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Last year I wrote a paper for my English class about how America is falling behind in math and sciences compared to countries like India and China. A similar situation happened after Russia launched Sputnik in 1957. At that time the government pushed for increased math and science education. My stance on the topic is that while math and science are very important topic, it is very important that we make Americans as well rounded as possible and continue to stress the importance of social sciences and languages, as all subjects in a way interact with one another. For example, where would a chemist be if he could write a legible lab report? Many are worried that with increased technology in other parts of the world America will fall behind. However, according to Amar Bhidé, a professor at Columbia Business School, America will actually prosper from other countries’ technological advances if we continue to be the best place to “commercialize” inventions. Though Bhidé makes a good point, many still believe that it is in the United States’ best interest to push for more funding in basic research. I agree with both statements. I have never thought about Bhidé’s opinion before, but it makes a lot of sense. In my macro economics class were are learning about international and how it actually benefits the U.S. because it keeps our economy stimulated and gives us a constant flow of goods. Accepting increased technological advances in other countries would cut some slack to U.S. inventors, and allow them to have to make fewer strides to keep technology moving forward. However I do feel that it is important for the United States to keep up with the rest of the world. We are one of the most powerful nations and we do not need to allow any other nation to do the bulk of the work for us. We are strong and we have the capability to stay that way if we try. I think that we should be pushing for better all around education for ourselves.

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/business/30ping.html?ref=technology
Source: http://history.nasa.gov/sputnik/