Thursday, May 14, 2009

SHADES OF SOMA?



Today's news story about how pharmacutical giant Pfizer is giving away free Viagra and Lipitor to those who are unemployed sounds like the beginning of a Soma-like society where the masses are kept drugged and happy (ala Huxley's "Brave New World").

Story
HERE

TRENTON, N.J. — Pfizer Inc. says it will provide 70 of its most widely prescribed prescription drugs _ including Lipitor and Viagra _ for free to people who have lost their jobs and health insurance.

The world's biggest drugmaker said Thursday it will give away the medicines for up to a year to Americans who lost jobs since Jan. 1 and have been on the Pfizer drug for three months or more.

The announcement comes amid massive job losses caused by the recession and a campaign in Washington to rein in health care costs and extend coverage. The move could earn Pfizer some goodwill in that debate after long being a target of critics of drug industry prices and sales practices.

The program also likely will help keep those patients loyal to Pfizer brands.

*FULL STORY IN LINK ABOVE

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