's built into the business model and not really a "subsidy".
I agree with you in terms that we shouldn't view these companies as operating in a vacuum, I just don't think the idea of the markets being propped up is the most congruent way of framing the discussion. Pfizer benefited along with most other publicly traded companies, irrespective of their COVID vaccine.