I'm trying so hard to figure out a pragmatic and well thought out reply to this because there is nothing our country could do more to harm innovation than push everyone to be math/science engineers.

The U.S. stands out in the world BECAUSE of a culture of competition, sports, history, and the arts. Jack Ma said as much, years ago, at the World Economic Forum. We have other countries asking how and why the U.S. thrives in *startups* and it isn't because we have software developers (let alone purportedly fewer and expensive tech professionals, compared to much of the world).

If other countries have these brilliant software developers the U.S. seemingly needs @VivekGRamaswamy, why aren't THEY launching the companies that change the world?

We can't simultaneously have the most Startups and VC per capita AND lack the engineers to deliver solutions. The entire premise herein is a paradox of sorts.

What you're concerned by is that our school systems are behind and our country is unaffordable; that, we have more demand for AFFORDABLE and capable engineers ... But we shouldn't import our way out of that -> that's a bandaid on cancer.

Tech for tech's sake does not cause innovation. I'm disappointed, after having loved and supported your views so much, that you took this position, because you should know full well that it's America's consumption culture, marketing, competitiveness, and encouragement to try/fail/try again, that causes innovation: not coders.

American engineers are expensive because the country is expensive. Address that underlying issue.

Part of that unaffordability is tech people going into massive debt because they've been taught University is the only path to success; all while trade schools are cranking out exceptional coders as fast as they can, without support.

Lots of us can help. Many of us study the economy of tech or entrepreneurship and want to help. We need to change the way our schools work, revert the idea that University is the only viable path, and set policy that makes cities affordable and accessible again. We need to enable families to thrive on 1 income, not 2.

In the process, tech talent will thrive and proliferate.

Don't destroy our culture of innovation by wiping away what makes the country exceptional in order it have more engineers : history proves (PROVES: Japan, India, China) that a focus on engineering at the expense of the culture, history, and arts, which, *make* people entrepreneurial, will fail.

Let me clarify with more facts: 1. The Role of Culture in Driving Innovation

The U.S. culture of innovation is deeply rooted in its societal values, which include risk-taking, individualism, and a focus on creativity. A study published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2021 highlights that the U.S. ranks consistently high on the Global Innovation Index due to its unique ecosystem combining cultural, educational, and economic factors, rather than sheer technical talent alone.

/1 Reddit thread sparked a thought re #startups. You do know that most generic CPG products are made by major brands, yes? Why? Because the purpose of a company is to serve demand, not just sell a product. reddit.com/r/YouShouldKno… /2 If you're trying to sell your brand, your way, you're doing it wrong. Your goal is to create customers for your market and if that means doing that with different brands, do it.