Tech Savvy Prexy Quotes from Reddit

 If you haven't heard yet, President Obama did a Reddit "AMA" (Ask Me Anything) session taking questions from around the nation and the world. There's a good article on this in Wired and lots of other press. But for those of you who are computer scientists, information folks, or just generally technically inclined there are some answers that resonate well. For those of you who couldn't get in (some of the servers were very overloaded given the number of interested users), or who don't have reddit accounts, here are some of the answers you might like to know about (I highlight some of my favorite parts, so bold face is mine)

President Obama takes questions for the Reddit AMA session

 Asked about Internet freedom, he replied:

Internet freedom is something I know you all care passionately about; I do too. We will fight hard to make sure that the internet remains the open forum for everybody - from those who are expressing an idea to those to want to start a business. And although there will be occasional disagreements on the details of various legislative proposals, I won't stray from that principle - and it will be reflected in the platform.

Asked about jobs for college students, he replied

I understand how tough it is out there for recent grads. You're right - your long term prospects are great, but that doesn't help in the short term. Obviously some of the steps we have taken already help young people at the start of their careers. Because of the health care bill, you can stay on your parent's plan until you're twenty six. Because of our student loan bill, we are lowering the debt burdens that young people have to carry. But the key for your future, and all our futures, is an economy that is growing and creating solid middle class jobs - and that's why the choice in this election is so important. The other party has two ideas for growth - more taxs cuts for the wealthy (paid for by raising tax burdens on the middle class and gutting investments like education) and getting rid of regulations we've put in place to control the excesses on wall street and help consumers. These ideas have been tried, they didnt work, and will make the economy worse. I want to keep promoting advanced manufacturing that will bring jobs back to America, promote all-American energy sources (including wind and solar), keep investing in education and make college more affordable, rebuild our infrastructure, invest in science, and reduce our deficit in a balanced way with prudent spending cuts and higher taxes on folks making more than $250,000/year. I don't promise that this will solve all our immediate economic challenges, but my plans will lay the foundation for long term growth for your generation, and for generations to follow. So don't be discouraged - we didn't get into this fix overnight, and we won't get out overnight, but we are making progress and with your help will make more.

 On support for space technology, he said

Making sure we stay at the forefront of space exploration is a big priority for my administration. The passing of Neil Armstrong this week is a reminder of the inspiration and wonder that our space program has provided in the past; the curiosity probe on mars is a reminder of what remains to be discovered. The key is to make sure that we invest in cutting edge research that can take us to the next level - so even as we continue work with the international space station, we are focused on a potential mission to a asteroid as a prelude to a manned Mars flight.

and as part of his closing remarks,

By the way, if you want to know what I think about this whole reddit experience - NOT BAD!

Gotta love it!!  Now get out there and VOTE!!
 -Jim Hendler for #cs4obama
  (Like us on Facebook at Computer Scientists for Obama)