New York state is paying 20 cents for gloves that normally cost less than five cents, $7.50 for masks that normally go for 50 cents, $2,795 for infusion pumps that normally cost half that, $248,841 for a portable X-ray machine that typically sells for $30,000 to $80,000.
Who's pocketing all this? An array of producers, importers, wholesalers and speculators. State laws against price gouging usually don't apply to government purchases.
Some of it may be finding its way into this fall's election campaigns. The veteran Republican fundraiser Mike Gula and Republican political operative John Thomas just started a company selling coronavirus testing kits, personal protective equipment and other "hard to find medical supplies to beat the outbreak". They call themselves "the largest global network of Covid-19 medical suppliers".
Asked how he'd found such equipment, Gula explained: "I have relationships with a lot of people."
Thomas added: "In politics - especially if you're at a high enough level - you are one phone call away from anybody in the world."
Categories:
wholesalers, 12th grade,
Form: Bio
There I was reaching thirty
just been widowed year before
now the work place was to close
redundancy now at my door
But friend told me of a vacancy
at local wholesalers for food buyer
so few months before work closing
went for interview before got fire
So got the job at wholesaler
made redundant on the Friday
start Monday as a buyer
in continued employment I did stay
Categories:
wholesalers, age, life, loss, work,
Form: Rhyme