> Corrupt government is the real problem we should all be trying to solve as software developers.
While I agree it's a problem we should all be trying to solve, I'm not sure what being software developers has to do with it. To me, that statement sounds just as odd as if you had said "corrupt government is the real problem we should all be trying to solve as retail employees."
Software and networks might have some role in a solution, but I think any worthwhile solution will start with people and policy, and possibly use software and networks to help (just as it may use resources from other professional industries, economists, such as legal professionals, etc). I think any solution that comes out of trying to shove computer science theory and practice at the problem is most likely doomed to fail.
Actually, if I had to choose one discipline to that had the most to offer to this problem, it would definitely be economics.
> I'm not sure what being software developers has to do with it.
For example by providing a safe way to whistle-blow. Or by making encrypted communication more accessible (Decades after PGP invention, e-mail crypto borders on unusability). Or by fighting against laws that mainly serve to introduce censorship. Or, by not helping governments censor or manipulate their populace (hello Cisco).
The biggest enemy for a corrupt government is journalism and whistle-blowing.
While I agree it's a problem we should all be trying to solve, I'm not sure what being software developers has to do with it. To me, that statement sounds just as odd as if you had said "corrupt government is the real problem we should all be trying to solve as retail employees."
Software and networks might have some role in a solution, but I think any worthwhile solution will start with people and policy, and possibly use software and networks to help (just as it may use resources from other professional industries, economists, such as legal professionals, etc). I think any solution that comes out of trying to shove computer science theory and practice at the problem is most likely doomed to fail.
Actually, if I had to choose one discipline to that had the most to offer to this problem, it would definitely be economics.