A number of news articles this morning demonstrate the point that society is confused in what we want:
- From the “Cutting the Deficit” Department: We all know that the recent election appeared to be a referendum that was to send the message that we want deficits cuts and Congress to rein in the spending with corresponding income. But I’m not sure that part of the message got through… the message the new Republican majority seemingly got was more to just block the other side. Here’s some examples: The recent tax cut compromise forced by the Republican party will dangerously increase the deficit. The agreement would add a staggering $700 billion to the federal budget deficit in the next two years alone, and the prospects for tax cuts and their negative consequences for the deficit could continue for years. Of course, they might have actually reduced the increase in the deficits by cancelling the tax cut extension for the wealthy folks or not making all the estate tax changes… but they didn’t. Yet when presented with a deal that the CBO says will reduce the deficit, passage may be prevented—The DREAM act, just passed by the House and facing an unclear future in the Senate. A Congressional Budget Office analysis this month estimated the House version of the Dream Act would reduce deficits by about $2.2 billion and increase revenues by $1.7 billion over the 2011-2020 period. It estimates that the Senate version of the legislation would reduce deficits by about $1.4 billion and increase revenue by $2.3 billion over the 2011-2020 period.
- From the “Encouraging Science” We need to encourage our youth to go into science in order to maintain our technical lead. For example, CSUN is doing their part: here’s a great article about how CSUN is helping the FAA transform their multi-dimensional software. Yet, for all this, funding cuts to the schools are hurting science fairs, and science fairs are a critical activity in encouraging middle and high school students to become scientists and engineers.
- From the “Watch the Birdie” Department: We give our kids cameras all the time. We give them cell phones so they can talk to their friends. It is almost impossible these days to find a camera or a cell phone without video capability. Yet we get in an uproar about a Barbie doll with video capability, going so far as to get the FBI involved in the picture. But this is just an example is how our society is confused on the subject. For example, there’s a Time story this week about how making Pron more accessible might curb child abuse. Of course, the responses are predictable. Our society is confused about what we want.
A closing P.S., noting two passings, both courtesy of the Chicago Tribune. Femme-reporter Brenda Starr is turning in her pencil and pad come 2011, as the comic strip bites the dust. Yet again the Internet is claiming victims, as the newpaper comic strip continues to die. Also killed by the Internet: the Christmas Card, whose sales are declining. The culprit here is the increased social networking and connectivity.
