FEBRUARY 2001
A Message from the Editor:
How quickly we
forget…barely two months ago, we sat on the edges of our seats, awaiting the results
of our nation’s tightly fought presidential election race. Recommendations, opinions
and potential solutions flowed freely from experts and non-experts alike. And what was at
the center of this all-consuming, headline-making turn of events?
Technology — or perhaps
the lack of it.
Now, with the new Administration moving forward,
with the tension, anticipation and constant news coverage and commentary all but subsided,
most of us have left those weeks of wondering in the past. Perhaps instead of simply
dedicating a chapter in the history books to this precedent-setting election, we should
use it as the catalyst for improvement. And where might we make the most headway in
improving "the system?" Technology.
This month, Bob Bellinger introduces us to
electronic voting technologies that may help us avoid reliving Election 2000 in the
future. As he tells us, the technology to make the necessary changes exists now;
convincing states to invest the dollars necessary to put it in place will be the
challenge.
Perhaps another topic that should share equal
priority in our nation’s capital relates to our continually escalating healthcare
costs. We heard a lot but saw little during the past several years about improving what,
for many, is becoming a bank-breaking life necessity. In our second feature, James Gover
sets forth the framework for a research program he believes is necessary to keep
healthcare costs from hurtling out of the stratosphere.
And don’t miss this month’s featured
editorial and reader poll. We want to hear what you think about the push to get engineers
and other technology professionals involved in our nation’s schools. Could this be
the key to ensuring technical literacy for all? For that matter, do we need technical
literacy for all?
As always, we want to hear from you. Feel free to
share your thoughts and opinions with us on these or any other policy issues by writing
to todaysengineer@ieee.org.
Enjoy!
—Catherine S. McGowan
Managing Editor |
