Issue 26: Technology
Faruk Ateş || Web Technologies Evangelist, Web Standards Project
Barack Obama represents a first in many ways in the history of U.S. Presidents, but the most compelling first to me is his deeply-rooted interest in technology. He doesn’t just casually appreciate it, no, this is a man — a leader — that ran his campaign on technology in almost every conceivable way.
Come January 20th, the United States will have its first President that will communicate with his people directly through the Internet (via Youtube!) and engage and encourage them to be directly involved in the process of government — all with the help of technology. In fact, his dedication to technology will send ripples through every other area of policy change as there will be no system left untouched if there’s a way for technology to improve upon it.
Obama has also made it clear in his campaign that it’s not just about leveraging technology, but also about stimulating it as much as possible: he sees technology as the foundation behind all the answers we’ll need to recover our economy, to reverse the climate crisis, to fix the health care system and — of special interest to me — to bring high-speed Internet access to every home in America.
It’s hard to imagine the technology sector, both here and around the world, to do anything but grow significantly in the coming years. Barack Obama has already surrounded himself by a highly tech-savvy staff and it’s undeniable that this is a President (-Elect) who truly understands not just the power of, but also both the importance and value of Technology. And that’s something we should all be excited about.
Recent Responses
Good point Faruk: Obama’s adoption of new and emerging technologies is certainly an exciting prospect (hopefully that will give the U.S. economy the welcome boost it sorely needs too). There’s certainly opportunity and scope for Obama to really bring substantial change to the U.S. (if not the whole world) via technology, he’s made good use of it so far and it’ll be interesting to see what happens next.
Well said, Faruk. He’s connected - in a way that’s unlike any predecessor. He accepts that technology is a way of life for many - and offers the potential of significant improvement for all. I’m very hopeful about the incoming administration… and the future. And very ready to put the nightmare of the past 8 years of repression and regression and corrupt, blind politics behind us.
But some call me an optimist.
Hey Faruk. Yeah, it’s a good point - but it makes me a little uneasy. I mean, as much as we all like him Obama is The Government now - and a part of that means that he can only be so transparent. I am nervous that in embracing Youtube-powered fireside chats and a Twitter account the government will have an implicitly legitimate propaganda channel which will make the Deep Dark Secrets that much harder to find. But some call me a cynic.
Great point, Faruk! I’m excited about the changes Barack can bring to our country, both from a technological standpoint and a social perspective. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been excited about anything or anyone in America’s political process. I’m happy to see America reinvolving itself in its future–motivated by an amazing man who knows how to synthesize our culture and make it work. Hurray for technology!
Nice one, Faruk. Great job.
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