FALSEHOODS in political advertising are widely regarded as a growing menace in our public life and a source of voter anger. So the media were busier than ever this past election season trying to referee truth in politics, while candidates issued what seemed to be unusually numerous, and fulsome, critiques of their opponents’ honesty. But was that enough? Legislators and Read More ›
In a world of dumb terminals and telephones, networks had to be smart. But in a world of smart terminals, networks have to be dumb. Philip Hope, divisional vice president for engineering systems of EDS, has an IQ problem. His chief client and owner, General Motors, wants to interconnect thousands of 3-D graphics and computer aided engineering (CAE) workstations with Read More ›
The Clinton honeymoon is hardly underway and the Society of Permanent Busybodies is already questioning the integrity of his Transition Committee. They want to know: How can Vernon Jordan, former head of the Urban League and co-chair of the transition, presume to give advice on presidential appointments when he serves on the board of a tobacco company? About the time Read More ›
The role of modern technology in education is precisely the same as the role of the automobile in the horse economy: replacement. In the knowledge-age economy that will endure from now right through the 21st century, learning is in and school is out. More education is not the cure to our economic doldrums. Rather, it’s one of the major causes Read More ›
SEATTLE–Legislators, bureaucrats and newspapers in Washington State think they have found a way to stop political lies: They’ve passed a law and are vigorously enforcing it. Washington isn’t the first state to try this, of course: Some 13 others have passed measures to curb political lying, but all have been found unenforceable on First Amendment grounds. That’s why Washington Stat’s Read More ›
There isn’t much time. Alex Haley, author of “Roots,” probably did as much for the understanding of black history, and especially black families, as any writer in any time. In fact, he inspired families of all backgrounds. When he died of a heart attack, at age 70, while in Seattle last February, it was reasonable to assume that his contributions Read More ›
Rather a few years ago, Bruce Chapman came up with a pair of slightly unorthodox ideas. First he decided that someday he would start a public policy think tank in Seattle — not quite the correct Washington for those who want to be where the action and the gridlock are. And second, he decided that the people in his tank Read More ›