Why Process Matters

Megan calls Harry Reid's provision for the Independent Medicare Advisory Board "an unprecedented and troubling power grab."  She elaborates:

I do actually understand Reid's intent:  they are trying to set up an institution that can make binding cuts to medical services, which is difficult to do if that institution is subject to political pressure.  I quite agree that without such a provision, the institution is unlikely to work. But process matters.  What if your select commission runs amok?  Or what if 80-90% of Americans simply hate it and don't want it? It is neither practically nor ethically desirable to appoint a dictator.  Nor is any man so wise that he should be able to enshrine his preference into unchangeable law for all time.

2006-2011 archives for The Daily Dish, featuring Andrew Sullivan