Opposition to PSE Rx should have been heard 'in real time'

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In my latest Bluegrass Beacon column released to newspapers across the commonwealth yesterday (Thursday), I take Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Tom Jensen, R-London, to task for suppressing opposing voices to his big-government plan to require law-abiding Kentuckians to obtain a prescription in order to purchase a box of Sudafed.

Recently, citizens who care about the truth and this assault on their individual liberty took a day off work and delayed other responsibilities in order to travel to Frankfort and testify against Jensen's proposal. They arrived early, acted respectfully and courageously added their names to the sign-up sheet made available to those who wish to address the committee.

Among those who requested -- but were denied -- the opportunity to speak was Pat Davis, a consumer and mother of six children who also happens to be the wife of 4th District Congressman Geoff Davis.

“I am disappointed that I along with several other people who oppose Sen. Jensen’s bill weren’t given a chance to testify today. I specifically speak to the impact on consumers and parents, yet the committee was forced to watch videos of news reports and slides that have been seen several times already. It is apparent that the voices of consumers and parents aren’t important to the people running this process.” While Davis did ultimately get a chance to speak at a later meeting, she was denied the opportunity when it counted most. Committee members needed to hear -- in real time -- opposing voices to supporting testimony (mostly from out-of-state by the way) who were allowed to drone on and on ad infinitum.