Microsoft NEW Technology Microsoft Surface

Noteworthy Thoughts: on greed and envy and immigration

Two briliant articles caught my attention in The Washington Post this week. 

One is about greed and envy in the context of power, money, and economic empowerment written by Carlos Lozada.  I wonder if this is what Adma Smith had in mind when he talked about "self-enlightenment" in "The wealth of Nations."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092404118.html

The other about our immigration policy written by columnist Ezra Klein.  He wrote very eloquently about the issue of immigrants and their contribution to the U.S. economy.  I understood more about the effect of employment in the U.S. from his article than some other writings on this issue. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092401774.html

Technology As We See IT

This week's IT news are on the following two areas.

Public safety and defense policy:
http://csciwww.etsu.edu/gotterbarn/stdntppr/
http://www.cert.org/insider_threat/
http://www.disastercenter.com/terror.htm
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ka.cfm?knlgAreaID=119

Government:
http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan012062.pdf
http://govfresh.com/2010/04/opengov-apis-interfacing-with-open-government/
http://www.govtech.com/e-government/White-House-Launches-Challengegov.html
http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2009/06_technology_west/06_technology_west.pdf

On Immigration: an ongoing debate that won't go away

When is it going begin or end?  A resolve for our rusty immigration policy and the plight of the 12 million immigrants for an absolution.

The economic contribution of the immigrants to the U.S. economy is a much-debated issue.  The pro-immigrants and economists on the left believe they raise the wages for the U.S. workers, create jobs, and keep the economy churning.  The anti-immigrants and the economists on the right believe the immigrants replace U.S. workers and force jobs to leave for other countries.

All the while the politicians in Washington worry about their elected seats.  Immigration is just a punch line, a rhetoric.

The immigration policy has not resolved the problem itself -- illegal immigration.  Nor has it offered any viable hope for the fate of the 12 million illegal immigrants who are already here.  President Reagan cleared the way for the last immigration amnesty in early 80s.  That policy even failed to bring any permanent resolution to our immigration policy.  Otherwise, we would not be screaming about this more than 20 years later.

Perhaps, in the age of globalization the policy makers need to find an innovative way to deal with this problem.  Perhaps, there needs to be some sort of cross border, transcontinental interchangeable immigration policies shared by nation and states.  Honestly I don't know what this means.  The idea just popped into my head. 

Let me think about it.  I can do that.  But the policy makers should not have this luxury of thinking for too long.  They need to act.

Another Achievement For the Man Who Invented Micro Lending

Dr. Yunus’ indefatigable work to improve the lives of women and poor is unparallel in its scope and impact. I simply don’t have the writer’s skill to express how happy I am today for Dr. Yunus. Thank you, Sir, for all your work. You make us proud.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/yunus-centre/us-congressional-gold-medal-for-professor-muhammad-yunus/470554490515

Change and Hope: I still want to believe

On January 20, a frigid day, I stood at The Mall, watching a brilliant sunrise, glowing spectacularly in golden and yellow hue, with an anticipation of a new beginning.  My heart was full.  I was at awe.  The sea of humanity was overwhelming but assuring, energetic, and happy.  A new dawn was upon us.

That was not even two years ago.  With the ever-changing political cloud turning dark, change and hope seem a distant memory.  But I still want to believe.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70893&id=584486874&l=a5fc282185

Are We Ready Yet?