Letters to the Editor
Drugs from Canada needed to survive
From Wallace Hardie
Selma
This letter is for general public information. My wife and I have for several years purchased some of our more expensive drugs from Canada: Drugs that we simply could not afford if purchased in America.
They are drugs that without question are vital to the existence of life. Drugs that my government by law would not allow Americans to buy from Canada.
One could be any other nationality in the world, and there would be absolutely no problem. Those same drugs bought here in America by Americans cost 40 to 60 percent more. Recently the time came to place another order.
When dialing the number for the pharmacy in Canada, we were informed that the number could no longer be reached from our area code. This is the latest attempt of my government to keep Americans from purchasing the very same drugs sold to Canada by American pharmacies.
They are drugs from drug manufacturers that contributed millions to our president’s political well-being -- to keep Americans from purchasing drugs that were sold (by the drug companies) for substantial profits.
That profit was not enough; they want a profit three to four times that amount, and my president does his best to conform to their wants. I recently contacted my congressional representative to inquire if there is anything we as senior citizens can do to get life-saving drugs at a price we can afford.
His answer was, “Yes, vote for an administration that cares for its citizens.” In the meantime we will continue to circumvent a law meant to punish Americans for the political gain of our president. There are still ways to purchase drugs from Canada, and we will continue to break President Bush’s law in order to survive.
But this is a hell-of-a-way to survive. It is very difficult for me to believe that Americans must resort to under-handed methods in order to stay alive.
This is not the United States of America that so many of us fought for, bled for and have died for.
‘Us’ vs. ‘them’ mentality said worsening in area
From Heather Goodell
Cave Junction
Grants Pass residents are embarrassed after a local couple appeared on the show, “Trading Spouses.”
They should be. I believe that the woman’s attitudes represent a fair cross-section in this community.
For several years, I have listened to Southern Oregon blame “Californians” for our over-development woes, and at the same time for being tree-huggers who hinder development and employment, which is a contradiction in itself.
The people of Grants Pass are worried that America will see us as prejudiced against race and sexual orientation. Yet it’s OK to bash “Californians?” What’s the difference?
The “us” vs. “them” mentality is festering in Southern Oregon.
A tongue-in-cheek view of some folks
From Stephen L. Cochran
Paso Robles, Calif.
My wife and I recently came through your lovely valley, and spent a few days walking about Cave Junction and taking in other sights. Some of them are along your main street.
We had seen your newspaper because friends in the area had mailed us a few back issues. While in town we bought some current issues. Some of what goes on, noted in your “Police Blotter,” is a bit hard to swallow, but we know that you’re only reporting the news.
This may sound harsh and overly sarcastic, but we think, being a retired psychologist and a counselor respectively, that your community could be a showcase for unusual people. Especially those wandering up and down your main street.
Just a little note to maybe get the ball rolling.
