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More than Three Candidates in 5th District
By Lenny Rasch, Plymouth
The article "Making Prescription Drugs Affordable" by Joseph A. Zdonczyk, published in the September 6 issue of The Voice, conveniently ignored some important points. While the goal of affordable drugs is one we all welcome, the plan recommended is neither achievable nor affordable.
First, please note that it was erroneously stated that there were "three" candidates for Congress in the 5th District. Joining the Republicrat politicians, Joe Zdonczyk chose to ignore the presence of Walter Gengarelly on the ballot in the 5th District. Walter is the candidate for the Libertarian Party, which is the third largest party in the U.S. The Libertarian Party is running more candidates for Congress this year than all of the other 21 "independent" parties put together.
In the article Mr. Zdonczyk reminds us that Connecticut has the highest per-capita tax in the country. Yet his "prescription plan" requires that taxes be raised to cover 100% of prescription costs for seniors. So which is it? Are taxes too high already, or should they be higher?
The centerpiece of Mr. Zdonczyk’s prescription plan is total government control of the pharmaceutical companies. He will control their pricing. He will control their return, guaranteeing a maximum return of 6%. So what is their minimum return? What does the word "guarantee" mean in this context?
I’m sure that Mr. Zdonczyk invests his own money in whatever assets he feels will give him the best return. Why would millions of middle-class Americans invest in pharmaceutical companies at 6%, if they could earn 8 or 9 or 12% in a different investment? How will new drugs be researched and distributed if there is no investment? Oh, such troublesome little problems.
The real cause of high prescription costs is the huge expense of complying with FDA regulations. While other industrialized countries bring drugs to market within a year or two, the U.S. takes eight to ten years. How does it take that long for the government to complete testing and paperwork? This is costly, not just in money, but also in suffering and in countless lives.
If today’s retirees had been permitted to save their own 15% (employer and employee) in payroll taxes in investments of their own choice, most would have far more money than they will receive from Social Security and better health coverage than Medicare provides today. Many elderly are poor, because they relied on Social Security and Medicare for retirement. Surely we can allow our young people to choose a better retirement for their future than governmental programs have provided for today’s seniors.
Only one Congressional candidate is being totally honest with you. Protect your financial future and that of your children by voting for Walter Gengarelly for Congressman from Connecticut’s 5th District.
Lenny Rasch is the State Comptroller candidate for the Libertarian Party.
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