It seems like catastrophes must be competing for something. We had the tragic Louisiana flooding that resulted in an estimated 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed, the raging California wildfires that have burned many acres of land and homes, then the earthquake in Italy that caused a great number of deaths and injuries as well as the destruction of villages and 200- to 300-year-old buildings. This was followed by a severe tornado in Indiana.
The grief and loss suffered by the people who live in these areas must be unbearable.
They should be in all our thoughts and prayers.
On a far less tragic scale, but unfortunate, was the episode of the young U.S. Olympic swimmers who messed up their futures somewhat by their actions at the gas station and then reportedly fabricated a story that they had been robbed at gunpoint. I feel sorry for the three younger swimmers who were allegedly talked into fabricating the tale by the older guy for reasons unknown.
Changing the subject abruptly, I had a note from someone who asked me if I knew why pharmacies in stores were almost always located all the way to the back so far from the store's entrance, which caused disabled or sick people extra effort. I assume it is because most pharmacies have a drive-up window, and it is a matter relative to that. Also, carts are usually available for disabled people to drive in the store.
Speaking of pharmacies, I guess almost everyone is aware of the 450 percent price increase for Epipen, which is used for treating allergies from bug stings or food, etc. The CEO of the company just raised her salary from $2.9 million per year to $16.9 million after a bill was passed requiring schools to stock the Epipen, greatly expanding the market. One of the kits sold for about $25 two or three years ago. Now the Epipen sells for $500, or more.
I am very allergic to bee and yellow jacket stings, and one of my grown sons is. He almost died from one sting, but the Epipen saved his life. We have since kept it on hand, but it is only good for a year. A grandson is allergic to Yellow No. 6 and we need to keep the Epipen available for him.
Personally, I wish all prescription drugs would be banned from being advertised on TV. That should help reduce their ridiculously high prices. The drug companies spend millions on TV ads to promote drugs that doctors know more about than the patients. I am tired of having to watch all those blood thinner drugs, and the notices that suits are being filed by some of their users.
Well, I have discussed several topics and avoided several more. I hope everyone has a pleasant Labor Day!
-- Louis Houston is a resident of Siloam Springs. His book "The Grape-Toned Studebaker" is available locally and from Amazon.com. Send any questions or comments to [email protected] or call 524-6926. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Community on 08/31/2016