Will-- I think the idea of a bunch of questions focused on PD $$$$$ is
good--perhaps the national PD orgs could manage to get this going? The
questions would be the same.,I expect, in every Congressional district--but
the answers would differ a lot ! Our own Rep. Boehner has always refused
to support Udall etc on the grounds that he disapproves of
"earmarking"---others would express their support, and this would give
folks some idea of where they stand. If "big business" can lobby, I don't
see why we can't continue to do so !
William Harshaw wrote :
>
>Remember that politics is merely the art and craft of deciding policy. I
>don't think P.I.E.N. should endorse specific candidates, but we could have a
>few litmus test questions for all candidates, for example:
>1) What are the public policy implications of neurodegenerative diseases
>becoming the second-largest killer, surpassing cancer, by the year 2040?
>
>2) How would you allocate funding amongst the neurodegenerative diseases?
>
>3) What are your views on the use of human foetal cells and porcine cells
>in research and clinical trials, and ulitimately in regular surgical
>therapy?
>
>Q2 is a real minefield. For example, should you fnd research to cure MS or
>PD?
>
>MS usually strikes in the second and third decades. Finding the causes and
>developing cures would mean that those who othrwise have MS - likely about
>three quarters of a million people would have:
>i) career earnings on which they would pay income tax
>ii) lifetime contribtions to social programs
>iii) a normal family life, with children, &c
>
>PD, on the other hand, usually strikes in the sixth or seventh decades when
>the estimated milion and a quarter victims are:
>i) past peak earning power, hence not a growing source of tax revenue
>ii) are consmers rather than contributors to social programs
>
>Carefully framed questions will elicit responses which will enable list
>members to mae an informed decision
>
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 81/70/55
Oxford, Ohio
http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm
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"Ask me about the CARE list for
Caregivers of Parkinsonians ! "
