Citing a defectively designed and manufactured implant, a 1985 jury in the Maria Stearns trial, in Carson City, NV, judged Dow Corning guilty of fraud, based on internal corporate memos and studies, showing that the company had failed to inform the public of health risks related to breast implants. Another jury later found Dow guilty of fraud, oppression and malice. Internal Dow memos from that period presented in trial as evidence, indicated the company was engaged in "deliberate acts" of deception. In the past fifteen years, has anything changed to their design, or in their deception? 

The corporate legions of Dow lawyers quickly and quietly negotiated protective order settlements in selected lawsuits, blocking public access to embarrassing internal documents and testimony, forever they believe. Dow's well funded and structurally organized PR machine fiercely counter attacked their early losses by engaging in an expensive, multi faceted, and deceptive campaign. Dow's CEO Dan Hayes stated, "The issue of cover-up is going well from a long term perspective." 

One of the tools born out of Dow's early public relations campaign, as well as the ASPRS PR campaign, gaining momentum and being stimulated, from within the breast implant issue, is today's present debate ...... Freedom of Choice. The media, the FDA, and "some" support group members bought it. I don't! I openly question the motives of any "soul-searching" victim, who suffered through, yet still will support the continued use of these failed, defective, and destructive devices. This is not really a question of "a freedom to choose", but more a question of "a freedom to operate and survive financially", by the Plastic Surgeons, and manufacturers.  

In the past fifteen years, the political favors, and the powerful influence from a united corporate machine, have been called in. The monetary muscle, from the pro-choice forces, has found many pockets. And our memory of the Stearns trial verdict has faded, and has almost been forgotten.  

To allow the powerful and influentially corrupt forces in our society to operate unchallenged is simply wrong. To willingly support and spread a PR machine lie is disgraceful. To allow Mr. Hayes' long-term prophecy become reality, is a sin. With all of our power and convictions, we must send a united message to Mr. Hayes and his followers, "Your problem is NOT GOING AWAY! Your cover-up is NOT GOING WELL! And we will be DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT!" 

Robert Olexa 

25 year veteran, who has lived with this disease, dealt with its destruction, and witnessed the suffering …. to my wife!