In Robert W. Schubring’s, U.S. Co-Founder of Give Pain A Voice, powerful response to Doctors of Courage’s article on Dr. Norman Clement’s critique of the current state of American medicine, aptly termed by Dr. Clement as the “Tulsification of American Medicine”, Schubring has passionately written, “The Racist view of social structure is that the servile races must exist to serve the master races. Merit-based social structures have existed since the beginning of Humanity…the teacher of a skill is a community member who has mastered that skill. In Racism, no one earns recognition by achievement. Instead, each person inherits their social position by birth. Post-Lincoln America posed a grave challenge to theories of hereditary privilege, as numerous freed former slaves stopped envying their former rulers and began competing with them in free markets.  The only way the former ruling class and their offspring could preserve their delusions of superiority, was to punish Black people who attained success. In 1876 after stealing the election by terroristic threats, the KKK and its political wing, the Southern Democrats, enacted laws based on junk science. Allegedly Black Americans carried mystery diseases and to prevent their spread, Segregation laws were passed. Had the Segregation laws openly stated that their purpose was to get revenge on ex-slaves for thriving in freedom, those laws would have violated the Fourteenth Amendment. But by tying the junk philosophy of Racism to junk science about diseases both real and imaginary, laws were written that impeded access to the vote based on the Segregation principle. Southern Democrats controlled all-white voting and won most elections in the South, for lack of opposition.  The best deal LBJ offered to end Segregation was to offer the KKK a deal. Law officers, many of whom were KKK members, got “qualified immunity” from prosecution for past Racist acts, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed.  Since we never challenged the power of our elected officials to use junk science for political purposes, patients with pain have come under political attack. That racism-by-another-name must end if Liberty is again to be secure.”

Schubring’s opinions above draws a direct parallel to Dr. Clement’s views upon the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, underscoring the systemic and violent undermining of Black and Brown professionals in the medical field.  The Tulsa race massacre, also known as the Tulsa race riot or the Black Wall Street massacre, was a two-day-long white supremacist terrorist massacre that took place between May 31 and June 1, 1921, when mobs of white residents, some of whom had been appointed as deputies and armed by city government officials, attacked black residents and destroyed homes and businesses of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event is considered one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history.  The attackers burned and destroyed more than 35 square blocks of the neighborhood—at the time, one of the wealthiest black communities in the United States, colloquially known as “Black Wall Street.”  The Tulsa Race Massacre was a brutal attack on the prosperous Black community of Greenwood, known as “Black Wall Street.” This event epitomizes the destructive lengths to which entrenched power structures will go to maintain supremacy and prevent marginalized groups from achieving success and equality. Similarly, the targeting of Black and Brown doctors by the DEA and DOJ represents a modern manifestation of these historical injustices. The parallels are clear: both are rooted in a deep-seated fear of competition and the perceived threat posed by the success of Black and Brown professionals.

Regulatory Racism and Its Impact

Dr. Clement’s use of the term “regulatory racism” to describe the practices of the DEA and DOJ is both precise and poignant. These agencies, under the guise of combating the opioid crisis, disproportionately target doctors of color for activities that are standard medical practices, such as prescribing medication and making Medicare claims. This unjust targeting not only disrupts the careers of these doctors but also severely impacts the communities they serve.  As Dr. Walter Wrenn noted, the removal of these doctors from practice endangers the lives of their patients. With 75% of patients losing access to essential pain medications and 20% of these patients resorting to suicide, the human cost of these actions is staggering. This echoes the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Massacre, where the destruction of a thriving community had long-lasting repercussions on the social and economic well-being of its residents.

Junk Science and Racist Policies Influence America’s Power Structure

Schubring’s historical analysis of how junk science was used to justify segregation laws provides a crucial context for understanding the current misuse of science in policy-making. Just as segregation laws were based on unfounded claims about diseases purportedly carried by Black Americans, the current regulatory framework often relies on flawed data and biased algorithms to target Black and Brown doctors. This misuse of science perpetuates a cycle of discrimination and marginalization, masquerading as legitimate regulatory action.  The concept of “qualified immunity,” as discussed by Schubring, also plays a role in this dynamic. By protecting law enforcement and regulatory officials from accountability, it allows for the continuation of discriminatory practices under the veneer of legality. This immunity has historical roots in the compromises made during the civil rights movement, which traded true justice for a semblance of progress.

Insights from Robert W. Schubring’s Analysis

In his powerful article, “Evidence-Based Policymaking: What’s Absent from the Opioid Crisis,” Robert W. Schubring sheds light on critical oversights in current policies. Schubring argues that evidence-based policymaking is frequently undermined by the selective use of data and the neglect of comprehensive research findings. He highlights that the National Institutes of Drug Abuse (NIDA) have long understood the complexities of the Endogenous Opioid System, which regulates various bodily functions and influences pain management and addiction. However, this knowledge has not been fully integrated into the CDC’s Opioid Prescribing Guidelines, leading to adverse outcomes such as increased overdose deaths and inadequate pain management for those with Disabling Intractable Pain.  Schubring’s analysis underscores the need for better medical education on identifying at-risk patients and providing appropriate treatment for both pain and addiction. He also points out the importance of accurate labeling and policy recommendations to prevent methamphetamine misuse and its associated risks.

America’s Caste System: Historical Context and Modern Implications

A caste system in America, while not legally codified, operates through socio-economic and political mechanisms that maintain hierarchical divisions. Historically, Black and Brown Americans have been positioned at the bottom of this hierarchy. The success of Black individuals in breaking through these barriers often triggers a backlash aimed at reinforcing the status quo. This backlash is evident in the lives of Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, O.J. Simpson and Tiger Woods—each a Black figure who achieved significant success only to be later vilified and dismantled by societal forces.

Michael Jackson: The King of Pop and the Perils of Fame

Michael Jackson, an iconic figure in the music industry, faced numerous legal battles and media scrutiny throughout his career. Despite his monumental success, Jackson’s life was plagued by allegations and public trials that sought to tarnish his legacy. The intense focus on his personal life, rather than his artistic contributions, reflects a broader societal pattern of discrediting successful Black figures. The relentless media scrutiny and legal challenges he faced are reminiscent of the mechanisms of a caste system designed to keep Black individuals in their “place.” Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, faced his own form of retaliation. His unprecedented success and his bold move to purchase the catalogues of prominent white artists, including The Beatles, were seen as a threat to the established racial and economic order. Jackson’s ownership of these valuable assets was not just a financial coup; it symbolized a Black man gaining significant control in an industry dominated by white power brokers. This audacity did not go unpunished. The relentless legal battles, allegations of abuse, and the intense media scrutiny he faced can be interpreted as a backlash designed to diminish his influence and maintain the racial status quo.

Bill Cosby: From America’s Dad to Public Enemy

Bill Cosby, once revered as “America’s Dad” for his role in “The Cosby Show,” experienced a dramatic fall from grace. Accusations of sexual misconduct led to a highly publicized trial and imprisonment. While the seriousness of the allegations cannot be ignored, the swiftness and severity of his public condemnation raise questions about the role of race in his downfall. Cosby’s case highlights how lawfare and media sensationalism can be wielded to dismantle Black success and reinforce societal hierarchies. Similarly, Bill Cosby, who was once revered as “America’s Dad” for his role in “The Cosby Show,” faced severe retaliation that extended beyond the accusations of sexual misconduct. Cosby’s immense influence and his efforts to promote positive Black representation in media were seen as a challenge to the entrenched power structures. His downfall, exacerbated by the prosecutorial zeal and the sensationalist media coverage, served as a stark warning to other Black figures who might dare to transcend their prescribed societal roles. The legal and public condemnation of Cosby can be viewed as a calculated effort to undermine his legacy and reinforce the boundaries of the racial caste system.

O.J. Simpson: A Cautionary Tale of Race and Justice

O.J. Simpson’s story is perhaps the most illustrative of the intersection between race, success, and societal retribution. A celebrated athlete turned actor, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn with his infamous murder trial. Dubbed “The Trial of the Century,” the case exposed deep racial divides in America. Simpson’s eventual acquittal did not shield him from subsequent legal troubles and public scorn, reinforcing the notion that successful Black individuals are constantly at risk of being brought down by the legal and social systems.  The O.J. Simpson trial is often remembered for its high-profile nature and the intense media frenzy it generated, but it also serves as a powerful illustration of the complexities of race and identity in America. Simpson’s life, choices, and the subsequent trial highlighted the persistent undercurrents of a caste and power structure that many prefer to ignore.  O.J. Simpson, an African-American sports hero, chose to marry a beautiful white woman and move within predominantly white social circles, aligning himself with a world of wealth and celebrity that seemed to transcend racial boundaries. His desire to leave behind the constraints of his black cultural identity and embrace a form of individualism was a bold statement, suggesting that success and personal choice could allow one to escape the historical and societal limitations imposed by race.  However, the trial and its aftermath revealed the fragile nature of this perceived transcendence. Despite his efforts to assimilate into a world of white privilege, Simpson’s race remained a significant factor in the public and judicial perception of his actions. The intense scrutiny and ultimate punishment he faced can be seen as a reflection of the enduring power structures that dictate social and racial dynamics in the United States.  the documentary “OJ Simpson Made in America” which many have called one of the greatest documentaries of all time and one of the greatest American tragedies of all time.  The Simpson trial also underscored the deep racial divides and the double standards that exist within the legal system and society at large. Simpson’s fall from grace was not merely about the crime he was accused of but also about the audacity of a black man who dared to step outside the boundaries of his assigned societal role. His punishment served as a stark reminder that, despite the progress made in civil rights, America continues to grapple with an underlying caste system that dictates power and privilege based on race.

Tiger Woods: A Story of Triumph and Backlash

Tiger Woods emerged as a golfing prodigy at an early age, breaking racial barriers in a predominantly white sport. His success on the golf course was unprecedented, and he quickly became a global icon. Woods’ victories, charisma, and dominance in golf not only made him a household name but also positioned him as a symbol of Black excellence in a field historically closed off to people of color.  Like other successful Black Americans, Woods carried the burden of societal expectations. He was not just a golfer but a trailblazer who was expected to uphold a pristine image while representing racial progress. This dual pressure—excellence in his field and the burden of being a racial pioneer—mirrored the experiences of Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, and O.J. Simpson.  Tiger Woods’ fall from grace in the late 2000s, following revelations about his personal life, highlights the backlash often faced by successful Black individuals. While personal failings are not unique to any race, the scrutiny and subsequent vilification Woods endured were disproportionately intense. Media coverage of his scandal was relentless, and his downfall was met with a level of schadenfreude that underscored the precariousness of his position at the top.  This pattern of intense public scrutiny and harsh backlash aligns with the experiences of other prominent Black figures. Michael Jackson faced relentless media scrutiny and legal battles despite his contributions to music and philanthropy. Bill Cosby, once celebrated as “America’s Dad,” became a pariah following allegations of sexual misconduct. O.J. Simpson’s highly publicized trial and subsequent legal troubles further illustrate this pattern.  Tiger Woods’ story is a modern reflection of America’s caste system, where Black success is often met with mechanisms aimed at reinforcing the status quo. Despite his achievements, Woods’ experiences reveal the underlying racial dynamics that continue to shape American society. His life underscores the reality that, even in contemporary times, Black individuals who break through socio-economic barriers are not immune to societal forces that seek to maintain hierarchical divisions.

A Call for True Liberty and Justice

To dismantle these deeply entrenched systems of racism and regulatory abuse, healthcare advocates must adopt evidence-based policies that genuinely reflect the principles of justice and equality. This involves challenging the power of officials to use junk science for political purposes and holding those in authority accountable for their actions. Only then can we ensure that the liberties and rights fought for by previous generations are truly secure for all.  Dr. Norman Clement’s fight against the “Tulsification of Medicine” is a continuation of the struggle for civil rights and justice. By highlighting and challenging the systemic injustices faced by Black and Brown doctors, Dr. Clement is not only advocating for his profession but also for the broader principles of equality and fairness. His work, supported by voices like Schubring’s, is crucial in the ongoing battle to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, can achieve success and recognition based on their merits, free from the fear of unjust persecution.