Martin Gardner on Oprah Winfrey: Bright (but Gullible) Billionaire

Wouldn't it be interesting if celebrities could be sued for malpractice, as doctors can be? Oprah just seems to be a particularly noteworthy example of celebrities who encourage stupidity whether in medicine and science, or politics and economics.

Very interesting. I am not an Oprah viewer, but even my limited exposure has left me with a "two Oprahs" impression: one a force of good, and one who provided a platform for pure crap like "Dr." Phil.<p>I was not aware Jenny McCarthy and a whole mess of new age junk were also a part of Second Oprah's repertoire. How disappointing for a woman whose achievements would otherwise merit heaps of praise and respect.

Doesn't the FDA regulate the specific words that can be legally allowed to describe the stated effects of any medical treatment? Which is why all of the non-regulated pseudo-science drugs have to use generic terms like "you'll feel better, have more energy and be more successful."<p>If Oprah pitches one of these products, she's a paid spokesman for it, so wouldn't drug laws trump free speech here? i.e. Business are not allowed to flaunt the laws and claim they have free speech, but individuals of course are given far more leeway.