Hope I don't get the placebo

Okay, you're about to die. Door number one, door number two, or door number three? No, we weren't asking YOU. Shut up and bleed.

Critical care without consent

The federal government is undertaking the most ambitious set of studies ever mounted under a controversial arrangement that allows researchers to conduct some kinds of medical experiments without first getting patients' permission.

As a veteran who makes regular use of the VA health care system, I've always assumed that they wouldn't hesitate to include me in studies whenever they felt like it, without acquiring my consent or even informing me. I mean, they're the government. It's similar to the way I've always assumed my cell phone conversations are being monitored: after a while it's not paranoia, it's just policy.

But then, that's what you sign up for when you enlist in the military. I suspect that we never become fully civilian again.