Monday, September 15, 2008

Meaningful Democracy

"Meaningful democracy requires citizens who are empowered to create and re-create their government, rather than a mass of marginalized voters who merely choose from what is offered by an “invisible” government."
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/2962/

Hospitals flushing pharmaceuticals

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-14-drugs-flush-water_N.htm
U.S. hospitals and long-term care facilities annually flush millions of
pounds of unused pharmaceuticals down the drain, pumping contaminants into
America's drinking water, according to an ongoing Associated Press
investigation.

These discarded medications are expired, spoiled, over-prescribed or
unneeded. Some are simply unused because patients refuse to take them, can't
tolerate them or die with nearly full 90-day supplies of multiple
prescriptions on their nightstands.