Critical thinking...aka looking out for B.S.

Let me begin by stating that my focus for 2009, in both the "real world" and "cyberspace" is espousing critical thought. Some have accused me of thinking too critically. Regardless, I have decided to, tactfully, filter my thoughts about any given subject less. Since one of my goals is to help others learn to think more critically I would be remiss by not to being forthcoming in this area. Contrary to the belief of many of the people I have encountered of late, becoming more skeptical and empirical does not inherently lead to group thought. What typically occurs is quite the opposite! I love to debate and debate in its highest form consists of clashing critical thoughts.

In any event, I'm going to share my recent encounter with one of the well known dangers of the Internet. That being unregulated online pharmaceutical sites. Admittedly, the FDA leaves much to be desired and is in desperate need of an overhaul; however, these pharmaceutical sites typically operate beyond the jurisdiction of the FDA. That means it is incumbent upon individuals and or online businesses that encounter sites like these to repudiate them like any other spam or scam site. It is impossible to eliminate these types of sites, but they can be kept in check if members of the online community treat them as the potential dangers they are.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case with a site I came across while using a reputable referral site. I won't list the URL of the referral site nor, more importantly, will I list the pharmaceutical site. In case you're wondering what dangers are held by an unregulated prescription drugs site a short list follows:

no prescription required
no oversight by a medical professional
no confirmation of the drugs potency
drugs could be expired
drugs could be placebos
drugs could be inaccurately labeled

I voiced my concerns about the site and I'm hoping the listing will be removed. Which begs the question shouldn't such a site be automatically vilified in the same manner as obvious spam and scam sites are? If one thinks critically the answer is an emphatic yes!

Ks3(Keep safe, smart, strong),

JD Blackstar