Two items of interest today regarding Vermont. First, how the state leads the nation:
Vermont has become the first state to sue the FDA over the importation of prescriptions from Canada. It appears that Vermont feels there is a legal and responsible plan to go forward, and the FDA is not buying it.
The FDA says that there is a safety risk of drugs from other countries, including those made right here in the U.S. and shipped to Canada that would then be reimported at a lower cost.
The FDA must think that something happens to these American products as they get delivered. If this is so, the border has no effect... any transportation of prescriptions manufactured here and shipped anywhere could be "a risk," right?
Governor Douglas is going ahead with the lawsuit. He has rejected the idea of setting up any plan without FDA approval, though, prefering to work with the system and not rock too many proverbial boats.
Attorney General William Sorrell said he was amazed at the FDA's decision. I am not amazed. It makes sense that the FDA would want to protect the profits of the pharmaceutical industry, and Vermont threatens them.
The second story of the day is not about leading, but following. Dorset has become the second town in Vermont to talk of seceding to New Hampshire.
What is with whiny, wealthy towns trying to get out of paying their share to the state? It seems that Dorset residents don't like educating the children of the state. Rather than exercise their freedom to move to another town with lower taxes, they bitch. Rather than move to New Hampshire, they want to join it from the comfort of Vermont.
Dorset and Killington folks, get a clue. You are wealthy. It is your responsibility to pay more money to help others. You have more, that is why you pay more. You can get rid of all your wealth and you won't be taxed on it, but you are too greedy. You want it all, and don't want to share. You feel that you are entitled to a better life than others because of your money or lifestyle. Sorry, but we're all in this together.
The truth is, taxes are up for just about everyone. When Bush and company cut federal taxes, they shifted that burden to states. Property taxes are up. Education taxes are up. Sin taxes are up. We are all paying higher taxes.
Vermont residents get a quality of life that other states dream about, and high taxes are, alas, part of the equation that keeps our state green, healthy, and smart.
I'm not a defender of taxes by any means. I'd love to see them all go away. But they exist and we all must pay our share.
Today's news shows the best and worst of Vermont. Leading the nation in health care reform by challenging conventional beliefs, and being greedy, self-centered, and silly.