The real problem is prices are too high

I agree with Vanessa Bopp’s Aug. 8 letter titled: “Prescription Drugs: Together seniors make an impact,” but only as it relates to the title of the letter.

Ms. Bopp states that seniors “are angry that they have worked through the depression, fought for their country, and paid into a social services system that won’t pay them back.” Don’t count me as one of those who is angry for having lived in this country for the past 66 years. Come on seniors, get a grip. Just because you lived through adversity doesn’t mean you have the right to the hard-earned money of your children and grandchildren. Why do we as seniors expect our working children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors to buy our prescriptions for us? Dwelling on the past only the clouds the issue: prescription drug prices are too high and the government (taxpayers) are being asked to foot the bill.

There is no question that the drug companies are ripping us off. It is my understanding that Americans pay the highest prices for prescription drugs of anyone in the world. The question is, why would you go to the government, who have provided a failing Medicaid system, a failing Medicare system and failing Social Security system to solve the prescription drug problem? That’s like asking the guy who built you an unstable garage with a leaky roof to build you a new house.

I agree with the statement that “Together, seniors can make an impact,” but I have another suggestion. Rather than petitioning the taxpayers to purchase our prescriptions, let’s try the following: Buy your prescriptions in Canada where you can save 60 to 70 percent. If enough seniors will do this, the drug companies will feel the pinch, so will your local pharmacist who hopefully would start putting pressure on the drug companies. Secondly, encourage your congress people to pass legislation that will allow U.S. companies to purchase drugs wholesale in Canada. This would result in lower prices here.

Arlington

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