The 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “I’m not upset that you lied to me; I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.” When one has been deceived or misled by another, trust is not easily regained. Indeed, trust is forevermore tainted with risk.

For example, the disingenuous actions and statements of the Bush administration that led to the war in Iraq now make it difficult to believe them when they allege that Iran poses a dire threat. Similarly, the pervasive greed and deception of the pharmaceutical industry that has led to the over-marketing and distribution of medication of questionable safety or necessity now makes it difficult to trust them when they promote the use and benefits of new products. The current debate on Gardasil, a recently-approved vaccine that reportedly offers protection against most strains of the human papilloma virus (which can cause cervical cancer), exemplifies the distrust that has developed over the years.

On the surface, the vaccine would appear to be a boon. But the past indiscretions of Merck, the maker of Gardasil, and the various governmental bodies that have often seemed to be in the pocket of the pharmaceutical industry—and are now pushing for widespread use of the vaccine—make what could legitimately be a boon seem like a boondoggle. It does not help that the Bush administration’s aversion to the dissemination of information on safe sex practices and its staunch advocacy for unproven abstinence-only educational programs has indirectly fostered a climate in which sexually transmitted diseases such as the human papilloma virus are more likely to be passed on to youth—a climate in which a company such as Merck can then seemingly swoop in and reap profits.

In short, the public has good reason to be wary. When the trust of the people is taken for granted or taken for a ride, the harm that ensues can be as virulent and persistent as any disease. The government and the pharmaceutical companies should know that.

From the New York Times:

Furor on Rush to Require Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Racing to embrace a new vaccine, at least 20 states are considering mandatory inoculation of young girls against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer.

But a roaring backlash has some health experts worried that the proponents, including the vaccine’s maker, Merck, have pushed too far too fast, potentially undermining eventual prospects for the broadest possible immunization.

Groups wary of drug industry motives find themselves on the same side of the anti-vaccination debate with unexpected political allies: religious and cultural conservatives who oppose mandatory use of the vaccine because they say it would encourage sexual activity by young girls.

Even some who support use of the vaccine question the rush and the vaccine’s high cost — about $400 for the three-shot course. “The decision to make this mandatory this early has created a significant controversy over things that have nothing to do with the vaccine,� said Dr. Joseph A. Bocchini, chairman of the committee on infectious diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Like most other public health experts, Dr. Bocchini advocates the vaccine’s use. But many say the rush toward mandatory inoculation could prove counterproductive.

Most of the proposals call for vaccinating girls before they enter the 6th grade, a group that would include about two million girls nationwide annually if all states imposed the requirement.

In Texas, Gov. Rick Perry recently issued an order that girls be vaccinated. But some legislators are trying to overturn the order, with some opponents complaining because the governor’s former chief of staff is now a lobbyist for Merck. State lawmakers are scheduled to hold a hearing Monday on a bill to rescind that order. [full text]