In the question period, Perrolle opened up an interesting controversy by describing her vision of how information and privacy might best be managed in a utopian world. This suggestion led to a lively debate in which many people took issue with the proposed vision itself, even setting aside the question of whether the idea had any practical reality. In each of the past several Annual Meetings, CPSR has tried to include a presentation that addresses issues of general social concern to CPSR but reflects a completely different perspective on the issue. Gintis identified several areas within the educational system in which radical change was required, calling for, among other things, increased educational equity and greater funding of education at the federal level. Countries that do well have a competitive market economy but also government regulation and financial support for building infrastructure and skills, said Gintis.
Scandinavian countries have strong governments and strong unions.
The Pacific Rim countries are more conservative but have a strong commitment to health and education. Without reform in the workplace there is little hope of reform in the school system, he said. He believes that a competitive market will increase choices and increase innovation in education. In Gintis' proposed system, the delivery of services would be local, but the federal government would regulate the industry to set uniform national standards, like a national health care system. This was certainly the most controversial talk of the day.