Data.gov

As I was searching the web a few nights ago, I encountered http://alpha.data.gov/. The site is part of an initiative to open government-funded and private information to the public. While the site is still an experiment, the potential can be easily seen by anyone. Right now, it's mostly a directory to get information such as open car data, results of clinical trials, climate data, and so much more (Sometimes Googling isn't the most effective method of searching). As with any service, it is all dependent on the users to actually take advantage of the features and information of the service.

Since the Internet has only become mainstream for majority of the people in this world within the past 10-15 years ago, we are still transitioning towards solutions to make data, whether it be public knowledge or personal data, easily available in an instant. This would let anyone utilize government research (which billions of dollars of government funds have been spent on) for further advancement. The availability of the data can not only help create solutions to many of the nation's problem but it can be used to teach the future generations to think more effectively. Since the web is relatively new, it is our responsibility to introduce new methods of interacting with the government and not continue the old and slow government processes of the past. So this will take an effort of the adults of this country to be open to new solutions and actually use them. Hopefully the government continues to make changes and make advancements (possibly faster?).

While this may not seem to affect you, it definitely does. Initiatives have been started to create a medical history system (Blue Button for Veterans), a personal energy usage data system, and a system that will provide digital copies of educational transcripts and education loan history (Personal Learning Profile). It is essential that the government to provide and simple and fast method of accessing all government information. While alpha.data.gov is a good preliminary start, there is a significant amount to be done in order to be effective and used by the majority of its citizens. (There is a push from the White House to have government-funded research be made public in within a year of publishing. Why should we have to wait a year?)

While government-funded research data is important, there should a similar effort to publish what Congress and the White House is doing (including proposed bills, taxes, cuts, earmarks, etc). I think the time and effort spent simplifying this information would be well worth the results, the general public to understand what is really occurring in Washington. (Going through this information right now is ridiculous) This will may result in more efficiency. This will also allow the people to see a neutral side in all the political discussions with actually facts and not skewed by the mass-media.