Politicians talk a lot about farming but seldom about "pharming," even though the latter can also have a big impact on Americans' pocketbooks—and their health. The punny name refers to genetically modifying plants such as corn, rice, tobacco and alfalfa to produce high concentrations of pharmaceutical ingredients. Many common medicines already come from plants, including morphine, the fiber supplement Metamucil and the cancer drug Taxol. Yet heavy-handed federal regulations have frozen out pharming efforts, making it far too difficult for researchers to use this approach to create new medications.

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When products could save lives, it's important for people to be informed about those benefits, along with the risks. Conversely, it's harmful and immoral to spread misinformation that negatively affects public perception of life-saving products and discourages their use.

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The Trump Administration on July 31 announced steps that could lead to the importation of prescription drugs from Canada, where prices are lower. This strategy is favored by President Trump but has long been opposed by many Republicans. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that the policy would enable Americans to "get the benefit of the deals that pharma themselves are striking with other countries."

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Little that goes on at America's elite, "progressive" universities surprises us any longer, but every so often something so perfectly cockeyed, so wrong, commands our attention. The recent remarks of a Harvard dean are an example.

As described by Heather Mac Donald in a superb Wall Street Journal op-ed, Dean of Students Rakesh Khurana took the opportunity at graduation ("Class Day") to make assertions that are uninspiring, callow, and, worst of all, wrong. This passage from Ms. Mac Donald's article is illustrative:

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The Trump administration last week announced steps that could lead to the importation of prescription drugs from Canada, where prices are lower. It is a goal supported by President Trump, but long opposed by many Republicans.

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