SAFETY FIRST?

BANZAI7 NEWS--The Senate has narrowly rejected a plan to allow Americans to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada and other countries.

The amendment by North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan failed on a 51-48 vote. Sixty votes were needed to prevail.

Importing prescription drugs for personal use is a violation of federal law. Dorgan's amendment would have lifted the ban, allowing access to low-cost medicines from developed countries where the government limits drug prices.

As a senator, President Obama supported drug imports, but his administration now echoes the objections of the pharmaceutical industry that it would cause safety problems.

This, said Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), "contributes to the enormous cynicism on the part of the American people about the way we do business here." To Dorgan, he pledged: "I will be by his side as we go back and back and back again on this issue until justice and fairness is done and we defeat the special interests of the pharmaceutical industry which have taken over the White House and will take over this vote."


Dorgan, on the verge of losing another reimportation battle, raised his voice as he pleaded with colleagues. "The pharmaceutical industry has a lot of clout. I know that," he said. "I hope the American people have the ability to expect some clout on their behalf in the chamber of the United States Senate."

WB7: "Safety problems" for drug industry revenues and campaign contributions. Are you getting sick of Obamarama yet?

Price Comparison Study

Q: A drug manufacturer like Eli Lily or Pfizer manufactures and sells a drug in Canada, Australia, Britain, New Zealand and Japan. Why is it unsafe for Americans to purchase that drug abroad for personal use.

A: Because the United States Senate, the Republican party and the pharmaceutical industry say so.

Forget about bankers and AIG employees. Do you know anyone who works for a pharmaceutical company?