Avian flu vaccine and philosopher kings

In an article that I commented here Ezekiel J. Emanuel and Alan Wertheimer argued against the private production and allocation of the avian flu vaccine, and instead suggested a selective rationing scheme. Now, in an exchange in Science with like-minded Martin Holmberg they make clear who should have the last word on the matter:

Doubtless, any principle of rationing will offend many. We think it unlikely that this is an issue that can be fruitfully resolved by a referendum or public opinion poll, and so although we would welcome a lively debate, we think that policy-makers must assume the responsibility of producing the principles that are most ethically defensible.

But, why stop at the avian flu vaccine?




Thanks to Workers of the World Unite for the picture.