how to decide which policy is best ? using multiple criteria
as the examples cited in this section suggest, much of the controversy over public policy, from international affairs to protection of public health, reflects conflicts over which values are most important. does protection of national security warrant some infringement on individual rights? if so,to what extent ? should we continue or expand public programs such as support of health services under medicaid even when they become very costly? should we be more alert to the cost of military weapon systems, or should cost play no role in decisions to buy the weapons? when programs in any area such as national defense agricultural subsidies, environmental protection, or the war on terrorism are not as effective as they shoule be, should we end them, or at least change them so they are likely to be more effective?