A Canadian discount pharmacy thinks Americans who favor cheaper drugs might stand up and cheer when George W. Bush takes the podium if they take advantage of a special promotion during the Republican National Convention.
People who order drugs from the pharmacy's Web site, universaldrugstore.com, or by phone (toll-free 1-866-456-2456) during President Bush's acceptance speech Thursday evening will get a 25 percent discount.
In addition, for every U.S. order the Canadian company will make a donation to Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that delivers meals to people in need.
Tying the bonuses to Bush's speech is intended as a protest of the administration's staunch refusal to condone the importation of lower cost drugs from Canada, where the government puts a cap on prescription prices. Thousands of Americans ignore the federal government's stance and import prescriptions anyway, creating a windfall for companies like universaldrugstore.com.
Jeffrey Uhl, chief executive of the Manitoba pharmacy, said, "We wanted to create a peaceful yet impactful way for people to voice their opinion, and at the same time let people know that they can get prescription drugs and still afford dinner."