Merciless murder--A May 21 article in the New York Times said the drug, Melarsoprol, used to treat the scourge of sleeping sickness, contains arsenic and kills 5 percent of those who take it. Sleeping sickness was pretty much wiped out in Africa 50 years ago, but is making a comeback. (Currently an estimated 300,000 cases). There was an alternative medication, the article said, but the manufacturer deemed it unprofitable.

Isn't it time for the revo ?--Of the 1,233 new medicines patented over a 22 year period, the Times reports, 13--one percent--were for tropical diseases. Currently, no major company is doing research on sleeping sickness.

Officials crack down on funeral thieves--Accused of ripping off customers for $490,000, the Maine Funeral Directors Association agreed to pay a $10,000 penalty and, as a news account put it, "to modify its program."

The part-way justice system--In Los Angeles, Edgar Escobar and Roberto Candido won reversal of a 1996 conviction for felonious gun possession. The conviction was based on the false testimony of two cops from the revelations-ridden Rampart division. It brings the reversal of Rampart frame-ups to 81 so far. Candido and Escobar were not freed, but turned over to la migra for deportation. The L.A. Times neglected to mention where or why.

Prejudiced against employers?--A survey shows that a majority of folks believe that people with lots of money are "greedy and insensitive."--News item.

Fine, people next?--"More airlines are taking steps to ensure safer transportation of pets at a time when the federal government is preparing a program to require monthly reports from air carriers on animal safety."--News item.

More bombings scheduled?--"14 world leaders meet to discuss ways to level global playing field"--News headline.

For this they need a manual?--The Sydney Herald reported the union bargaining strategy of the Australian government, as disclosed in a how-to government manual. The booklet suggests proposing phony demands to disorient the union, make negative comments even though this risks "causing antagonism," hurling threats and acting irrational. To offer such shop-worn advice to irrational union-hating officials is truly a waste of taxpayers' money.  
 
 
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