Rage Against the System: Opioid Lawsuits, Trump and the UnitedHealthcare Shooting
This article, in a slightly edited form, first appeared on Pain News Network on December 12, 2024.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed a collective shift in societal attitudes, where deep-seated anger and disillusionment are driving public narratives in unsettling ways. Three seemingly unrelated phenomena—the public applause for opioid lawsuit settlements, unwavering support for Donald Trump, and the viral glorification of Luigi Mangione, who allegedly killed the CEO of UnitedHealthcare—are not as disparate as they first appear. Together, they reveal a troubling portrait of the undercurrents shaping modern America: a sense of betrayal, unchecked populist rage, and a growing disdain for perceived elites.
The Opioid Crisis and the Lawsuits
The opioid epidemic has left an indelible scar on American society, and the plethora of lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, and others has been widely celebrated. These legal victories are seen by many as a reckoning for the corporations and individuals who allegedly profited from human suffering. However, beneath this applause lies something darker—a visceral hatred for systems and figures viewed as complicit in perpetuating a crisis that ruined lives and decimated communities.
While the lawsuits represent an attempt at justice, they have done little to address the underlying anger that millions of Americans feel. Many believe the settlements, while historic, are a drop in the bucket compared to the lives lost and families shattered. This resentment fuels a broader anti-establishment sentiment, one that increasingly targets not only corporations, but anyone perceived to be profiting at the expense of the vulnerable.
The Cult of Trump
Donald Trump’s rise and sustained political influence hinge on a similar anger: a profound distrust of institutions, wokeness, and systems perceived to exploit ordinary Americans. Trump’s base is galvanized not by policy specifics but by his ability to channel their rage and direct it at convenient targets—be it the media, the “deep state,” or global corporations. His support thrives on a shared belief that traditional systems, including the government, have failed to protect the American public.
The opioid lawsuits and Trumpism overlap in their shared narrative of betrayal by elites. Whether it’s Big Pharma, corporate executives, or Washington insiders, these movements feed off the same anger—a belief that the powerful have sacrificed ordinary Americans for profit or political gain.
The Mangione Phenomenon
Enter Luigi Mangione, a name that now reverberates across social media, not because of his actions alone but because of what he represents in the public imagination. Allegedly responsible for the murder of a UnitedHealthcare CEO, Mangione has been transformed into a meme and even a symbol of resistance against perceived corporate exploitation. Viral hashtags, merchandise, and online jokes portray him as a folk hero for those who feel victimized by insurance companies and the broader healthcare system.
What’s striking is not just the speed at which this narrative has developed but the glee with which Mangione’s alleged crime has been embraced. Social media platforms, awash with memes and satirical merchandise, have turned an act of violence into a rallying cry. This reaction is deeply rooted in the same anger that celebrates opioid lawsuits and supports populist leaders. UnitedHealthcare, representing an industry notorious for denying claims and driving up costs, has become a symbol of the kind of unchecked corporate power people love to hate. Mangione’s actions, while abhorrent, have been reframed as an act of rebellion against a system that many feel prioritizes profits over people.
What This Reveals About Us
Taken together, these phenomena reflect a society grappling with betrayal, powerlessness, and the long-term consequences of institutional failures. The opioid epidemic, insurance company practices, and political stagnation are all symptoms of systems that millions of Americans believe have failed them. Instead of addressing these issues with nuance or systemic reform, we’ve turned to simplified narratives that vilify individuals and institutions.
The memeification of Mangione, much like the unwavering support for Trump or the uncritical celebration of opioid lawsuit settlements, reveals a deep longing for retribution—a sense that someone, anyone, must pay for the perceived injustices of modern life. Yet this focus on retribution distracts from meaningful solutions and perpetuates a cycle of outrage and despair.
Moving Forward
The overlapping applause for lawsuits, political populism, and dark memes should serve as a wake-up call. These phenomena highlight not only the anger but also the desperation of a society searching for accountability in all the wrong places. Addressing these issues requires more than legal settlements, political rhetoric, or viral content; it demands a reimagining of the systems and structures that have allowed such disillusionment to fester.
If we fail to address the root causes of this anger—systemic inequities, lack of accountability, and the growing divide between the powerful and the powerless—we risk further polarizing a society already on edge. We need solutions that offer more than fleeting justice or performative outrage. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust in the institutions that are supposed to serve us all.
I cannot begin to say how deeply disappointed I am with this article. you yourself know that you are part of the reason that the anti-opioid narrative turned into what it did when you wrote the “risk tool” You would later admit that it was a mistake but you never did anything to try to stop its use. You know the personal stories of people who were adversely affected by the risk tool. Now fast forward all these years including all of the millions of lives that have either been destroyed or ended for lack of proper pain care not to mention the doctors who have been destroyed along with the patients. In no way do I condone violence against anyone in this matter, But you could have used this as an opportunity to shed true light on the very real life and death struggle that pain patients go through. Instead, you chose politics. Trump did not create this situation and you know fully that is true. Anyone who at this point is still stuck in the hate-Trump-get-Trump mindset, Iis exercising an extreme lack of critical thought and are fully bound by their personal biases. Once upon a time I respected you. You just lost any and all credibility you ever had in my eyes. There is no cult of Trump. There is a nation full of people who are tired of being screwed.
Agree. More importantly, where is the research that the CDC insinuated would occur 2 decades ago? How do we reduce pain, secure easy access, educate patients, and improve affordability? I have chronic migraine and a plethora of other pain issues. There is now a drug class that shows promise. Medicare approved it. My co-pay $500/mo, but folks I know with private insurance pay $29. Let’s face the facts, our medical system has not improved pain care since the notorious CDC GUIDELINES FOR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS. The illegal drug crisis is worse than ever, and our pain community is still suffering. My rheumatologist had to stop prescribing hydocodone because I only asked for a month prescription twice a year! I do all the alternative therapies I can. I just recently had 2 surgeries an each one was very painful, yet I was only prescibed the lowest dose possible for 7 days, different issues, differrent surgeons. How many older folks, like myself, can safely take ANY NSAID? Now, my kidneys have been affected. I want equal rights! I don’t care how it happens, just that it does.
AMEN!!!
The opioid lawsuits were completely useless as none of the actual victims received anything. I sent 10 years worth of pharmaceutical records detailing massive doses before I was abruptly removed from treatment, after loseing my career, 2 DUIs and a car accident and massive withdrawals from a non addictive pain killer I got a nice shiny brochure detailing their success with other court cases. This happened to me 10 years ago and I am still a complete train wreck, had to go from 6 figures to social security disability, now I can’t afford to live anywhere in the us and have severe chronic pain.
For some people, SOME, opiods, when well-managed are the most effective and financially viable way to go. Not all of us can afford PT, Massage, Acupuncture, even Mental Health Visits. Managed medical care can be very helpful. Heat, ice, rest at home is affordable. Please elaborate on THAT. Maybe you have and I missed it.
I developed CRPS after surgery and I am in AGONY. I cannot find a pain specialist. The one I had was using me as a cash cow. They know they have you over a barrel. The office girl was sadistic and demanded that I get in their office immediately for a drug test. I told her that we were on the opposite coast getting medical treatment. She said “Oh well, doctor’s not going to prescribe anything for you!” She is a sadist. We had to cut our visit short and speed back for a lousy DRUG TEST. I couldn’t get the medical care I needed FOR A LOUSY DRUG TEST. When we got back I emailed their office and said I was never going to get better unless they worked with me.
Oh. My. God. That witch teamed with the equally sadistic doctor and put the screws to me after that. I tried being extra nice but THE OPIOD EPIDEMIC BS HAS SPAWNED NEW PSYCHOPATHS WHO ENJOY THE POWER THAT THEY HOLD OVER YOU.
Now I am laying in bed writhing in pain because of the psychopaths in government, and the psychopath doctors and office staff.
Oh…and lest anyone try to blame me, their doctor and office have TERRIBLE RATINGS ONLINE.
I think of suicide CONSTANTLY. My spouse buys me MMJ but it’s useless for pain. All it does is knock me out all day so I don’t feel the pain. I MEAN ALL. DAY. Those sick individuals did this are going to reap karma.
I don’t know what I’m going to do. My spouse is at the end of his rope – I’m afraid he could leave me because I roll in bed in agony and he can’t stand seeing me like that. He then argues with me and leaves. I know it’s because he can’t handle seeing me like this. The strain that those people have placed on innocent people is unforgivable.
That sick doctor and equally sick office girl, along with the people at the CDC are going to burn in hell for doing this to people.
We all need to brainstorm to figure out how to change this.
I read that they’re going to legalize all drugs at some point (you have to research in depth to find that this is planned). WE NEED TO STEP UP OUR CAMPAIGN AND INSIST THAT ALL DRUGS BE LEGALIZED.
PLEASE JOIN ME IN A LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN TO TRUMP AND JOURNALISTS.
Face it: Addicts are going to get drugs one way or the other. Like other chronic pain patients I’m sick of all the bleeding hearts for the poor addicts when in thousands of homes across America there are chronic pain patients rolling in their beds crying because they’re suffering.
May God have mercy on us. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I feel like I cannot handle one more day like this. It has to change. It has to.
PLEASE WRITE TO TRUMP. OUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR NUMBERS.
We need to get ORGANIZATIONS behind us to legalize all drugs. PLEASE JOIN ME IN CONTACTING ORGANIZATIONS TO TRY TO ENLIST THEIR HELP IN LEGALIZING DRUGS.
God has to hear us. Please pray to enlist His help as well.
I’m at the end folks. We need to turn this thing around. We can, with God’s help, and with our taking action. PLEASE GET THIS LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN OUT TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE.
Now that medical care associated in any way with pain care, which naturally involves the significant majority of ALL medical care needed has been deliberately destroyed. Something dramatic, (and I have no idea what), needs to happen to put an immediate stop the intentional misdirection (lies) strongly influencing, e.g., controlling every decision being made relative to just about every aspect of human pain care.
It’s extreamly clear that just about EVERY decision recently made (within the past +/- 10 years) is blatantly WRONG relative to the goodwill, and/or good health of chronic pain patients. Yet, the deliberate farce continues entirely unabaited as if it’s outcome is going to in some way magically change.
And, while literally millions of people/patients from all walks of life continue to desperately write their political representatives (who in no way represent their actual constituents), only to be summilarily ignored, time after time. Yet, this undesirable situation is allowed to continue, month after month, year after year. Without even a hint of acknowledgment, or resolution.
How/why is such a totally unacceptable situation simply allowed to continue without any corrective action?