The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association is living proof the pursuit of profits is of far greater concern than who pays what for their products. Low-income seniors often wind up paying much higher prices for prescription drugs than anyone else.

Rep. Tom Allen recognizes how serious the situation is and has introduced legislation to try to deal with the problem. Rather than joining with him to look for an answer, the pharmaceutical companies have chosen to declare war.

Tom Allen has a formidable foe with deep pockets. But the Maine Council of Senior Citizens specifically and Maine’s senior community in general is grateful that we have an advocate in Washington.

It is just short of ridiculous for drug companies to claim Allen’s bill will interfere with their ability to do research. What good is served by the development of ever more expensive drugs when a significant portion of the population cannot afford them? This is especially galling when you realize that much of the cost of drug research is paid for by the federal government. John H. Marvin Regional director National Council of Senior Citizens Augusta