Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

[Guest guest]

I was registered as a Republican when Liam was diagnosed. So I switched to Democrat as a precautionary measure for Mairin's health and welfare. Soon I realized it didn't matter because both Republican and Democrat children were being diagnosed with autism at an equally frightening pace.

Kidding about the party affiliations...but now I am a Crat-ican...which means I tend to vote for the candidate that I think will do the better job at the time....and will pay attention to the needs of my little kiddos and my family. With an issue like this sometimes it is hard to pick a basket because there are both good and bad apples in both.

One thing I learned stomping around up there on the Hill was that they all put their pants on pretty much the same way, whether Democrat or Republican, as much as they hate to admit it and it doesn't matter all that much because our country is being run by 26 year old MBA kids...at least with regard to Congress....

....and the thing I learned about working in the political system in Louisiana...is that it pretty much is a Banana Republic. Anything goes down here.....with beer and crawfish and roux...even politics.

[Guest guest]

ly, I'd rather have people who ignored us because they believed they were helping over people who do it for money. I have been a republican all my life until a few years ago. Now I find myself leaning left. It's scary, especially with this administration.

Any Democrats out there?> > > > So, is it just me or are most of the good guys Republicans and most> of the bad guys Democrats in EOH?> > As a life-long democrat (and something of a left-wing nut), I've had> a hard time coming to grips with this. > > Add that to the recent "head-in-the-sand" attitude toward> interviewing from NPR and Air America (two of my favorite Media > mechanisms)and it feels like a kick in the gut.> > Are there any Dems in DC fighting for our cause, or, at the very > least, believing it?> -Jenni> > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

[Guest guest]

In a country filled with polarized initiatives, it's amazing that both sides have their protagonists and antagonists with regard to autism.

I'm just wondering if there might be a republican not in pockets of big pharm or a dem willing to blame the gov't for its role...

Holly Bortfeld <maximom@...> wrote:

ly, I'd rather have people who ignored us because they believed they were helping over people who do it for money. I have been a republican all my life until a few years ago. Now I find myself leaning left. It's scary, especially with this administration.

Any Democrats out there?> > > > So, is it just me or are most of the good guys Republicans and most> of the bad guys Democrats in EOH?> > As a life-long democrat (and something of a left-wing nut), I've had> a hard time coming to grips with this. > > Add that to the recent "head-in-the-sand" attitude toward> interviewing from NPR and Air America (two of my favorite Media > mechanisms)and it feels like a kick in the gut.> > Are there any Dems in DC fighting for our cause, or, at the very > least, believing it?> -Jenni> > > >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

[Guest guest]

In my opinion, I don't see either party coming out and admitting the vaccines which our government mandated caused the current autism epidemic. Both parties accept "contributions" from the pharmaceutical co. Holly Bortfeld <maximom@...> wrote:

ly, I'd rather have people who ignored us because they believed they were helping over people who do it for money. I have been a republican all my life until a few years ago. Now I find myself leaning left. It's scary, especially with this administration.

Any Democrats out there?> > > > So, is it just me or are most of the good guys Republicans and most> of the bad guys Democrats in EOH?> > As a life-long democrat (and something of a left-wing nut), I've had> a hard time coming to grips with this. > > Add that to the recent "head-in-the-sand" attitude toward> interviewing from NPR and Air America (two of my favorite Media > mechanisms)and it feels like a kick in the gut.> > Are there any Dems in DC fighting for our cause, or, at the very > least, believing it?> -Jenni> > > >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

[Guest guest]

Totally agree - just wish we could get a few 1st and 10s.... maybe a field goal?

Just wish they'd stop punting.timothybooton <timothybooton@...> wrote:

Polital affiliations seem not to matter to me at all anymore. I just want my son back. I don't care who makes this "their issue" as long as someone picks up the football and runs with it> > Hi, this may be one of perception. I have gone to the Florida > state capitol and the national capitol to lobby a number of times. > Sometimes for autism services, autism health bills, vaccine reform, > and whatever else I could throw in. Both sides say the same thing. > We care and we wish we could do something. They rarely do. But I > have had more success with Republicans than Democrats sadly. > > > >

Whenever we introduced legislation in Florida, the dems would kill > it - was that because the Republican governor supported the bill and > us? Maybe but the result was the same, fight the Dems. In > Washington, I've had very little luck with either side but at least > we had Burton. The dems have Waxman. It ain't looking good for > your side. rofl > > Any Democrats out there?> > > > > > > > So, is it just me or are most of the good guys Republicans and > most> > of the bad guys Democrats in EOH?> > > > As a life-long democrat (and

something of a left-wing nut), I've > had> > a hard time coming to grips with this. > > > > Add that to the recent "head-in-the-sand" attitude toward> > interviewing from NPR and Air America (two of my favorite > Media > > mechanisms)and it feels like a kick in the gut.> > > > Are there any Dems in DC fighting for our cause, or, at the very > > least, believing it?> > -Jenni> > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------> -----------> >

[Guest guest]

on 4/26/05 6:01 PM, blu at flablows@... wrote:

> In my opinion, I don't see either party coming out and admitting the vaccines

> which our government mandated caused the current autism epidemic. Both

> parties accept " contributions " from the pharmaceutical co.

One of our NY state assemblyman told me 2 weeks ago that the pharm companies

have hated him for years anyway-lol. He sponsored the ban of thimerosal in

NY without THAT much encouragement (- please clarify and/or expand).

He has an adult son with MR, in a wheelchair and doesn't speak.

I find that it's important that these policiticans see us as regular people-

not crazy parents. I've volunteered, given their offices pictures and

videos of asd kids (including my own), and tried to educate them as much as

possible.

We don't all have to run to our Senators offices- try the local level first.

City, County and State Gov't. These people are more willing to talk with

you anyway.

A bunch of us have written " letters to the editor " supporting our local

politicians more than once.

Think about most laws that are passed to help children--

" megan's law " " amber alert " . There is a cute name and face with it.

We have to make this personal. they don't care about the hell parents go

thru. It's the kids....

-

[Guest guest]

I hope I don't rain hail on myself with this post....

I logged into Matt Drudge's tip line (on his website lower right side)

I said "Hey Matt you are missing out on some great controversy... there is this book on the NYT Best Seller list... Evidence of Harm exposing the CDC..." and I included the website. Most of us conservatives hate big government mandating ANYTHING. Many times talk radio picks up his coverage.

It would be nice if a bunch of people requested coverage.

For the record, I think voters opinions and voices count. Hopefully they will win out over big money. For me vaccine reform is a ProLife issue. Vaccine damage robs kids of a normal life and it is fiscally irresponcible to not help parents, as one day care will fall on the state. I would cross party lines if a Democrat was as vocal or as helpful as Burton and Weldon. If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will ever vote for a Democrat in my life.

Jenni Pozar <jpozar2@...> wrote:

In a country filled with polarized initiatives, it's amazing that both sides have their protagonists and antagonists with regard to autism.

I'm just wondering if there might be a republican not in pockets of big pharm or a dem willing to blame the gov't for its role...

Holly Bortfeld <maximom@...> wrote:

ly, I'd rather have people who ignored us because they believed they were helping over people who do it for money. I have been a republican all my life until a few years ago. Now I find myself leaning left. It's scary, especially with this administration.

Any Democrats out there?> > > > So, is it just me or are most of the good guys Republicans and most> of the bad guys Democrats in EOH?> > As a life-long democrat (and something of a left-wing nut), I've had> a hard time coming to grips with this. > > Add that to the recent "head-in-the-sand" attitude toward> interviewing from NPR and Air America (two of my favorite Media > mechanisms)and it feels like a kick in the gut.> > Are there any Dems in DC fighting for our cause, or, at the very > least, believing it?> -Jenni> > > >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

[Guest guest]

Like a friend of mine said - it's going to take the grandchild of a president to have autism before they get serious about it.Jenni Pozar <jpozar2@...> wrote:

Totally agree - just wish we could get a few 1st and 10s.... maybe a field goal?

Just wish they'd stop punting.timothybooton <timothybooton@...> wrote:

Polital affiliations seem not to matter to me at all anymore. I just want my son back. I don't care who makes this "their issue" as long as someone picks up the football and runs with it> > Hi, this may be one of perception. I have gone to the Florida > state capitol and the national capitol to lobby a number of times. > Sometimes for autism services, autism health bills, vaccine reform, > and whatever else I could throw in. Both sides say the same thing. > We care and we wish we could do something. They rarely do. But I > have had more success with Republicans than Democrats sadly. > > > >

Whenever we introduced legislation in Florida, the dems would kill > it - was that because the Republican governor supported the bill and > us? Maybe but the result was the same, fight the Dems. In > Washington, I've had very little luck with either side but at least > we had Burton. The dems have Waxman. It ain't looking good for > your side. rofl > > Any Democrats out there?> > > > > > > > So, is it just me or are most of the good guys Republicans and > most> > of the bad guys Democrats in EOH?> > > > As a life-long democrat (and

something of a left-wing nut), I've > had> > a hard time coming to grips with this. > > > > Add that to the recent "head-in-the-sand" attitude toward> > interviewing from NPR and Air America (two of my favorite > Media > > mechanisms)and it feels like a kick in the gut.> > > > Are there any Dems in DC fighting for our cause, or, at the very > > least, believing it?> > -Jenni> > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------> -----------> >

[Guest guest]

You are unbelieveably eloquent - thanks for this Lenny and all that you do. Your report is what started me on the quest to cure my little man.

-Jennischaferatsprynet <schafer@...> wrote:

> Subject: Re: Any Democrats out there?>> This is a very interesting question. I am a republican and proud of > it. I am also a father with a child who is autistic.The left-right shoes don't fit our situation, those who getpolitically involved soon realize. Unfortunately, money and itscorrupt influence often overrides ideology of all stripes. Money,however, doesn't override our love for our children and our desire toprotect them. This is our common cause. You will find that the act ofworking together in this common cause has the effect of humanizing ourimage of our spectrum political opponents. Whatever negativestereotype one may have had of selfish, cold-hearted conservativerepublicans gets altered by Dan Burton and Dave Weldon,

amongstothers. And how right are those tree-hugging lefties who warn usabout the corporate plundering of our environment? How does one denyall our fish turning mercury, never mind our vaccines? This mercury disaster reveals both the real humanity and the real uglyunderbelly of both democrats and republicans and that will replace ourimagined stereotypes. Autism strikes across the board. It gets thegrandchildren of Democrat leaders, too. At 1 in 166 its only a matterof time before they answer the call. (I would not be surprized to seeSen. Kennedy take a higher profile on our behalf, too, soon.) Let our litmus test be: are you for or against vaccine damaged children? or "Is this legislation for or against the children?" aswell. Lenny

[Guest guest]

I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it

will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.

> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will

> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ain't it the truth?! I have been really struggling with this lately. I grew up in a conservative southern family and have basically been Rep. all my life, however, I am not finding much common ground with either party at this point. I wish there was just a party where people worked hard, were morally upstanding and self-regulatory, helped others when they needed it and didn't waste and pollute. I don't know that such a party will ever exist. I just know that I feel like I am sort of an outcast, which I am anyway with 3 kids on the spectrum. I guess I should be used to it! lol I think it just all comes down to taking responsibility for your actions, no matter how bad and they just need to get on with it...both parties.blu <flablows@...> wrote:

Like a friend of mine said - it's going to take the grandchild of a president to have autism before they get serious about it.Jenni Pozar <jpozar2@...> wrote:

Totally agree - just wish we could get a few 1st and 10s.... maybe a field goal?

Just wish they'd stop punting.timothybooton <timothybooton@...> wrote:

Polital affiliations seem not to matter to me at all anymore. I just want my son back. I don't care who makes this "their issue" as long as someone picks up the football and runs with it> > Hi, this may be one of perception. I have gone to the Florida > state capitol and the national capitol to lobby a number of times. > Sometimes for autism services, autism health bills, vaccine reform, > and whatever else I could throw in. Both sides say the same thing. > We care and we wish we could do something. They rarely do. But I > have had more success with Republicans than Democrats sadly. > > > >

Whenever we introduced legislation in Florida, the dems would kill > it - was that because the Republican governor supported the bill and > us? Maybe but the result was the same, fight the Dems. In > Washington, I've had very little luck with either side but at least > we had Burton. The dems have Waxman. It ain't looking good for > your side. rofl > > Any Democrats out there?> > > > > > > > So, is it just me or are most of the good guys Republicans and > most> > of the bad guys Democrats in EOH?> > > > As a life-long democrat (and

something of a left-wing nut), I've > had> > a hard time coming to grips with this. > > > > Add that to the recent "head-in-the-sand" attitude toward> > interviewing from NPR and Air America (two of my favorite > Media > > mechanisms)and it feels like a kick in the gut.> > > > Are there any Dems in DC fighting for our cause, or, at the very > > least, believing it?> > -Jenni> > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------> -----------> >

[Guest guest]

I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think

they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.

Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!

On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:

>

> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it

> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.

>

>

>

>

>

>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will

>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.

>>

>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to vote for Ralph Nader! ; ) Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote:

I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:>> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.>> >>>>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.>> >>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

I'd move to Canada.

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to vote for Ralph Nader! ; ) Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote: I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:>> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.>> >>>>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.>> >>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

Yes, I'd also move to Canada if faced with a Clinton v Frist vote. I bet a bunch of us would be tempted. But wait, then the Canadian gov't will be claiming their autism rates skyrocketed after the U.S. election -- or was it coincidence?

Amy

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to vote for Ralph Nader! ; ) Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote: I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:>> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.>> >>>>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.>> >>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

Frist Vs. Clinton would be grounds to move to Canada! <mckenzie>Good

call, eh? What a couple of hose heads!</mckenzie>

On Apr 26, 2005, at 7:36 PM, Amy Colannino wrote:

> Yes, I'd also move to Canada if faced with a Clinton v Frist vote. I

> bet a bunch of us would be tempted. But wait, then the Canadian gov't

> will be claiming their autism rates skyrocketed after the U.S.

> election -- or was it coincidence?

>  

> Amy

>> Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

>>>

>>> Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all

>>> have to vote for Ralph Nader!  ; )

>>>

>>> Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote:I just hope the democrats

>>> don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think

>>>> they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.

>>>>

>>>> Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!

>>>>

>>>> On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:

>>>>

>>>> >

>>>> > I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started

>>>> EOH, it

>>>> > will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >>  If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I

>>>> will

>>>> >> ever vote for a  Democrat in my life.

>>>> >>

>>>> >>

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >

>>>> >

[Guest guest]

At 08:21 PM 4/26/2005, you wrote:

>Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to

>vote for Ralph Nader! ; )

LOL, that's who I have been voting for. For my money, with both the Dems

and the Reps in the pockets of not just the vaccine and drug industry, but

all the other corporations responsible for polluting our planet and our

bodies, what else can a person do?

Avril Dannenbaum, tree hugger and mom to a child recovering from both lead

and mercury poisoning

[Guest guest]

they are more likely to believe that the elections somehow caused the autism than they would be to believe that thimerosal - the second most toxic substance on the planet injected into babies did. I bet they could even come up with "scientific" research to prove it. lol

Amy Colannino <amy.colannino@...> wrote:

Yes, I'd also move to Canada if faced with a Clinton v Frist vote. I bet a bunch of us would be tempted. But wait, then the Canadian gov't will be claiming their autism rates skyrocketed after the U.S. election -- or was it coincidence?

Amy

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to vote for Ralph Nader! ; ) Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote: I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:>> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.>> >>>>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.>> >>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

Hey Belly, we are getting a crawfish infusion up here!! In Sussex NJ, there is a crawfish festival first weekend of June and since you hooked Greta on crawfish, she wants to go!!!! www.crawfishfest.com It's the weekend after AutismOne.

btw, Greta will be in europe 6/15-7/4 so am thinking about making a trip down to the doc during that time with the boy. have plans?

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

I was registered as a Republican when Liam was diagnosed. So I switched to Democrat as a precautionary measure for Mairin's health and welfare. Soon I realized it didn't matter because both Republican and Democrat children were being diagnosed with autism at an equally frightening pace.

Kidding about the party affiliations...but now I am a Crat-ican...which means I tend to vote for the candidate that I think will do the better job at the time....and will pay attention to the needs of my little kiddos and my family. With an issue like this sometimes it is hard to pick a basket because there are both good and bad apples in both.

One thing I learned stomping around up there on the Hill was that they all put their pants on pretty much the same way, whether Democrat or Republican, as much as they hate to admit it and it doesn't matter all that much because our country is being run by 26 year old MBA kids...at least with regard to Congress....

....and the thing I learned about working in the political system in Louisiana...is that it pretty much is a Banana Republic. Anything goes down here.....with beer and crawfish and roux...even politics.

[Guest guest]

Why so down on H. Clinton? health reform has always been her baby. Maurine

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to vote for Ralph Nader! ; ) Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote: I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:>> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.>> >>>>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.>> >>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

Doesn't she want everyone to have government controlled health care? Maurine Meleck <emaurine@...> wrote:

Why so down on H. Clinton? health reform has always been her baby. Maurine

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to vote for Ralph Nader! ; ) Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote: I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:>> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.>> >>>>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.>> >>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

its the only way to go. GREEN

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

>

> At 08:21 PM 4/26/2005, you wrote:

> >Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to

> >vote for Ralph Nader! ; )

>

>

> LOL, that's who I have been voting for. For my money, with both the Dems

> and the Reps in the pockets of not just the vaccine and drug industry, but

> all the other corporations responsible for polluting our planet and our

> bodies, what else can a person do?

>

> Avril Dannenbaum, tree hugger and mom to a child recovering from both lead

> and mercury poisoning

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Didn't the government control our children's health when they injected them with poison??? Maurine

Re: Re: Any Democrats out there?

Can you imagine?? Bill Frist vs. Clinton...maybe we'll all have to vote for Ralph Nader! ; ) Nanstiel <erik@...> wrote: I just hope the democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot. I think they'd lose if Hillary got the Dem nomination.Frist would be Disaster Number 2 for this country!On Apr 26, 2005, at 6:33 PM, Cayce wrote:>> I told my husband the same thing two days ago. He just started EOH, it> will be interesting to see how he feels about Frist after reading.>> >>>>> If Frist is on the ballot in 2008 it will be the first time I will>> ever vote for a Democrat in my life.>> >>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

honey, that stuff isn't covered here either. Most of us blow through all the savings, retirement and beg from family before going into debt to cover medical treatment.

So is there a country where we can all move to (seek asylum?) and get care for our kids?

Re: Any Democrats out there?

I wouldn't be rushing to Cda if I were you! Although you can get your kids poisoned for FREE up here! What a deal :)Just can't cure them. That's not covered by medicare. I think that's why we don't have DAN drs here. "Extra billing" is illegal. They decide what's covered and you can get as much of "that" as you want at no cost. If it's not on the list, your out of luck.Laurie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/26/2005 9:23:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,

emaurine@... writes:

<< Why so down on H. Clinton? health reform has always been her baby.

Maurine >>

Well, for so many reasons. :-). But in part because a goodly portion of the

poisoning happened under The Clinton Administration. My suspicion is that much

more of the pharm's " blood money " was going to the Dems back then. Her " takes

a village " attitude is pretty consistent with government mandates and mantras

to vaccinate every kid for every " preventable " disease and initiatives like

" every child by two. " If the Clinton Administration knew of the risks

(elimination in Europe, from topicals, etc.) and had an " interim plan . . .

already in

place for many years " [1999 FDA memo] to get rid of TMS, why still here, and

why no formal recall in 2000, just a wimpy joint statement?

The political landscape has sort of shifted. From an official obcession

with full vaccination [still prevalent at CDC, AAP, etc.], we now have a

Republican-controlled government a bit more concerned with protecting its

corporate

" constituents " than kids. Ironically, the Republicans would have a " slam dunk "

against the Dems if they'd just figure it out: " Millions of Kids Poisoned by

Ruthless Clinton Administration Policy That Placed Profits Ahead of Safety --

Republicans to the Rescue! " But this is a pipe dream. On the Hill, Dems are

generally MUCH more helpful, or say they are, than Reps. Both parties still

have their feet of clay.

The " good news " is that her obcession with becoming president will likely

provide sufficient motivation for her to help " fix it, " even play a

leadership role. From 1990 to 2004, pharms and health products have contributed

$119

million to federal elections (individuals, PACs, and " soft " money). Overall 2/3

to Reps and 1/3 to Dems. Industry is 15th in giving out of 80 ranked. See

below for an analysis of the 2000 election cycle influence by pharm, yes in part

driven by concerns over drug price regulation and pending changes to Medicare.

We'll obviously never have enough $$ to outspend pharma, but we have

thousands of parent-lobbyists, and many tens of thousands of activist grass

roots.

They may have most of the money, but we have the votes. One of my political

" wet dreams " is that the affected community is large enough and mad enough [or

will get that way thanks, e.g., to EOH], to engage in a little " single issue "

voting. With control of all three branches of government literally at the

tipping point and blocks of precious electoral votes going for a few thousand

popular votes, if the two parties actually believed and internalized the " single

issue voting " possibility of this community, then they'd engage in a

never-before-seen " bidding war " to " fix " the problem, i.e. ban mercury, set up

the HgSF

[mercury poisoning superfund], hold some harsh investigative hearings to

expose the scoundrals, and symbolically throw a few of their butts in the poky

for

good measure. Oh well . . . back to reality. The important thing to remember

is that this community has awesome political power, VOTES, even if not much

money, if we can bring this power to bear in a united and convincing manner. The

community has already made political history in Washington, thanks in part to

the incredible efforts of listers and others, on the virtually instantaneous

repeal of the infamous Lilly Rider, and this story is very well known around

here. The PAC [being organized by the " usual suspects " - you know who you are]

is a good first step. This will lead, among other things, to a rating system

for Congress to use as a voting guide, and to official demands to each party

[both of whom committed to remove mercury from vax's]. My dream is that, never

before in modern political history, enough voters will make politicians'

commitment to the kids and families THE controlling factor in exercising what is

perhaps the most potentially valuable individual right in America - the right to

vote. OK, enough of this rant, just my $0.02. jim

[from public citizen]

The Other Drug War: Big Pharma's 625 Washington Lobbyists

Executive Summary

This new Public Citizen report shows how the pharmaceutical industry fought

last year, like never before, against the looming threat that Congress and

President Clinton would provide senior citizens with drug coverage under

Medicare.

Worried that the bulk buying power of Medicare would lead to discounted

prices in the lucrative senior citizen market, the drug industry launched an

unprecedented blitz of lobbying, campaign contributions, and so-called " issue "

ads

to help its political allies and attack its enemies.

The bill for that barrage recently became public with the availability of all

lobby disclosure reports for the year 2000. Using these lobbying reports,

along with data on the industry’s other political spending, " The Other Drug

War:

Big Pharma’s 625 Washington Lobbyists " shows the following:

The drug industry spent $262 million on political influence in the 1999-2000

election cycle: $177 million on lobbying, $65 million on issue ads and $20

million on campaign contributions.

The industry hired 625 different lobbyists last year to buttonhole lawmakers

– or more than one lobbyist for every member of Congress. Unlike data on

contributions and campaign ads, this comprehensive information on lobbying has

recently become available (most lobbying details for the second half of 2000

didn’t become available from Congress until May 2001 and no organization has

analyzed the data as thoroughly as Public Citizen).

The bill for this team of lobbyists in 2000 alone: $92.3 million – a $7.2

million increase over what the industry spent for lobbying in 1999. Brand name

drug companies spent $90.0 million, generic drug companies spent $2.3 million.

Drug companies took advantage of the revolving door between Congress and

other branches of the federal government and the industry. Of the 625 lobbyists

employed in 2000, more than half were either former members of Congress (21) or

others who previously worked in Congress or in other federal government

positions (295).

The drug industry spent more (based on available data) on lobbying and other

political persuasion than any other industry in 1999-2000.

The drug industry lobbyists were well-connected: 33 served as Chief of Staff

to members of Congress; 11 others worked for the powerful House Ways and Means

Committee, which has jurisdiction over a Medicare drug bill; eight others

worked for the key Senate Judiciary Committee, where drug patent law is crafted.

In addition, six worked for the Bush I administration; five worked for former

House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.); four worked for former Senate Judiciary

Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah); five worked for current Senate Health,

Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Kennedy (D-Mass.); four

worked

for former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.); and three worked for

current Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.).

The drug industry lobbyists primarily worked against a Medicare prescription

drug benefit and bills that might moderate rising drug prices. Public

Citizen’s lobbying database shows that drug industry lobbyists worked most on

bills

pertaining to a Medicare drug benefit, mentioning the issue 2,542 times in last

year’s lobby disclosure reports. Pricing issues – which included patent and

drug re-importation legislation – were mentioned 2,403 times on disclosure

reports.

In part, these lobbyists gained access to members of Congress and their staff

members, thanks to an aggressive campaign of political contributions ($20

million in the 1999-2000 election cycle) and TV ads ($65 million in 1999-2000)

that often supported Republican candidates and attacked Democratic candidates.

The industry made $20.1 million in direct contributions to candidates and

party committees in the 1999-2000 election cycle, with 59 percent of that coming

in huge soft money donations, often of $100,000 or more. Seventy-six percent

of all drug industry contributions went to Republicans.

In 2001, the drug industry continues to expand its influence. The drug

industry contributed $625,000 to the Bush-Cheney inaugural, and campaign

contribution reports for the first half of 2001, which are just becoming

available, show

that the industry has dumped at least $1.4 million in soft money into party

committee coffers already this year.

The industry also continues to use the revolving door between Capitol Hill

and K Street to its advantage. Newly registered drug industry lobbyists in 2001

include former aides to ex-House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), new Senate

Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and new Senate Health,

Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Kennedy (D-Mass.).

---

Published on Friday, November 8, 2002 by the Los Angeles Times

Drug Industry Poised to Reap Political Dividends

Pharmaceutical firms and other major donors to winning GOP candidates are

ready to push their legislative agendas in Washington

by Vicki Kemper

WASHINGTON -- Few industries campaigned harder than pharmaceutical

manufacturers to elect Republicans to the new Congress, and few industries are

better

positioned to reap the rewards of the election returns, analysts said Thursday.

" The pharmaceutical industry may be at the front of the line of groups

looking at the next two years as an opportunity to make a lot of progress on

their

issues, " said Larry Makinson, senior fellow at the nonpartisan Center for

Responsive Politics in Washington.

It is a long line, with some related industries -- insurance companies, HMOs

and physicians -- crowded near the front, along with energy companies,

financial services and much of the rest of corporate America's elite.

Their wish lists have many items in common, notably less regulation and more

tax incentives.

For drug manufacturers, that translates to no price controls, no patent

reform and laws that keep drugs that are sold at cut rates abroad from being

resold

in the U.S. at the lower prices.

For insurance companies, it means tax credits to help the uninsured buy

health coverage -- but no requirement that mental illnesses be covered like

other

diseases. HMOs want to put an end to efforts to make it easier for patients to

sue their health plans, and physicians are seeking malpractice reform and

higher Medicare payments.

In every case, the new Republican-controlled Congress will make an industry's

preferred outcome more likely.

And while drug manufacturers and other health-care industries were quick to

describe Tuesday's election results as proof that voters agree with them on key

issues, " the real story here is money, " said Rother, director of policy

and strategy at AARP, the 35-million-member seniors' lobby.

Blendon, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, agreed

that the pharmaceutical industry's election day successes said more about the

effectiveness of its political spending than voters' views.

" It was really the money they spent in the hinterlands helping candidates and

the money they spent on advertising to soften the blow of the issues so the

number of voters who would vote on these issues would go down, " he said.

As of June 30, drug and nutritional supplement manufacturers ranked ninth

among more than 80 industry groups in direct contributions to congressional

candidates and political parties, according to Federal Election Commission

records

compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. At that time, 73% of its $18.1

million in contributions had gone to Republican candidates and party

committees.

But those numbers reflect only a portion of what the $400-billion-a-year

industry spent to influence Tuesday's elections. When FEC records from the last

four months become available, the industry's contribution total will surely go

up.

On top of that, drug manufacturers consistently rank among the top two

industry groups in money spent to lobby Congress. With more than 400 registered

lobbyists -- nearly one for each of the 535 members of Congress -- the

pharmaceutical industry spent nearly $97 million in 2000, according to records

filed with

the Secretary of the Senate and compiled by the Center for Responsive

Politics.

The industry and its sponsored advocacy groups also spend tens of millions of

dollars on print and television ads. In the months before Tuesday's

elections, they used photographs of sick children and frail seniors to suggest

that

generic drugs would make them worse.

While the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA,

would not reveal the size of its advertising budget, an industry official who

spoke on condition of anonymity said published reports citing ad expenditures of

$30 million a year were " not inaccurate. "

The United Seniors Assn., an advocacy group financed almost entirely by

PhRMA, Pfizer Inc. and other drug companies, reportedly spent more than $12

million

in the campaign's closing weeks to air radio and television ads that

encouraged voters to support Republican candidates.

All that spending appears to have paid off, analysts said.

The industry's top political priority, for example, a Medicare prescription

drug benefit run by private insurance companies rather than the government, is

virtually " settled by the outcome of the elections, " said Blendon. " That's

what they spent their money to get. "

Drug manufacturers " won't win everything they want " from the Republican

Congress, he added, " but the something that gets done will be relatively

nonthreatening. They are direct beneficiaries of the outcome of the election. "

This year, most health-care legislation languished in stalemates between the

Republican-majority House and the Democratic-controlled Senate. The House, for

example, passed a Medicare prescription drug benefit that would be

administered by private insurance companies; the Senate debated three versions

of a drug

benefit but did not pass any of them.

Likewise, while the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill making it easier for

generic drugs to get to market, the House did not consider it. Similar

divisions stalled action on tax credits for the uninsured, expanded legal rights

for

HMO patients and a measure that would have prevented health insurance plans

that cover treatment for mental illness from limiting that coverage.

" The industry works with Republicans and Democrats, " the industry official

said. " But over the last three or four years, some Democrats said they were

going to make prescription drugs the campaign issue. "

The industry's political efforts were needed to help the public see through

" that demagoguery and rhetoric " and realize that the continued production of

life-saving medicines -- not drug prices or the demonization of drug companies

-- was the key issue, the official said.

A survey conducted for PhRMA last week asked whether " politicians who are

criticizing prescription drug companies are motivated primarily by a desire to

gain political advantage or by a desire to lower drug prices. "

Of the 1,000 voters in the survey, 51% said drug-company criticism was mostly

about politics, leading PhRMA President Alan F. Holmer to conclude that

" voters do not want to jeopardize the miracle of life-saving innovation in

modern

medicines. "

Voters were not asked whether they thought drug prices were too high.

Copyright 2002 Los Angeles Times