Date: Sun, 25 Oct 92 05:01:46 From: Space Digest maintainer Reply-To: Space-request@isu.isunet.edu Subject: Space Digest V15 #343 To: Space Digest Readers Precedence: bulk Space Digest Sun, 25 Oct 92 Volume 15 : Issue 343 Today's Topics: ==> New-Essential Clinton: Technology Gore Blames George Bush for Big Bang (2 msgs) Question Welcome to the Space Digest!! Please send your messages to "space@isu.isunet.edu", and (un)subscription requests of the form "Subscribe Space " to one of these addresses: listserv@uga (BITNET), rice::boyle (SPAN/NSInet), utadnx::utspan::rice::boyle (THENET), or space-REQUEST@isu.isunet.edu (Internet). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sunday, 25 Oct 1992 01:38:14 CDT From: U56503@uicvm.uic.edu Subject: ==> New-Essential Clinton: Technology Newsgroups: sci.space,talk.politics.space ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Information in the public interest which does not imply that it is the opinion of UIC. Contact 75300.3115@compuserve.com for further information. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subj: THE ESSENTIAL CLINTON: TECHNOLOGY (update) THE ESSENTIAL CLINTON: TECHNOLOGY "I have every confidence that America has the energy and the talent to regain its industrial and technological leadership." THE VISION --------------------------- "America's international performance and international influence rest, in large part, on its technology base . . . . We are the world leaders in biotechnology, information technology, aerospace technology and [in] many other fields on the frontiers of science applied to human life. "Unfortunately, by losing the lead in the commercialization of many American-invented technologies, we are losing control of our own economic growth and prosperity. "The United States must act now to establish a technology policy that will help U.S. companies to succeed in world markets and help American citizens earn a good living in the global economy." THE BUSH LEGACY --------------------------- "During the Cold War . . . U.S. industry dominated world markets and massive U.S. defense spending for high-tech weapons systems provided a big demand for leading-edge technology. Today, however, U.S. industry faces intense international competition, and the global civilian market, not the Department of Defense, is the testing ground for most of the new technologies. The absence of a coherent technology policy is one of the key reasons why America is trailing some of its major competitors in translating its strength in basic research into commercial success--and why America is losing its lead in technology. Even in the technologies where we still lead, we face the challenge of translating the world's best research into the world's best jobs for American workers. "the Bush-Quayle administration has done nothing while wages have stagnated and our economic leadership has eroded. Despite the growing consensus on what needs to be done, they refuse to act, recycling the tired and failed policies of the past." THE CLINTON ALTERNATIVE --------------------------- "In order to implement an effective U.S. technology policy, I will declare that U.S. technological leadership is a national priority and organize the government for results. "First and foremost, a Clinton-Gore Administration will emphasize the need to renew our civilian technology base. America cannot continue to rely on trickle down technology from the military to maintain competitiveness of its high- tech and manufacturing industries. "Civilian industry, not the military, is the driving force behind advanced technology today. Only by strengthening our civilian technology base can we solve the twin problems of national security and economic competitiveness. "The Vice President will take on the task of organizing all facets of government to develop and implement my Administration's technology policy." THE PRESCRIPTION --------------------------- [21st-Century Infrastructure] "Investing in infrastructure means more than repairing bridges, harbors and highways. Today, the United States faces a new series of communications, transportation, and environmental needs for the 21st century. "The creation of a 21st-century infrastructure program would serve as a critical technology driver for the nation. It would stimulate major new national R&D efforts; create large, predictable markets that would prompt significant private sector investments; and create millions of new jobs. "For example, the government can serve as a catalyst for the development of an advanced national communications network [the National Research and Education Network], which would help companies collaborate on research and design for advanced manufacturing; allow doctors across the country to access leading medical expertise; put immense educational resources at the fingertips of American teachers and students; open new avenues for disabled people to do things they can't do today; provide technical information to small businesses; and make telecommunicating much easier. "Such a network could do for the productivity of individuals at their places of work and learning what the interstate highway of the 1950s did for the productivity of the nation's travel and distribution system. [Toward a High-Skill Workforce] "The workplace of the future will be technology-intensive. The U.S. education system must make sure that American workers have the requisite skills. The focus should be not only on the top American students who measure up to world- class standards, but also on average and disadvantaged students. It must also take into account the need to upgrade workers' skills and help people make the difficult transition from repetitive, low-skill jobs to the demands of a flexible, high-skill workplace. "Unlike Germany, the United States does not have a sophisticated vocational education program, and unlike Japan, U.S. firms do not have a strong incentive to invest in the training and retraining of their workers. We need more of both, geared to meet the needs of the mobile U.S. workforce." [Empowering America's Small Businesses] "A healthy and growing small-business sector is essential to America's economic well-being. America's 20 million small businesses account for 40 percent of our GNP, half of all employment, and more than half of the job creation. "My technology policy will recognize the importance of small and medium-sized business to America's economic growth by 1) creating a national technology extension service, and 2) expanding the highly successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. "A national technology extension program will put the best tools in the hands of those companies that are creating the new jobs on which the American economy depends. "The involvement of workers is critical to developing and executing successful industrial extension programs. . . . New production technology should be worker-centered and skill-based, not skill-eliminating. "In technology, as in other areas, we must put people first." [Increasing R&D for Critical Technologies] "{A Clinton-Gore Administration} will view the support of generic industrial technologies as a priority mission. "At present, 60% of the federal R&D budget is devoted to defense programs and 40% to non-defense programs. This level of support for defense R&D is a holdover from the massive arms build-up of the 1980s. At the very least, in the next three years, the federal government should shift the balance between defense and non-defense programs back to a 50-50 balance, which would free-up over $7 billion for non-defense R&D. "We will create a civilian research and development program to support research in the technologies that will launch new growth industries and revitalize traditional ones." [Maximizing Federal Investment in Technology] "R&D conducted at the federal labs and consortia should be carefully evaluated to assure that it has a maximum impact on industrial performance [and] cooperation between universities and industry should be encouraged. "Funding for basic university research should continue to be provided for a broad range of disciplines, since it is impossible to predict where the next breakthrough may come. "While maintaining America's leadership in basic research, government, universities, and industry must all work together to take advantage of these new breakthroughs to enhance U.S. competitiveness. "Cooperative R&D programs represent another opportunity. Consortia can help firms share risks, pool resources, avoid duplication, and make investments that they would not undertake individually. By requiring that firms match federal contributions on at least a 50-50 basis, the government can leverage its investments and ensure that they are market-oriented. "A Clinton-Gore Administration will work to build a productive partnership between government, research labs, universities, and business." [Creating a World-Class Business Environment] "Changes in America's tax, trade, and regulatory policies are also needed to help restore America's industrial and technological leadership. In a global economy in which capital and technology are increasingly mobile, we must make sure that the United States has the best business environment for private sector investment. "[My specific recommendations] include the following: * Make the R&D tax credit permanent, to provide incentives for U.S. companies that invest in developing new technology. * Place a permanent moratorium on Treasury Regulation 1.861-8, to encourage U.S. companies to perform more R&D in the United States. * Provide a targeted investment tax credit to encourage investment in the new equipment that we need to compete in the global economy. . . . * Help small businesses and entrepreneurs by offering a 50% tax exclusion to those who take risks by making long-term investments in new businesses. THE FUTURE --------------------------- "The Bush-Quayle Administration has failed to stand up for U.S. workers and firms. We need a President who will open foreign markets and respond forcefully to unfair trade practices. I will: * Enact a stronger, sharper Super 301 to ensure that U.S. companies enjoy the same access to foreign markets that foreign companies enjoy to our market. * Successfully complete the Uruguay Round. This will help U.S. manufacturers and high-tech companies by reducing foreign tariffs, putting an end to the rampant theft of U.S. intellectual property, and maintaining strong disciplines against unfair trade practices. * Insist on results from our trade agreements. Although the U.S. has negotiated many trade agreements, particularly with Japan, results have been disappointing. I will ensure that all trade agreements are lived up to. "[The Clinton Plan outlined here] comprises a technology policy that will restore economic growth at home, help U.S. firms succeed in world markets, and help American workers earn a good standard of living in the international economy." ENDORSEMENTS --------------------------- 556 economists, including these Nobel Prize winners: Paul Samuelson, MIT (1970) Kenneth Arrow, Stanford (1972) Lawrence Klein, Penn (1980) James Tobin, Yale (1981) Franco Modigliani, MIT (1985) Robert Solow, MIT (1987) Business and Professional Women's PAC, by unanimous vote. The 7,000 participants at the B&PW convention in Minneapolis made the first presidential endorsement in B&PW's 75-year history. Roger Johnson, Chairman, Western Digital (member of the Orange County Eight and one of 30 presidents or CEOs of some of the nation's leading high-tech companies endorsing Clinton): "As a Republican who has voted for every GOP presidential candidate since Eisenhower in 1952, it has been an eye-opening experience to find that a Democratic governor from Arkansas has a far better understanding of what America needs than does an incumbent Republican Administration." Delano Lewis, President and CEO, C&P Telephone: "The Clinton-Gore plan is an investment in people, in plant, and in equipment, the elements that [will] generate private sector investment and participation in national economic recovery. For business people who want to provide employment opportunities, this plan makes absolute sense." Kathryn Thompson, real estate developer (and member of the Orange County Eight): "Bill Clinton knows only an economically strong America can preserve world peace and promote expanding markets. Bill Clinton can see past the moment and therefore is the most qualified [presidential candidate] in shaping history in America's best interest." The Seattle Times (10/4/92): Bush has presided over an economy that has created the fewest jobs of any administration since WWII. . . . As Bush tries to blame others, Clinton talks about the future with plans for investments in educations and major jobs-training programs and strengthening the public works that allow private commerce to thrive." On Campus (official publication of the AFT), October 1992: "It may not capture headlines, but computer networking and its availability in schools and colleges is an issue that certainly is relevant to the fall election. By nominating Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee as their vice presidential nominee, the Democrats have chosen a candidate who has consistently championed the rights of *all* schools to pariticipate in, and contribute to, a new age of high-speed computing." John P. White, former Issues Director, Perot Petition Committee (10/5/92): "Today, I am announcing my support for Governor Bill Clinton for President of the United States. . . . I believe that a Clinton presidency will achieve for the country the essential combination of economic growth, good jobs, and long-term fiscal strength." The El Paso Times (10/11/92): "The President, effective though he has been in the foreign policy arena, has failed to develop a cohesive domestic policy to address the issues at home--the economy, industrial development, health care, poverty, education or the environment. Can we stand four more years of this? No. . . . President Bush has had his chance at the helm. Today, Bill Clinton offers us the best hope for getting the country going again." ***** The San Francisco Examiner (10/11/92): "It is not enough to preside over the end of the Cold War; a president must lead the country to economic victory in the peace that follows. Although the presidential campaign has focused on the domestic economy, we believe, along with Clinton, that America's future depends on success in the global economy. "Clinton envisions a new partnership among government, business and labor. He believes America can be pro-growth and pro-environment. He knows American business needs to be more competitive in the world. "He plans to stimulate the economy through public investment in roads, bridges, and technology. He wants renewed emphasis on job training, new investment in infrastructure and small businesses, and a manufacturing revival. "He recognizes our country's greatest asset is its industrious people. "George Bush has failed to keep the promises he made four years ago; Bill Clinton is the best choice for President of the United States." ------------------------------ Date: 24 Oct 1992 22:54 PDT From: "Horowitz, Irwin Kenneth" Subject: Gore Blames George Bush for Big Bang Newsgroups: talk.politics.space,sci.space In article <24OCT199219520543@judy.uh.edu>, wingo%cspara.decnet@Fedex.Msfc.Nasa.Gov writes... Oh, Dennis, Dennis, Dennis...you're beginning to sound like a broken record... (Dennis' tired old diatribe against the Democratic party has been deleted for everyone's benefit...and my sanity :-). >There was a large contingent from the University of Alabama in Huntsville at >this little party carrying Bush/Quayle posters. Too bad it did not get on TV. >Sorry Gore baby but it was the University of South Dakota that did it first. >David Webb has also put the program in place at Emery Riddle University in >Florida. The University of Alabama in Huntsville continues in its efforts >to train the real space professionals of the twentyfirst century. These >students can read write and see propaganda when it is put out. Your >talk is just talk. > It's just a pity that they haven't taught you how to spell properly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Irwin Horowitz | Astronomy Department |"Whoever heard of a female astronomer?" California Institute of Technology |--Charlene Sinclair, "Dinosaurs" irwin@iago.caltech.edu | ih@deimos.caltech.edu | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 25 Oct 1992 08:24:08 GMT From: Patrick Draper Subject: Gore Blames George Bush for Big Bang Newsgroups: talk.politics.space,sci.space In article <24OCT199222541416@juliet.caltech.edu> irwin@juliet.caltech.edu (Horowitz, Irwin Kenneth) writes: >In article <24OCT199219520543@judy.uh.edu>, wingo%cspara.decnet@Fedex.Msfc.Nasa.Gov writes... >Oh, Dennis, Dennis, Dennis...you're beginning to sound like a broken record... >(Dennis' tired old diatribe against the Democratic party has been deleted for >everyone's benefit...and my sanity :-). >>There was a large contingent from the University of Alabama in Huntsville at >>this little party carrying Bush/Quayle posters. Too bad it did not get on TV. >>Sorry Gore baby but it was the University of South Dakota that did it first. >>David Webb has also put the program in place at Emery Riddle University in >>Florida. The University of Alabama in Huntsville continues in its efforts >>to train the real space professionals of the twentyfirst century. These >>students can read write and see propaganda when it is put out. Your >>talk is just talk. >> >It's just a pity that they haven't taught you how to spell properly. >------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Irwin Horowitz | >Astronomy Department |"Whoever heard of a female astronomer?" >California Institute of Technology |--Charlene Sinclair, "Dinosaurs" >irwin@iago.caltech.edu | >ih@deimos.caltech.edu | >------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let's see, 1) Weak defense of the Democratic party and, 2) a spelling flame! Irwin Horowitz is out of arguments, that is true. ------------------////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\------------------ | Patrick Draper Disclaimer: I can't control my fingers, | | draper@umcc.ais.org I can't control my toes! - Ramones | | University of Michigan Computer Club | NO CARRIER We are a nation of laws, not people | ------------------\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////------------------ ------------------------------ Date: 25 Oct 92 06:38:33 GMT From: Henry Spencer Subject: Question Newsgroups: sci.space In article <1992Oct23.104039.60066@cc.usu.edu> slt22@cc.usu.edu writes: > What ever happened to the Daedalus project? ... Basically, it finished. It was always just a design study; nobody expected to start construction any time soon. :-) -- MS-DOS is the OS/360 of the 1980s. | Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology -Hal W. Hardenbergh (1985)| henry@zoo.toronto.edu utzoo!henry ------------------------------ End of Space Digest Volume 15 : Issue 343 ------------------------------