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Time to bring drug manufacturing home

Shaving a few dollars off the cost to consumers of some medicines — and yes, padding profits on their sale — have led many U.S. drug companies to rely on overseas manufacturers for the products. Last week, the truth of warnings against such dependence was proven. U.S. public health officials reported a certain drug — which they would not identify — has become scarce in this country because of manufacturing difficulties in China. The trouble is linked to the COVID-19 outbreak that is centered in China and has killed at least 3,000 people there. Food and Drug Administration ...

Avoid rash, spur-of-the-moment investment decisions

Many of us have little detailed, direct control over our investments, which are in 401K funds and other instruments through which we save money for retirement. But for those who can and do make regular decisions on how their money is invested, this last week or so has not been a pleasant time. One headline sums it up: Stock market takes worst dive since 2008. Blame COVID-19, otherwise known as “the coronavirus.” The possibility of a crippling worldwide epidemic has made some investors jittery. This is no time to panic, however. As both local and national investment ...

Federal government needs to assure census data secure

Learning how many people live in the United States — and how they live — is important for any number of reasons. That is why the census is conducted every decade. Information the census collects is of interest not just to demographers. It is used to apportion states’ members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It helps direct federal dollars to areas where schools need the most help, where economic development needs to be a priority, even where health care needs are greatest. Accurate information is critical, then. That means honest answers to Census Bureau questionnaires ...

How young is too young to be arrested?

Children, even very young ones, can be very difficult. On occasion, parents, teachers and others supervising them have to be very strict to protect the youngsters and others around them. But should a 6-year-old be arrested and carted off to any sort of detention by law enforcement officials? Are you kidding? Sadly, no. This week, The Associated Press reported what happened to Kaia Rolle, 6, of Orlando, Florida. She allegedly kicked and punched some staff members at her school. Someone called the police. Indeed, a brief, careful conversation with an officer might have brought home ...

Take common sense precautions against any viral disease

So, how worried should I be about COVID-19? What do I need to do to keep myself and my loved ones safe? There is reason for concern about COVID-19, the coronavirus that has spread to 50 countries after breaking out in China. As of Thursday morning, the disease had killed about 2,800 people. An estimated 82,000 people have come down with it. Nearly all the victims are in China. Cases in other nations are reported in single and double digits, for the most part. Just 60 cases have occurred in the United States. Patients here are being quarantined. COVID-19 is from a type of disease ...

Weinstein but one of countless evildoers

Harvey Weinstein may be going to prison for a long time. Good. His years of victimizing women should be punished. This week in a New York courtroom, Weinstein was found guilty of rape and sexual assault against two women. He is to be sentenced, to as long as 29 years in prison, on March 11. He faces similar charges in California. For many years, the powerful, wealthy film industry executive got away with preying on young actresses and those aspiring to careers in entertainment. That has come to an end. But what of the other evildoers involved in the situation? The men and women ...