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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.