For the past several decades we have watched as our federal government has squandered billions of dollars in funds, and imposed a myriad of ineffective legislation to combat an unviable enemy; and all in the politically charged name of the ever-pressing "war on drugs."" Within the past decade or so however, a new "war on drugs- is being waged. Not on the crime-ridden streets of the inner-city, or in the ranks of South American inter-continental drug cartels, or even proactive law enforcement administrations. No, now however we are seeing a vicious battle play out between lawmakers, and pharmaceutical firms, and not to mention a confused and angry public.
Since the late 1980's, one of the biggest issues in the pharmaceutical industry has pertained to the implementation of cheaper, generic prescription drugs, manufactured as "knock-offs- of major labels by generic drug producers. The Bush administration has just made a key move that could have major repercussions down the road, but precisely what kind? "Rules that President Bush proposed [on 10/21/02] to make it easier for Americans to buy generic drugs were swiftly challenged by key lawmakers and consumer representatives, who contended that the plan was politically timed and might not go into effect for years -- if at all- (6). The widely unexpected move is in some senses a slap in the face to major pharmaceutical firms, who have in the past been big supporters of the Bush administration. .
The decision has sparked further debate in the House and Senate, and has been described as politically charged. "House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri called it an 11th-hour, election-year gimmick'- (1). The prescription drug issue has been towards the tops of many politicians' latest political platforms, and has been called a "hot button- during this years election campaigns. Critics have recently argued that the proposal would allow a "Republican administration, which has opposed stronger legislation pending in Congress [in the past], to command attention and credit on a popular issue just two weeks before the midterm elections- (6).
