Critique of Bandow

1. Deficits and Excess
Bardach (2000) suggests conveying the existence of a problem by ¡°think[ing] in terms of deficits and excess.¡± For example, to emphasize the problem of the uninsured in Maryland, a policy analyst might convey the problem as: ¡°There are too many uninsured citizens in Maryland.¡± Such a statement provides a primary problem focus and keeps the analysis from exceeding its boundaries. Emphasizing deficit or excess¡ªespecially using the word ¡°too¡±¡ªis a clear reminder that an issue is worth studying further. The phrase ¡°too many uninsured citizens in Maryland¡± drives home the point that there exists an excess of citizens in Maryland without health insurance and something needs to be done about it.
Bandow (2003) emphasizes ¡°excess¡± but not in the manner suggested by Bardach.
That is, Bandow explains the absurdity of allegations by patients and politicians that drugmakers are charging ¡°unreasonably high drug costs.¡± Hence, he em...