Yesterday s episode of MSNBC s new series Dr. Nancy featured Doctors Dean Ornish and Walter Willett debating the proposed tax on soft drinks as an effort to combat obesity. When Dr. Ornish correctly noted that taxing sodas alone among all the causes of obesity is arbitrary and unfair, Dr. Willett pointed out that Ornish had previously consulted with Pepsi Co. and proceeded to question his loyalty to unbiased scientific inquiry.
Dr. Ornish maintained composure when he responded that such indictments were sophistic: I don t represent Pepsi Co., I chair their scientific advisory board...I wouldn t think of questioning [Willett s] integrity...so please, let s keep this to the facts here.
ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan was impressed: We were glad to see him defend himself. It was an excellent rejoinder.
Similar accusations have been leveled at ACSH staffers for accepting corporate donations. Anyone who has received any kind of industry funding automatically gets their integrity as a scientist attacked, says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. It gives our critics an excuse to ignore the facts that we present in cases like this when we argue against misguided policy decisions.
