Patients are raving about a series of newer, more effective medicines.

There's just one catch.

These drugs are really expensive. Xeljanz, a new rheumatoid arthritis drug, costs $25,000 a year. Sovaldi, a breakthrough hepatitis C cure, costs $84,000.

To contain rising healthcare spending, some policymakers want the government to impose price controls on medicines. They believe price caps will help patients by making medications more affordable.

In reality, price controls will bring drug development to a standstill, depriving patients of future medications that could improve or even save their lives. To ensure patients have access to groundbreaking medical advances, lawmakers must avoid short-sighted price controls.

The average medicine requires an investment of $2.6 billion and over a decade of research. Just 12 percent of medicines that enter experimental human testing receive FDA approval. That means revenue from successful drugs must also cover costs of those that never make it to market.

If price caps prevent companies from recovering steep costs associated with drug development, firms will stop investing in risky research projects that lead to breakthrough treatments and cures.

According to a National Bureau of Economic Research study, price controls that cut drug prices by 40 or 50 percent would decrease early stage development projects by up to 60 percent.

That'd be devastating for patients with chronic diseases like Alzheimer's. By 2050, Alzheimer's will afflict 14 million Americans, and annual treatment costs will reach $1.1 trillion. A new treatment that delays the disease by just five years annually would save the healthcare system $367 billion.

Such a treatment likely will come from private-sector drug companies, which fund almost 80 percent of experimental Alzheimer's drug testing. With a 99 percent failure rate, Alzheimer's drug trials are a risky investment. Drug companies won't pour billions into highly uncertain research if they know price caps will make it impossible to recoup costs.

The lack of price controls has already yielded better treatments for 50 million Americans who live with autoimmune diseases, which cause the body's immune system to attack healthy cells.

In 2011, drug companies introduced Benlysta, the first treatment targeted specifically at lupus in over a half-century. In 2012, the FDA approved Xeljanz, designed for rheumatoid arthritis patients who hadn't responded to earlier medications.

These life changing treatment advances wouldn't have been possible under a price control regime.

Policymakers can make drugs more affordable for patients without jeopardizing research. Prohibiting insurance companies from charging high co-pays and co-insurance would lower patients' out-of-pocket expenses. Stronger trade agreements would prevent other companies from freeloading off American research spending.

Affordability is a real concern for today's patients. But price controls aren't the answer. 

Virginia Ladd is the president of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LADD: Drug price controls will hurt patients

When it comes to the bigger picture, I am pretty naïve. There is much I don’t understand or comprehend.

For instance, I do not understand fanaticism. Some people are extremely passionate about certain aspects of their lives, to the point where it is “us” versus “them.”

Take sporting events. Many people have a favorite team; they are dyed in the wool fans. That team is “us.” The opponent is “them.” And “them” is on the wrong side and must be defeated. 

I understand the notion of sports. But when a person is a rabid fan of one team, excluding all others, I believe a line has been crossed. There have been far too many arguments and physical altercations to say otherwise.

Many other examples of fanaticism cause people to cross the line of decency. We hear, “Black lives matter!” “White lives matter!” “Latino lives matter!” and so on. And I agree. Life matters!

What I cannot comprehend, in my naiveté, is why it seems as though each proclamation is made to exclude the value of others.  And, like many other “us-versus-them” scenarios, if you are not one of “us,” you are one of “them” — and you are of less value and must be shunned.

This is lunacy.

No color of skin is more or less important than another! In Jesus Christ, we have received the message about how each person is a child of God — no more, no less.

The apostle Paul said in his letter to the Galatians: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

In Him we are one. Human beings are the ones who make distinctions. And if we make distinctions, we can certainly rediscover our similarities.

What parent doesn’t ultimately love his or her child?

Who doesn’t bleed red when cut?

Who doesn’t grieve after a loved one dies?

Who doesn’t long to be loved and accepted?

Who doesn’t desire to live a long, full and enjoyable life?

Yes, there will always be differences between persons. But that is no reason to allow hatred toward others who are different to grow to the point of physical or rhetorical violence. 

Fanaticism — which, for some, is simply an excuse for legitimating violent tendencies — must end. 

We are all children of God. We all matter.

 The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: We are all children of God; we all matter

Allow me to open with a very general statement: I am in full agreement with any person who will genuinely stand for the writings and teachings found in God's Word. 

I do not agree with any perversion of His Word, and urge every born again Christian to prayerfully commit all to Him and study that Word — The Bible — for its truth. 

That said, I stand with Kim Davis, (the jailed Kentucky county clerk who refused to grant a gay couple a marriage license), for being true to her God.

Make sure of your relationship with Christ first, and allow Him to govern all that you do.

This applies to not just the gay marriage question, but also to every action that requires a truthful stand. This includes not telling the truth to avoid trouble, cheating on your taxes, sexual immorality of every form, or stealing from work or someone else. 

We daily must decide between what is right and what is wrong. These are actions that others can observe and, therefore, we must guard our testimony by not following the norm. 

People willing to go to jail, face ridicule or be criticized, all for the cause of Christ, should be the rule, not the exception.

If we are accused of being a Christian, would our own actions confirm or deny this?

If we cannot stand for Him, we will surely fail in the long run.

John 15:20 states, "Remember the word that I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also."  

Our goal should be to become so Christ-like that we are known as He was: a man representing the will of God and willing to go the distance to prove it. 

He carried it so far as to do a couple of things we forget about. He used a whip and drove the money changers out of His Father's house.

Perhaps we should use God's Word to drive out the sin in God's house and erase its perversions and worldly attitudes.

Remember: Jesus' burial and resurrection were accomplished so we could have the courage we need to stand for Him, knowing that part of the battle we will not face. If the world did not love Him, it will not love us.

Those who truly stand for the Lord will be promoted at His return.

Matthew 5:10 states, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." 

Standing for Him offers great reward.  For you will not be destroyed. Persecuted?  Sure. But count that as an admission that you are no better than Him, but can truly be declared guilty of being a Christian.

Maybe you do not agree with me; perhaps you believe that God is not real, and morality has no place in this great country. If you are right, and there is no God, then I have lived a life giving hope to those who will never get a chance to be angry or accuse me of wrongdoing. We will be dust in the wind.

However, what if I am right, and there is a God, and He does expect us to follow Him? Is it worth your soul's eternity in torment, or even your children standing one day to accuse you of not telling them about Christ before they must stand in the same fate?

Whether you are a Christian today or not, choose this day whom you will serve. 

As for me and my house, we choose to serve the Lord. May God bless.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: I stand with Kim Davis

Editor's Note: These featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

Shared concerns about Old Bethel Road

I used to run along this road. I have since changed my route. It was too dangerous to run along.

… No sidewalk, no crossing guard, and chaotic traffic equals an accident waiting to happen.

Our children should be a priority. I hope improvements are made.

Ana-Kory Aschenbrenner

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Crestview needs better infrastructure

This is the same problem residents of Crestview have been bringing up for years. This town is too big for the shoddy infrastructure. Yeah, it was fine when all we had was a TG&Y and the local Piggly Wiggly.

We need sidewalks and extra lanes. There are crossing guards on Highway 85 to help kids cross; why not Old Bethel?

Oh, and by the way, the buses are packed to the gills, too. I still can't believe that all these kids will be going to a high school that hasn't changed much since I graduated 20 years ago.

We need better infrastructure. Where has all the money gone?

Krista Gray Ladner

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Kids shouldn't walk to school

Personally, I don't think it's safe for any kids to walk to school. The crime rate in this county is going up. And not to mention the pedophiles we don't know about.

Christina Garcia Bethea

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Shoal Creek Rehabilitation deserved excellence award

Shoal Creek is an excellent facility. The CNAs work very hard to treat your family like one of their own.

The nursing staff go above and beyond to make sure the doctors stay abreast of your loved one's condition.

The therapists there are top notch, and I would pit them against any department in the country.

The activity department keeps (residents) engaged to avoid boredom and depression.

Then there is the back-line staff — the unsung heroes.

Maintenance keeps everything working; housekeeping keeps it sparkling; administration makes sure the machine runs in tip-top shape.

The dedication and self-sacrifice all of these individuals make to care for your loved one is amazing. The staff does this because they love their residents.

William Martin

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Shared concerns about Old Bethel Road, Crestview needs better infrastructure

Now that North Okaloosa County is back to school, early mornings can throw everyone for a loop. But getting off to a good start each day can seriously affect success for students at school and adults at work. 

The saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” isn't just lip service. When we sleep, we are in a state of rest; our body is fasting — not eating — and renewing itself. Breakfast means to “break the fast”; to begin waking up and energizing ourselves again with nutrition.

Eating breakfast wakes up our bodies and minds. Calories found in food provide energy to function, reason and think at work and at school.

Adults, this is for you, too: Breakfast can keep your mind and body at its best. Being well rested can make us think more clearly, make decisions more easily, have more energy and just stay in a better mood.

All of this could lead to less stress and better days for you and your kids.

The great thing about breakfast is it doesn’t have to be a big all-out meal. Something quick, nutritious and easy can do the job.

Just watch those favorites: Pop-tarts, fruit snacks, kids' cereal and squeezable yogurts don’t really help all that much. Most are loaded with sugar, and have little protein and whole grains.  These foods provide a sugar high, but probably won’t keep a person full and energized until lunch.

Here are a few quick breakfast ideas for “on the go” mornings:

•A slice of whole wheat toast with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter

•A piece of fresh fruit, and a whole grain English muffin

•A low-sugar granola bar

•Low-fat or fat-free yogurt with granola and a piece of fruit

•Egg burrito: a scrambled egg on a small, whole grain tortilla with salsa

•Homemade fruit smoothie

•Old-fashioned oatmeal with fresh fruit, and nuts.

Enjoy these nutritious on-the-go meals — just remember to pair them with a cup of low-fat milk or 100 percent fruit juice.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BRESLAWSKI: 7 healthy, on-the-go breakfast ideas

These featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

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Editor's Note: Facebook fans shared their thoughts on topics such as a Laurel Hill service member finally being honored on the Okaloosa Veterans Memorial; plans to fuel downtown Crestview's business growth; Southern heritage; and City Councilman Mickey Rytman's resignation. Here is a sampling of their comments.

Happy that L.H. hero will be honored

Nice to see when common sense prevails and good things happen. This patriot deserves to be honored.

Jason Howard

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People don't want local businesses

People of this town always whine that they want more businesses and more things to do. But when someone opens a business, it quickly closes shop.

Truth is, the people around here don't want businesses; they want multi-billion dollar businesses. The people of Crestview don't want to support their neighbor's business; they want their neighbor working at Target for minimum wage.

Kat Welty

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Remove roadblocks to business growth

I'm thinking this isn't going to be the shot in the arm downtown needs. It needs development with chain stores that will lure crowds, create business and pay taxes. The fly-by-night, mom-and-pop places do little to nothing to appeal to the masses.

Crestview has more than enough people to support a thriving shopping district, and it is the responsibility of the local government to work with the various developers to close the deals.

I don't know why other local communities can have things and we can't. There have to be significant roadblocks in the process and those roadblocks, either people or policies, need to be removed.

Dean Barrow

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Bring more big box stores

Always trying to "jump start" Main Street when it's the (Interstate) 10/Highway 85 area where big box stores want to be. Grow the big box stores and the rest will follow. You need anchors to hold people here.

Charles Lennard

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Think first about traffic

Crestview needs to start thinking about a new road through Crestview, not a dog park. Congestion is horrible seven days a week.

Lonnie Hester

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Support seniors to promote Southern heritage

I think a good way to promote Southern heritage is to go visit shut-ins, people in nursing homes, and other seniors in our community. They are the real heritage in our lives.

Heritage, by way of beautiful memories.

They quietly sit just waiting for visitors to come and talk with them. Listening to the life experiences of our senior population is more valuable than anything.

We could never forget this heritage if we heed the voice of the wiser generations that have years of experience to share.

Amy Lynn Herf

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Criteria for new council member

I hope we get a council member who is neither overwhelmed nor intimidated by controversial issues.

Chuck Bonta

Editor's Note: These featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

HUBBUB: xxxx Sample of Two topics, no date XXXX

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: People don't want local businesses, support seniors to promote Southern heritage

This is a true loss. He has been there for my family through a lot of really hard times. Actually flew from Hawaii to Gainesville to be with my uncle in the hospital. He has always had a way of making people feel better in terrible times. He told me at my mom's funeral "It's never goodbye, it's I'll see you later."

Chris King

Wow. Grew up going to his church. Since I was born. This is sad.

Jenn Gillihan

My entire family has been members of his church as long as I can remember, he has officiated every death of family members for years and years, we will all miss him terribly, what a wonderful example he has set for all of us. RIP, Brother Raymond Williams; my dad, Herbert Crawford, is very sad of your passing.

Debra Miller

When I left Crestview, and was lost to the world and was a lost vagabond, I kept 2 phone numbers in my back pocket: my momma's and Bro Raymond's.

I remember more than a couple nights when the world had closed in on me and I was finally through, that for some reason, I called, and no matter the hour, this Man of God would answer and he would pray with me over the phone and guide me through whatever trial and tribulation I was going through.

I will forever be grateful for those moments that God used him as a willing vessel to pour out blessings on this ragged lost and battered sinner.

I miss ya, Bro. Raymond, but I take joy in knowing you are at the feet of our Lord and Savior and you have your crown and mansion and are dancing on the streets of gold.

Hallelujah and Praise The Lord.

Kaye Edwards

He always said, "Do as God says, not as I say." He was the first to say no man — pastors included — was perfect and we should never follow a man but follow God. RIP Bro Raymond

Stephanie Cosson Johnson

Rest in peace, Brother Raymond. He loved and served both God and the United States. I've never met another person that was so passionate about our service members and veterans.

Holly Shaw

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Remembering Brother Raymond Williams

More than 5 ways to screw up at CHS

There are more serious things to do at any school to "screw up" than the petty things they list in this article.

That's the problem with today's schools: they point out the petty things, pinpoint these kids so "bad" that they get sent to another school — where they really get labeled "bad" — and then it starts a cycle. These kids get bullied by staff who claim that these "five ways" are seriously bad.

Start focusing on what is more of a problem at your school, like drugs, sex, bullying, etc.

Barbara Williams-Seeley

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More items for '5 ways' list

Number 6: Bring a gun to school. Number 7: Bring drugs to school. Number 8: Join a gang involved in racketeering, murder someone, then leave the body on (State Road) 85.

John Q. Baker

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About the murder suspects:

How can a human treat another human that way.

Ray Heath

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Okaloosa schools should allow prayer

Yes, I believe we should have prayers before meetings. I think it should be allowed back in school as well.

Melissa DuBose

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Prayer would be unconstitutional

What if someone isn't religious? It (prayer during Okaloosa School Board meetings) would make them uncomfortable.

Also, these are state employees. There is separation of church and state; it is in the Constitution.

Therefore, since they are conducting government business as government employees, prayer would actually be unconstitutional. 

Elizabeth Andrews

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Nostalgic for public pool

Too bad we cannot have the Crescent Springs Swimming Pool open again.

Bonny Ann

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Add GWTW to Top Classic Movies list

I agree with their picks, but would also love to see "Gone with the Wind" on the big screen! That's where my grandmother picked my name from. She loved that book and movie, and passed that love on to me.

Tara Michelle Geiger

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Top Classic Movies list missed

I disagree with all four of their picks. If you haven't seen "The Ten Commandments," it has some powerful acting.

Patricia Shapter 

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Praise for Rev's column

Pastor Helms, I appreciate your words. Most preachers these days water down their messages so much as to leave gray areas as morality choices.

Howard Eastlack

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: More than 5 ways to screw up at CHS, Top Classic Movies list missed

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — The Air Force Armament Museum Foundation, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 811 and Northwest Florida State College's Student Nursing Program are commemorating  the 70th anniversary of World War II this month.

The celebration is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22, at the Air Force Armament Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Eglin Air Force Base.

Reveille, the presentation of colors and more are included. Big band music, dance, Doughnut Dollies and more will be part of the fun.

World War II veterans are encouraged to attend, in uniform if they wish.

Contact Joan Doman, 651-1808 or afamf32542@aol.com, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Spirit of '45 event on Eglin Air Force Base to honor World War II anniversary

The City Council will continue discussion on the flag's fate during its regular meeting, 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at city hall.

In the meantime, here's what our Facebook fans have to say about the issue.

Don't listen to P.C. hype

As a member of this community for over 50 years, and friends with all colors, not once have I heard anyone in the community bring up the flag issue until the NAACP brings it up.

Do we, as Americans, bow down to just a few special-interest groups? It's our religion, our guns, our flags — our way of life.

What's next, people? We all need to wake up as Americans and not listen to all this politically correct (stuff).

Wade Hutto 

Flag needn't be an issue

Very disappointed that they took it down in the first place, but why put the American flag above it?

I love the U.S., being a combat vet, but they're taking away from Uncle Bill (Lundy) and other Confederate vets by making this a modern country issue.

Bryan Outdoors 

NAACP should eye Planned Parenthood

If the NAACP really cared about their race-related issues, they would be closing Planned Parenthoods everywhere.

Take on a real, current issue … If black lives matter, why aren't they going after PP?

Dea Hayes 

Black lives do matter

Where is Al Sharpton? Has anyone seen Jesse Jackson around town? How about a "Black Lives Matter" protest?

No, they use a blind eye on black-on-black crime, which is out of control.

Black lives do matter, and that's why this kind of activity has to stop.

Jeffrey Smith 

Flag supporters won't face the negative

Sure, you would like to look back and "view the positive," but would not want to digress and see the negative.

The flag, currently used by the KKK in a derogatory way, symbolizes states' rights to own slaves as property. Our people were lynched, murdered and raped on Saturday, while the white Christians went to church on Sundays as if nothing happened.

… The South "lost the war." This flag sits on a monument of a questionable Confederate soldier. Who knows if he really fought, or forged lies.

Mary Smith-Garner

Act for, not against, the city

The hysteria since that knucklehead (Dylann Roof) killed those good people (in Charleston, S.C.) is out of control.

Those who are following the lead about tearing down the flag need to ask their leaders this question: what are you doing for us, instead of asking what they can do against someone else

Jeffrey Smith 

A4 HUBBUB DOG.JPG————————————————

More than 1,200 people have shared our Facebook post about Angel B, a 16-year-old Pomeranian that disappeared July 28 from the Burnells' back yard in nearby Paxton.

A neighbor's child told the owners that she'd seen a woman stop and pick up a small dog around the time Angel went missing.

Owner Lee Burnell — whom friends call "heartbroken" over the alleged theft — said his mother gave him the dog three years before she was murdered.

Here's what readers are saying about the incident.

Praying for alleged dog snatcher

Asking Jesus to prick this person's heart to the point where they will not only return your baby asap, but apologize wholeheartedly and never do this to anyone else again.

Gail Burlison Tate

Angel B needs her owner, too

I hope and pray she is returned to you because, wherever she is, she misses you just as much. A dog at that age needs to be in familiar surroundings with the only person she has ever known.

Betty Hinote

Suggestion for Angel B's owner

To the owner of Angel B: Start a Facebook page in her honor and we will spread it like wildfire!

Patricia Kendrick

Lawmen need to step up involvement

What exactly is being done about this? The past month, I have seen so many posts of dogs being stolen in our area and surrounding cities. One of my teenager's friends had all of her dogs taken over the weekend.

This is obviously an organized ring.

Please tell me the police are treating this seriously. This is so heart-breaking for owners to lose their dogs, especially like this!

Kristi Harms

Keep watch for cutie

If anyone visits someone's home and sees this Angel in their house, report it. Or if you see it in someone's car, report it. The person will be caught for sure if we all keep an eye out for this cutie.

Arvis Jones Cail

To the dog snatcher:

Please bring her back home. Do the right thing.

Susan Rozanski

From black bears discovered at Rolling Pines Townhomes, to reckless driving on Airport Road, and from prayer at Okaloosa County School Board meetings to Crestview area littering, here are other issues our readers are passionate about.

Don't kill black bears

Please, Florida Fish and Wildlife, don't kill these bears; humanly trap and relocate them onto the reservation or somewhere safe.

It's not their fault we are encroaching on their territory.

Jamie Mcmillan 

Airport Road traffic needs attention

Something needs to be done about the reckless driving on Airport Road. I do think more cops need to sit in various spots, especially from 5:30-6 p.m.

In a 3-mile radius, I had two separate instances of cars passing me … they crossed the double lines with cars incoming.

It is not acceptable on that road, with the curves and traffic flow. To the drivers who do this, shame on you for endangering us all!

Hollis Smith

Keep prayer before school board meetings

What is wrong with opening your meeting with prayer and closing your meeting with prayer?

Are you ashamed of Christ?

Can you not stand up for the person that created you?

Really?

Maybe, just maybe your schools would run a little bit better if Christ was put back in control. Why can't you say praise to him for gathering you all together? And pray for safe travels after the meeting, and for everyone to come together and work for the good of the community.

I vote yes. Bring our Lord and Savior back into our schools.

Vicki Lynn Halifax 

People shouldn't be so careless

Litter is not only a problem on our beautiful beaches but also all around town.

I can't even drive out of my neighborhood or down the street without seeing someone's discarded trash.

It's disgusting and shameful when people are so careless.

Kaye Beck 

Questioning sports editor's SEC claim

If you only look at the SEC teams playing each other, you can convince yourself that the SEC is a super conference.

However, if you check scores over the past 30 to 35 years, you'll find that there are only three or four consistently good teams, and the rest are mediocre at best.

Know how many times Florida has beaten Kentucky in the last 30 years? Vanderbilt? How about Alabama and Mississippi State? Mississippi? South Carolina?

Now check the scores of FSU vs. the SEC teams over the same period. Once you've done that, tell me one more time about the great SEC.

Daniel Bowers

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Don't listen to the P.C. hype; Confederate flag shouldn't be an issue