A group called American Action Network, one of those corporate fronts, is running an ad here in Colorado against Rep. Ed Perlmutter claiming that he favors giving Viagra to sex offenders. Here’s what a pretty little actress says to us:
“Apparently, convicted rapists can get Viagra paid for by the new health care bill… with my tax dollars… and Congressman Perlmutter voted for it.”
That’s crazy, I know. Just plain nuts. Regarding sex offenders and the new health law, nothing has changed. Pedophiles, just like pediatricians, can buy health insurance. Viagra is sometimes covered. Under the new law, some people might have their insurance subsidized, and no one knows what the hell the insurance exchanges will be when they come into being.
That’s the justification. Note the wording of the ad. Even though it’s a lie, it’s accurate.
One TV channel in Denver, Channel 9, pulled the ad. They stand alone in the integrity game. For all the others, the price is right.
Piece of Mindful 
It seems a reasonable thing that our lawmakers and administrators could find a way to deny viagra to sex offenders.
I’m reminded of the uproar several years ago when it was revealed that Medicare was providing fertility drugs for single mothers on welfare. My favorite anecdote was a Boston TV reporter who tracked down one of these clients who had something like eight kids. The reporter had a microphone held in a half open door getting the usual coherent defense when the reporter asked, “What do have to say to all the taxpayers who are footing your bill?”
“KEEP ON PAYING!” octomom yells just before she slams the door.
This highlights the gulf between the public, who is generally conservative about spending, and the administrators of these programs, who want to spend the biggest budget they can get and garner lots of clients.
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