>>Isn't it interesting how the Bush administration is all for free trade and outsourcing U.S. jobs, but has a problem with U.S. citizens buying cheaper drugs from Canada? The only argument I have heard supporting the ban on buying drugs from Canada is that the FDA can't assure their quality. Has anyone else heard a better argument.
>
>That implies that the FDA does have a handle on quality assurance in the U.S.A.
>
>I recollect one (possibly two) 60 Minutes episodes in the last 3 years where drug counterfeiters were running large operations and making millions. One was Florida-based and another was elsewhere. There was outright faking and there was cutting of strengths and there was relabeling to more expensive drugs.
>
>It's obviously just a poor excuse that doesn't hold real water. Most of the drugs come from the U.S. in bulk and are sent back as prescriptions.

Yes, it's a pretty poor excuse. I wonder what makes prescriptions cheaper in Canada? Does the Canadian government cap the cost they pay the U.S. drug companies, or do the drugs cost less because they are subsidized by the Canadian govt.?

>BUT... you have exposed the fakery of "FREE TRADE". It is NOT AT ALL meant for the USE of the people, but rather for the benefit of corporations/business.

As you may guess, I disagree.

>I had tons of trouble 'importing' individual books from Hentzenwerkes. Seems they (intermittently, but usually) needed "Customs Clearance", which of course is a "service" that of course does have a COST attached. Why would "free trade" require customs clearance"??? That certainly makes it neither free movement nor "free" (of charges).

That does seem odd. I don't know much about customs costs, but I am assuming this was a cost the Canadian govt. added?