If pharmaceuticals were produced and sold like computers

David Masten at Catallarchy asks a great question: bq. In my Saturday morning just woke up way too early fog, I could have sworn I heard some �expert� proclaim that vaccines and drugs are produced and sold just like computers. David then goes on with some examples -- here are a few: bq. Anyway, if vaccines and drugs were produced and sold like computers: * Vaccines and drugs would be available at really low prices, and be even cheaper next week. * I could choose to consult with my doctor or just go get the drug(s) I want. * I could buy last week�s drugs for even lower prices from e-Bay. bq. Alternatively, if computers were produced and sold like drugs: * Commercials would air with �Ask your computer professional if Pentium is right for you� * Unfortunately, the Electronics and Computers Administration would have just approved the Intel i486 for prescription use, and just approved the Apple ][ for over the counter sale. * Norton Anti-Virus may not be available due to shortages, and the President will make statements about only certain at risk users should get Norton Anti-Virus. McAfee and F-Secure got out of the anti-virus business last year citing financial losses. * �Police raided a nerdy teen this morning - among the things found were soldering irons, oscilloscopes, compilers, and large numbers of first person shooter games and vehicle simulators�police estimate a street value of several billion dollars�� Heh -- there's more at the site. One of his readers made this comment: bq. However, I feel I should point out that you are leaving out the blue screen of death� Which fits with your analogy, though not in the right way. Good point!