Posted on: Wednesday, October 17, 2001

Editorial
Cool cost-benefit look needed on terror plans

In these terrible times, it seems as if any idea, any project that might bring a hint of relief or security is fast-tracked for approval.

And it is unfair to blame the politicians and policymakers alone for this. We want comfort and signs that those in charge are — in fact — in charge and making good decisions.

Still, leadership at this point requires a certain reasoned distance, an ability to look beyond the panic to the real benefits of any particular idea.

The Los Angeles Times put the situation in familiar economic terms: Our leadership must put the flood of ideas and spending proposals to the cost-benefit test.

It might appear unfeeling to resort to the cold rationality of cost-benefit analysis. But that is precisely what is needed in a time of national trauma.

For instance, on the table now is a request for some $5 billion to upgrade both public and private water-treatment plants around the country. Is there any evidence that our water supply is threatened, or is there any demonstrable proof that the $5 billion would make the systems appreciably safer than they are?

None of this argues against good ideas well funded in pursuit of national security and recovery. It is an argument against panic spending that might waste dollars that could be put to better use.