In the meantime…

On today’s radio show, I discuss the interesting dynamic I think netbooks can play on the lives of our children. Allow me to elaborate. The other evening I had a bunch of people over for my birthday party. A bunch of us got into talking about technology as I showed them my new netbook. As I pointed out some features, it occurred to me that cost ($250 – $300), light-weight and overall technology (many run on an XP OS and have 7 to 10 hours built-in battery life) in this netbook potentially made it an ideal tool for a tech-savvy kid in my daughter’s age group. I can set-up parental controls, share access to our home network, and she can read online, write stories, chat with her friends and develop excellent computer skills at a very young age.

The truth is – kids her age (9 – 11) are all getting iPods, cell phones and tonight at a Girl Scouts meeting one parent was going to add a Kindle to the mix as well.

But the more I thought about the idea of all this technology entering her life – the more I wondered about our educational system and its ability to teach a child who downloads song off iTunes, socializes online with her friends and could have access to her own computer that is light-weight enough to carry in a small bag and almost go anywhere she goes. Are our schools really equipped to meet the interests and the intelligence of kids with that kind of mobility and desire for information on-demand? Is the curriculum we have established really what our kids need to know? And are those big, factory-sized schools with aging computers and 30-year teaching veterans who have never worked with new technology the right venues and right people to surround our kids with?

My short answer: no, not really.

But what is the solution? Tune in for the discussion. Or share your thoughts here.

Special Announcement

Now for my special announcement. As if I need another challenge, I am working with others across the country to reinvigorate the Reform Party. For far too long we have let this country be run by the professional politicians and special interest groups. They’ve sold us bill after bill, and made promise after promise. What do we have to show for it? Are our schools, bridges and roads the envy of the world? Are we at low levels of unemployment? Unfortunately, no.

Instead, we are faced with trillion dollar budget deficits, over $12 trillion in debt, a currency in decline and an increase in partisan fighting and divisiveness – much of which is for show. When one side assume power – it manipulates legislation to provide pork for the special interest groups, while the opposition cries foul – all the while trying to leverage their own deals. The two major parties exist to support themselves and keep themselves in power.

According to a recent Rasmussen Reports poll – just 32% of Americans believe that their elected officials represent their best interests – 67% do not. The number of Democrats is at a substantial low (a 7 year low), but the number of people joining the Republican Party remains largely flat. People are not aligning themselves with a party for a reason – and I believe it is because a growing number of people have no confidence in the two-parties to solve our economic challenges heading to the future. This presents an excellent opportunity for the Reform Party.

The Reform Party can provide an outlet for the millions of Americans who want to take their government back. I am proud to work with so many people across this country to try and rebuild something that was the cornerstone of the modern, American grassroots movement. If you are interested, please email me at: mike@hackmer.com