In your usual inimitable style, you make every word speak volumes.I
wouldn't change a thing.
By the way, please excuse my ignorance (or is it innocence), but I
thought one of the reasons for earmarking funds for specific diseases
was to PREVENT politcs in the world of research science! Or at least in
the world of NIH.
I think you have done an excellent job.
Hilary Blue
________________________________________________________________________

William Heitman wrote:
>
>   Hello Group,
> Would you believe this took me all day?  I am still not completely happy with
> it.  Suggestions?
>
>                                         5 Aug 98
>
> Dear Senator Stevens:
>
> Although I am unaware of the particulars, I want to celebrate your vision
> concerning budgeting "earmarked funds" for specific diseases.  It seems to me
> that we share the following view:
>
> Chairman John Porter (House Appropriations Committee), Dr.  Harold Varmus
> (Director, NIH), and others see things differently than we.
>
> I understand that they have these two notions:
>
> 1.  That such initiatives as PL 105-78 (the Udall Act) somehow represent
> "micromanaging."
>
> 2.    That this situation constitutes some sort of Trojan horse to get
> politics into the world of research science.
>
> To me, believing these notions constitutes a lack of wisdom, and acting on
> them constitutes a (functional) lack of compassion.
>
> Chairman Porter's objections might seem logical to someone who can go home and
> relax in a healthy body.  That logic is flawed to those of us suffering these
> diseases.
>
> Opting for slowing research funding does the taxpayer no favor.  For instance,
> the $100 million in research and education, funds for which we persons with
> Parkinson's Disease (PWP-PD) ask are a pittance compared to the cost of
> maintaining the status quo.
>
> Overall, NIH funding has been increased and will likely be increased even
> more.  I think this is wise.
>
> The logic that curing PD quickly will be enormously cost effective, is
> indisputable.  Perhaps when the situation is ripe, earmarking of funds might
> even prove to be an effective tool for regular use.
>
> Like any other form of human endeavor, earmarking funds can certainly be
> misused.  Perhaps your issue and PD can lead the way.
>
> God bless you.
>
> William H Heitman, M.D. (Ret)
> Mary F. Heitman, CG
>
> Phone-(618) 628-0123
> Fax-(618) 628-0134
> e-mail- [log in to unmask]
> Time is money.  Time is life.
> End Parkinson's Disease, now.