Psychocat:

I can totally understand why you're frustrated, but in defense of the U.S., I see it in a little different light.

I'm sure that while those wounded British soldiers are upset about the status of the blood transfusions, they're still happy to be alive right now. Especially after suffering severe enough trauma to need to receive emergency blood transfusions while still in-country. But even here in the States, there always seems to be a short supply of blood...or at least, that's what the ARC (Red Cross) is telling us.

I despise having to give blood to doctors who are just needing a vial or two, much less having to give it to some burly dude at the ARC who's wanting an entire pint of it. Then being rewarded with a juice box and a stale cookie. Not my thing. But my wife loves it, and donates every chance she gets. I hope, for the soldiers sake, that some of them got my wife's blood and will not have to worry about dangerous diseases.

...they'll just have to worry about rogue hormones periodically seizing control of their minds and turning them into raving, maniacal balls of emotion. This is only temporary, though - and severity can be controlled with prescribed medication, and/or weed. :thumbsup:

And as for the FDA, they're not as efficient at regulating products as many countries may think. Even here in the U.S., there are a lot of unevaluated products on the market that even consumers are unaware of. Fact is, there's a hell of a lot more manpower and money that would need to be put forth in order to maintain these safety regulations, but the powers-that-be have other things in mind for all that money. (All this while America quietly slips into another recession.) The majority of us are hoping that by the end of this year, big changes will have started happening in our government. For the most part, the citizens here are not idiots and we know that our government and country is far from perfect. If you're going to be pissed, try to focus most of it on the administration that's about to become obsolete, though. Hopefully, for our sake and yours, you'll see changes for the better beginning in November '08...then subsequently thereafter.

Be good, my friend.