Here are some of the things readers said…

"We need another Mother Russia space race in America to engage the country. Come on, Mother Russia event…!"

So many ways to interpret this one.

While I agree that the space race motivated an entire country, I don't believe that it's feasible today, especially with our national debt expected to approach $500 billion this year. While I'm a strong proponent of the space program (See previous blog item.), I think we can motivate a country ourselves—without another Cold War. Also consider the exorbitant costs of such star-reaching projects these days, which are of course coming mostly out of our own, taxed pockets. I don't know about you, but my pockets contain more space than objects at the moment. One particularly interesting way to help solve this problem has already been pursued: celebrities. Let them drop millions for a ride. (In doing so, perhaps fewer entertainers would play political pundits. Everyone wins.) Doing so wouldn't solve the cost problem, but would certainly help. Better yet… The Shuttle has an enormous cargo bay. Were the cargo bay at least temporarily inhabitable, host the world's first rock concert from space. Maybe The Stones or Marilyn Manson. I'm cheap and I'd pay money to see that. Lastly, rewrite the rules so that NASA can accept sponsorships, a la NASCAR. What could be funnier (more profitable, and more phallic) than a Shuttle emblazoned with the Viagra(TM) logo?

"I see the misunderstanding of 'engineering' and its devaluation in America as very widespread."

This is perhaps a chicken-and-egg thing. I believe that, first, America has been devalued. With a trade deficit of $700 billion ($160 billion of that with China alone), it's America itself that's been devalued. Fix that first.

"Being a new engineer, I see a lot of what's been commented about with being laid off and the field being unstable, but I have to say that if people are looking for stability in our field, you are in the wrong place. …Engineering is all about creativity. How can there be creativity if there's stability? Instability mixes up the brain trust…"

'Stability' is much different, in different contexts. While I agree that instability is a serious problem in many fields, instability that's out of the worker's control is the problem. Stabilize the environment first, then each worker can choose to move on to a new job to grow. If our current working environment doesn't support creativity or bring fulfillment, a stable environment brings the decision making back to us…and away from corporate. Chaos and creativity needn't go hand in hand. Stability, ability, and confidence would better support creativity.

"The general public will believe a rich, corporate president before an engineer any day."

Um, are you sure about this? Especially post-Enron, who trusts corporate presidents? This might be a great opportunity—right now—for engineers to get into the public eye. Maybe even the best time.

"Rigid EPA rules and the ability to bring lawsuits willy-nilly have killed economic development. Try running a manufacturing plant without having government bureaucrats and every tree hugger waving a subpoena breathing down your necks. And we wonder why manufacturing jobs are steadily moving overseas?"

True, but I think there's more to this and related issues. They're related in that, individually and together, they're killing U.S. competitive abilities.

War in Iraq: Call me crazy, but couldn't $170 BILLION be just a bit more wisely spent? (Check this site; it might be $171 billion by the time you read this.)

EPA rules are certainly stringent—and fines stiff—for our own manufacturers, our own people.

Healthcare. Healthcare costs have skyrocketed and, by some estimates, 45 million Americans have no health insurance. Hmm. $172 billion would go a long way here.

Liability. Whether for manufacturers or medical practitioners, for example, liability costs represent litigious insanity.

While the above list certainly isn't comprehensive, addressing problems in these areas could lead to employers spending much less, thus reducing the need to outsource. Just a thought.

"A Chinese man copying U.S. and EU electrical switchgear products and dumping all over the world told me that the Chinese goal is to overtake the U.S. in 20 years."

The worst part about this is that we only slap them on the wrists. Hit 'em harder, and not with fines. Instead, use penalty tariffs that would raise the costs of Chinese products (and those from other nations) to a level that's competitive with our own. Yeah, we'd end up paying more. In the process, the U.S. would also gain. Hell, Japan's been doing it for years. Try buying a new Corvette in Japan at a yen/dollar equivalent to its price here. Free Trade? Gimme a break. How about Fair Trade?

"Be proactive. Show students engineering feats [Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, Hoover Dam, etc.] as documentaries…promote general interest...'"

Yes, yes, yes!! While I believe it'll be tough to make kids watch documentaries, your point is wonderfully valid. Also, show them some famous engineers. Check out the following links as examples that merely scratch the surface. Also, feel free to post your own.

Engineering Marvels

Famous Engineers 1

Famous Engineers 2

Famous Engineers 3

"When your life is improved, chances are an engineer is responsible."

Amen, and enjoy your weekend…