Steve Ballmer serves up a data trove about government spending in the US

Post by akinalci » Tue, Apr 18, 2017, 4:53 AM UTC

taurath wrote: post #10

It sounds pretty great, but I'm very worried about what actually comes out of it given the media landscape. People will use the data in ways that benefit them - even the CBO's reports are highly politicized. If we can't start taking "real, true" data at face value and using it to drive actual policy again, this is just another drop in the bucket.

Post by abritinthebay » Tue, Apr 18, 2017, 4:54 AM UTC

jliptzin wrote: post #53

Today I filed my tax return showing all the money that came in and every minute expense required to make that money. Why can't we hold the government to the same standard? There should be one (huge) annual spreadsheet published showing how much money came in (federal, state, and local levels), with a detailed accounting of where every penny went, just like I am required to do for my business to claim deductions.

Post by ako » Tue, Apr 18, 2017, 4:59 AM UTC

aryehof wrote: post #8

The article mentions that the data shows a huge allocation of resources to education. Why is education publicly funded in the USA, and not left to market forces? Can't that be considered a "socialist" policy?

Post by ddispaltro » Tue, Apr 18, 2017, 5:02 AM UTC

donatj wrote: post #16

gumby wrote: post #4

I really never liked Ballmer, but I did love him for the Developers dance, and now, well, this is awesome. I hope he does it in a long-term sustainable way.

Funny and satirical as it is, [1] completely changed my opinion of Steve Ballmer for the positive. > Steve Ballmer. You open the door to his enormous grinning face, and before you know it he’s in the hall handing over a bottle of something cheap (but with such confidence you don’t notice) and he’s giving you the handshake of your life. Then he’s in. Loving it. Loving the music. Loving the food and drink. He’s going u…

Post by devoply » Tue, Apr 18, 2017, 5:06 AM UTC

abritinthebay wrote: post #63

jliptzin wrote: post #53

Today I filed my tax return showing all the money that came in and every minute expense required to make that money. Why can't we hold the government to the same standard? There should be one (huge) annual spreadsheet published showing how much money came in (federal, state, and local levels), with a detailed accounting of where every penny went, just like I am required to do for my business to claim deductions.

Realistically? National security. I know that sounds like a cop-out but if you think about it, it makes sense that the government has to classify some things. The question is where does the line get drawn. I agree it's too far to one side right now but the extreme you suggest is far far on the other extreme.