Posted on 11/30/2016 9:20:54 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
The tech industry has banded together in an attempt to reach out to Donald Trump, the president-elect it tried to defeat.
Seventeen trade groups sent a letter to Trump Tuesday, asking him to consider principles the industry says will help growth and innovation. The groups pushed for government investment in tech infrastructure, tax reform and modernizing rules and laws, plus made recommendations for agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission and more.
They also felt the need to toot their own horn a little.
“We are a powerful engine for economic growth and competitive strength, driving over $1 trillion into the American economy,” the groups wrote. “Indeed, we are increasingly the platform for powering everything from small main street businesses to the leading powerhouse companies that are the envy of the world.”
The groups, which include the Consumer Technology Association, TechNet and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, count among their members companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon and Twitter. One of the groups that signed this letter, the Internet Association, had already sent Trump a wish list with policy priorities a couple of weeks ago.
When asked whether Trump responded to the group’s previous letter, the Internet Association would not comment. Instead, it provided this statement to SiliconBeat from CEO Michael Beckerman: “The internet industry looks forward to working with the Trump administration on policies that will help grow jobs and opportunity for all Americans.”
SiliconBeat has asked the Trump transition team for comment but has not received a response.
The big joint letter comes amid some concerns about how Trump and his cabinet picks will affect issues that are important to tech, such as net neutrality, government surveillance, immigration and more. Trump’s tech policies remain largely a mystery.
“Usually we have a strong sense of what the president-elect’s policies are,” said Peter Leroe-Muñoz, vice president of Technology & Innovation Policy for the SVLG, in an interview Wednesday. “We don’t really have a strong sense of [Trump’s] policies.” He said the industry is ready to start a dialogue and act as a resource for the incoming administration.
Meanwhile, at least one of Trump’s picks, Elaine Chao for transportation secretary, is getting a positive reaction from Uber and Lyft, Bloomberg reports. Chao, who served as labor secretary under President George W. Bush and deputy secretary of transportation under President George H.W. Bush, has publicly expressed support for the gig economy. It is unknown what Chao’s position is on another big tech issue she would face: self-driving cars, an emerging technology that’s mired in regulatory challenges galore.
“We are a powerful engine for economic growth and competitive strength, driving over $1 trillion into the American economy,”...
Sounds like a child saying my dad’s bigger than your dad.
In eight years you may drive 3 trillion into the American economy thanks to Trump.
“reach out”?
or “Attempt to buy”??
I think these liberal-owning morons are going to learn that the price of buying a Billionaire that doesn’t give a damn is higher than any of them can afford.
For reference, see “Theodore Roosevelt”.
Trump has detail on all “Tech” reaction to his run, from the day he announced.
When Trump won the nomination, the frail silicone valley CEOs sht their collective pants.
When I see Bill Gates kiss Donald’s arse, I’ll know we have achieved a new status quo.
maybe they draw back a stub.
Could Jobs have seen the future before his soul departed this plane? Did he see a Trump America? Did Jobs crap his pants?
Then after you have sincerely changed your ways and embraced the change (through actions) that Donald Trump wants to bring to this country by making it great again and making US business and technology first and foremost BENEFIT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, then you can be invited to the White House. BUT FIRST your actions much announce your changed approach.
Good letter!!
And if they dont like it..GTH out of here.
There’s a dozen GREAT ideas and inventions that are probably right around the corner to take their place.
And with Trump’s help, lots of small businesses can become LARGE businesses.
#### you, siliCON valley.
I would like to see a Silicon Valley in every state. Shame that lefty Cali has all the tech while Idaho is only known for its potatoes
They could do that today. Start hiring 40-50 year old American programmers that may not have the latest Angular experience, but know a lot more about programming than a freshly graduated Indian H1-B applicant with a few months of JavaScript on a resume.
Then he said “but there is one last thing...”
That right there is why they wanted Hillary. They've been sucking at the gov't teet. They need to make it on their own or fold.
Bill Gates did , I think it was second day after election result.
There are many reasons for Trump to embrace high tech development in the US. He can decide what items on their wish list will benefit the country.
I believe Trump will use technology for the good of America, unlike the Obama admin using tech to reinforce their political agenda. (Hillary is too stupid to see the value in secure email servers.)
We need to keep our high tech industries and education strong enough to attract and keep world talent. That’s what good immigration policy looks like. That will strengthen America.
I believe (hope) Trump understands that.
They think he is unsuitable, unfit, a vulgarian, a sexistracisthomophobeislamophobe who insults people and offends everyone and who is orange. But, now that he’s won, please do stuff we want.
Maybe, when it aligns with what he wants to do anyway. Reckon Tim Cook would have gone to Trump saying “Gee I wish I could make Apple computers and iPads in the USA”? Trump calls the tune, and they dance. Not vice versa.
Reach out or reach around?
A president, any president, has no business picking and choosing what "will benefit the country".
That is yours and my job -- i.e., the market's.
If these constitutionally low-information tech groups would work with Trump to put a stop to unconstitutional federal taxes, taxes that Congress cannot justify under its constitutional Article I, Section 8-limited powers, then they would ultimately end up working with their state government leaders, as the Founding States had intended, to do all the geeky things that they want to do.
“Congress is not empowered to tax for those purposes which are within the exclusive province of the States.” —Justice John Marshall, Gibbons v. Ogden, 1824.” —Gibbons v. Ogden, 1824.
”State inspection laws, health laws, and laws for regulating the internal commerce of a State, and those which respect turnpike roads, ferries, &c. are not within the power granted to Congress [emphases added].” —Gibbons v. Ogden, 1824.
Excellent point, you are correct. His job is to establish a legal and monetary environment in which the free market engine will thrive. Not meddling, like the current administration.
But part of that is making changes to the law and setting policy. Trump's thoughts, guidance and influence are critical to making the correct changes. He will set the tone (looking pretty good so far).
Well, they want (along with many libertarian groups) lots and lots of H1B visas.
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