Copyright 2000 The Omaha World-Herald Company
Omaha
World-Herald
August 21, 2000, Monday METRO EDITION
SECTION: EDITORIAL; Pg. 8; Public Pulse
LENGTH: 1050 words
HEADLINE:
Public Pulse
BODY:
Drug Bill Risky From: Judith H.
Bello, Washington, D.C. The bill praised in The World-Herald's July 24
editorial, "Taming Drug Price Pain," poses risks to the health of all people who
take prescription medicines. Last year, when similar legislation was proposed,
former FDA Commissioner David Kessler, now dean of the Yale Medical School,
wrote: "In my view, the dangers of allowing re-importation of prescription drugs
may be even greater today than they were in 1986. For example, with the rise of
Internet pharmacies, the opportunities for illicit distribution
of adulterated and counterfeit products have grown well beyond those available
in prior years. Repealing the prohibition on re-importation of drugs would
remove one of the principal statutory tools for dealing with this growing issue.
Moreover, prices to ultimate consumers are generally not lowered. Rather, the
profits go to the various middlemen, here and abroad, while consumers bear the
risk." A better and safer way to extend access to prescription medicines is by
increasing insurance coverage. The pharmaceutical industry supports enhancing
the access of seniors to medicines through competing private-sector plans. This
would give seniors the quality and choice that 150 millions other Americans now
enjoy. (I am an executive vice president of Pharmaceutical Research and
Manufacturers of America.) Our Own Enemy From: S.P. Henderson, Omaha I recently
read with interest that residents of Omaha are now ranked eighth-highest in rate
of taxation among all cities. When otherwise solvent, hard-working individuals
are unable to purchase a new home or transportation because of the taxes they
expect to pay, there is something fundamentally wrong. And when this newspaper
regularly prints news about some agency or institution official whining that
more money needs to be collected, it's time for fundamental change. What puzzles
me, though, is that this is an election year. There's rarely any meaningful
discussion about this state's tax-dependency problem among candidates. Tax
relief and increased fiscal accountability will not be issues in the upcoming
campaigns - unless we make them so. Who Sold Out? From: Mel B. Shelnutt,
Clarinda, Iowa Joe Lieberman might've had a good point when he said that the
speakers at the Republican convention "sounded a little like us." After all, I
certainly noticed a touch of selling out as well as some GOP heart-bleeding. In
1992 and 1996, many Democrats emulated Ronald Reagan. Now that the Republicans
have stooped to the same tactic, as much as it equally sickens me, is that now
supposed to enrage us any worse than the other party, which is noted for the
same? Press Is Misleading From: Chuck Sigerson, Omaha Nebraska GOP chairman In
the Aug. 13 editorial, "A Chance to Improve the GOP," The World-Herald implied
that President George Bush's use of the Willie Horton ads in the 1988 campaign
meant he was a racist or at least a partner in the GOP's "old, racially-tinged,
presidential 'Southern Strategy.'" Let's not forget who first used Willie Horton
against Michael Dukakis. It was Al Gore. Gore was the first presidential
candidate on either side to provide voters with an example of the Dukakis record
on crime. Would The World-Herald claim that Gore was a racist? Did any media at
the time accuse Gore of racism? The answer: No. But the too-often liberal
national media jumped at the chance to charge Bush with racism and intolerance.
There is no doubt a double standard among the media when it comes to race
relations and Republicans and Democrats. And with careless accusations in an
editorial, The World-Herald keeps that double standard alive. Terry Has Time
From: Katherine O'Donnell, Omaha I saw in the paper the other day that Rep. Lee
Terry Jr. witnessed a hole-in-one on the golf course. I thought he was too busy
to debate Shelley Kiel and tell the voters where he stands. I guess golfing is
an important duty for a congressman. Editor's note: Terry has agreed to three
debates with Kiel, one of which as been scheduled. Kiel had asked for 15. Merger
Needed From: Larry Wardell, Omaha Now the Douglas County Board wants to flex its
political agenda by using eminent domain to close 17th Street in Omaha for the
jail expansion. This is nothing but political in-fighting with the Omaha City
Council. If the jail is to expand, it should take place to the west side of the
jail and not toward the east side. This controversy again points to the fact
that we need to merge Omaha city and Douglas County governments. Get Dangerous
Drivers From: Lucie Case, Omaha The Omaha Police Department is cracking down on
loud car stereos. In the meanwhile, drivers greatly exceed posted speed limits
on a regular basis, run red lights continually, drive recklessly by tailgating
those who obey speed limits, and weave in and out of traffic - all the while
talking on cell phones! In my opinion, these traffic violations significantly
increase my risk of being injured or killed every time I take to the streets or
highways. However, most of the drivers who perpetrate these indiscretions are
adults and are probably less easily intimidated by police than are the young
drivers who have the audacity to be playing their car stereos at too high a
decibel level. I agree that people with loud car stereos may not hear
approaching sirens or other traffic noises, but are the people who are driving
so poorly paying any more attention? Let's have a crackdown on these far more
dangerous drivers and leave the kids alone. Editor's note: Such a crackdown has
been announced. Thanks for Water From: Jeanne Kemler, Omaha The Keystone Trail
has been a wonderful addition to the Omaha scene. However, on hot summer days it
was lacking a place to get a cooling drink of water. I don't think that many
people are aware that the drinking fountain that appeared on the trail just
north of Maple Street was installed by the owners of the Design Plastics
Company, whose plant is situated beside the trail. They noticed the need for a
water fountain and had one installed for the convenience of the public. There is
no advertisement, no company name, nothing to acknowledge their contribution to
the public's comfort. They deserve a "thank you."
LOAD-DATE: August 21, 2000 
