Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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26 UCW APRIL 20-26, 2016 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM As recent controversies in North Carolina and elsewhere have established, political debate is only partially about facts, principles and logic. Effective politicians also think carefully about the words they use and the stories they tell with them. Some of my favorite examples come from the political career of former North Carolina Gov. Jim Martin. Consider his fight as a congressman in the 1970s to defend the artificial sweetener saccharin from being outlawed by the Food and Drug Administration. The problem originated with an FDA policy called the Delaney Clause, which prohibited the use in food of any product shown to increase the risk of cancer in humans or laboratory animals. During the 1960s and early 1970s, regulators began applying the Delaney "zero-risk" standard to substances that had in the past been generally recognized as safe. Initial toxicological studies found elevated instances of bladder cancer among rats consuming high levels of saccharin. The FDA responded on March 9, 1977 by recommending a ban on saccharin as a food additive. As a chemist, Martin had long disliked the Delaney Clause. When it was first enacted, substances were often tested in parts per thousand. As the technology improved, they were detected in parts per million and then parts per billion. Zero-risk standards grew increasingly absurd. Regulators were citing animal studies employing very high concentrations of tested chemicals as a justification for banning even trace amounts. In the saccharin studies, for example, the rats were force-fed such high dosages that a person would have to drink 800 cans of diet soda a day to get the same exposure. "Fifty cans of pure water each day would kill most of us," then- Congressman Martin observed, as one would drown. Shortly after the FDA's announcement, Martin filed a bill to deny the agency the authority to ban saccharin. It attracted more than 200 co-sponsors. Martin became one of the leaders of a coalition of House and Senate members who sought to, in his words, "bomb the ban" while reforming the Delaney Rule itself. A few weeks later, on May 17, the FDA convened a high-profile set of hearings. By this time, Martin and other opponents had developed a strategy not just for winning the scientific debate but also for illustrating the real hardship a saccharin ban would impose. The pharmaceutical industry testified that saccharin was an essential ingredient in more than 600 medicines. Because sugar often couldn't be used to disguise what would otherwise be bitter-tasting drugs, a saccharin ban could lead to many patients not complying with their medical treatments. The coalition also included a large and sympathetic constituency: diabetics. Representing them at the hearing were Chicago Cubs third-baseman Ron Santo and other professional athletes with juvenile-onset diabetes, as well as several dozen diabetics who arrived from Atlanta on a train they dubbed the "Sweet Georgia Brown Saccharin Special." Martin was the first witness to testify at the May 17 hearing. The audience laughed with delight when he argued that government should never ban something "at the drop of a rat." He may not have originated the phrase — no one quite recalls who used it first — but Martin certainly popularized it. The FDA hearings were front-page news across the country, and his "at the drop of a rat" quote appeared hundreds of times in newspaper articles and news broadcasts. NBC News even described Martin as "leading the congressional drive" to change the Delaney Clause. Of course, Martin was still a Republican in a Democratic Congress. The cause needed a high-profile Democratic champion. It got one in Teddy Kennedy, who chaired the Senate Subcommittee on Health and Scientific Research. He filed a new version of Martin's bill in June. President Jimmy Carter signed Kennedy and Martin's legislation into law on November 23, 1977. Over the course of time, Martin's position was fully vindicated by scientific research. But I'll bet what most readers will remember from this story is that he said government shouldn't ban anything "at the drop of a rat." Which is my point. How to Beat the FDA by JOHN HOOD JOHN HOOD, President of the John Locke Foundation. Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. Are all FDA decisions the right ones? The Child Advocacy Center Thanks Our Generous Sponsors SILVER SPONSORS Bryan Honda • CTS Cleaning Systems, Inc. Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA Up & Coming Weekly • Owen's Florist Celebrations Weddings & Events • JEB Designs, Inc. Centerplate Catering • Sykes Enterprises • Once Upon A Child PINK SPONSORS SLG, Inc. • Dairy Queen - Legion Road • Century 21 Family Realty Sound Images • Cotton's Body Shop • Rainbow Pediatrics of Fayetteville Fayetteville Academy • Buffalo Wild Wings • Calabria Orthodontics Valley Regional imaging BENEFACTORS CHAMPIONS HEROES Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Valley Health Timothy D. Edwards, Attorney at Law Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association Advised Fund Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Margaret R. 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Enjoy elegant refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture and girls' individual styles. Hosted by Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville To benefit Child Abuse Prevention & Intervention Programs Saturday, Apr. 9, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 10, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Crown Center Ballroom 333 E. Mountain Drive • Fayetteville, NC Tickets: $41 • VIP Tickets: $66 (Limited Quantity Available.) (Facility fee included; online order fees not included.) For more information call 910.486.9700 or visit CACFayNC.org Recommended for children 6 and up Thank you to all our generous sponsors. Please visit CACFayNC.org for a complete American Girl Fashion Show is licensed from American Girl Publishing. Copyright © 2015 American Girl. All rights reserved. All American Girl marks are trademarks of American Girl. ™ THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS PLATINUM while helping others in your community! Joining hands with 19 community agencies, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) offers child-friendly place to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children. also provides prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies in our community. We look to a future where all children live in a safe and nurturing environment free from THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: PLATINUM SPONSORS BENEFACTORS Anna C. Cole, LPC • Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Valley Health Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association Advised Deborah & Larry Teasley • • Margaret R. Russ • BB&T • Joyce & Howard Loughlin BE GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Celebrations Weddings & Events • Centerplate Catering • CTS Cleaning Systems, Inc. Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA • JEB Designs, Inc. Once Upon A Child/Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor • Owen's & Bordeaux Florist • Sykes • Up & Coming GOLD while helping others in your community! Joining hands with 19 community agencies, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) offers a safe and child-friendly place to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children. The CAC also provides prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies in our community. We look to a future where all children live in a safe and nurturing environment free from abuse. THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: PLATINUM SPONSORS BENEFACTORS Anna C. Cole, LPC • Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Valley Health Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association Advised Fund Deborah & Larry Teasley • • Margaret R. Russ • BB&T • Joyce & Howard Loughlin Dr. Wes & Lucy Jones • Robin & Debbie Jenkins • Breezewood Healthcare & Aesthetics • June Aysse BE GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Celebrations Weddings & Events • Centerplate Catering • CTS Cleaning Systems, Inc. Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA • JEB Designs, Inc. Once Upon A Child/Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor • Owen's & Bordeaux Florist • Sykes • Up & Coming Weekly while helping others in your community! Joining hands with 19 community agencies, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) offers a safe and child-friendly place to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children. The CAC also provides prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies in our community. We look to a future where all children live in a safe and nurturing environment free from abuse. THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: PLATINUM SPONSORS BENEFACTORS Anna C. Cole, LPC • Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Valley Health Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association Advised Fund Deborah & Larry Teasley • • Margaret R. Russ • BB&T • Joyce & Howard Loughlin BE GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Celebrations Weddings & Events • Centerplate Catering • CTS Cleaning Systems, Inc. Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA • JEB Designs, Inc. Once Upon A Child/Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor • Owen's & Bordeaux Florist • Sykes • Up & Coming Weekly while helping others in your community! Joining hands with 19 community agencies, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) offers a safe and child-friendly place to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children. The CAC also provides prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies in our community. We look to a future where all children live in a safe and nurturing environment free from abuse. THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: PLATINUM SPONSORS BENEFACTORS Anna C. Cole, LPC • Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Valley Health Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association Advised Fund Deborah & Larry Teasley • • Margaret R. Russ • BB&T • Joyce & Howard Loughlin Dr. Wes & Lucy Jones • Robin & Debbie Jenkins • Breezewood Healthcare & Aesthetics • June Aysse Timothy D. Edwards, Attorney at Law • Short Stop • Systel Business Equipment • Cape Fear Discount Drugs BE GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Celebrations Weddings & Events • Centerplate Catering • CTS Cleaning Systems, Inc. Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA • JEB Designs, Inc. Once Upon A Child/Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor • Owen's & Bordeaux Florist • Sykes • Up & Coming Weekly Styles of Yesterday & Today The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls! Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. Enjoy elegant refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture and girls' individual styles. Hosted by Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville To benefit Child Abuse Prevention & Intervention Programs Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Crown Center Ballroom 333 E. Mountain Drive • Fayetteville, NC Tickets: $39 • VIP Tickets: $64 (Limited Quantity Available.) (Facility fee and Ticketmaster fees will be applied.) For more information call (910) 486-9700 or visit childadvocacycenter.com Recommended for children 6 and up ® ® Thank you to all our generous sponsors. Please visit www.childadvocacycenter.com for a complete list. American Girl Fashion Show is licensed from American Girl Programs. Copyright © 2015 American Girl. All rights reserved. THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS. PLATINUM SPONSORS CHAMPION BENEFACTORS GOLD SPONSORS while helping others in your community! Joining hands with 19 community agencies, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) offers a safe and child-friendly place to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children. The CAC also provides prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies in our community. We look to a future where all children live in a safe and nurturing environment free from abuse. THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: PLATINUM SPONSORS BENEFACTORS Anna C. Cole, LPC • Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Valley Health Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association Advised Fund BE GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Celebrations Weddings & Events • Centerplate Catering • CTS Cleaning Systems, Inc. Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA • JEB Designs, Inc. Once Upon A Child/Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor • Owen's & Bordeaux Florist • Sykes • Up & Coming Weekly while helping others in your community! Joining hands with 19 community agencies, the Child Advocacy Center child-friendly place to interview, investigate and provide support for abused also provides prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies We look to a future where all children live in a safe and nurturing environment THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: PLATINUM SPONSORS BENEFACTORS Anna C. Cole, LPC • Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association BE GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Celebrations Weddings & Events • Centerplate Catering • CTS Cleaning Systems, Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA • JEB Designs, Once Upon A Child/Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor • Owen's & Bordeaux Florist • Sykes • Up CHAMPION BENEFACTORS while helping others in your community! Joining hands with 19 community agencies, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) offers a safe and child-friendly place to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children. The CAC also provides prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies in our community. We look to a future where all children live in a safe and nurturing environment free from abuse. THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: PLATINUM SPONSORS BENEFACTORS Anna C. Cole, LPC • Brown & Associates Investment Services • Cape Fear Valley Health Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville • Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association Advised Fund Deborah & Larry Teasley • • Margaret R. Russ • BB&T • Joyce & Howard Loughlin Dr. Wes & Lucy Jones • Robin & Debbie Jenkins • Breezewood Healthcare & Aesthetics • June Aysse Timothy D. Edwards, Attorney at Law • Short Stop • Systel Business Equipment • Cape Fear Discount Drugs BE GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Celebrations Weddings & Events • Centerplate Catering • CTS Cleaning Systems, Inc. Highland Pediatric Dental, Yvette McAlister Stokes, DDS, PA • JEB Designs, Inc. Once Upon A Child/Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor • Owen's & Bordeaux Florist • Sykes • Up & Coming Weekly