Welcome to part three of Technologicology’s 2008 Presidential candidates’ technology plan analysis. I knew it wasn’t looking good for John McCain when as soon as I Googled his name and “technology,” a link to this very column was the first hit. Turns out I was just Googling myself. But, what’s another day ego-surfing in North Philadelphia? As it turns out, McCain has actually got some pretty strong opinions on the state of tech in the country. While he doesn’t actually have a tech plan on his website, he does talk about key issues with the press quite often. Thus, in lieu of a written plan, we’ll take a look at his statements he’s said throughout his campaign, especially in interviews conducted by CNet and TechCrunch.

No, This Picture Isn’t The Only Reason He’s Not Crotchety

That sly-looking devil above is also quite sly with his tech plans. Although it may seem that McCain’s most recent technological development has been the move from vacuum-tube television technology to VCR, he’s actually quite knowledgeable with the trends and changes happening in the technology industry today. Let’s break it down.

His Technology Targets, And No He Won’t Shoot At Them

McCain says we should let the market and technology solve the Net-neutrality issue: “When you control the pipe you should be able to get profit from your investment.”
McCain takes the old man approach here in an anti-Net Neutrality stance. Letting “technology” dictate the future and ecology of the Internet is actually just giving Comcast a free ride around the block, city, and aboard a Marquis flight to the moon. Golf buddies with Brian Roberts?

“As president, [McCain] will seek a permanent ban on taxes that threaten this engine of economic growth and prosperity.”
Banning taxes on the Internet is something our inner-Delawarean can totally get behind. But at the same time, it’s kinda scary for the local businesses who are behind on the Internet curve. The only sure things in life are death and PayPal taxes.

“McCain would ban new cell phone taxes, as the “same people that would tax e-mail will tax every text message — and even 911 calls.”
Smooth. Move. Really, this is just a calling card to every American who owns a cell phone. Or, in other words, every American. Who could argue this one? But careful, McCain, you’re alienating your older demographic dropping words like “text” and “message.”

“McCain is calling for a permanent R&D tax credit “to keep America competitive and provide a stable environment for entrepreneurs.”
As Clinton is also planning, McCain wants to step up research and development. The man is familiar with falling behind, so it’s understandable that he knows we’re behind as a nation.

“I will continue to support H-1B visas, but, I’m telling you, the American people’s priority is, either rightly or wrongly, is that we secure the borders first.”
Build that wall, McCain. If you build it, they won’t come.

“I am a free trader. I will do everything in my power as president of the United States to protect intellectual property, but, far more important, to open every market in the world through free trade.”
This answer really has nothing to do with IP and everything to do with coming off sounding like a Starbucks barista. McCain’s been asked about downloading copyrighted music in the past, and it ended up being a criticism of all this “young music” today. Careful buddy, you’re leaning back towards crotchety.

“It is critical to make as much information as possible available to the public over the Internet.”
Like Obama has also said, McCain wants government documents to be available online. Unlike his counterpart, McCain does not promise a forum or commenting system on the White House web page, something that actually comes off as respectable.

“[McCain] is proud to have sponsored legislation authorizing funding consistent with the President’s vision for the space program, which includes a return of astronauts to the Moon in preparation for a manned mission to Mars.”
We’s goin’ to Mars baby!

And Then There’s Was Two…

Yeah, it’s kinda unfortunate that on Pennsylvania’s Democratic Primary, McCain was up to bat. But so goes, so goes. Seriously, I’m just happy that I managed to actually make it to the end of this grueling investigative report. After tonight, we should have a pretty good idea who will be running head to head in November, so I trust that all educated voters will have a second look at these notes. Maybe in the future, I’ll even, gasp, endorse a candidate. Don’t think the decision will be based on anything except their favorite gadget. ‘Till then.

Brian James Kirk is a writer and adventurer living in Philadelphia. By adventuring, he means occasionally to friends’ homes for games of Balderdash. If you know a Philadelphia technology scoop that would fit this space, you are graciously encouraged to get in touch.

Previously: Technologicology: Clinton’s Technology Plan for Tommorrow, Tooday [Sic]
Previously: Technologicology: Obama Is Oh So Web 2.0

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 at 3:14 pm.