Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Mon, Nov 24 2003
Congressional-Induced Prescription Drug Euphoria
So I think I'm hearing that one of the perks of the Medicare prescription drug bill would be funding for the FDA to "regulate" prescription drugs more than they do now.
Since Congress has helped tobacco farmers to move from tobacco (drug) growing into other agricultural products, has cracked down on youth-aimed advertising and outright illegal sales of tobacco to minors, and has increased taxes and regulation on tobacco products, tobacco products are still very easy to obtain, and yet they are more expensive than ever.
Here's a simplified explanation of what it takes to get a drug approved. (Before 1962 there was a much simpler process.) Has more government regulation of anything ever cost American taxpayers less money in the long run?
As organizations, businesses, private citizens and members of Congress continue to debate the good and bad of the Medicare prescription drug bill, we keep hearing "compromise" and "it's a start". I hope it's not a start down the road to the highest cost of living (and dying) we've ever seen in this country. There's a lot of talk about "drug safety" and "consumer protection". This bill may or may not make some seniors feel safer and protected. (Others may actually pay more for their health premiums and prescription drugs). And all seniors' children and grandchildren will pay more money down the line.
There used to be a bumpersticker I'd see on a senior's car now and then that read, "I'm spending my grandchildren's inheritance!" Increased government regulation in all our lives is helping them to do just that.
posted at: 09:37 | category: /Politics | link to this entry
So I think I'm hearing that one of the perks of the Medicare prescription drug bill would be funding for the FDA to "regulate" prescription drugs more than they do now.
Since Congress has helped tobacco farmers to move from tobacco (drug) growing into other agricultural products, has cracked down on youth-aimed advertising and outright illegal sales of tobacco to minors, and has increased taxes and regulation on tobacco products, tobacco products are still very easy to obtain, and yet they are more expensive than ever.
Here's a simplified explanation of what it takes to get a drug approved. (Before 1962 there was a much simpler process.) Has more government regulation of anything ever cost American taxpayers less money in the long run?
As organizations, businesses, private citizens and members of Congress continue to debate the good and bad of the Medicare prescription drug bill, we keep hearing "compromise" and "it's a start". I hope it's not a start down the road to the highest cost of living (and dying) we've ever seen in this country. There's a lot of talk about "drug safety" and "consumer protection". This bill may or may not make some seniors feel safer and protected. (Others may actually pay more for their health premiums and prescription drugs). And all seniors' children and grandchildren will pay more money down the line.
There used to be a bumpersticker I'd see on a senior's car now and then that read, "I'm spending my grandchildren's inheritance!" Increased government regulation in all our lives is helping them to do just that.
posted at: 09:37 | category: /Politics | link to this entry
