Is the government so bad?
Today in class we discussed the role that government plays in the formation and creation of technology through providing funding for experiments and research. As the conversation progressed we seemed to be looking at Congress with a negative spin. This may be because people do not liked to be taxed and some people feel government does too much. However, the consensus in the class today seemed to be that it was the role of Congress to fund such research.
My question then is... Can the government do anything right in the public's eyes? I am a pro-government person and take such stances on issues in today's society. In my eyes the people who are in government are, for the most part, good people. I know that we can always make exceptions on both sides of the aisle. These people dedicate their lives to serving the people of this country and all they get is ridicule.
Politicians are statesmen who work to serve their constituents in all that they do. I know this may be a rosy picture and does not always work, but it can. We can all agree that we need to get this country's spending under control if we hope to not leave my generation and our children's generations whith mountains of debt. This requires that the government make choices that we may not make us very pleased. Are we ready to cut programs and spending for the sake of technology research that may not reap benefits until after we are long gone? For the most part I would sya that people are not.
So, when we discussed the government today with skepticism I wondered as to what you think the priorities of the government are or should be with respect to technology. Hopefully I can get a wide array of answers as to see how the class feels that we can move forward in technology research in the government.
Please Comment!
Comments
Posted by: David Hagen
Posted on: October 19, 2005 10:18 PM
Yes, we all agree that we need to get this country's spending under control. The problem is clearly not the philosophy; it is the will. Every Senator and Representative wants his slice of the pie--a project in his home district. This runs contrary to the purpose of government, which is to provide collectively for the people what the people cannot provide individually for themselves because of externalities. People in Florida do not benefit when federal money is used to build a small Alaskan bridge. People in California do not benefit when the federal government holds science fairs for Iowa children. How does the government do anything right? By sticking within it boundaries of operation, by not spending someone's money for the primary benefit of someone else. I am not only ready to cut spending for infrastructure that only our children will see. I am willing to cut spending for the sole reason of giving the money back to the people who earned it!
Posted by: janice makinen
Posted on: October 21, 2005 11:56 AM
well, you know my stance about big government...
but anyway, i think that the problem with today's administration is that technology-wise, they are looking out for themselves, rather than for the individuals that comprise the country. Of course, we will have the most advanced nuclear technology, the best radar systems, the best defense programs. i understand that this aids in the 'security' of our country (or sometimes compromises it), but the government can't forget about those who still can't afford a computer, or those who simply do not understand why it would be necessary. if the govt doesn't address these people, they most definitely will be left in the dust of today's American digital age. take case for example. lets say that case is a nation. 15 kids at case can't afford computers, but they aren't provided for them. do you think that they are posed with a disadvantage?