Graham epilogue

to what extent is policy based on scientific rationality
to what extent should it be?
can you combine scientific rationality and social justice?
beware of technocracy (the revolt of the engineers)

should we build a wall on the Mexican border?

• costs and benefits: technological, environmental, social
  
• what is the goal? reduce illegal border crossings
• what is the best way to accomplish that goal?
• by a system of electronic sensors combined with different levels of fencing in different areas
• the wall is probably not the most cost effective way to accomplish the goal and would have high operating costs
  
• so why the focus on building a wall?
• it is just a political talking point, it isn't what actually will be done
• it is a symbol of power
• public opinion is concerned about immigration, how might politicians speak to that
• do something concrete and straightforward like a wall to reassure people who are concerned
• what people are willing to put up with is not simply rational, and we aren't going to convince people to be totally rational
• public evaluation of risk often does not match actual risk per person-mile (cars are more dangerous than airplanes, we expect more perfection from airplanes)
• alternative way to speak to public concerns
• refugee camps--commit to helping people well without immediately letting them into the country
• find a way to protect the jobs of US citizens, which is the real concern
  
• provide a path to legal status for undocumented people, so companies could no longer get away with paying them less--but will employers just find a way to cheat
• can you convince people that there is a better solution than a wall? onlyif
  

the Soviet Union did become a great industrial and technological power
but the standard of living of the workers was mostly comparable to underdeveloped countries

Palchinsky believed that social justice and efficiency could work in tandem
a "vision of a rational and just relationship between technology and society" p. 102