Heinz Kerry pitches health care (Reno Gazette-Journal)

Heinz Kerry singled out U.S. drug companies for gouging seniors, saying that if her husband were elected, he would lift the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ban on the importation of drugs from Canada. “The president has said that you can’t trust the drugs coming in from Canada, well, there are a lot of things that you can’t trust,†Heinz Kerry said. “If they (drug companies) want to keep the cost of drugs, up, let them,†she said. “We will play the market. That is what Americans do.â€

She also criticized the commercial advertising of prescription drugs: “Personally, I think it creates a dilemma.†“It’s like cereal (advertising),†she said. “The more sugar, the more toys, the more kids want it.â€

Heinz Kerry, who spoke in a humorous but rambling style, signed autographs after her 40-minute talk followed by a panel discussion of local supporters on the plight of the nation’s health under the Bush administration. “I think it would be a great thing if we had a first lady like her,†said Renate Neumann, 65 and a Reno artist. “She is refreshing and honest. I like her better than her husband.â€

“Refreshing,” maybe. But she’s a loon. And I love the idea that the elderly are like children. Perhaps the drug companies should offer prizes in the bottom of every pill bottle.

Heinz Kerry ended with what she called “a highly effective†remedy for arthritis that drew laughter and some skepticism from the audience. “You get some gin and get some white raisins — and only white raisins — and soak them in the gin for two weeks,†she said. “Then eat nine of the raisins a day.†Despite the laughter, Dr. Steven Phillips, director of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Nevada quickly supported the prescription. Phillips, on stage with Heinz Kerry as part of the panel, said sulfur and sulfides found in grapes are increased by the alcohol and could perhaps alleviate joint pain. Dr. Michael Gerber, a noted homeopathic doctor in Reno, also said the formula has merit. “It makes sense,†said Gerber from his office. “People go to hot springs to soak in the water and that water is very high in sulfur. So Mrs. Kerry’s remedy is pretty plausible.â€

Dolores Jackson of Reno, a Kerry supporter who attended the rally, took the raisin and gin remedy seriously. “There are really other remedies where we don’t have to use so many drugs,†Jackson said. “I really believe in alternative medicine.â€

Amusing.