Letters to the Editor

Bad deal with drug industry

Oct 15, 2009 1:30 PM

To the Editor:

A deal has been made with the drug industry. The deal is for the industry to provide $80 billion over 10 years to help fund health care reform. In exchange, President Obama agreed to oppose the purchase of drugs by the government. On the other hand, an important provision in the House bill provides for purchase by the government of drugs.

We lost out on the purchase of drugs by the government under a Republican administration. Now with Democrats in control, a deal is made to continue the purchase of drugs by private companies, thus increasing the cost of drugs for seniors and other Americans.

The drug industry contribution of $8 billion per year is a small fraction of its huge profits. In addition to its contribution, the drug industry agreed to support the president’s health plan and to promote it on TV.

We must express our opposition to the deal. Our fight which began years ago to reduce drug costs for seniors and other Americans must continue. The House bill is the correct approach. It will reduce drug costs for all Americans. We must continue to support the purchase of drugs by the government. Let us say “NO” to the drug deal and inform the president that his deal is a bad deal for the American people.

Abe Levine, retired