New England Journal opioid recommendations: “Short-term benefits are small…” These people reached middle age, but never had a sports injury, car crash, broken bone, or surgery; and never treated patients who had these. “Limited evidence of long-term benefits.” They surely never treated cancer patients.

If ignorance is bliss, the authors should be ecstatic. The patients who bear the brunt of their recommendations, on the contrary, will be in misery – indeed a proud legacy. When Big Brother writes the healthcare cookbook, it’s best to be sure we aren’t on the menu.