Hinutech

Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, gave a speech on Tuesday at the New America Foundation in Washington, D.C.  During his speech, he called for a bold government-funded effort to re-vamp the nation's technology infrastructure, to increase the openness of government through the proper utilzation of technology, and to increase civic participation through technological  initiatives.

I have a very open love affair with Google.  The company always impresses me with their innovations and commitment to the open nature of the internet.  Schmidt's speech furthers my infatuation. 

Schmidt says, it's vital "that small startups with funny names get founded and get funded in the new regime. That's where the wealth will be created."  He used Barack Obama's utilization of YouTube as an example of how government should approach our current economic situation -- with a sense of openness and the notion of embracing all voices.

Hopefully, voices like Eric Schmidt help steer the course of our country through the tough times...and hopefully, the proper use of technology sets the stage for a higher level of civic participation and involvement in government and world affairs.  Things look pretty dim now, but I am excited to see how we as a country adapt to our challenges and use technology to make the world a little better.  It's already happening, and people like Obama and Schmidt are lending a voice of credibility that will take the social web to new levels of legitimacy.