General on UserVoice

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-17T22:18:39+00:00

The government has failed to take the lead on completing the task of moving the country completely to the SI metric system. George H.W. Bush tried to do something about it, but gave the bureaucrats an easy out. Failure to follow the same measurement standards as the rest of the world is costing US industry something like $1 trillion per year.

GoMetricToday said:

I remember 5 years ago being told that TV was going digital. But like every other thing the government didn't educate the public and now they are playing catch up. My mother was even caught off guard. In this case the compulsory method is working and the transition to digital will be relatively smooth. Compulsory at this point in the game is the only way to metrication of the US.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-17T22:15:04+00:00

GoMetricToday said:

USMA that just goes to show you what can happen when the public get the proper information and education. I think for the US though, our metrication will have to be compulsory. We tried the voluntary thing for too long and it didn't work, as I am sure you will agree. Like it was mentioned in another blog, the government made it compulsory for TV to changed to digital.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-17T16:54:41+00:00

usma said:

Actually, Australia's metrication was voluntary, and accomplished by national assent. Most Australians agreed that it needed to be done. The result was the changing of an imperial society to a metric one. I visited Australia last year, and can testify to the totality of the changeover. GMT, you are right to cite that country as a good example. They should be the U.S. ' metrication model.

Network neutrality ONLY for the network [updated]

2008-12-16T22:39:24+00:00

People are really adamant about network neutrality. Let's not get carried away and drag a whole lot of baggage along with it. Focus on the real issue. Any network infrastructure (any routes over physical medium that traverses public property) should be 100% content neutral. Only charge for bits and bandwidth.

HeckRuler said:

Content neutrality is one part of NN. Being a Common Carrier is another part which has nothing to do with content. Read the wiki page on network neutrality.

But 0% of the internet is "public" like you think. It's all run by someone. Even if it's a public univeristy, you don't have the right to use it. Today, most of it is owned by the major telecom companies: AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Cox, etc.

Protect privacy online, and across databases [updated]

2008-12-15T14:11:09+00:00

Privacy means the right against unsanctioned invasion of privacy by the government, corporations or individuals, and should be protected with laws. Personal details of any kind, including medical, financial, or political information should be accessed, communicated and traded with utmost discretion to avoid fraud and identity theft, government surveillance, and corporate exploitation. As technology has advanced, the way in which privacy is protected and violated has changed with it. Generally the increased ability to gather and send information has had negative implications for retaining privacy. This is the time to enhance existing privacy protections! See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy and read the book Code by Lessig ("individuals should be able to control information about themselves").

hopeyj said:

I second what RbtShelton says above am very heartened by knowing that the incoming administration will do all it can to ensure that entrepreneurs with expertise in health information technology will be able to obtain government funding that will enable them to develop software that will create a climate of trust that will increase enrollment in clinical trials.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-15T13:53:10+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

hopeyj said:

As someone who works in a medical library and sees daily how much it costs taxpayer-funded institutions such as hospitals and universities to obtain articles about the results of studies funded with taxpayer dollars, I am amazed that we even have to fight for the open access policies of the NIH. That data belongs to the taxpayers. Thank you for ensuring that justice and wisdom prevail.

Ensure the Internet is widely accessible & network neutral [updated]

2008-12-15T07:43:09+00:00

The Internet is one of the most valuable technical resources in America. In order to continue the amazing growth and utility of the Internet, the CTO's policies should: Improve accessibility in remote and depressed areas. Maintain a carrier and content neutral network. Foster a competitive and entrepreneurial business environment.

RbtShelton said:

To the list of bullet points, I'd add: "Employ Web 3.0 policy-enabled technologies" since this will make it possible to extend Internet technologies, and the productivity advances these enable, to confidential information (e.g., in health care). For this innovation to occur, an environment of trust must exist and users must be able to control who can and cannot see their personal information.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-15T07:26:33+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

RbtShelton said:

I believe our next major breakthrough in productivity will be powered by extending Internet technologies to confidential information, for example in health care. For this innovation to occur, an environment of trust must exist and therefore personal privacy must be assured. But another part of an environment of trust is that the results of research be open as this will accelerate needed advances.

Protect privacy online, and across databases [updated]

2008-12-15T07:13:34+00:00

RbtShelton said:

I believe our next major breakthrough in productivity will be powered by extending Internet technologies to confidential information. This will have great value in health care and other areas. For this innovation to occur, an environment of trust must exist and personal privacy must be assured. Individuals must be able to control who can and cannot see their information, and for what purpose.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-14T12:45:37+00:00

Totakeke said:

I think that's a great idea, sort of like D Day in Britain, when they introduced the decimal pound (compare the old pounds, shillings, and pence to the English system. It's hard to tell the difference). Anyway, I think it would be great if America had an M Day. I think half of the worry comes from not knowing how to use the metric system, which could be solved with public education.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-14T04:25:56+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

sterry said:

I have two kids with a genetic disease. More than 6000 genetic diseases burden more than 25 million Americans. We have evidence that public banking of the genome and ‘the commons’ of information are thriving, let's do the same for peer reviewed information. We have plenty of scientific and economic challenges, we don't need the artificial barrier of gated access. Let's get the job done now!

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-14T03:24:38+00:00

GoMetricToday said:

When it comes to road signs, I think Canada did a pretty good job of that. They systematically placed new signs and kept them covered until the day of the nation wide reveal. In one day they, like Ireland unveiled the new signs and took down the old ones. I agree that is what needs to be done here. With our vast size, I will take some logistical planning to get everyone on the same page.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-14T03:21:52+00:00

GoMetricToday said:

Yes USMA it does have to be done right. First the public needs to be re-educated to learn daily average use of metric. I know I keep mentioning Australia, but I really think they did it right. They educated the public. Gave them all the information they needed. Let them know when the transition will happen. Then made the transition compulsory and they haven't looked back.

Open Government Data (APIs, XML, RSS) [updated]

2008-12-13T23:47:49+00:00

We can unleash a wave of civic innovation if we open up government data to programmers. The government has a treasure trove of information: legislation, budgets, voter files, campaign finance data, census data, etc. Let's STANDARDIZE, STRUCTURE, and OPEN up this data.

inky said:

After reading some comments here, I say let's open what should be open and keep the more controversial data closed. No need to rip out current systems: run the open stuff in parallel. Decide when to do away with closed systems later after this gets off the ground.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-13T18:47:48+00:00

usma said:

Regarding the posting of metric road signs, you're confusing rapidity with planning. Yes, the signs are unveiled in a single day, but you have to earn your way to that day. The posting of the signs must be backed up by cooperation of the DOTs with law enforcement, the general public, and the motor vehicle industry. THEN, darn right, you post the signs in one swoop on one day.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-13T18:43:01+00:00

usma said:

GMT, if you are at all like I am, you want the job done right. If it isn't done right, then U.S. metrication will fail the same way it did 33 years ago. It MUST be a truly national effort. Measurement involves everybody and everything, and it cannot be accomplished without the involvement of every cog in the American machine.

Spend US infrastructure $$ on a National Railway

2008-12-12T22:17:03+00:00

an anonymous user suggested:
President Lincoln used the building of the Transcontinental Railroad to unite the nation during the Civil War. Eisenhower gave us the Interstate system after the WII. A National Light Rail System would not only bring the country together, but provide much needed jobs. Rail travel is so much less stressful than driving in traffice or flying with today's security protocols. We need better public transit. With a growing population, skyrocketing oil prices, and balooning urban centers that are more and more separated from 'bedroom districts', we need an alternative to the congested highway system. Current rail systems (Amtrak) gives too much right of way to commercial rail. We need a rider-dedicated system.

larger trashcans on the national mall for the inaguration

2008-12-12T22:07:02+00:00

an anonymous user suggested:
The trashcans on the National Mall have got to be the smallest I have ever seen in a National Monument. At the end of the day, trash cans are literally overflowing with garbage. After the 4th of July, the Mall is littered with trash. How embarrassing for our Nation's Capitol. We need larger trashcans on the National Mall.

Open Government Data (APIs, XML, RSS) [updated]

2008-12-12T13:25:45+00:00

malharden said:

Can I ask, PRECISELY how this is supposed to save money? Ripping out the proprietary packages (e.g., SAP, Peoplesoft/Oracle) currently in use in the government would cost TENS OF BILLIONS. Tell me PRECISELY how an ROI is generated on those billions? Nebulous "citizen innovation" doesn't do it. Okay, the citizens now have data. How does this recoup the billions? Can we think about this for a sec?

Menchi

2008-12-12T02:58:50+00:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Cute, but may also be used as an emergency food supply in an economic crisis.

Reform Immigration [updated]

2008-12-12T00:38:34+00:00

Smart people should be able to stay in the US. It should be quicker to get permanent residency and citizenship for talented people. The bar should not be low, but the process should be efficient.

BSR said:

One should not forget that America is a land for immigrants (Talented) ...So please dont say you dont need any immigrants anymore.... if they are qualified and talented, let them come on and value add to the society

Fund Fusion Technology Projects Similar to the ITER [updated]

2008-12-11T10:03:45+00:00

France is beginning construction on the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), a tokamak style reactor to be functioning by 2016. The US has not been the leader in nuclear and fusion technologies in recent years. The US is lagging behind in scientific innovation in this area. Projects like the ITER and institutions like CERN (makers of the largest particle accelerator and the worlds most sensitive "camera") make the US pale in comparison. Furthermore, nuclear / fusion electrical production has a minuscule carbon footprint when compared to that of the "cleanest" coal fired plant. In fact, technologically we are closer to consumer viable nuclear fusion plants than we are to "clean coal technologies." Invest in micro-fusion research as well. UCLA scientists have created a "desktop reactor" That could fuel future spacecraft and medical devices. Breakthroughs are being made in Pulsed High Density Fusion. The science is sound. Don't be afraid of events such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, but let them be warnings. These incidents were caused by careless experiments, flawed designs, and poor government oversight. Modern nuclear plants have safety built into the physics of the reaction, the plant would automatically shut down if left alone for three days.

SEO Test said:

if they must be focus
http://pinayspeak.com/pinaytest/">Busby SEO Test

Fund Fusion Technology Projects Similar to the ITER [updated]

2008-12-11T10:02:32+00:00

SEO Test said:

this is a big opportunity for ITER

Provide an open forum to all government technical employees

2008-12-11T01:55:13+00:00

inky suggested:
Open the floor for all technical employees at all levels of government. Providing an open electronic forum can revolutionize the way technical problem solving and thinking is done at every level. It might also prevent costly mistakes or ineffective purchases.

Ensure the Internet is widely accessible & network neutral [updated]

2008-12-10T22:44:54+00:00

jerrad said:

Freedom, innovation, and opportunity are all important aspects of the Internet today. It is important that we act now to pass Net Neutrality legislation, and preserve the freedom of the Internet. These three values, freedom, innovation, opportunity, are at the foundation of American ideology. They are the core of what we, as Americans, believe in, and taking them away would be a travesty.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T22:31:25+00:00

Premise: Software is licensed to distribute the overhead of its initial development, the cost of which few organizations could afford. Because all government software purchases are made with public funds, the public should be licensed to use it. Proposition: All future investments are to be made in software that is licensed to grant use and source code access to all governed subjects. Security will be maintained with the use of trusted concepts, including asymmetric cryptography, and not rely on the obscurity of closed source software. Where viable further development of existing operating systems and applications will be funded. Where not viable, or where competition is lacking, new projects will be originated. No patents will be granted for pubic works. Release of existing patents will be used as bargaining in the contract bidding process. Opinion: The ability of corporations and individuals to support themselves by developing software will not be impeded. On the contrary, the funding will be fair market representations of what the development is worth. The only thing that will change is that public will receive direct benefit from having paid for the software. The result will be a new renaissance in software advancement. We will also realize boons in hardware utilization and life cycle extension, helping to relieve the e-waste crisis.

jerrad said:

Also, for those who argue "there is no free lunch", I don't think you understand the open source development model.

Open source is developed mostly by professionals for their own use. It follows that this model is about making quality software, not money. This is a point many seem to miss. OSS is built by developers, for developers, because it is the best product for the job.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:53:28+00:00

jerrad said:

Obviously, everything I've said is an oversimplification, and there is much more to security than this. But for the sake of not filling this forum with only my comments, I'll leave it at that for now, until what I've said is debated.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:52:05+00:00

jerrad said:

It's true that Windows has come a long way in regards to security. Microsoft has done a decent job implementing true multi-user support, sandboxing Internet Explorer, and creating a basic privilege escalation system, but the base system is still flawed, and will be flawed until it's rebuilt from the ground-up.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:50:52+00:00

jerrad said:

Yet another good reason for the enhanced security of Linux(this applies specifically to Ubuntu) is the state of the network ports. In Windows, many network ports are left open by default, allowing crackers an entrance into the system. In Ubuntu, this is not so. All ports are closed by default. Because of this, unlike Windows, Ubuntu doesn't even need a firewall.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:49:20+00:00

jerrad said:

So, if an application such as, say, Firefox, was cracked, the cracker would have access only to Firefox. In order to gain control of the entire system, the cracker would have to crack each consecutive layer, increasing the odds of successfully taking control of the system exponentially. In a monolithic system, on the other hand, each layer basically has full access to every other layer.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:48:38+00:00

jerrad said:

A monolithic design is problematic for a similar reason. There are many different layers in an operating system. At the heart of these layers is the kernel, at the top is the user applications, and there are many layers in between. In a modular system, such as Linux, each layer is restricted to access only its own layer, with limited access to the layer directly underneath itself.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:46:51+00:00

jerrad said:

A single-user system, because it was designed for only one user, does a poor job of protecting a user's files from other users on the system. And, because the administrator and user are the same person, this gives the user unlimited power over the system. This is a problem, because if that user's account is cracked, the cracker has whatever privileges the user has.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:46:23+00:00

jerrad said:

Secondly, the security of Linux can be better explained by its inherent design. Linux was originally created to be a multi-user, multi-tasking, modular operating system. Windows, while it has come a long way, is still very monolithic, and based on a single-user system. There are several inherent problems with this design.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:45:41+00:00

jerrad said:

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:44:34+00:00

jerrad said:

Linux has less desktop marketshare than Windows. But desktops are not the only types of computers. We also have servers, where Windows does not hold a monopoly. Servers are arguably more important than desktop computers. Linux is the most widely-used operating system by large corporate servers. Google runs Linux on their servers. Crackers definitely have enough motivation to crack Linux.

Gov to be ran on 100% free software [updated]

2008-12-10T21:43:09+00:00

jerrad said:

For those who claim a "lack of security" in open source, allow me to clarify this issue. Open source constitutes more than just operating systems, but operating systems are central to most debates on this issue, so I will be comparing the security of Windows vs. Linux distributions.

Some claim Linux has less malware simply because it has less marketsare. This logic fails for two reasons. (cont)

Pay for performance - not ljust evel [updated]

2008-12-10T02:38:08+00:00

I would like for performance metrics to relate to cash bonuses for Gov't employees. I am OK with a base pay but there should be management discretion and available funds for bonuses. There should be management incentives for cutting costs that result in direct compensation. It doesn't seem right that our government workers operate in what appears more like a communist system than a capitalistic. I think identifynig metrics with accountable results and performance incentives would greatly improve our whole system but especially advance a few areas such as IT.

inky said:

As a former government employee, I agree and would add: 1) find a way to control or eliminate favoritism and hiring of friends, and 2) base the merit increase criteria on a pre-set list of measurable objectives and have a panel of managers determine the amount of increase.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-09T18:49:38+00:00

digdug said:

Slow conversion is not the way to go when metricating the highways. If you've ever done any driving in Canada, all you have is km/h signs, so you only look at the smaller km/h speedometer in your car, and you ignore the mph markings. Dual signs will lead to more confusion, and in the end, people would just ignore the km/h labels. Just do it and don't look back!

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-09T13:13:29+00:00

Totakeke said:

Has Obama said anything yet about his stance on the metric system or has it been pretty quiet thus far?

Ensure the Internet is widely accessible & network neutral [updated]

2008-12-09T01:12:28+00:00

stingham said:

kinda off topic, but how exactly does this get approved, its obviously number one, do we get any feed back?

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-08T18:00:26+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

sderisi said:

The new CTO of the Obama administration should make it a priority to require open access <http://www.plos.org/oa/definition.html> to peer-reviewed literature.

Fund research for ultracapacitors for all eletric cars. [updated]

2008-12-08T15:12:18+00:00

Battery technology will never catch up to the power production of fossil fuel vehicles. It takes too long to recharge and they will go bad before the car is no longer useful. Ultracapacitors on the other hand have a longer lifetime and recharge much, much faster than batteries. Funding and research needs to be done to make a fully electric vehicle that will compete/replace gas and diesel vehicles, in an effort to drive down fuel costs for Americans.

Ferguson1015 said:

Unfortunately they are also very heavy and decrease the efficiency and driving distance of cars when compared to electric cars. Though I do approve of the initial message of looking at technologies other than batteries.

invest in electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, saving GM. [updated]

2008-12-08T15:04:18+00:00

Electric cars would require funding, but the concept is proven plausible. Creating the beast would require brilliant engineers, creating jobs; manufacturing the beast would require thousands of hands, creating jobs; the end result will be a shift away from oil, prolonging American self-dependance.

Ferguson1015 said:

Especially considering 62% of the United States' oil is used for transportation, this would dramatically reduce the amount of dependence and possibly even eliminate the need for oil from certain regions. And like it or not, GM is really the only company who has the capability to manufacture electric cars on such a large scale.

Protect privacy online, and across databases

2008-12-08T08:34:35+00:00

GForce suggested:
Privacy means the right against unsanctioned invasion of privacy by the government, corporations or individuals, and should be protected with laws. Personal details of any kind, including medical, financial, or political information should be accessed, communicated and traded with utmost discretion to avoid fraud and identity theft, government surveillance, and corporate exploitation. As technology has advanced, the way in which privacy is protected and violated has changed with it. Generally the increased ability to gather and send information has had negative implications for retaining privacy. This is the time to enhance existing privacy protections! See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy and read the book Code by Lessig ("individuals should be able to control information about themselves").

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-08T05:01:45+00:00

GoMetricToday said:

USMA, I can honestly say I can't wait until the starting gun gets fired. This has been so long coming that I don't think we can wait 10 years for it to be complete. With Mr. Obama wanting to have the interstate system rebuild and create jobs that will rebuild our infrastructure, he surely can have it done in metric from the get go. I still think Australia's model would be the best to follow.

Restore DARPA to its former glory and autonomy [updated]

2008-12-07T21:21:13+00:00

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is the research and development arm of the Defence Department. They were a key player in the development of the Internet--now they are making robots that will run up caves. We are starving for fundamental research.

M.C. Lee said:

I agree with michaelwinser - take out the "D", return it to ARPA - then I'd vote for it.

ensure our privacy and repeal the patriot act. [updated]

2008-12-07T21:14:29+00:00

The patriot act had many sub-ordinate clauses that strip away our privacy as American citizens. These were shoehorned in as an effort to protect us, while they in fact strip us of certain rights to privacy as citizens. Lets protect our nation while ensuring confidence and privacy to our citizens.

M.C. Lee said:

It's a sad commentary on our society when we are loathe to contact our family, friends, and colleagues in our own country without an ever present fear of reprisal. Wasn't this covered in the first amendment? Has IT been repealed?

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-07T21:10:31+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

M.C. Lee said:

European countries have embraced OA, the US still lags. Domestic issues aside, what effect does our inflexible reliance upon proprietary distribution have on our standing in the international community of research, teaching, and learning? If we fail to address OA, we may not only find ourselves inextricably growing a domestic underclass but further alienating ourselves in the global community.

Get broadband to every community in America [updated]

2008-12-07T21:01:26+00:00

One strategy to bridge the digital divide is to make sure everyone has broadband access to the Internet. Broadband should be available everywhere--with plenty of public access in libraries and other government offices for people who can't afford broadband in their homes.

M.C. Lee said:

The "how" is less important than the will to get it done! Where there is will... In cyberspace, there is still room for market growth (even with reduced advertising, which would be pleasant). This is also key to job growth through telecommuting, innovation through digital research, & to distance education, which has become integral to learning at all levels.

flood inner city schools with OLPC machines [updated]

2008-12-07T20:52:19+00:00

M.C. Lee said:

Why just inner city schools???

National Science Standards for Schools [updated]

2008-12-07T20:50:14+00:00

Almost every developed country on this planet has adopted national science standards for their public education system. These standards are typically set by a group of scientists and educators to avoid the politicized process that takes place in many states (for example in Texas these days). The United States has fallen behind in our science literacy and we need to promote better science in our education system.

M.C. Lee said:

The problem, here, is that science teaches one good way to think about the world. They are other valid perspecitve from which to think. We need better thinkers, not just more scientists. There are plenty of good scientist who go without jobs...

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-07T20:32:16+00:00

usma said:

GoMetricToday, most countries that changed over to metric in the 1970s set a 10-year conversion period. Once there a REAL national commitment to metrication, and the "starting gun" is fired, there is no turning back. Measurement is something that everybody does. It is beyond politics. Once it starts, and the economic and social facts are created, it has to proceed to completion.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-07T19:57:23+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

jhudean said:

This recommendation is reasonable, necessary, fair and feasible. Enacting it as government-wide policy should be a priority for the new administration.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-07T19:39:21+00:00

GoMetricToday said:

With the current economy. What does everyone thin the possibilities are that we can finish our metrication during the next 4 years? Will Mr. Obama consider the financial ramifications on our country if we don't complete what was started back in 1866? I seriously hope that he takes a good look at this site realises that we are serious about moving forward with metrication.

Provide Obama's original birth certificate.

2008-12-07T16:24:29+00:00

an anonymous user suggested:
I want to see the original copy of Obama's birth certificate. If he has nothing to hide, then there should be no problem.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-07T10:19:55+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

horstie said:

100%

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-07T06:17:10+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

bhasker said:

I Welcome Open Access all the time, because Knowledge should be always shared to reach the heights in scientific development and society development

Get broadband to every community in America [updated]

2008-12-07T01:51:18+00:00

vanya67 said:

I live in a rural area without broadband, and it's a major limitation. Yes, I pay for satellite, but it's a poor imitation of broadband.

I would like to add that while getting broadband available everywhere is needed, we really need to make fiber-optic data connection available to every home, not just broadband. Fiber is much more secure and provides the bandwidth we need for the future.

Set the Goal of a Full Fiber America [updated]

2008-12-07T01:46:40+00:00

We don't just need broadband everywhere and Internet for everyone, we need to acknowledge and embrace that the endgame for all this is a fiber optic cable to every building in the country. We don't need competition between the characteristics of broadband pipes; we need competition between services that run over a common infrastructure with unlimited capacity. And in building out this full fiber infrastructure we need to start making the principles of the Internet applicable to specific geographic regions so that increased connectivity does not just connect us to the world but also improve how we communicate with our neighbors. Already the pieces are in place to get this started. There are dozens of communities with full fiber networks. We need to get them peered together so they can create a bandwidth-rich environment in which to develop the next-generation of applications and services. And there are many more communities ready and willing to deploy if only they had the capital to do so. That's why we need to start by including in any new economic stimulus package the creation of a Rural Fiber Fund that'll help us wire rural America sooner rather than later. There are a lot more pieces that go into making this larger puzzle a reality, but if we start by setting the goal of achieving a Full Fiber America the rest of figuring out how to get there should fall into place naturally.

vanya67 said:

We need to usher in the fiber economy. By making a fat pipe (150+ Mbps) to every home as universal as a phone line, many new services and businesses will naturally appear. Telecommuting would become more widespread, saving fuel. Businesses can move into cheaper, rural areas, lowering startup fees. Decentralizing power gives us resiliency in the event of an attack on a major city. And on and on....

Ensure the Internet is widely accessible & network neutral [updated]

2008-12-06T13:21:42+00:00

maryhutchings said:

How else can I keep up with the most current research in the science areas related to the brain disease afflicting my family? Access to science keeps hope alive.

Ensure the Internet is widely accessible & network neutral [updated]

2008-12-06T13:21:39+00:00

maryhutchings said:

How else can I keep up with the most current research in the science areas related to the brain disease afflicting my family? Access to science keeps hope alive.

Allow Supreme Court to rule on Al-Marri case

2008-12-05T20:38:40+00:00

an anonymous user suggested:
RE: al-Marri v. Pucciarelli, 08-368 This case will not be heard by the high court until Mr. Obama has become President and he will have options available that will remove the case from the SC's case list. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. If Al'Marri is allowed to have his day in court (after 5+ years of being unconstitutionally imprisoned), the Court's decision will restore the protection otherwise tied up in appellate courts. If this case is NOT heard by the SC, then we would have to wait for another atrocious breach of someone's civil rights before being able to bring it to a "final" decision in the high court again. Let this man's case be heard and decided -- one way or the other. Medicine is best taken quickly so recovery can start.

Make election software application code public property [updated]

2008-12-05T19:50:37+00:00

The mechanics of democracy should not be private. Elections should be completely transparent . The private sector should not be able to profit from proprietary vote counting systems. All vote counting software applications should be the property of the citizens of the United States of America. As such, they should be completely reviewable, testable, and transparent. The Federal Government should coordinate with the states to migrate all election systems to publicly owned, standard platforms.

vontrapp said:

Yes, elections are handled locally. But we could have a simple, straightforward law that simply says "any software on any election equipment used for federal elections must be public property, the source thereof freely available and accessible." This would leave the states still free to use any systems they feel are best, with one needed but not at all difficult requirement.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-05T17:09:38+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

Stefania Arabito said:

*Public* is somehow becoming an outmoded concept in Italy at the moment. Please keep up the good work!

National Science Standards for Schools

2008-12-05T16:28:14+00:00

dribble suggested:
Almost every developed country on this planet has adopted national science standards for their public education system. These standards are typically set by a group of scientists and educators to avoid the politicized process that takes place in many states (for example in Texas these days). The United States has fallen behind in our science literacy and we need to promote better science in our education system.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-05T14:28:15+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

chlaz1982 said:

Please promote science! There is just one way. Knowledge must be free to all!

Kick Start Research and Innovation in Energy [updated]

2008-12-05T14:10:59+00:00

Double the # of engineers who graduate from American universities each year to 60K. Bring more women into the field, encourage foreigners who study engineering here to stay. We train foreign nationals, invest in them, and then make them go home. I would staple a green card to their diploma.

rynokil said:

Yes!! We still have the best advanced education network in the world, but not for long! We must retain talented workers, no matter where they are from. Business incubators for immigrants and encouragement for the highly educated to stay, to invent, to produce and to train the next generation are all key to staying competitive with China and India.

high speed trains in local and interstate levels. [updated]

2008-12-05T14:04:49+00:00

i believe that we should have better public transportation to also kick or dependency on foreign oil. it promotes a greener country and encourages more americans to see their country from the ground. its time that we upgrade our local and national trains to european standards. it makes simple sense.

rynokil said:

GM abandoned the EV1 because of poor sales forecasts in the 90's, but had they kept that vehicle in production and on the lots until 2008, they would likely be the industry leaders in hybrid technology. If the bailout included incentives for consideration of coupling individual autos with a larger mass transit system (think automated highways) we could have a very impressive system in 15-20 years

high speed trains in local and interstate levels. [updated]

2008-12-05T13:58:22+00:00

rynokil said:

The federal bailout of the big three auto companies should include incentives for auto companies to be working on public/private partnerships for mass transit systems. The European rail system is a great model for today, but with innovation I think we have the creative capital in this country to focus on efficiency without pulling the average American away from the individual freedom he/she loves

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-05T08:42:00+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

laurentromary said:

This is just a great orientation. This should probably be integrated into a global scientific information policy providing a roadmap for the management of scientific digital asset (research data, publications) and identify what kind of infrastructures should be thus supported (repositories).

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-05T08:10:18+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

Richard Smith said:

This would be a great boon not just to the US but also the broader world, particularly the developing world.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-05T07:46:24+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

suvarsha said:

A policy that unlocks knowledge generated through public funds into the public domain will only add to the quality of content on the Internet. One cannot possibly imagin all the richness that will come out of the use of this corpus of knowledge in a Web 2.0 world. We cannot afford not to do it!

Incentives for shared heating plants in new developments

2008-12-05T05:22:35+00:00

GreenAnimal suggested:
Requiring every house/townhome/condo to have its own heat source is inefficient and environmentally unfriendly. Implementing shared heating plants (like those used in many large cities) in new developments will benefit both the owners and the environment.

Make election software application code public property [updated]

2008-12-05T00:31:19+00:00

bonedog84 said:

This is a great idea, but I'm out of votes, and currently elections are handled locally correct?

Start a "Green Collar Jobs" program [updated]

2008-12-05T00:29:57+00:00

Connect the work that most needs doing (retrofitting our buildings with solar panels, insulation, etc.) with the people who most need work. Let's have the green energy revolution lift all boats--not create an energy apartheid! See http://www.vanjones.net/ for more.

bonedog84 said:

Not really a job for the CTO... Isn't there a department of energy already? Department of Labor?

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-04T22:03:00+00:00

usma said:

Supporters of U.S. metrication might want to consider adding their thanks to Mr. Gene Messick of OpEd News for supporting "Obama metrication." See
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Time-for-America-to-go-Met-by-Gene-Messick-081201-701.html

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-04T21:45:49+00:00

Totakeke said:

Besides, it isn't that hard to "drive metric," if you will. It's just a matter of matching the number on your speedometer with the one on the sign. People will get used to it.

Slow seems like the best way, but we might want to try it differently this time around. Another failed metrication attempt might turn people off to the metric system forever. And we don't want that.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-04T21:44:35+00:00

Totakeke said:

The problem is dual unit signs, weather reports, etc. don't really work. All people see are the old units, and completely disregard the metric units. The best way would probably be to get people used to it and then make one big switch, kind of like the switch to digital TV. They've been announcing it for months now (I think even so far back as last year) and are changing all at once.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-04T20:46:02+00:00

pancake said:

I think he trick is to do this slowly. Whenever a road sign is replaced, use both metric and standard units. Since the signs would be replaced anyway, there is no additional cost to changing them. Also require that speedometers in cars read in both km/hr and miles/hr.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T20:23:46+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

eddalterio said:

Short of a turnaround in our economic direction and permanent peace, it seems to me that this issue is so very important to us now, and , to the generations behind us. You have my vote!
ed dalterio

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T19:36:42+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

bonedog84 said:

ImreSimon... is that not part of the NIH policy? If so (and I thought so), then it's already included.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T19:26:17+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

ImreSimon said:

The mandate should be amended to guarantee that authors retain enough of their copyrights to allow the distribution of the peer-reviewed research paper on a non-commercial basis, independently of the publisher, possibly after a short embargo period. Such an extension of the mandate would be instrumental to conceive scientific knowledge as a commons pool resource.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T19:22:54+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

Quiact said:

Publicly-funded research is the only way research should be done to prevent bias and corruption of the scientific method which has occured when others have performed or sponsored research for their own monetary benefit.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T19:19:06+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

tulsadean said:

The research library community, led by ARL and SPARC, have helped craft sensible public policy that does not threaten the scholarly publishing community while providing open access to the results of taxpayer-funded research. With new, progressive leadership in Washington, the U.S. has an opportunity to lead the world in this important arena.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T18:57:53+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

bonedog84 said:

I'm 100% behind this. I'm a grad student at Caltech, where 95% of the research is publicly funded, and 10% is publicly available. And that's BETTER than most universities! The taxpayers pay for research twice: once for the research itself, and once for themselves (or even the researchers!) to read it.

Also, specifically, please oppose HR 6845, which would drastically hurt open-access.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T18:48:56+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

jknauer said:

Open and complete access to all data generated by taxpayer financed projects is essential to restore confidence in the work that is being done at many federal, state and local agencies. It's important that we go one step further than just creating many isolated silos of open data. I would strongly recommend a more architectural approach to making sure that all data is easily accessible.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T18:38:21+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

cbel12 said:

Heather Joseph stated that this is the best way to leverage our investment in basic scientific research "to its fullest advantage." Part of that "fullest advantage" is the benefit it brings to other countries as well as to the U.S. As a former Foreign Service officer, I see this as an inexpensive and eminently useful way to expand our foreign aid in a completely egalitarian fashion.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T17:26:37+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

PatrickJ said:

Access to the best and most up-to-date research is a key to developing a robust 21st Century economy. The American People through the government provide the "seed money" for a significant part of this research. The People deserve prompt and easy access to this important information.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T17:23:05+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

dcarlson said:

A terrific position. The analogy to the NIH policy is good and relevant but the NIH policy provicdes an embargo period of 12 months, significantly longer than other similar policies by other govt. agencies (non-US) and even many publishers. I would urge for an embargo period of no more than 6 months.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T15:43:59+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

Mike80 said:

University researchers write the articles for free, they serve as reviewers for free and are paid very little or nothing to serve as editors. Yet publishers charge universities unconscionable amounts for access to the research they produce. The internet makes this outdated and unfair system obsolete. The US should demand that the research it funds be accessible to all.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T15:25:02+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

Heatherjoseph said:

This proposal is the best way to ensure that the collective, multi-billion dollar investment that U.S. taxpayers make in basic scientific is leveraged to its fullest advantage. Accelerating advances in health care, sustainable energy and understanding climate change would be fueled by taking this simple step.

Require open access for publicly-funded research [updated]

2008-12-04T15:02:28+00:00

Require open access to the results of non-classified research funded by taxpayers. Extend the exemplary policy now in place at the NIH to all federal agencies.

harnad said:

I support the recommendation and suggest extending the requirement to all peer-reviewed journal articles by researchers at publicly funded universities and research institutions, in all scientific and scholarly fields, whether or not the research itself is funded. This will encourage all universities and research institutions wordwide to adopt open access mandates for all their research output.

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-04T06:54:31+00:00

usma said:

Old Engineer, the change would be painful for some Americans only if it is done without an effective public information plan. The everyday metric system is a snap to learn, but people need to know why the change is being made and what it will mean in their daily lives. See http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Metric/lc1136lv.cfm#inchlb

encourage adoption of Agile software development practices [updated]

2008-12-02T23:00:54+00:00

Successful technologies companies have mostly transitioned to Agile methods over the course of the last decade. It's time for government-sponsored technology projects to do the same. Agile software development refers to a group of software development methodologies that are based on similar principles. Agile methodologies generally promote: A project management process that encourages frequent inspection and adaptation; a leadership philosophy that encourages team work, self-organization and accountability; a set of engineering best practices that allow for rapid delivery of high-quality software; and a business approach that aligns development with customer needs and company goals. (Description from Wikipedia)

jcrigler said:

JohnStanton makes a good point that many "suits" toss around the Agile buzzword, I doesn't make the process any less important. If Obama wants to get anything done, in ANY of the areas listed here, He needs a CTO that can fix the way the Feds do IT. However added this topic is exactly right.

We are in a vicious circle and Agile is one way out!

Kick Start Research and Innovation in Energy [updated]

2008-12-02T10:28:14+00:00

2010 said:

ARPA-E was signed into law in Aug 2007. The agency will be a lean and aggressive force in developing advanced energy technologies. The new administration should stand up the agency as soon as possible so at least the infrastructure is put in place within 6 months of inauguration.

Remove Under God from pledge and In God We Trust from money [updated]

2008-12-02T06:34:09+00:00

I would like the Pledge of Allegiance to be restored what it was before the words "Under God" were added. Also I would like the words "In God We Trust" removed from the currency. Our government is supposed to be secular and having these words on our money and in our pledge is unconstitutional and a blatant violation of state and church separation.

ellipticaltable said:

Keep in mind that this site is for the CTO. The PoA is off-topic (although I agree with your proposal)

Complete the job on metrication that Ronald Reagan defunded [updated]

2008-12-01T18:29:17+00:00

GoMetricToday said:

Old Engineer, the change wouldn't be sudden. Some old measures will have to remain for some time. It took Australia several years to phase out the old measures. But we should no longer keep struggling with an archaic system just because some people refuse to accept another and better way of doing things. We can no longer be the 363 kg gorilla in the room. We need to get with the programme.

Support Community Media and Technology Centers in the U-S [updated]

2008-12-01T18:15:50+00:00

Community Media and Technology Centers provide essential training and ICT tools for people throughout the United States. Their work must be expanded and accelerated to ensure that all people have the ability to engage in civic life in the 21st Century. Expanded funding streams and improved federal policies will ensure that Community Media and Technoogy Centers will flourish in communities across the U-S.

videoray said:

Freedom, knowledge and participation are as American as it gets. We need to foster, in everyway possible, the dreams of this nation. Community Media is, and has been, one of the greatest opportunities to engage our neighbors and communities. I came to Access because I was involved with a neighborhood association. Community Media iseffective and it works for our political health

Open Government Data (APIs, XML, RSS) [updated]

2008-12-01T17:49:13+00:00

vontrapp said:

As for privacy, simply don't make available sensitive information. Open, here, does not mean "make everything available." It means those things you do make available, and those things that _should_ be available, make them available in a open (available, parse able, free of charge) _format_. The access to the data should, of course, be free as well.

Open Government Data (APIs, XML, RSS) [updated]

2008-12-01T17:46:52+00:00

vontrapp said:

Calle, that's the whole point. It matters little what the actual "standard" is or even that it's "standard" between government entities. If we simply have OPEN specs then any programmer can simply and easily transform it into ANY other OPEN standard. Again, open means exactly what you described it should mean.