>>>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.
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>>That implies that the FDA does have a handle on quality assurance in the U.S.A.
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>>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.
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>>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.
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>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.?

Canada does have price caps. There is NO subsidization of drug costs, BUT it is possible that somewhere deep in our tax code there are 'goodies' for the drug companies.
But I think it come down, essentially, to the idea that the drug companies will always charge what they believe the market will bear. In the U.S., in the absence of restrictions, the market can bear a lot. In Canada that option is preculded by the price caps.

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>>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.
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>As you may guess, I disagree.
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>>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).
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>That does seem odd. I don't know much about customs costs, but I am assuming this was a cost the Canadian govt. added?
Well I did NOT pay the government. In one case it was UPS that I paid $41.xx customs clearing and GST collection (GST forming $3.50 but the service fee for that being $8.00!!!). In the other case it was a call from some unknown company and they only charged $28. or so, and I forget details on the other ones.
I'd say 2/3 of the shipments came with added costs and one third came through unscathed. I have no idea HOW this happened, but I do know that I was not the only one. Whil stopped shipping to Canada because of numerous similar events.
My personal guess is that the law, or possibly a specific reading of the law, permits this and some companies take advantage.

So what is it that you disagree about, GIVEN THESE EXPERIENCES???

cheers