A Little Cheese With That Whine?
From The Hillicon Valley Blog:
White House budget director blames old computers for ineffective government.
A big reason why the government is inefficient and ineffective is because Washington has outdated technology, with federal workers having better computers at home than in the office.
This startling admission came Thursday from Peter Orszag, who manages the federal bureaucracy for President Barack Obama.
The public is getting a bad return on its tax dollars because government workers are operating with outdated technologies, Orszag said in a statement that kicked off a summit between Obama and dozens of corporate CEOs.
Firstly, it’s either “The reason is that…” or “This is because…” Secondly, no matter the amount of technology you throw at the government, it will always be inefficient, due to lack of training, too much red tape, etc. And thirdly, and most important of all, IF THIS ADMINISTRATION STOPPED WASTING OUR TAX DOLLARS ON WAYGU AND KOBE BEEF, WEDNESDAY PARTIES, BUYING JETS AND FLYING TO EVERY GLOBAL GET-TOGETHER, MAYBE YOU WOULD HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO UPDATE WHAT IS NECESSARY.
The White House release that included Orszag’s comments said one “specific source” of ineffective and inefficient government is the huge technology gap between the public and private sectors that results in billions of dollars in waste, slow and inadequate customer service and a lack of transparency about how dollars are spent.
So, they blame the lack of transparency on the so-called “oudated technology”? They’ve never heard of a “press conference”? Oh, wait….Obama hasn’t held one since July. But he is meeting with CEOs from Facebook, Craigslist, Microsoft, Adobe, Monster.com, among others. A meeting that has been in the works since April. My, how time flies.
It is a poor craftsman that blames his tools, Mr. Orszag. I am rather surprised the administration didn’t come out and blame President Bush for this right off. Wait for it…..
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Well, after all, Bush could have updated those computers with all the money Cheney was raking in from Halliburton… That plus the evil oil company money.
come on, it’s administrative work that they are trying to do with those computers. It’s not like they are trying to get to the moon or something.
Nicole- Well, you know we went to war for oil so we could sell it for money to replace all the vandalized keyboards
FiveofClubs- If by “administrative work” you mean “play solitaire and freecell”, then yes!
I was going to pull up the “Bush didn’t buy new computers” line. Damn, too slow.
That is a great pic, LC, and of course the truth.
I said WTF when I read they were blaming old computers!
They make me sick.
They are supposed to the the “wizards” who stole the election with all their internet “savvy” and website organizing. Jerks! Keep Praying Brown wins in MA on Tues.
Bunni, that is an AWESOME point you brought up! This administration is the most tech savvy, and yet they are whining because they lack the newest technology?? Bullshit flag!!
Why is government screwed up at nearly all levels?
“Pournelle’s Iron Law of Bureaucracy states that in any bureaucratic organization there will be two kinds of people: those who work to further the actual goals of the organization, and those who work for the organization itself. Examples in education would be teachers who work and sacrifice to teach children, vs. union representative who work to protect any teacher including the most incompetent. The Iron Law states that in all cases, the second type of person will always gain control of the organization, and will always write the rules under which the organization functions.”
When type 2 people (90% of “feddle gummint” bureaucraps, I’d wager) are running an organization, the organization is essentially corrupt.
As to “feddle gummint” efficiency, would you really want an efficient IRS, TSA, or (in)Justice Department? Efficient bullies, goons and persecutors, Oh, my!
Perhaps efficiency isn’t something we ought to focus on, at least until we can change the kleptocratic kakistocracy in D.C. a bit…