I don’t know if that’s what actually happened, or if that is exactly what is going on, but I suspect the truth, (if it ever comes out), will sound something like that, in fact, a lot like that. There is no treason, and there is no collusion, its just business. Basically, its a bunch of sleazebag Vegas houseboys selling each other pizza, doing each other’s laundry and raking their 10% off the top. Russia has been a gangster state for some time now, and we are rapidly becoming one too.

So what’s that got to do with us, here on the Habitable Zone? I don’t think the society we’re evolving on this planet is going to be very interested in space exploration.

Except—businesses are supposed to provide useful goods and services to people. Its not quite clear to me just what it is these people are selling to each other.

What hath Ayn Wrought?

Gee, what a surprise…

In February 2017, shortly after the election of President Trump, Novartis entered into a one year agreement with Essential Consultants. With the recent change in administration, Novartis believed that Michael Cohen could advise the company as to how the Trump administration might approach certain US healthcare policy matters, including the Affordable Care Act. The agreement was for a term of one year, and paid Essential Consultants 100,000 USD per month. In March 2017, Novartis had its first meeting with Michael Cohen under this agreement. Following this initial meeting, Novartis determined that Michael Cohen and Essential Consultants would be unable to provide the services that Novartis had anticipated related to US healthcare policy matters and the decision was taken not to engage further. As the contract unfortunately could only be terminated for cause, payments continued to be made until the contract expired by its own terms in February 2018.

The engagement of Essential Consultants predated Vas Narasimhan becoming Novartis CEO and he was in no way involved with this agreement. Contrary to recent media reports, this agreement was also in no way related to the group dinner Dr. Narasimhan had at the World Economic Forum in Davos with President Trump and 15 Europe based industry leaders. Suggestions to the contrary clearly misrepresent the facts and can only be intended to further personal or political agendas as to which Novartis should not be a part.

In terms of the Special Counsel’s office, Novartis was contacted in November 2017 regarding the company’s agreement with Essential Consultants. Novartis cooperated fully with the Special Counsel’s office and provided all the information requested. Novartis considers this matter closed as to itself and is not aware of any outstanding questions regarding the agreement.

Yes, Cohen is a healthcare expert…

“In hindsight, this must be seen as a mistake,” senior Novartis spokesman Michael Willi said of the contract.