Posted on 01/16/2010 5:36:57 AM PST by tobyhill
The drug industry is threatening to end its support for President Barack Obama's health overhaul effort because of a rift with the administration over protecting brand-name biotech drugs from low-cost generic competitors.
In an e-mail obtained Friday by The Associated Press, the president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America told the trade group's board members that "we could not support the bill" if the industry is given less than 12 years of competitive protection for the expensive products.
Obama and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., are leading the drive to shorten that period, which proponents argue would be a boon to consumers.
"Please activate immediately all of your contacts," said the e-mail from Billy Tauzin, the group's president.
The pharmaceutical industry has been a crucial supporter of Obama's health effort, having spent many tens of millions of dollars on advertising and lobbying in support. Drug companies should profit from the millions of additional people who would be able to afford health coverage under the legislation.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Those snakes got in bed with the Commies and now they want us to feel sorry for them? Gee what a surprise!
This would be icing on the cake and I actually believe the drug companies see Obama’s political weakness and are probably going to drop all support.
Get the popcorn!
We should protest these drug companies by reimporting their products from Canada at cheaper prices. If they want to screw us, then screw them!
Darn right! Let them keep their little patent protection but we’ll just do the little re-importation deal.
I honestly don't get why any drug company would support nationalization of health care. If anything, it would lead to far less purchasing of all those new patented expensive meds that generate profit for drug companies.
And who's to say that a government that is willing to expropriate the health care system wouldn't also be willing to steal a drug patent or two as well?
I pretty much don’t give a rat’s ass what you do, boys. You had the opportunity to do the right thing and fight. But you and insurance decided instead to buy yoursleves jobs as Obama’s house slaves.
You deserve ever double cross you get.
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I have a feeling there is a lot we aren't being told.
If I live to be a hundred, I'll never understand that mentality. These scum-bag democrat politicians target an industry, demonize the hell of it and threaten its very existence if it does not comply with the extortion demands
Then the very same industry comes crawling to the sleazy democrat politicians, tongue out and willing to lick democrat boots in exchange for a little 'liberal compassion'. Bull $hit!! Just once I'd love to see one of those fancy executive CEO's fight back and I mean Jimmy Hoffa style!
Capitalism is under direct attack and its generals are the ones leading the surrender. Cowards!
Well put! I think when fascism comes into town, it's virtually always the supposed leaders of capitalism that come flocking down to give it a ticker tape parade. In their mind, government favoritism and control reduces the risk of doing business, eliminates the competition and the need to produce and innovate, and guarantees them life and power. So what's not to like?
I dunno. Seems like Obama and co. have a spell on the supposed smart execs. Guess it is esay to sell snake oil to snakes.
"K" street and lobbying is all about the tax code, that is where the corruption begins.
My guess in the next 2 years their is a big push for Flat or Fair Tax and let the debate begin for those systems.
Big Pharma, the NEA, AARP can all take a hike as far as I am concerned!
That’s what happens when you make a deal with the devil. Too late for them now.
This could actually be an out for Obama. He could drop the so-called health care and blame it on big pharma.
This reminds of the episode of MASH where Hawkeye is willing to wheel and deal with anyone for a needed new pair of boots. Everyone in the process is out for themselves and in a complex matrix of favors Hawkeye ultimately ends up bootless. Could we be so lucky?
http://exposingtheleft.blogspot.com/2010/01/drug-industry-threatening-to-end.html
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