The latest batch of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection letters noting objectionable conditions, aka 483s, has a decidedly international flair: Italy, Japan, and Canada had the pleasure of hosting FDA inspectors in recent months. Three firms were found wanting by the agency in a number of areas.

A prominent politician goes before his constituents during a tough reelection campaign. He’s introduced by the local mayor, and strides to the stage, waving and smiling to enthusiastic applause.

“It’s great to be here with you tonight. I love this great state of [fill in the blank]. Erica and I miss being here, especially when we’re stuck in that snake pit called Washington, D.C.”

There are two things right now that get relatively bipartisan support in Washington, D.C. The first is that a major league baseball team in D.C. won a pennant for the first time since we stopped huddling around our radios for entertainment. [Editor’s note: The Nationals lost in the first round of the playoffs. Sorry, Michael.] The second item is more up our alley: Americans should not be the victims of drug shortages, and something needs to be done about it.

Sure, the Italians have better food, the English richer royal culture and accents, and French women don’t get fat, but we in America regulate medical devices better, don’t we? Not so fast, says the European Union.