WASHINGTON -- Election years in the United States are good for political consultants but bad for everyone else. Especially the average citizen who bears the brunt of Washington-style "reform."
Concern about the nation's rising prescription-drug bill has set off the usual maneuvering for political advantage. Complains Rep. Mark Sanford, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions," an adage that applies all too well to the pharmaceutical debate.
Critics complain that prescription drugs cost too much. Yet Americans spend more on alcohol. Moreover, inflammatory estimates of rising prices are often flawed by sampling and other problems.