In a story that is somewhat surprising, yet also wholly par-for-the-course where crony capitalism and the pharmaceutical industry are concerned, the state of North Carolina had issued a gag order against the “Diabetes Warrior,” Steve Cooksey.

Cooksey is a type-2 diabetic who had gotten free of insulin and other medications from sticking to a strict low-carb “paleo” style diet. He blogged often about his routine, advocating from his direct experience, and drew a fairly large following. And that was enough to draw the ire of the NC’s Board of Dietetics and Nutrition (NCBDN). From the press release:

..in January 2012, the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition informed Cooksey that he could not give readers personalized advice on diet, whether for free or for compensation, because doing so constituted the unlicensed practice of dietetics. The board deemed Cooksey’s advice the unlicensed practice of nutritional counseling, sent him a 19-page print-up of his website indicating in red pen what he was and was not allowed to say, and threatened him with legal action if he did not comply. “All I wanted to do was give adults advice on what they should buy at the grocery store,” said Steve Cooksey. “I was astonished that the government thought it had the power to regulate that sort of ordinary advice. These new guidelines make clear that I can provide that advice to anyone who wants to hear it, and they will provide important protection for all North Carolinians who want to talk with others about diet.”

The healthcare industry is one of the major crony capitalist industries in the United States. From pharma companies to health insurance companies to medical sales, and a myriad of other affiliated businesses, medical companies are the beneficiaries of billions of dollars spent lobbying for favorable legislation and attack-dog regulatory arms of the government who go after people like Steve Cooksey.

However, Cooksey fought the law, and this time the law didn’t win. Three years later, with the help of the Institute for Justice, the NCBDN was forced to back down, losing the legal battle for free speech and adopting new laws that allow (allow…like anyone should have to be allowed to speak freely…but I digress…) people to give personal dietary advice from their experience.

The Institute for Justice is also litigating a couple other similar cases, which is upsetting, but again – not surprising. From the release:

Cooksey’s situation is not unique—the Institute for Justice is currently litigating two similar cases based out of Texas and Kentucky. In Texas, the Texas Veterinary Board wants to use its licensing power to shut down a retired veterinarian who uses the Internet to give veterinary advice to pet owners who often live in remote areas of the world without access to veterinarians. In Kentucky, John Rosemond—America’s longest running newspaper advice columnist—was ordered by the state’s Psychology Board to cease publishing his parenting column because the Board believes John’s column constitutes the “unlicensed practice of psychology.” “Cases like Steve’s raise one of the most important unanswered questions in constitutional law: Do occupational licensing laws trump the First Amendment?” said IJ Senior Attorney Paul Sherman. “The Institute for Justice is committed to protecting occupational speech throughout the country. This settlement is an important victory in that fight.”

Congratulations to Mr. Cooksey – I can’t say that his nutritional advice is the solution or cure for diabetes, but as people have (or should have) control over what they do with, or put in, their bodies, hopefully it helps people in need to achieve the same results. Today free speech was protected.

Liberty Links!



– Rand Paul responds to WaPo hit piece attacking his position on the Fed

– NSA reportedly can get past the strictest security measures and even access hard drives

– The U.S. government’s “cyber go-around”

– Israel vs. USA on the Iran Nuke Deal

– Cops forced to drop “assault against officer” charge after video proves NYPD lied

The Lions of Liberty are on Twitter, Facebook & Google+

Receive access to ALL of our EXCLUSIVE bonus audio content – including “Conspiracy Corner”, “Degenerate Gamblers” and the “League of Liberty Podcast” by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride and supporting us on Patreon!

Join our brand new Facebook Group: The Lions of Liberty Forum