Don Smith

FYI To Ask Don's Army:

There are a number of onerous and damaging regulatory issues "lurking" just below the radar screen.

The ITA is pursuing a political approach to dealing with these issues.

I am pursuing a scientific approach to dealing with these issues.

Which approach is right?

Posted below is a copy of an answer I gave on TanningProfessionals regarding this issue (in response to a post by Lonn Dugan who also advocates the political approach) that I thought you all might find interesting and informative.

Lonn:

The reason the political approach to solving regulatory issues is so appealing is that it is easier to understand. All that it takes to play the political game is to grease the palms of a few politicians, have a few short inconsequential meetings and everyone walks away feeling warm and fuzzy.

The political approach is form over substance!

The problem with embracing the scientific approach is that it takes a lot of hard work to understand the issues and most people, unfortunately, aren't willing to do the grunt work that it takes.

The scientific approach is substance over form.

For instance, I have in my possession some brand new information that will ultimately lead to a new and more accurate erythemal action spectrum. This information is based upon scientific research and politics has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with it.

My experience (based upon 40 years of actively dealing with the regulatory process) is that the people who embrace the political approach to solving problems are looking for a "magic button" to push that will make everything OK.

I hate to break your (and the ITA's) bubble, Lonn, but there is no magic button. Hard work and an understanding of the science involved is what it takes to make sure that reasonable regulations are enacted.

There is also a real and present danger involved in "playing footsie" with politicians and thereby getting on their radar screen. The "danger" is that one of them will decide that the indoor tanning industry can be "shaken down" for lots of bucks if he/she introduces some onerous regulations and once you get into the political "quicksand" it is hard to get out.

Thus, I suggest that everyone advocating the political approach take a hard look at how the Washington, DC "game" is played before inadvertently and unintentionally dragging the industry into the "inside the beltway" quicksand.

That is the sum and substance of what I think, folks. Where do YOU stand on this VERY important issue?

Don

fungirlz

Right ON Don Smith.. Right ON!!!

Mori

We need to get sued. The onus will be on the FDA (or whoever sues us) to prove us wrong. IF science can't defend us, the we SHOULD close down !!!!