Everybody’s reacting to high-tech.
Take Fed chairman Alan Greenspan, who in a recent speech hit on something profound yet obvious yet little understood (understandably so) in an America where jobs in high-tech firms are being cut by the thousands. It’s a hot button issue this election year.
“Today a truly puzzling phenomenon confronts the American economy: I refer to the pervasiveness of job insecurity in the context of an economic recovery that has been running for more than five years, inflation that has been contained, and a layoff rate that is historically quite low,” says Greenspan. “Yet, in the face of all this seemingly good news, a sense persists that something is fundamentally wrong.”
“The issue, as best I can judge, appears to be rooted in one of those rare, perhaps once-in-a-century events-a structural technological advance. The advent of the transistor and the integrated circuit and, as a consequence, the emergence of modern computer, telecommunication and satellite technologies have fundamentally changed the structure of the American economy.”
He concludes, “In any event, a new world is emerging. The 21st century will be different-much more rapidly paced and changing than any of us who have been around for a while have experienced in our lifetimes. There will be a different America out there … As a consequence, with the inexorable turnover of the population, people will adjust. When we go through a period of transition, inevitable symptoms of friction, uncertainty and fear arise. They will pass.” Let’s hope the Senate agrees.
The regional Bells will want extra copies of the Greenspan speech, no doubt.
… Ambassador Diana Lady Dougan, speaking May 29 to the Harvard University conference on Internet & Society, said policymakers should consider cellular, paging and other technologies in getting “beyond the traditional definition and measurements of infrastructures. Electronic communication infrastructure now reaches far beyond traditional telephone networks and content providers.”
… Alan Dixon, a general radio telephone engineer from Baltimore, has announced his bid for the GOP seat vacated by Republican Andrew Barrett, now a PR meister for Edelman.
… Conrad Burns (R-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Commerce subcommittee on science, technology and space, will hold the first of two hearings this Wednesday on encryption policy.
… The Wireless Telecom Bureau could consider slapping Wash D.C. law firm Brown & Schwaniger with “frivolous pleadings” referrals to the General Counsel’s office regarding the firm’s handling of the recently dispatched James Kay case.
… Ralph Haller, WTB deputy chief, is now a private citizen. Well-wishers will gather today at a Washington restaurant to celebrate his distinguished 25-year career at the FCC. Best wishes from RCR.
