The Low-Tech Times

Blasted by Bloggers

Senator John McCain has recently been blasted by some bloggers for being computer illiterate:

Do we want a commander-in-chief who can’t use a computer without assistance?

Computer Usage Not a Concern

I would be concerned with his lack of computer skills if John McCain were applying for a computer programmer or web developer position; however, I do not think computer experience should be a factor when choosing a candidate to lead the nation. In fact, if John McCain is elected president, then at least we will not have to worry about him surfing the net all day with an internet addiction.

President George W. Bush can use a computer and apparently that skill has not helped his approval ratings.

TechCrunch Endorsements

In an article published prior to John McCain and Barack Obama winning their respective parties’ nominations, Michael Arrington, of TechCrunch.com, endorsed both of them as the best candidates on technology issues. Regarding McCain, Arrington liked McCain’s pro-business leanings and his willingness to go on record on any issue he brought up:

Taking all of the Republican candidates positions into consideration, as well as TechCrunch reader voting, we are endorsing Senator McCain as the best candidate from that side of the aisle.

Blogger McCain

Last Thursday, John McCain published his first blog post:

Let me be clear, under my administration Osama bin Laden will either be killed on the battlefield or executed. Senator Obama’s failure to comprehend the implication of the Supreme Court decision he embraced and the historical precedent of Nuremberg raise serious questions about judgment and experience and whether Senator Obama is ready to assume the awesome responsibilities of commander in chief.

While it is not clear whether McCain uploaded the post himself using a computer or not, it is clear that he is giving blogging a try.

The Bottom Line

The Low-Tech Times recommends that people choose a presidential candidate based on who they agree with on the issues, not based on who uses computers the most.

UPDATE:  10/13/08 — I’ve posted a new article on this subject with the conclusion that Senator McCain is NOT a low-tech candidate for president.

The Low-Tech Times published an article a few months ago entitled Three Problems with GPS Navigation Systems. One of the problems explored in the article was that a loss of knowledge can result from a user becoming dependent on an electronic devices for their sense of direction.

Now, Cloe Shasha from ABC news, writes a piece with a similar theme entitled Will GPS Make Us Dumb? Here are a couple excerpts from Cloe’s article:

…some experts believe that the guiding device gives less than what it takes away. The price we pay for the convenience, they say, could be our sense of direction.

“One effect of an increased dependence on GPS will be that peoples’ ability to read maps will further decay,” Knowles said. “Americans are generally poor map readers. Some cannot read maps at all…

In other news, an Associated Press (AP) article on AOL tells the story of a couple that got stranded as a result of GPS system directions. Apparently there is a new AP policy to charge bloggers for quoting from their stories, so I will refrain from posting any excerpts of the story here. Here is a link to the story, Couple Stranded in Desert by GPS Device.

ErinSlick’s recent post Bathroom Rules for Coworkers gives very good advice when it comes to relieving yourself:

I work in a very big office. Over the years, I’ve shared a bathroom with hundreds of women. This has led me to believe that some women are a bit ridiculous when it comes to the bathroom. So I’ve created five rules to help those of you who are Lavatoryily Challenged.

1. Do not, under any circumstances, take your cellphone with you. One time, I was actually forced to listen to a girl go on and on about the results of her chlamydia test. Seriously. Don’t do it. Even if you’re planning on having an arcane conversation. It can wait until you’re done. I promise.

ErinSlick’s five rules are aimed at women, but unfortunately I am able to testify that many men are also guilty of using cell phones while in the restroom. There is clearly no need for people to use mobile phones while relieving themselves.

For more on rude cell phone use and tips for dealing with it, click here.