thoughts on technology and culture, politics, and information design
Thursday, March 17, 2005
A few questions
Why are lawmakers approving drilling into the Alaska wildlife refuge instead of examining incentives to reduce dependence on foreign AND domestic oil?
Why is the bankrupcy bill on the verge on being passed? A recent study from Harvard suggests that 1/2 of personal bankruptcies are the result of unexpected medical expenses. The bill just passed by the senate will have an adverse effect on low income and middle class families. Why is this a priority right now? Why is economic opporutnity for the poor and stability for the middle class a threat? Why do people adversely affected by the policies of the Bush administration give him the benefit of the vote?
Why are we spending so much money on military activities, instead of confronting the core disparities that result in hate and terrorism? If the amount of money spend on the war in Iraq was allocated towards combating global poverty, what outcomes might result? What are the root causes of terrorism and hate and what actions are being taken by the United States to address these causes?
I hope that politicians can begin to suggest long-term solutions to the emerging problems facing the United States and the world. Some of these solutions may involve confronting the pharmaceutical and credit card industry, investing in non-military foreign policy activities, and pursuing economic justice for poor people domestically and abroad. Are these such horrible things? I would suggest they are essential for the long term sustainability of this world.
Where are our priorities?