Re: Udall- earmarking objection

["Charles T. Meyer" <cmeyer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Regarding "earmarking".  The MDs and Ph.D.'s  at NIH are experts in
research not necessarily in public policy.  Their priorities may be
following up on some interesting findings in basic science which may not
have relevance at least immediately to the curing of a particular
disease but possibly might offer knowledge useable in the future.  The
political process is designed to put pressure from the public on what
are our our needs and priorities.  I think the people at NIH are likely
good people who see the world through scientists glasses.  If you look
at the $20 million per year spent on a disease where breakthrough is
imminent to arrest and even cure an illness which costs society between
$5 and 31 billion dollars a year in this time of fiscal restraint public
policy concerns dictate putting the dollars into research which will
decrease that cost to society.  To be cynical,  PD usually doesn't
usually shorten life,  it leaves us in a state where we become dependent
and that costs the bean counters in congress more than if we had a fatal
acute illness.  We won't mention the human suffering here.  That is not
relevant.
**********************************************************
CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D.
MADISON, WISCONSIN
cmeyer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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will johnston wrote:
>
> At 09:37 PM 3/27/97 -0500, you wrote:
> >Does anyone have any experience responding to a congressman who would not
> >cosponsor because of earmarking ?  I am seeking as many ideas as possible.
> >Thanks
> >Barbara
> >
> Dear Barbara,
>
> The theory is give the money to NIH. They should know where to spend it
> best. Ran into this with Senator Roth [R. DEL].  It makes  sense to have the
> "pros" at NIH decide, but with pressure from others we are getting short
> schriff.
> Will
> And here's to long "ons" and short "offs"
>
> WILL JOHNSTON   4049 OAKLAND SCHOOL ROAD
>                 SALISBURY, MD 21804-2716
>                 410-543-0110
> Pres A.P.D.A.  DelMarVa Chapter