The two presidential hopefuls were given questions regarding science and technology, in what seems to be a step in the right direction, i.e. moving away from trash-talking to issue-talking.
The Los Angeles Times reports that both candidates were asked 14 questions devised by university presidents, Nobel laureates and government officials. The article highlights a few questions but the full answers are on Science Debate 2008.
One of the most interesting questions had to do with the overall ranking of America’s students in math and science. Out of 30 wealthy nations, we rank 17th in science and 24th in math. Both candidates would tackle this problem differently.
Much of McCain’s plan is focused towards colleges and universities. But teaching the fundamentals of math and science start way before higher education. “Invigorating our community college system is a good place to start.…I have long supported grants for educational instruction in digital and wireless technologies, targeted to minorities and low-income students who may not otherwise be exposed to these fields.” This may sound great but it may also sound like tracking. Not to mention, many of these jobs are already across seas.
Obama plans to step up the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program as well as hiring teachers that have studied the fields they teach. However, he hits on the obvious. “We cannot strengthen STEM education without addressing the broader challenges of improving American education and other priority issues.” But there is hope “In addition to a focus on high quality teachers, my comprehensive plan addresses the needs of our most at-risk children, focuses on strong school leaders, and enlists parent and community support.” OK, now we are getting somewhere.
Both were addressed on the issue of National Security and technology. Obama outlines a plan that is a little vague but more specific than McCain’s. McCain sites the technology of “Internet, email, GPS, Teflon.” I’m not mocking those examples, but I thought he would for sure include the American invention “sharks with laser beams.” Oh wait, that wasn’t us.
Obama plans to create a Chief Technology Officer and McCain will also hire a Science Adviser. Both are steps in the right direction, I just believe one more than the other. Just a little.
And on to health care…. We can all guess where both candidates stand on this issue. I like Obama’s response: “It’s wrong that America’s health care system works better for insurance and drug companies than it does for average Americans, who face skyrocketing health care costs”
McCain: “By promoting research and development of new treatment models, promoting wellness, investing in technology and empowering Americans with better information on quality, we can make health care more affordable.” Yeah affordable health care…wait how am I going to afford it?
--Erin
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Thanks for keeping tabs on the candidates and technology, Erin.
But I wonder, given the $ trillions debt the country is in, how does either candidate expect to put our tax dollars where their mouths are on education -- much less in science, math, and technology education?
There's the unending "war on terror" in Afghanistan and Iraq; and now the biggest financial meltdown in U.S. history, which has shaken our already unstable (and world) economy to its knees.
And, gee, guess who's going to pay for that ever skyrocketing national tab? Mary and John Doe American.
But at least TALK is cheap, right? So, until Obama or McCain (and Congressional and business leaders) lay down concrete plans to correct the above balance sheet, I won't hold my breath on mere hope.
As for the general attitude toward education, it's my belief that many people don't appreciate what must be done, what they must do, unless there are compelling incentives for them to effect positive change for themselves and the country, and with reasonable, enforceable measures for accountability. This applies to government, business, AND individuals.
For example, if government and business coordinate intelligent, long-term investment in the research and development (R&D) engine of manufacturing and technology innovation -- into new and much needed industries (like "green" industries) -- then the desire and demand for a greater public education system that trains every American with the necessary math, science, and technology skill sets is more likely to fall into place, and more quickly.
Because if American taxpayer funds are going into such investments, right here at home, it makes it much tougher to see the fruits of those investments go overseas. And built in to those investments should be incentives that make it irresistible for companies to stay in America AND impossible for them to leave. Today, private business has no such incentives.
Moreover, if Americans see their peers and neighbors landing good-paying jobs -- jobs they can feel proud doing, and which speak to an America that's headed in a better and brighter direction -- the expectation and demand for the necessary training will follow.
The U.S. cannot succeed without a solid manufacturing sector, nor without a highly-trained workforce to go with it. This is a HUGE part of the reason why the financial/investment services sector of this country has ballooned out of all proportion -- and the disastrous housing speculation frenzy along with it.
Our economy has been overly reliant on the financial services sector and a military and McDonald's economy. Why? Because we have virtually no more manufacturing base left. A base which built up a solid middle-class and decent quality of life (and a once terrific public education system -- except for racial segregation in schools!) in this country after WWII.
So, government, business, and the American people have to have the courage, the will, and the vision to create a business and civic environment that makes the imperative to take our country in a better, smarter direction far too desirable to ignore. Because time stops for no one, right?
- Misako M.
Post a Comment