My hunch on what's happening with COVID-19 test kits in the U.S.

[intrepidity]

I listened carefully (ugh) to Pence the other day where he was discussing the testkits.

Did you notice that he said Trump had met with pharma companies to facilitate and streamline rapid deployment of their test kits to market? It was very clear that there was huge profit motive involved. When Trump kept saying that anyone who wanted to could be tested? He meant, anyone who *is willing to pay whatever they charge* can be tested.

So here's what I think is happening: the delay in testing so far due to limited supply (because we didn't take any from the WHO) is to cause a buildup of demand, so the companies that Trump met with could be assured of massive profits when they roll their product out.

(Trump gets the added benefit of artificially getting to report low infection numbers in the meantime, while demand is building.)

Wish a whistleblower who sat in on those meetings would confirm that Trump made this type of promise.

That the government isn't subsidizing this fully as a public health measure is beyond shameful.

Capitalism at its finest.

[KT2000]

1. my guess was it is similar to Katrina

Organizing the rescue/relief effort to benefit private business and republican donors. I just know there is something like this going on.

[applegrove]

2. When Pence gave a presser about the cruise ship off of san francisco

with coronavirus patients on board he mention the word "industry" in every sentence and made the government offices responsible for health to look like also-rans. The WH obviously wants big business to look good here and not government.

[intrepidity]

3. Yes, that's the presser I meant

I noticed every time he said industry. And the one time he slipped in that those kits would be for sale. You could see the greed.

[Frustratedlady]

4. I saw where some people who had gotten tests were charged $3270

They wouldn't dare do that...right?

[applegrove]

5. Might be a quick way to change the make up of the electorate if people who can't afford it don't

get tested, or don't get healthcare or don't get advice if they are sick, so it spreads within their poorer communities. I'm part anthropologist so that is why i sound so detached. This WH would do pretty much anything to get re-elected.Why else did Pence walk out of a presser ignoring a reporters question on the matter. Unless he is baiting us.

[Hoyt]

7. That was debunked. Sorry I'm on phone now and getting a link is difficult.

[2naSalit]

6. So why is no one in pharma saying how long it takes

to make a vaccine? They shouldn't need Dr. Fauci to tell them that if these are the makers of previous vaccines.

Some stinks here too. Bigly.

[Frustratedlady]

8. I don't think it's the time to make the vaccine, but the time to test it.

[2naSalit]

9. True.

But two days on now and I am of a mind to think that it's all about how much he can make from it.

[Frustratedlady]

10. That's a given. The first thing I thought tonight when he mentioned the additional

$40.5M or $40.5B...can't remember which, but at that level, it doesn't much matter...was how much his cut would be.

He has surely figured out how to do it by now.

[2naSalit]

11. I missed it.

I was at an indivisible meeting talking about all of this. I'll find a replay before the night is over.

[TexasBushwhacker]

12. A discussion from a few days ago

Eye opening, to say the least.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213060533