David L. Bazelon Quotes
The efficiency label may frequently mask special benefits for special interests. The real questions should be more qualitative ones. Who will be affected? In what ways?
Commenting on issues of efficiency in cost-benefit studies:
David L. Bazelon, Federal Judge, "Science and Uncertainty," Paper presented at the Health Policy Forum, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, May 4, 1981
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
In the 1960s, the cigarette companies and their lobbyists paid consultants and some scientists to demonstrate that tobacco did not cause cancer. By the beginning of the 21st century, the practice of lobbyist bought research was very common. The lobbyists realized that their many might alter the approach and quality of the research so the results would support their political points of view. If the studies did not, the lobbyists and industries simply did not make the results public, and the terms of their financing often prohibited the consultants from releasing information on their own,
Mises is one of the very few economic conservatives who opposed companies getting involved with lobbying or politics in any way. He, like some others, saw the negative public effect that business produces when it does get deeply involved in politics, but he uniquely observed that the businesses themselves suffered as a result of the involvement in politics. Obviously very few business leaders of the 21st century agreed with Mises’ earlier views.
The bills that Congress tends to pass provide benefits for very few but spread the costs over many of not the whole population. In the majority of concentrated benefits, the beneficiaries have made large campaign donations and/or have retained powerful lobbyists. They are special interests in the truest sense of the word. See {633225} for a good example of this principle.
Much public concern has been with moneyed interests buying influence, but the campaign contributions where members of Congress pressure (extort) contributions from companies and other organizations that might be harmed by legislation.
David Lionel Bazelon was a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
