drug advert ban?

Saw an interesting debate on drug advertising, which is something that has always bothered me. You should not ever have to ASK your doctor about a particular drug! If you go to your doctor and report symptoms of something, they should be able to figure out what it is and prescribe you something for it. I would HOPE that they know better than you which drug to prescribe, or be able to refer you to another doctor that does. So what is the point of advertising for drugs??? That money could better be spent elsewhere--like making the drugs themselves a little bit more affordable!!! And don't get me started on drug companies taking doctors out to dinner to sell them stuff . . . and the assorted pens, mousepads, and other gizmos they come up with to sell their products.